Allentown, PA

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will review three appeals regarding signage, land use, and demolition. The board will determine if requested exceptions to zoning ordinances are granted for the listed properties.

• A-2026-00664: Special Use Application for Allentown Art Museum to demolish former police station at 1001-1007 Hamilton St
• A-2026-00481: Appeal by Casa Guadalupe Center to increase signage at 232 N 2nd St to 94.3 sf
• A-2026-00644: Appeal by Mahmoud Salim to convert a vacant garage bay to minor vehicle repair at 1525 Hanover Ave

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will discuss Bill 75 regarding the 2026 Golf Fund. The proposal seeks to upgrade the pay grades and titles of two grounds maintenance positions.

• Bill 75: Upgrade Greenskeeper (m16) to Assistant Superintendent (m22)
• Bill 75: Upgrade Maintenance Mechanic 3 (m14) to Golf Course Equipment Tech (m20)

Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee

The Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee will consider three bills. These include a budget amendment for a staff reclassification and changes to city code regarding pension fund designees and Controller responsibilities.

• Bill 76: Upgrading HR position 235-012 from Receptionist (paygrade s05) to Constituent Services Specialist (paygrade s11)
• Bill 77: Amending City Code Chapter 75 to allow the Mayor, City Controller, and Finance Director to select designees for the Police Pension Fund
• Bill 81: Amending Article V to remove the City Controller's responsibility for preparing and reconciling City accounts

Public Works Committee

The committee is considering five bills to amend the 2026 Capital Fund Budget. These proposals include funding for traffic signals, pedestrian safety, a new salt shed, and PFAS remediation.

• Bill 68: $560,000 for a new traffic signal at Hanover Avenue and Linden Street
• Bill 70: $705,938.84 from AFFF class action awards for PFAS remediation systems
• Bill 71: $350,000 in ANIZDA reimbursement for the 2040 Hamilton Streetscape project
• Bill 74: $600,000 to replace the salt shed to increase storage capacity
• Bill 80: $296,000 for ADA ramps and crosswalks at South 10th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Community and Economic Development Committee

The Community and Economic Development Committee is reviewing a proposed ordinance to establish procedures for outdoor encampments on city-owned property. The body is also considering multiple supplemental appropriations for community organizations and historical record preservation.

• Bill 66: Proposed Outdoor Encampment Response Ordinance for city-owned property
• Bill 78: $1,300,000 RACP pass-through grant for Resurrected Community Development Corporation
• Bill 79: $855,000 LSA pass-through grant for the Allentown Art Museum
• Bill 67: $500,000 LSA pass-through grant for Ripple Community, Inc.
• Bill 72: $384,048 LSA pass-through grant for the Civic Theatre of Allentown

Redevelopment Authority

The Redevelopment Authority will review financial reports and property inventory. The body is scheduled to release Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for various maintenance and legal services.

• Release of RFPs for Grass and Snow services
• Release of RFPs for Board Ups and Property Maintenance
• Release of RFPs for Legal Services
• Rehab update for CALV 136 S 8th
• Executive Session regarding real estate transactions and legal matters

Planning Commission

The Allentown Planning Commission will consider a sidewalk postponement, a school district expansion, and an amended data center development. The commission will vote on these items and hear public comment on non-agenda topics.

• Postpone sidewalk/curb requirements at 932 W Walnut Street (File S 26-02)
• Bridgeview Academy additions: 2-story and gymnasium additions with pedestrian bridge at 265 Lehigh Street (LMA-2026-000013), with streetscape waivers
• Data center conversion at 2401 W Emaus Avenue: revise 224,000 SF warehouse to data center, add electrical substation and sound walls (LMA-2022-00010), with stormwater and easement waivers

City Council

City Council will vote on budget amendments for street improvements and business license fees. The body will also introduce ordinances regarding outdoor encampment responses and workforce housing affordability requirements.

