Public Meetings - Allentown, Pennsylvania

The Allentown City Council Committee met on July 22, 2026, to discuss two primary agenda items: Bill 53, a supplemental budget appropriation for a senior roof repair program, and Bill 56, a proposed noise ordinance amendment targeting continuously operating uses and low-frequency hums. The committee voted unanimously to advance both bills to the regular council meeting. Staff also noted that a requested update on the Allentown Works program was mistakenly expected at this meeting and has been rescheduled. Bill 53: Supplemental Budget Appropriation for Senior Roof Repair Discussion: Staff presented Bill 53, which appropriates $50,000 from the 2026 General Fund to establish a revenue line for the repayment of an advance the city made to the Community Action Lehigh Valley (CALV). CALV held a HUD reimbursement contract for income-qualified seniors’ roof repairs but required upfront capital to meet roofer down payment demands. A council member inquired how this related to reinvestment funds; staff responded both pots of money were used simultaneously depending on applicant qualification. Key Outcome: The committee voted unanimously to move Bill 53 forward to the regular council meeting. Bill 56: Noise Ordinance Amendment (Continuously Operating Uses) Discussion: Staff detailed the ordinance, which makes two primary changes to Chapter 400 (Sound Levels). First, it establishes a system requiring property owners to hire third-party providers to conduct noise assessments, shifting the administrative burden of enforcement from the city. Second, it targets low-frequency noise (“hum”) by defining a DBC vs DBA differential exceeding 15 decibels, applicable to all continuously operating noise sources. New 24/7 uses would require pre- and post-operation sound studies. Concerns: The Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) raised concerns about the burden on existing lawfully established industrial uses that have not received complaints. Council members discussed the potential for unintended consequences, the ambiguity of the term “continuously operating,” and the role of the noise board as a relief valve for hardship cases. Staff noted the city is reviewing its boards for potential consolidation and highlighted existing daytime/nighttime thresholds and the “materially increase” standard within the code’s ambient measurement provision. Key Outcome: The committee voted unanimously to advance Bill 56 to the regular council meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided testimony on either Bill 53 or Bill 56. Other Business - Staff clarified that the Allentown Works update requested by council will be scheduled for a future committee meeting.

The Allentown City Planning Commission held a special meeting on July 16, 2026, from 5:32 PM to 9:34 PM to discuss the amended preliminary/final land development application (LMA-2022-00010) for 2401 W Emaus Avenue. The proposal would convert an approved 224,000 SF warehouse into a 247,342 SF data center with a 23,342 SF addition. The meeting was informational only; no formal decision was made. The applicant agreed to a 90-day extension of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) timeline, and the commission unanimously voted to table the application to a future meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - 172 individuals signed in; a large number of Allentown residents and taxpayers spoke, nearly all in opposition to the data center. - Priscilla and Angel Declet (2406 W Emaus Avenue) described their son Liam's sensitivity to loud noises and pleaded for the commission to consider children with special needs. - Serenity Pauley (2403 Weiss Court) emphasized harm to wildlife and the ecosystem on the south side of Emaus Avenue. - Alejandro Figueroa (747 Walnut Street, Emmaus) proposed an engineered closed-loop thermal network and urged conditioning approval on a public benefit covenant. - Brett Burghardt (2703 Barnes Court) questioned property value impacts and asked for PPL testimony on energy costs. - Drita Tahirovic (734 N 29th Street) noted she is surrounded by four proposed data centers and expressed concerns about cumulative effects. - Jeremiah Smith (2517 Allenbroom Drive) opposed the center, citing noise, affordability, and property value concerns. - Joseph Zacher (2281 S 12th Street) mentioned New York's moratorium on data centers and asked about fuel storage and noise from cooling equipment. - Jonathan Worsley (1819 Piccadilly Circle) opposed AI and diesel generators, raising air quality and water usage concerns. - Megan Kita (1013 N 29th Street) opposed the center, stating technology investment should not come at the detriment of residents. - Daniel Galvin (1847 E Emaus Avenue) reported widespread neighborhood opposition and concern over rising electricity costs. - Harshal Patel (Corner Mart, 2441 W Emaus Avenue) feared impacts on health and existing businesses. - Donna Dougherty (2456 S Lumber Street) raised concerns about the Lehigh County Humane Society and animals' sensitive hearing. - Johanna Heft (946 W Wyoming Street) questioned the city's ability to enforce conditions against