Allentown Planning Commission Monthly Meeting - July 14, 2026

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.