• Bill 62: $1.1 million for Tilghman Street and Union Boulevard implementation project
• Bill 66: Proposed Outdoor Encampment Response Ordinance for city-owned property
• Bill 82: Proposed workforce housing affordability requirements for certain multifamily developments
• Bill 74: $600,000 to replace the public works salt shed
• Contract: $85,842.20 to FileBank, Inc. for digitization of official records

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee is considering Bill 62, which would amend the 2026 Capital Fund Budget to add $1,100,000 for a project on Tilghman Street and Union Boulevard. The project is part of the SS4A Implementation Grant the city received, which is partially reimbursable and requires matching funds. The committee will vote on this bill.

• Bill 62: Increase 2026 Capital Fund Budget by $1,100,000 for Tilghman Street and Union Boulevard project
• Project funded under SS4A Implementation Grant, partially reimbursable with required match

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will meet to receive an update regarding the Quality of Life Committee. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion: Quality of Life Committee Update

Historical Architectural Review Board

Allentown's Historical Architectural Review Board meets Oct. 5, 2026 to review four applications for exterior work on properties at 515 N 6th St, 1035 Turner Street, 421 N 10th St, and 1001 Hamilton St. HARB's recommendations go to City Council on Oct. 21; denials go to Council's Community and Economic Development Committee, and tabled cases return Nov. 2. The agenda also includes approval of September meeting minutes and a door hanger distribution update.

• HDC-2026-00049: 515 N 6th St — legalization of window replacement and front porch work (applicant Nicolay Garzon, N&T Outdoor Design Inc; owner Garzon Properties Inc.)
• HDC-2026-00057: 1035 Turner Street — replacement of rear siding (applicant/owner Robert Stolarik)
• HDC-2026-00064: 421 N 10th St — porch renovation (applicant Nick Gontkosky/Sandman Properties LLC; owner Sandman Properties LLC)
• HBDO review at 1001 Hamilton St (details not stated in agenda)
• Approval of September 14 HARB meeting minutes; door hanger distribution update

Civil Service Board

The Allentown Civil Service Board meets Friday, October 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the City Hall 5th Floor Conference Room, 435 Hamilton Street. The agenda includes old business on the Ebbert Appeal status, fire department rules changes, and approval of questions for the Assistant Chief (APD) exam, plus new business on APD Assistant Chief testing and AFD promotional testing. The board will also review the September 3, 2026 minutes, receive police and fire department reports, and consider appointing a Board Secretary. The next meeting is scheduled for November 6 at 9:00 AM in the same room.

• Ebbert Appeal (status) under old business
• Approval of questions for Assistant Chief (APD) exam
• APD Assistant Chief testing schedule
• AFD promotional testing - Hiba
• Appointment of Board Secretary

Recreation Board

The Allentown Recreation Board is scheduled to meet Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 8:00 AM in City Hall Council Chambers, 435 Hamilton Street. The agenda lists roll call, minutes, and a series of reports covering parks and recreation, various project updates, recreation and special events updates, and director, deputy director, and bureau updates for October 2026. Old Business and New Business are listed as agenda headings with no items described in the supplied text. The agenda does not state any specific decisions, contracts, dollar amounts, or ordinances to be voted on.

• Roll call of board members and city administration, including Mayor Matt Tuerk and City Council members
• Minutes and October 2026 agenda listed for review
• Parks & Recreation reports and various project updates
• Recreation, special events, and Bureau updates for October 2026
• Old Business and New Business listed with no details provided in the agenda text

Human Relations Commission

The Allentown Human Relations Commission meets Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers at 435 Hamilton Street. The agenda includes approval of the August 6, 2026 minutes, public comment, committee updates, and old business on an HRC logo design. An executive session is listed for an update on the Aviles Complaint, and the Investigations Committee update is also noted for executive session with Attorney William D. Otinger present.

• Executive session update on the Aviles Complaint
• Investigations Committee update in executive session, Attorney William D. Otinger present
• Approval of minutes from the August 6, 2026 meeting
• Old business: HRC Logo Design
• New business: PAHRC; note that KB cannot attend the December meeting due to a conference in SD

Public Safety Committee

The Allentown Public Safety Committee is meeting to discuss an update from the Quality of Life Committee. The agenda contains only this discussion item plus roll call and adjournment, with no votes or specific proposals listed.