a large developer. - Lisa Mertz (628 N 8th Street) asked about noise ordinance penalties and requested transparency on tax calculations. - Caren Lowry (1492 Cedarwood Road) urged protection for Camelot for Children, a nonprofit for vulnerable children across the street. - Jason Danweber (3650 Schoeneck Road, Macungie), owner of a nearby strip mall, voiced strong concern about noise and business viability. - Marissa Burns (527 Mountain Top Lane) argued the conversion is a high-risk change, not a simple amendment, and should be subject to current regulations. - Laura Lee Hellman (540 W Ethel Street) cited the Pennsylvania Constitution's Article 1, Section 27 (right to clean air and water) and advocated for the community. - Councilwoman Cynthia Mota (statement read by staff) opposed the application, citing strain on infrastructure, utility costs, climate change, and poor location. - Alicia Ruthrauff (411 N 9th Street) thanked the staff for taking concerns seriously but worried about noise, air, energy use, and employment. - Corinne Lalick (2447 S 5th Street) presented a petition and spoke for Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania, arguing against hyperscale data centers and urging compelling evidence of community benefits. - William Gorecki (3124 Pearl Avenue), a teacher, opposed the center and suggested the parcel be used for entertainment or community space. - Ryan Wexler (1968 S Law Street), a teacher, opposed AI and advocated for human-centered learning. - Kevin Cantwell (3042 Salisbury Avenue) questioned benefits and demanded independent third-party monitoring. - Farid Shahid (8235 Kirby Street) accused the developer of using front groups and propaganda. - Mark Marlucci (3327 Hobson Street) raised concerns about water usage and electricity costs. - Aiden LaPenta (806 N 28th Street) stressed verifying developer claims and raised issues of decommissioning and e-waste. - Julie Vitale (721 W Green Street) requested unredacted noise and water studies and accused the applicant of a Trojan horse strategy. - Spencer Snygg (721 W Green Street) discussed noise science, cooling tower Legionnaires' disease risk, Bitcoin mining, and AI's societal harms. - Quinn Allen (Church Auditor) cited the 14th Amendment and expressed distrust of government enforcement. - A minor from Emmaus spoke against AI and for protecting Camelot for Children, the environment, and animals. - Several other non-resident speakers from the Lehigh Valley also spoke against the project. Discussion Items - Staff Overview: Jennifer Gomez explained the meeting's purpose, noted unprecedented public interest, and summarized recent legislation (Bill 20, Bill 52, noise ordinance changes). She stated no decision would be made. - Staff Presentation: Melissa Velez presented the project details (80 MW, 24/7 operation, 4-8 employees, closed-loop cooling, 36 Tier 4 generators, 42 rooftop chillers). She highlighted concerns about compatibility with surrounding residential uses, low employment density, and high infrastructure demands. - Third-Party Review (Daren Martocci, KCE): Raised issues of electrical infrastructure, noise (need for perpetuity monitoring), water resources (closed-loop system should be covenanted), stronger landscaping buffers, and emergency services coordination. - LVPC Review (Jill Seitz): Emphasized the need for detailed sound studies (including low frequency and infrasound), heat rejection system analysis, utility demand clarity, and documentation of all commitments. - Applicant Presentation (Tony Maras, Quantm Group): - Proposed 64-66 full-time jobs (average salary $140,000) vs. 336 for warehouse ($45-67k). - Reduced generators to 32, moved substation, added 35-40 ft sound walls, enhanced landscaping. - Claimed net fiscal benefit over $4 million/year vs. $388k for warehouse. - Committed to restrictive covenants, self-monitoring, Tier 4 generators, closed-loop cooling (water trucked in), air dispersion modeling, and limited generator testing. - Agreed to provide fiscal benefit analysis and reveal the user before any vote. - Commission Discussion: - Chair Christian Brown questioned noise compliance and asked for matching renderings and plans. - Commissioner Kate Hartney requested clarification on fiscal study. - Commissioner Erich Hornung asked about willingness to accept third-party monitoring; applicant expressed openness. - Brown suggested a continuous sound wall with roll-up doors; applicant agreed to investigate. - Action Requested: Applicant requested to withdraw the July 10, 2026 resubmission and refile later; he extended the MPC decision timeline by 90 days. Key Outcomes - Motion to Table: Vice Chair Craig Beavers moved to table the application to a future meeting; Secretary Erich Hornung seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). - Time Extension: Applicant Tony Maras confirmed on the record a 90-day extension of the MPC timelines, agreeing to provide written confirmation. - Next Steps: The applicant will revise plans and resubmit, targeting a September 2026 Planning Commission meeting for further discussion. The board will continue review after receiving updated materials and public input.

