Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Allentown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in roads
Sidewalk and Curb Postponement Requests
A property owner tried to postpone mandatory sidewalk and curb repairs at 932 Walnut Street but withdrew the request after finding a contractor. Staff had warned the cracked sidewalks were tripping hazards.
Sidewalks on Hamilton Boulevard near Cedar Crest
The commission refused Seven Brew's decade-long sidewalk postponement on a stretch of Hamilton Boulevard where three serious pedestrian crashes occurred in ten years. Pedestrians — including college students and Dorney Park workers — currently walk in the roadway, and the site has a long postponement history dating to 1990.
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.
14th Street Pedestrian Safety Improvements
A $15,000 AARP grant will fund a new flashing crosswalk warning sign on 14th Street between Allen and Tilghman streets, protecting seniors and students crossing near Gross Towers and Lewis Ramos Elementary School.
South 10th Street and MLK Jr. Drive Pedestrian Safety Upgrades
City officials and school leaders are working on upgrading school zones, installing speed cushions, and improving walking routes to protect students traveling to and from school.
Lehigh and Union Street Reconstruction
The city is redesigning the dangerous Lehigh and Union Street intersection, removing a concrete island and adding traffic signals, crosswalks, and pedestrian flashers to protect students and residents.
Industrial Area Traffic and Truck Parking Congestion
Business owners in the industrial park raised serious concerns about large trucks illegally parking on narrow streets, blocking business deliveries and endangering pedestrians.
Street Cleaning Enforcement Coordination and Timing
Residents and council members raised concerns about receiving tickets after street sweepers have already passed, prompting calls for better coordination and real-time mapping technology.
Modernization of 19th Street and Roth Avenue Intersection
Allentown is finally replacing one of its last remaining dangling overhead traffic lights at 19th and Roth with modern mast arms, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals using state grant funding.
Emergency Traffic Signal Repairs
The city is allocating over $95,000 to quickly fix traffic lights knocked down by a recent windstorm at two major intersections, ensuring driver and pedestrian safety.
17th Street Corridor Traffic Signal Redesign
Allentown is moving forward with traffic signal upgrades and emergency preemption technology at four key 17th Street intersections to improve traffic flow and safety near schools and hospitals.
Speeding and Traffic Safety on True Street
A long-time resident of South 10th Street asked for help with reckless drivers, illegal dirt bikes, and parked cars blocking corner visibility, suggesting removable speed bumps like the ones seen elsewhere in the city.