Allentown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Allentown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Peregrine Tower Mixed-Use Development & Sight Triangle
Developers are proposing a major 37-story mixed-use apartment building at 90 S 9th Street, which would significantly alter downtown Allentown's skyline and housing options.
Residential Conversion of Vacant Hamilton Street Office Building
Two appeals sought to turn dead commercial space into apartments. The Walnut Street conversion passed easily; the Linden Street two-unit conversion failed on density and minimum-relief grounds, with a neighbor citing brutal street parking.
Penn State Ground-Floor Business Training Use on Hamilton Street
Penn State is leasing 9,000 square feet of long-vacant ground-floor space at 829-845 W. Hamilton St for a business accelerator, AI innovation lab and veterans business outreach center — right at the street, a variance the board granted to revive a stubbornly empty building.
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.
Direct Property Sale to Allentown Art Museum
The Allentown Art Museum requested permission to demolish the vacant former police station on Hamilton Street to build a modern facility. The board found the building lacked architectural significance and that the public benefit of the museum outweighed the loss.
Workforce Housing Mandates for Publicly Funded Projects
Council is considering a new rule requiring larger apartment projects to include affordable units or pay a fee-in-lieu, mirroring a law in Easton.
Nuisance Abatement and Problem Properties
Allentown established a new vacant property registry requiring registration for properties empty over 90 days. The goal is to help police and fire crews track empty buildings and prevent them from turning into blighted properties.
W. Emaus Avenue Data Center Conversion
City council enacted robust zoning amendments to regulate data centers, addressing public concerns over noise, environmental impacts, and resource consumption.