The Allentown City Council met on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included the approval of several contracts and change orders, final passage of ordinances including a new vacant property registry, and introduction of bills on paid sick leave and noise regulations. All votes were unanimous unless noted. Consent Calendar - R82: Approved a $10,000 increase (from $40,000 to $50,000 per year) for vehicle suspension, steering, and alignment contracts with Gilboy Ford, Ross Body and Frameworks, and Stengel Brothers. Vote: 6-0 (Ms. Affa not heard). - R83: Approved cooperative contracts with Johnson Controls and Korski Engineering for goods and services. Vote: 6-0 (Ms. Affa not heard). - R84: Approved a $156,008.66 increase (from $2.25 million) for HP Construction’s rehab work on Bogart’s Bridge, funded by capital funds and a PennDOT TASA grant. Vote: 7-0. - R85: Approved a $139,682 increase (from $270,792 to $410,474) for Michael Baker International’s consulting services for the D&L Trail, funded by an additional TASA grant. Vote: 7-0. - Minutes of the June 3, 2026 council meeting were approved. Vote: 7-0. - R86: Authorized submission of a PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund grant application ($750,000) for safety improvements on the 15th Street corridor; the 30% match is waived if the application is submitted by December 31, 2026. Vote: 7-0. - R87: Approved 10 transfers totaling $420,232 within city funds to cover repairs, equipment, and contract services, including $21,140 for fire department reporting software, $117,163 for training tower repairs, $100,000 for a gate control box replacement (risk fund), $30,000 for the new at-risk property registration (CD), $21,330 for an XRF analyzer, $100,000 for consulting services (Urban Design Ventures), and $29,599 for Midway Manor Playgrounds. Vote: 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Asher Shimon (Government Affairs Director, Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors) expressed support for the revised Bill 33, thanking council for incorporating feedback. He offered to help publicize the registry through their newsletter and database. - Jason Dan Weber (commercial property owner) raised concerns about the 90-day vacancy threshold for commercial properties, suggesting a 6-month threshold would be more practical due to typical tenant turnover. Staff noted that if a property has a pre-sale inspection or active permits, the fee would be waived; they encouraged proactive communication with the city. Discussion Items - Bill 33 – Vacant Property Registry (Final Passage): The ordinance replaces the existing at-risk registration with a vacant property registry. Key changes from the original included: eliminating at-risk property classification, clarifying occupied vs. vacant definitions, waiving fees for properties with a recent pre-sale inspection, and allowing the DCED director to waive fees (with appeal to the Blighted Property Review Committee or court). Staff emphasized the registry aims to improve public safety (e.g., identifying vacant buildings with hazardous materials) and reduce blight. Discussion covered data-sharing with first responders, administrative guidelines, fee structure, and transitional provisions. Councilmember Pungo asked about fee scaling for long-term vacancies (e.g., after 3+ years) – staff indicated they would study Chicago’s approach and may add complexity later. - Bill 49 – Flashing Beacon on 14th Street (Final Passage): A $15,000 increase to the 2026 capital budget for a rectangular rapid flashing beacon at Gross Towers (mid-block crossing). Funded entirely by grants; to benefit students and senior citizens. Vote: 7-0. - Bill 50 – Budget for Opioid Prevention Manager & Health Director (Final Passage): Amends the 2026 general fund to upgrade the opioid prevention manager and health director positions. Vote: 7-0. - Bill 51 – Grant Compliance Administrator Title Change (Final Passage): Amends the 2026 general fund to downgrade