Allentown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Allentown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
School zone flasher upgrades at 26 locations
A $1.9 million TASA grant would fund upgraded school zone flashers across the city, improving safety for kids walking to school. The ordinance is being introduced and referred to committee.
Council legal defense in FOP lawsuit
The police union has sued City Council, and Council will vote on hiring Cozen O'Connor to represent it. Legal costs and the underlying dispute could affect city finances and labor relations.
Public Safety and Departmental Personnel Review
Council members are examining proposed personnel summaries and budget allocations for police, fire, and emergency medical services. This review ensures public safety departments have the necessary staffing and resources for the upcoming year.
EMS staffing crisis and mandated overtime
EMS runs with 44 full-timers, mandated overtime has doubled, and ambulances are browned out twice as often as last year. The budget adds two paramedics, but the chief says seven more are really needed.
Police station and fire/health building right-sizing
The city scrapped the $40 million police station expansion for a renovation approach under energy-savings legislation and cut the fire/health building from $65 million to about $45 million, cutting next year's borrowing to $30 million.
Police Department Staffing and DROP Pension Reform
The police chief urged council to adopt a DROP retirement program to keep veteran officers, with 15 retirements expected in December. The auditors pegged its cost at $1.1–$3.9 million a year starting 2028.
Police Pension Fund Board Designees
City officials are updating municipal code to allow the mayor, finance director, and city controller to appoint staff members to represent them on the police pension board. The change prevents quorum issues following recent staff vacancies.
Public Works Salt Shed Replacement and Expansion
The city is investing $600,000 to replace its aging salt shed and double storage capacity to 6,000 tons. This upgrade aims to prevent winter supply shortages, avoid emergency price surges, and keep roads safe during heavy snowstorms.
Snow Removal and Parking Enforcement Concerns
Public Works officials and residents debated the city's winter storm response after severe snowstorms and a three-week freeze left many streets uncleared, prompting sharp criticism from residents and union leaders over management and resource allocation.
Dirt Bike and Traffic Enforcement
A long-time resident of South 10th Street raised alarms about chronic speeding, illegal dirt bikes, and blind spots caused by parked cars at intersections.
Volunteer Snow Removal Pilot Program
City leaders and community organizers discussed bringing back the Snow Angels volunteer program to pair high school students and community volunteers with seniors and vulnerable residents needing sidewalk snow removal.
Union Boulevard After-Hours Club Safety Concerns
Residents spoke out about recurring safety issues, violence, and after-hours club operations along Union Boulevard.