Allentown Redevelopment Authority Meeting - January 14, 2026
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Allentown Redevelopment Authority Meeting - January 14, 2026
The Allentown Redevelopment Authority held its first meeting of the new year on January 14, 2026, at 7:15 PM. The meeting covered routine approvals, a financial report, property inventory updates, a loan for a community housing project, and a new parking issue at a city-owned lot. The board also announced an executive session to discuss disposal strategy for certain properties.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes (December 10, 2025): Approved with a correction noting that the chair did not second the CDBG motion per Robert's Rules. Motion by [member], seconded, carried unanimously.
- Staff Financial Report: Approved. The report showed a projected net income of approximately $60,000 for 2025 after pending CDBG reimbursement of $200,000. A brief discussion clarified that a budget variance of $884,000 was not a deficit but reflected unsold property budgeted. Minor formatting suggestions were noted but not required for approval.
- Invoices for Payment: Approved 31 invoices totaling $15,010.64. Highlighted: a $1,195 reimbursement from HomeDepot for repairs caused by delivery men. Motion by Dan, seconded by Alan, carried unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public spoke.
Discussion Items
- Inventory Update (Property 323 9th Street): Staff reported a tenant heat issue resolved under warranty; condenser leak repair costs expected next month. Staff purchased a $30 garbage can and $20 shovel for a low-income tenant to avoid code violations. Board members expressed concern about setting a precedent but acknowledged the small cost and that items remain with the unit. The authority expects to dispose of rental properties within two years.
- Old Business: 136 South 8th Street Loan: The board discussed a $150,000 loan at 5% interest to Community Action of Lehigh Valley (CALV) for rehabilitation of a property sold in June 2023. The project has faced delays and cost overruns. City HOME funds will cover bulk of costs. The loan is secured by a first lien, with repayment from sale to an owner-occupant. Board members questioned the feasibility of repayment given neighborhood market values (estimated $200,000), but staff and CALV representatives (including board member Peter Lunis) noted the property will be fully renovated and that CALV has a track record of successful sales. The board emphasized the need for a developer's agreement and deed of reconveyance. Motion carried unanimously.
- New Business: 515-519/521 New Street Parking Issue: An illegally used parking pad (part of authority lot) created neighbor disputes. Staff proposed leasing two spots at $25/month each, with tenants responsible for snow removal and insurance, and displaying permits. Board supported direction; no formal vote required. Staff will verify legal parking status with the city.
Key Outcomes
- Minutes, Financial Report, Invoices: Approved unanimously.
- Loan to Community Action (CALV): Approved $150,000 at 5% interest, contingent on a developer's agreement and deed of reconveyance. Motion carried (aye: all present; opposed: none).
- Parking Leases: Board directed staff to proceed with month-to-month leases at $25/spot, with insurance and permit requirements.
- Executive Session: Called to discuss RFP strategy for property disposition; anticipated vote to release RFPs at next month's meeting.
Meeting Transcript
Yeah, I'll just send it to the case. You all know it's crazy. No, you're on here as having seconded the motion. I don't think the chair can move. No. Which one Alan is it for? We'll make sure we get it corrected. Um, do you want to start the meeting and you can just make the correction get it? Uh okay, where is it? Oh, yes, exactly. The was the 2024 seat. Yeah, that's it. On page seven, notably your title page seven, it's cool. Um the CDBG contract. What about it? Isn't identified when we made the motion. No, it says that Mr. Roger. Second by Mr. Rod. Mr. Red. Well, we'll second it by DN. Chris asked. I'm wrong. Well, I mean, we'll have to note that in a minute. I mean, when we when we approve the minutes, just note that. Are we ready? Yeah, we're okay. I didn't know if we're working through. All right, everyone, we will call this meeting to order for the January uh 14th meeting of the redevelopment authority of the city of Allentown. Um appreciate everyone being here and um being bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for our first meeting of the new year. Um we have our full slate of uh the authority here, so we will jump in uh for the approval of the minutes from December 10th, 2025. I'll move it with uh kudos to Kelly and Mark and whoever Vicky for getting numbers on the pages of the table contents is meaningful. And I'd also want to uh correct the uh CDBG uh motion that says that uh that our chair seconded a motion. I'd rather I'm pretty sure uh Robert Schules uh suggests that chairs not move or second minute uh motions. Do you know? Do you know the Robert Schools well enough to know that? Okay. So I'm just saying I think it's just safe for you. Okay, uh it's just a typo that needs to be corrected. So then I'll move the with that correction. I'll move the approval of the uh the minutes. We have a motion. Do we have a second? I'll say we have a second. Any further discussion? All in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed?
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