and rename the HUD grants compliance administrator to assistant grants compliance administrator. Vote: 7-0. - R80 – Independent Five-Year Financial Analysis (Final Passage): Approved $25,000 from council’s budget for an independent analysis of capital and operational expenses, supporting data-driven decisions. Vote: 7-0. - Bills for Introduction: - Bill 53: Supplemental appropriation of $50,000 from Community Action Lehigh Valley for a HUD loan repayment. Referred to Community & Economic Development Committee. - Bill 54: Paid sick leave act requiring certain businesses to provide sick time. A special public hearing set for July 22, 2026 at 6 PM. - Bill 55: Police pension service credit for prior service. Referred to Budget & Finance Committee. - Bill 56: Noise regulations for continuously operating uses and compliance verification. Referred to Community & Economic Development Committee. Key Outcomes - Bill 33 amended and passed 7-0; residential fee reduced from $200 to $150. - Bills 49, 50, 51 and Resolutions R80, R82, R83, R84, R85, R86, R87 all passed unanimously. - Bills 53, 55, and 56 introduced and referred to appropriate committees. - Special meeting on Bill 54 (paid sick leave) scheduled for July 22, 2026 at 6 PM. - Council committee meetings noted: Budget & Finance (July 22, 2026 at 5:45 PM), Community & Economic Development (July 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM), Public Works (August 5, 2026 at 5:30 PM), Parks & Recreation (no future meetings), Public Safety (none), HR/Admin (August 12, 2026, time TBD), and Rules/Intergovernmental (none). - Colombian flag raising event announced for Saturday, July 17, 2026 at 2 PM.

The Public Works Committee meeting on July 15, 2026, featured two main agenda items: a Bill to fund a pedestrian safety beacon using an AARP grant and a detailed presentation on a city-wide facility condition assessment. Consent Calendar - Bill 49 was advanced to full council without public comment. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Bill 49 – Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) Installation: Director Shatter presented the $15,000 no-match AARP grant to install a pedestrian beacon on 14th Street between Tillman and Allen. The device will assist elderly residents crossing from Gross Towers to the shopping center, and students at Louis Ramos Elementary School. Vice President Mota expressed strong support, noting the street's heavy use and the importance of grant-funded projects. The bill was moved favorably to full council. - Facility Condition Assessment Presentation: Mr. O'Rourke (Facilities Manager) and David from AMGG presented the results of a $200,000 grant-funded assessment covering 76 city-owned buildings (over 635,000 square feet). The assessment, conducted over three months, used ASTM Uniformat II standards and a proprietary tool (inmo) to inventory components and assign condition ratings on a 9-point scale. Key findings include an overall Building Condition Index (BCI) of 81 (G-), with HVAC systems rated lower (73) as a priority. The 30-year capital expenditure projection shows a spike around 2030-2032, likely due to component replacements. The data is provided in detailed PDF reports and a filterable Excel flat file. ADA compliance checks were also completed at no extra cost. Mr. O'Rourke will develop a short-, medium-, and long-term plan based on the data. Council members discussed how to integrate the data into budgeting and procurement, and the possibility of a web-based asset management system. The presentation was well-received. Key Outcomes - Bill 49 (Amending 2026 capital fund budget for RRFB installation) was moved favorably to full council by a unanimous voice vote. - The facility condition assessment report was formally received, and the administration will return to council with an implementation plan. - The meeting adjourned, with the City Council meeting to follow in five minutes. Meeting date: July 15, 2026. Meeting time: 11:00 AM (approximate start).