• Discussion: Quality of Life Committee Update

Budget and Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee will review the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and discuss Bill 65, which updates the business license fee in Chapter 196 and removes language from the violations and penalties section. The new fee would apply starting with 2027 billing renewals. Finance reports will also be reviewed.

• Bill 65: amends Chapter 196 Business License, Section 3 Fee, updating fee language for 2027 billing renewal
• Bill 65: removes language in Section 6 Violations and Penalties
• Annual Comprehensive Financial Report review
• Finance Reports discussion

Environmental Advisory Council

Allentown's Environmental Advisory Council meets Sept. 28, 2026 to review old and new business including a draft naturalized landscape ordinance, a data center zoning analysis, and an update on the city's Climate Action Plan. The council will also hear about tree plantings, a litter containerization survey, and a new sustainability coordinator. Most items are discussions and updates; no votes or dollar amounts appear in the agenda.

• Draft Allentown Naturalized Landscape Ordinance dated 11.15.2025 under discussion
• Analysis of past and potential future City of Allentown actions regarding data centers, by Noah Rosenfeld, legislation as of August 5, 2026
• Climate Action Plan Forum 4: Center City, Saturday October 3, 2-3:30 pm at Allentown Public Library, 1210 Hamilton St.
• Little Lehigh Watershed Stewards plantings: 150 trees Oct. 10 near 1475 Mack Blvd.; 50 trees Oct. 17 opposite 1676 Keystone Rd.; stream cleanup Nov. 14 at Trout Creek Park
• Urban Forestry Master Plan public draft expected mid-November, with virtual review meeting the week of 11/30

Community and Economic Development Committee

The committee will discuss Bill 63, which proposes requiring certain multifamily housing projects that receive public funding or tax incentives to include units for moderate-income households. Members will also discuss a draft encampment clearing policy and risk assessment rubric.

• Bill 63: Amending City Code to add Chapter 653 (Workforce Housing)
• Discussion: Encampment Clearing Policy
• Review of Risk Assessment Rubric Draft 1

City Council

Allentown City Council will vote on several contract approvals, budget transfers, and grant applications. Key items include a $6.5 million transfer to the Risk Fund for healthcare claims, a $1.1 million capital budget increase for the SS4A grant on Tilghman Street and Union Boulevard, and multiple professional service contracts. The agenda also includes reappointments to boards and introduction of ordinances on business license fees and record scanning.

• Bill 61: Transfer $6,500,000 from General Fund to Risk Fund for healthcare claims and insurance costs
• Bill 62: Increase Capital Fund by $1,100,000 for SS4A Implementation Grant on Tilghman Street and Union Boulevard
• R113: Change order with Michael Baker International for MLK Trail Phase 1, increasing contract to $178,391.61
• R112: $16,080 contract with Brown Design Corp for West Park renovation planning and design
• R119-R121: Approve local share account grant applications for Volunteers of America, Community Bike Works, and Phoebe Ministries

The City Council approved a $6.5 million transfer to the Risk Fund to cover healthcare claims and insurance costs, citing a cash-flow need rather than a budget shortfall. Council also authorized a $10,000 professional services contract with IPVM to conduct an independent review of the city's surveillance technology, including Flock Safety systems. Additionally, the council approved a $16,080 design contract for West Park renovations and a $105,683 change order for the MLK Trail project.

• Approved $6.5M transfer to Risk Fund (7-0)
• Approved $10,000 contract with IPVM for surveillance review (7-0)
• Approved $16,080 contract for West Park design services (7-0)
• Approved $105,683 change order for MLK Trail Phase 1 (7-0)
• Approved cooperative contracts for goods and services (7-0)
• Approved five appointments to Zoning and Arts boards (7-0)
• Approved three local share account grant applications (7-0)

Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee will consider Bill 62 to amend the 2026 Capital Fund Budget. This amendment provides $1,100,000.00 for an implementation project at Tilghman Street and Union Boulevard. The funding is required to match a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Implementation Grant.

