Allentown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Allentown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sidewalk and Curb Postponement Requests
The developer of Seven Brew on S Cedar Crest Boulevard is asking to delay required sidewalk and curb installations for several years.
Cable franchise agreements with RCN and Verizon
New franchise agreements with RCN and Verizon would govern cable service rights-of-way and franchise fees in the city. Both ordinances are being introduced and sent to committee.
Dog park rule changes
Bill 83 would update the dog park ordinance — renaming the park, eliminating key fobs, and refreshing the rules for users.
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.
Elimination of GLP-1 weight-loss drug coverage
The city stopped covering GLP-1 medications for weight loss starting 2027 after spending ballooned from $470,000 to nearly $3 million in two years. Coverage remains for medical conditions.
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.
Litter Reduction and Containerization Strategies
The council is pushing forward with litter reduction efforts, utilizing community surveys to evaluate waste containerization strategies across the city.
Golf Course Staff Reclassifications and Pay Adjustments
Allentown is upgrading two key golf course jobs to higher pay scales so they can finally fill a six-month vacancy and compete with other Lehigh Valley courses. The golf course is currently bringing in revenues above target and funding its own operations.
Election Board Structure Referendum
Lehigh County voters are getting a say this November on whether to expand our tiny three-person election board to five members. The big change here would bring independent and third-party voices directly into how local elections are managed.
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.
HR Position Upgrade and Budget Reallocation
Allentown is upgrading an existing HR receptionist position to a constituent services specialist equipped with tracking software. This change aims to improve how the city handles and responds to resident inquiries and service requests.
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.
Lead Service Line Replacement
Allentown just scored $15.4 million to swap out old, dangerous lead water pipes. This means cleaner, safer drinking water straight from your tap without you having to worry about what's in it.
County Budget
Lehigh County is pushing forward with a preliminary 2027 budget that features a huge 17% tax hike, and a final vote is happening soon. If you own property or pay taxes in the area, this is going to hit your wallet hard.
Hanover Avenue and Linden Street Traffic Signal Installation
The city is installing a new traffic signal at Hanover Avenue and Linden Street using a $560,000 state grant, which local officials note is long overdue.
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.