The Budget and Finance Committee met on July 15, 2026, to discuss Resolution R80, which authorizes the expenditure of up to $25,000 from council funds for an independent five-year financial analysis and provides for the temporary deferral of certain capital projects pending completion of the analysis. The committee unanimously voted to forward the resolution to the full council. Discussion Items - Council Person Binder introduced the resolution, explaining that the goal is to evaluate unknown expenses that have recently arisen, including a potential police draw program, other possible fee losses, and numerous capital expenditures. The analysis would be performed by an outside firm (Maroduso) to provide a third-party health check of the city's finances, with a narrow scope and a timeline aimed at delivering results before budget season. - Council Person Garlok expressed support, noting that the analysis would help the council see the big picture of projects like fire stations, police stations, and parts and wreck, and would allow the council to clearly explain to constituents why tax increases are needed and what they would fund. - Council Person Bongo emphasized that the analysis would bring clarity and transparency for the council and taxpayers, and that the data would be provided by the finance department but presented in a different manner. - The Director of Finance (identified as Bita) confirmed that the firm Maroduso is willing to work within the timeline to provide information for decision-making. The Director also noted that the analysis would incorporate both capital and operational expenses, including healthcare cost trends (projected 9–12% increase) and other unexpected costs. - Council Person Binder clarified that the $25,000 cost would come from the council's own budget line item, not from other city funds. - The committee discussed that the engagement letter would be drafted and signed by the City Controller (Santo) before any expenditure, and that the deliverable would include Excel worksheets to allow for future adjustments (e.g., incorporating Supreme Court decisions on stormwater fees). Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously (all in favor, aye) to forward Resolution R80 to the full council for approval. - The resolution authorizes up to $25,000 from council funds for an independent five-year financial analysis by Maroduso, with a temporary deferral of certain capital projects until the analysis is completed. - The engagement letter will specify the scope and deliverables, including Excel worksheets, to be provided before budget season.

The Allentown City Planning Commission met on July 14, 2026 to consider adoption of administrative policies, amendments to data center regulations, a preliminary/final land development for a mixed-use building, and a sketch plan for a medical office building. The meeting also included staff updates and a vote to adopt a 4.5-hour meeting time limit. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (June 9, 2026): Unanimously approved as written. - Administrative Policies: Two policies adopted unanimously (5-0): ACPC Postponement Policy (establishing a 26-hour deadline for applicant-requested postponements) and ACPC Public Participation Policy (restricting public comment to Allentown residents/taxpayers, limiting comments to three minutes, and taking public comment on agenda items before action and on non-agenda items at meeting end). Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3 – Data Center Amendments: Kathryn Hoffman (1649 W. Linden St.) expressed support for mandates but objected to “if possible” phrasing for water/electric limits and questioned enforcement capacity. Bonnie McMahon (934 N. 26th St.) asked if smaller data centers (<50,000 sq ft) are regulated and whether the sound study covers infrasound. Alejandro Figueroa (Emmaus, taxpayer) urged inclusion of closed-loop cooling and waste heat recovery requirements. - Item 4 – West Residences: Alejandro Figueroa asked if the building was in a flood zone; the applicant confirmed it was not. - Item 5 – 3995 Tilghman Street: Tom Whelan (3957 W. Washington St., HOA member) requested repair of the deteriorating fence and asked if the facility would be urgent care; applicant stated it was not planned as urgent care. Discussion Items - Data Center Ordinance Amendments (Bill 52-2026): Staff (Jennifer Gomez) reviewed amendments to the recently adopted Bill 20: removing Special Exception use for data centers in the IG district (maintained in IM district), increasing setback from sensitive receptors from 200 to 500 feet (measured from lot lines regardless of streets), adding public notification requirements (applicant-required