• Bill 62: $1,100,000.00 budget increase for Tilghman Street and Union Boulevard project
• SS4A Implementation Grant match funding

Historical Architectural Review Board

The Historical Architectural Review Board will review two property alteration proposals, approve prior meeting minutes, and discuss door hanger distribution and Chapter 3 code comments. Approvals are forwarded to City Council on October 7, 2026; denials go to a Council committee.

• 223 N 17th St: enclose rear second-level porch, install two windows and vinyl siding
• 509 N 6th St: replace porch beam and column to match existing
• Approval of June 1 and August 3 HARB meeting minutes
• Door hanger distribution preparation
• Chapter 3 (3.1-3.5) review/comments

Zoning Hearing Board

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board will hear three appeals on September 14, 2026. These include a request to convert a single-family home into three units, an appeal of a denial to convert another home into two units, and a request to establish a beauty salon. The board will decide on these matters, which involve parking and zoning district compliance.

• 827 N 5th St: convert single-family to 3 units (1 permitted), insufficient parking (1 of 3 spaces)
• 225-225.5 N Fulton St: appeal of denial to convert to 2 units, claim of lawful nonconforming use
• 440 N 10th St: establish beauty salon, no parking provided (2 spaces required)

City Council

The Allentown City Council will hold a special meeting to vote on Bill 46, which proposes amending the Police Pension Fund to add a Limited Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP). The bill was signed on February 27, 2026, and includes an actuarial study as an attachment.

• Bill 46: Amends Chapter 75, Article III of the Police Pension Fund to add a new section 75-53 'Limited Deferred Retirement Option Plan'

City Council held a special meeting to discuss Bill 46, which would establish a Limited Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) for police officers. Council decided to pause consideration of the program until mid-October to review a five-year financial projection from the firm Maher Duessel.

• Tabled consideration of Bill 46 (Police DROP) until receipt of financial analysis in mid-October

Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee

The Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee is considering Bill 61, which would transfer $6.5 million from the General Fund's unappropriated balance to the Risk Fund. The funds are needed to cover higher-than-expected healthcare claims, prescription drug benefits, and other employee medical costs, as well as insurance and property/auto losses. The committee will also hold a roll call and may adjourn after discussion.

• Bill 61: Transfer $6,500,000 from General Fund to Risk Fund for healthcare claims, drug benefits, and other medical costs
• Funds also cover insurance costs and property/auto losses
• Transfer addresses significantly higher healthcare claims and higher-than-expected losses

Redevelopment Authority

The Allentown Redevelopment Authority will hold a routine meeting to approve past minutes, review August 2026 financial reports, and discuss properties in its inventory. No major decisions are scheduled, but updates on four properties under RFP and a loan update will be provided.

• Review of August 2026 financial report (budget vs. actual, balance sheet, profit/loss)
• Approval of invoices for payment
• Review of properties in RACA's inventory
• RFP updates for 540 Hamilton Street, 725 N. 10th Street, 802 Walnut Street, and 332 Front Street
• CALV Loan Update

Planning Commission

The Allentown Planning Commission will review four land development applications, including a medical office building, service garages, a data center conversion, and a 37-story mixed-use apartment tower. The commission will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and hear public comment on non-agenda items.

• 3995 Tilghman Street: 20,366 SF medical office building, waiver from enhanced streetscape requirements
• 360 Lehigh Street: 27,000 SF building with ten 2-story service garages
• 2401 W. Emaus Avenue: warehouse to data center conversion, adding electrical substation and sound walls, with multiple SALDO waivers
• 90 S 9th Street: 37-story mixed-use apartment building (Peregrine Tower)

Recreation Board

The Allentown Recreation Board is holding a regular meeting with roll call, approval of June 2026 minutes, and reports from the Parks & Recreation department, including project, recreation, and special events updates. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific decisions or proposals listed.

• Approval of June 2026 meeting minutes
• Communications and P&R reports
• Various project, recreation, and special events updates
• Director/Deputy Director updates
• Bureau updates for September 2026

Human Relations Commission

The commission will conduct a one-hour virtual training session regarding the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) and the role of local commissions. The meeting also includes committee updates and the approval of previous minutes.

