Allentown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Allentown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Planning Commission Appointment and Ethics Review
Council tabled a mayoral appointment to the Planning Commission after raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and the appointment process.
Medical Office Building Development on Tilghman Street
Jaindl Land Company is proposing to replace an old restaurant with a two-story medical office building, bringing new healthcare services to the western edge of the city.
Slope Disturbance Relief for New Home at 510-524 W Normandy St
Alec and Allison Puketza are asking for permission to build a single-family home on steeply sloped land exceeding local limits.
Disposition and Rehabilitation of 532 N. Law St.
Council transferred a troubled, city-owned property to the Redevelopment Authority to be repaired and turned into affordable housing.
Adaptive Reuse Housing on North 7th Street
A property owner is converting an old vacant warehouse space into six affordable apartments with dedicated parking across the street. The board approved it with minor conditions like bike racks and lighting.
Comprehensive Review of Authorities, Boards, and Commissions
The administration announced plans to undertake a thorough review of all city boards, authorities, and commissions to clean up inactive bodies and consolidate underperforming groups.
Public Works Staffing Reorganization
The city is converting several hard-to-fill part-time compliance and custodial positions into full-time roles to retain workers and properly clean city buildings without raising taxes.
Intermunicipal Liquor License Transfer for The Felix Restaurant
A developer wants to move a liquor license from South Whitehall Township to the former TGI Fridays at 395 S. Cedar Crest Boulevard to open a new sit-down restaurant. The project promises to bring 60 to 70 jobs and revitalize a vacant commercial space.
Child Care Facility Expansion
The board evaluated childcare availability and off-street parking standards, establishing that photographic evidence of property layout can satisfy municipal space requirements for group childcare expansion.
Live-Work Unit Conversion on Linden Street
Allowing a commercial office space that struggles to find tenants to become a live/work unit provides a flexible option for small business owners and artists while filling a vacant space.
Urban Redevelopment and State Intervention
State cash and intervention are breathing new life into downtown Allentown, pushing fresh growth and development. It's a major facelift that's changing the face of the city center.