public meeting and project website), refining noise/vibration regulations (full-spectrum sound studies, third-party acoustical consultants), and adding a decommissioning requirement with financial security. Commissioner Brown noted the ordinance is advisory; planning commission forwards recommendations to City Council. A motion to forward with a favorable recommendation passed 5-0. - West Residences at 2 Allen Street (Preliminary/Final – LMA-2025-00028): Staff (Melissa Velez) presented revised plans for a 7-story mixed-use building with 200 dwelling units (50 studios, 107 one-bedroom, 43 two-bedroom), 18,000 sq ft retail, and 200 parking spaces. The design pays homage to the Sussman Building. Staff highlighted remaining issues: loading/unloading dimensions, screening for garage headlight glare, streetscape enhancements, parking for retail/visitors, pedestrian easement on Brick Street, and lack of overall vision for the waterfront. Applicant (Carlos Tovar) responded: building moved 5 ft back from Brick Street, narrower garage windows with solid panels, restriping Riverside Drive for on-street parking, 40 public parking spaces rotating after-hours, terraces, green roof, and sustainable features. Discussion included placemaking, bike/pedestrian connections, affordable housing, lighting intensity, landscaping, cornice design, and bird-friendly windows. Commissioner Brown expressed disappointment that the Sussman Building was not retained but understood costs. Public comment: none on this item. Motion for conditional approval passed 4-0 (Commissioner Hartzell recused). - 3995 Tilghman Street (Sketch Plan – LMA-2026-00008): Staff (Melissa Velez) reviewed a proposal to demolish an existing restaurant and build a 2-story, 20,200 sq ft medical office building in the MX-S zone. The building design (brick/stone veneer) was well regarded. Staff recommended moving the building closer to the street, adding a second entrance, providing bike parking, improving landscaping/streetscape, and adding lighting. Applicant (John McRoberts) explained that a 60-ft drainage easement prevents moving the building forward; they will seek zoning board relief. A second entrance was deemed not feasible for a single-tenant medical building. They agreed to bike racks, a marked pedestrian path, and a courtesy copy to South Whitehall Township. No action required; comments provided for future plan submissions. - Other Matters: Staff announced the retirement of Chief Planner Jesse Sadiua after 12 years and the promotion of Melissa Velez to Chief Planner. The commission discussed setting a meeting end time to avoid exhaustive reviews. A motion to adopt a 4.5-hour meeting duration (with a 10 PM hard stop for the upcoming July 16 special meeting) passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Item 1 – Minutes: Approved unanimously. - Item 2 – Policies: Both adopted unanimously (5-0). - Item 3 – Bill 52: Motion to forward to City Council with a favorable recommendation passed 5-0. - Item 4 – West Residences: Motion for conditional preliminary/final approval passed 4-0 (Commissioner Hartzell abstained). Conditions include: garage window material to fully prevent headlight glare; designate non-residential parking; reduce/shield lighting on Brick Street; enhance landscaping with a landscape architect; enhance rooftop cornice or incorporate Sussman Building details; consider bird-friendly windows; provide pet waste and cigarette disposal stations; comply with staff report and city comment letter. Approval tied to building elevations dated May 6, 2026. - Item 5 – 3995 Tilghman Street: Sketch plan review; no formal action. Commission provided comments for subsequent submissions. - Meeting Time Limit: Motion to set a 4.5-hour meeting duration (with a specified end time of 10 PM for the July 16 special meeting) passed unanimously.

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board convened on July 13, 2026, at 12:15 PM UTC. The board members were Samantha McLean, Scott Unger, and Robert Kenauer (chair). Four matters were on the agenda, including two special exception applications and two appeals. The meeting lasted approximately 2.5 hours. Public comments were heard on Case 2 and Case 4. The board approved three applications and continued one. Consent Calendar - None. All agenda items were considered individually. Public Comments & Testimony - Case 2 (Exchange 32 LLC / Roberto Clemente Charter School): The Allentown School District, represented by Michael Kristoffko, appeared as an interested party. The district raised concerns about traffic flow and the adequacy of on-site bus queuing, noting that only two buses could fit in front of the building at once and that additional buses would