• One-hour virtual training session on PHRC and local HRC roles
• Approval of August 6, 2026, meeting minutes
• Updates from Outreach, Rules and Regulations, Nominations, and Investigations committees

Civil Service Board

The Allentown Civil Service Board will meet on September 3, 2026, to review testing procedures and promotional exams for the police and fire departments. The board will discuss the rubric used for Allentown Police Department promotional tests for Sergeant and Lieutenant, vendor requisition requirements, and exam questions for Assistant Chief. Department reports from the Allentown Fire Department and Allentown Police Department are also on the agenda.

• Review efficacy of rubric used in APD Promotional tests (Sgt/Lt)
• Review points of requirement for requisitions towards purchase/contract of and with vendors for testing
• Approval of questions for Asst Chief (APD) exam upon receipt
• Allentown Fire Department Report
• Allentown Police Department Report

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee is reviewing two budget amendments. One proposal seeks to use remaining grant funds to purchase an electric passenger vehicle, while the other proposes transferring funds to build a new pavilion at Ithaca Park.

• Bill 59: $48,985.00 increase to the 2026 Equipment Fund for one electric passenger vehicle
• Use of remaining US Department of Energy and Pennsylvania AFIG grant funds
• Bill 60: $20,000 transfer from the Parks & Recreation Aquatics Operating Budget to the Ithaca Park Capital Budget
• Proposed purchase and installation of a new pavilion at Ithaca Park

Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee

The Allentown Human Resources, Administration and Appointments Committee will vote on a cooperative contract with CDW Inc for goods and services exceeding $40,000. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding the City Website. No other substantive items are listed.

• Authorization of Cooperative Contract with CDW Inc for goods/services >$40,000
• Discussion of City Website

City Council

The Allentown City Council will vote on several budget amendments and lease agreements. The meeting also includes the introduction of new ordinances regarding workforce housing and significant fund transfers for healthcare and street projects.

• Bill 63: Proposed ordinance requiring multifamily housing projects receiving public incentives to include affordable units
• Bill 61: Proposed $6,500,000 transfer to the Risk Fund for healthcare and insurance costs
• Bill 62: Proposed $1,100,000 increase for Tilghman Street and Union Boulevard projects
• Bill 59: Vote on $48,985 to purchase one electric passenger vehicle
• Bill 60: Vote on $20,000 transfer for a new pavilion at Ithaca Park

City Council approved final passage for the purchase of an electric passenger vehicle, a park pavilion project, a park lease agreement, and a legal services engagement. Council also approved the July 15, 2026 meeting minutes and introduced new bills regarding a $6.5 million risk fund transfer, a capital fund increase for Tilghman Street and Union Boulevard, and a workforce housing code addition.

• Approved Bill 59 to increase 2026 Equipment Fund budget by $48,985 for an electric passenger vehicle (6-0)
• Approved Bill 60 to transfer $20,000 for a new pavilion at Ithaca Park (6-0)
• Approved Resolution R106 for cooperative contracts with Romtec and Miller Flooring Company (6-0)
• Approved July 15, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved Resolution R107 for a 20-year lease agreement with Allentown Partnership for the Tack Barn at Lehigh Parkway (6-0)
• Approved Resolution R108 to engage Maria Montero as Council Solicitor for one year (6-0)
• Referred Bill 61 ($6.5M risk fund transfer) to Human Resources, Administration, and Appointments Committee
• Referred Bill 62 ($1.1M SS4A grant capital fund increase) and Bill 63 (Workforce Housing chapter) to Public Works and Community and Economic Development Committees respectively

Zoning Hearing Board

The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board will hear one appeal from Camelot for Children Inc. and others, challenging the Zoning Officer's October 16, 2025 determination that a data center is a permitted by-right use in the General Industrial (I-3) district at 2401 W Emaus Ave. The board will decide whether to uphold or overturn that determination. Public comments may be submitted by email before 4 pm on August 31.

• Appeal A-2025-00670: 2401 W Emaus Ave data center use determination
• Zoning Officer's 10/16/2025 determination under appeal
• Public comment deadline: 4 pm August 31 via [email protected]