Allentown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Allentown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Banquet Facility Proposal at 170 Allen St
City Star Management is applying to open a small indoor banquet facility at 170 Allen Street. The board will evaluate how this entertainment venue fits into the residential-office mix neighborhood.
Historic District Property Alterations
A property owner is asking the HARB to legalize window replacements and front porch work that were done without prior historic approval. The case shows how the board handles retroactive reviews in the historic district.
Vehicle Repair Use Variance at 1525 Hanover Ave
A property owner sought permission to operate a minor car repair shop in a residential-office corridor zone. The board weighed the neighborhood impact of vehicle overflow against the applicant's promise of appointment-only service, adding strict monitoring rules.
Signage Variance Request at 232 N 2nd St
Casa Guadalupe Center is seeking approval to install significantly more signage than normally allowed in their neighborhood center district.
Disruptive Conduct Reports (DCRs) for Rental and Owner-Occupied Units
The city uses DCRs to track tenant disturbances and prompt landlord action, while noting a growing challenge with disruptive behavior in owner-occupied homes.
Beauty Salon Zoning Variance at 440 N 10th St
A new beauty salon requested a parking variance because the historic commercial building lacks standard off-street parking. The board approved the shop after hearing that the operator reduced the number of chairs and that two garage spaces are available in the rear.
Garage Conversion to Commercial Business at 436 N. 2nd St.
City zoning officials halted a hair salon application at 436 N. 2nd St. after discovering unverified auto repair, vehicle storage, and graphic design activities occurring on site without proper permits.
Parking and Buffering Variances at 2613 South St
Horizon Church is seeking permission for parking placement, lighting, and minimal landscaping buffers at their site.
Subdivision and Lot Variances at 406 N Fair St
A homeowner asked the board to let him keep a gazebo and shed that sit too close to property lines and a public alley. The board denied the request because he couldn't prove a legal hardship and wasn't able to confirm exact property boundaries.
Supermarket Loading Dock Expansion & Traffic Safety
A local supermarket needed a rear setback variance to build a modern loading dock so delivery trucks wouldn't block busy 7th Street. Neighbors raised concerns about large trucks hitting parked cars on narrow Silk Street, leading the board to require trucks to use 7th Street instead.
Union Boulevard Used Car Dealership Use Variance
A property owner asked to open a used car dealership in a former staffing office on Union Boulevard. Because the city's new zoning code designates that area for mixed residential and office use rather than car lots, and the owner couldn't prove a legal hardship, the board denied the request.
Residential Density and Conversion at 827 N. 5th St.
The board was scheduled to review a proposal to turn a single-family home into three apartments, which raises questions about neighborhood density and parking availability in the N2 district.
Commercial-to-Residential Conversion at 1453 Linden St.
A long-vacant commercial space at 15th and Linden streets will be converted into a new apartment unit, bringing new life to a building that has struggled to attract commercial tenants for years.
Historic District Window and Door Compliance
A property owner appeared before the board to discuss an unpermitted front door replacement intended to address tenant security concerns. The board explained the historic guidelines and instructed her on the formal review process for violations.