have to wait on Sesque Street. The district did not formally object but urged the board to consider traffic impacts. - Case 3 (Umran Global Investment LLC): No objectors or interested parties appeared. - Case 4 (Hen Liveth Calderon Calcano / child care center): No objectors or interested parties appeared. Discussion Items - Case 2 – Roberto Clemente Charter School (special exception for school use at 2268 South Twelfth Street): The school, currently located at 850 North Fifth Street, proposed relocating its elementary campus to a 2.2-acre property with a 44,000 sq. ft. building (nearly double the current 22,000 sq. ft.). CEO Alyssa Mace testified that the school serves 300 elementary students (K-5) and 35-40 staff, with plans to add sixth grade (total 370 students, 50 staff). Hours of operation would be 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with no evening or weekend events. The school currently has no off-street bus drop-off; the new site would allow 173 parking spaces (vs. 27 required) and separate bus and parent loops designed by engineer Mark Buckwalt. Buckwalt testified that the lot size (2.2 acres) exceeds the 20,000 sq. ft. minimum, and that the plan is a responsible layout. The district questioned bus queuing capacity; Buckwalt acknowledged that only two of the three buses could be on site simultaneously but argued that staff management and the rolling arrival (30-minute window) would prevent conflict. The board noted that the new location would be a vast safety improvement over the current street-side drop-off. - Case 3 – Umran Global Investment LLC (appeal for variance from site triangle requirement at 90 South Ninth Street): The applicant proposed a 37-story mixed-use building (70% residential, 30% office/retail) with 208 apartment units. Owner Eric Shah testified that the building’s corner column is structurally critical and that removing it (to comply with the site triangle) would render the project infeasible. Land surveyor Michael Houston testified that the intersection (9th & Walnut) is signalized with one-way streets (9th southbound, Walnut eastbound). The city’s Planning Commission had required widening sidewalks, removing on-street parking near the corner, and improving ADA access, which further enhanced sight lines. Houston argued that the old ordinance’s site triangle rule was overly restrictive and that the signal, one-way traffic, and improvements made the intersection safe. Board member Unger noted that similar relief has been granted in the past and that the new zoning code exempts GXC districts from site triangle requirements. - Case 4 – Hen Liveth Calderon Calcano (special exception for child care center at 725-731 South John Street): The applicant proposed a child care center for up to 69 children (ages 0-5) in the lower level of an existing church (Fuente de Vida/Fountain of Life Church). Hours would be 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday. Architect Stewart Gauk testified that no interior structural changes are needed; the space currently used for Sunday school would be used as-is. Parking (36 spaces) is available on an adjacent lot across Chester Street, owned by the church. The required parking is 7 spaces (1 per 12 children + 1 drop-off space). The church pastor, Alejandro Escamilla, confirmed that church activities (Sundays, Tuesday/Thursday 7-8:30 PM) would not conflict with the daycare. Key Outcomes - Case 2 – Roberto Clemente Charter School: Motion to approve the special exception (use by special exception) was made by board member McLean and seconded by Unger. The board found no evidence that the use would create a traffic or safety hazard, negatively impact the residential neighborhood, or violate use-specific standards. Approved unanimously. - Case 3 – Umran Global Investment LLC: Motion to approve the variance from the site triangle requirement was made by Unger and seconded by McLean, citing the signalized intersection, one-way streets, planned safety improvements, and alignment with the new zoning code. Approved unanimously. - Case 4 – Hen Liveth Calderon Calcano: Motion to approve the special exception for a child care center was made by McLean and seconded by Unger. The board found no adverse impacts and that all supplemental regulations (lot area, parking, loading) were satisfied. Approved unanimously, subject to obtaining necessary health, fire, and building permits (change of use). - Case 1 – Lucas Selwa appeal (552 North Tim Street): The appellant’s counsel requested a continuance due to the client’s family emergency. The board granted the continuance to the next hearing (date to be determined, not August 10th), with the applicant to sign waivers of time requirements.

