Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Allentown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in development with high priority
Affordable Housing Bill (Bill 82) Continued
A new ordinance would require rental developments of 10+ units that get LERTA tax abatements, $250,000+ in Housing Trust Fund money, or city-owned land to include affordable workforce housing units. It's sponsored by Gerlach and Mota and already has letters of support from AARP and a resident.
Thomas Jefferson University medical school downtown
Thomas Jefferson University is bringing its Sydney Kimmel Medical College to 702 Hamilton Street with about 180 students growing to 240, plus 150-170 faculty. Some commissioners worry about lost street-level retail on Hamilton, but others see a major downtown anchor that will drive student housing demand.
Mixed-Use Redevelopment at 300 Hamilton Street
Thomas Jefferson University is leasing 70,000 square feet downtown for its Lehigh Valley medical school campus — up to 240 students and 175 faculty, in a 24/7 building. The variance lets anatomy labs reach the Hamilton Street facade, with restaurant space kept on the 7th Street corner.
West Residences Mixed-Use Development at 2 Allen Street
A vacant former social hall would reopen for private parties, weddings, and community events with 116-person capacity, closing by 10 or 11 p.m. Neighbors worry about parking for large gatherings and a return of past noise and litter problems near an elementary school.
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.
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.
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.
Establishment of Group Child Care Home at 767 E. Washington St.
An application was scheduled to establish a group childcare facility, addressing community needs for childcare while evaluating potential impacts from limited drop-off zones and parking.
Ripple Church Conversion Window Dispute
Board members debated whether an earlier approval for the Ripple Church project allowed all 14 windows to be replaced or only a few. Officials clarified that the previous unanimous approval stands, despite differing member recollections.
New Seven-Story Apartment Building at 405 Walnut St.
Developers are moving forward with a seven-story, 44-unit apartment building on a vacant corner lot at 405 Walnut St., bringing new housing units and enhanced pedestrian signals to downtown Allentown.
Managing Director Appointment and Administrative Leadership
Allentown City Council swore in its new members and elected Santo Napoli as president and Cynthia Mota as vice president to guide local policy for 2026.
Residential Conversion at 943-951 W. Chew St.
A developer plans to turn an old commercial building and print shop into 18 new apartments. The historic board reviewed the exterior changes, requiring them to keep historic touches like the loading dock bumper and metal window styling.
Senior LIFE Adult Daycare Facility on Lehigh Street
A new 15,100-square-foot senior care facility is coming to South Allentown, replacing an old bank. It will provide daytime care, meals, and medical services for up to 70 seniors while creating about 30 jobs.