The Redevelopment Authority of Allentown met on July 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Council Chambers, 435 Hamilton Street. The meeting began with a call to order, approval of prior minutes, and a public comment period (no public comments were recorded). The meeting then moved into executive session for real estate transactions, reconvening at 3:23 PM for the remainder of the agenda. The key actions included approval of a request for proposals (RFP) for 332 Front Street, a solicitor's update on a property at 902 North 18th Street, and a planned grant application. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the June 10, 2026 meeting were approved. - The staff financial report for June 2026, including budget-to-actual comparisons, balance sheets, and profit and loss statements, was accepted. Invoices for payment were approved. Discussion Items - Approval of RFP for 332 Front Street: Following an executive session, the board discussed and approved the release of an RFP for 332 Front Street, incorporating edits and adjustments made during the closed session. A motion was made and seconded; the motion carried unanimously. - Solicitor's Update – 902 North 18th Street: The solicitor reported that the property at 902 North 18th Street, previously designated as blighted and unresponsive to authority communications, is now subject to a conservatorship filed by a neighbor. The authority decided to pull back from any further action on the property as it proceeds through the court process. - Grant Application for Affordable Housing: A staff member announced plans to file a grant application to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh for its Affordable Housing Program. The grant is due August 6, 2026, and would be leveraged with the authority's SPP tax credit application to create owner-occupied homes from blighted properties. Key Outcomes - Approved: The release of the RFP for 332 Front Street (motion carried unanimously). - Decision: The authority will not pursue further action on 902 North 18th Street due to the pending conservatorship. - Next Steps: Staff will prepare and submit the grant application to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh by August 6, 2026. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

The Redevelopment Authority of Allentown held its annual meeting on July 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 435 Hamilton Street. The meeting was called to order with a roll call, followed by approval of minutes, public comment (none), election of officers, financial reports, invoice approvals, inventory updates, old business regarding two RFPs, and an executive session for real estate transactions. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – June 10, 2026: A motion was made, seconded, and carried with no opposition to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comment. Discussion Items - Annual Meeting – Election of Officers: The board elected officers for a one-year term: Chris Rad as Chair, Danny as Vice Chair, Alan as Secretary, and Tony as Treasurer. The election was conducted via motion and second, approved by a unanimous voice vote. Tony, the newly elected Treasurer, noted he cannot serve as Treasurer due to securities license restrictions, but the board proceeded with the slate as proposed, swapping Alan to Treasurer and Tony to Secretary? (The transcript is unclear: initially Tony was named Treasurer, then after discussion, the final slate was Chair: Chris Rad, Vice Chair: Danny, Secretary: Alan, Treasurer: Tony. The discrepancy is noted; the official outcome appears to be as voted.) - Staff Financial Report: Ellen presented the financial reports for June 2026, including budget-to-actual comparisons through June 30, a balance sheet comparison, and profit/loss analysis. Notable entries: $1,500 miscellaneous income from a restrictive covenant agreement at 1116 Maple Street; city staff salaries and benefits included through June 19, with reimbursement from CDBG pending; a $4,000 final billing for the 2025 audit; and an insurance expense reclassification of $7,500 from prepaid insurance. A motion to accept the financial reports was made, seconded, and carried unanimously. - Invoices for Payment: Kelly reviewed the 10 invoices, which included staff salaries and benefits, audit final billing, electricity, MLS fees, a flash drive, and a landlord-tenant complaint filing for 323 North 9th Street. The tenant is three months behind on rent; an eviction court date is set for Monday, July 13, 2026, before Judge Santiago. The tenant was given grace but failed to pay; Valley Youth House indicated the tenant cannot re-enter their program. A motion to approve payment of the 10 invoices was made, seconded, and carried unanimously. - Inventory Update: Kelly reported that the property inventory currently includes seven properties (not counting 332 Front Street). Inspections were conducted four times since the last meeting with no issues; all properties are secure. No storm damage or electrical problems were noted. - Old Business – Updates on 725 N 10th and 540 Hamilton Street RFPs: All proposers have been contacted. The two selected developers are being notified, and draft developer agreements and agreements of sale are being prepared, with an expected return for board approval by the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Election of Officers: Unanimously approved: Chris Rad (Chair), Danny (Vice Chair), Alan (Secretary), Tony (Treasurer) for a one-year term. - Financial Reports: Unanimously approved as presented. - Invoice Payment: Unanimously approved for the 10 invoices listed in the packet. - Inventory: Acknowledged as secure; no actions taken. - RFP Updates: Staff directed to finalize agreements with selected developers for 725 N 10th and 540 Hamilton Street. - Executive Session: The board entered executive session at 2:19 PM to discuss real estate transactions. No further business was conducted after the session (based on available transcript). - Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 12, 2026.