Allentown meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Allentown council to weigh $3M HUD grant, park funds; no decisions made in past two weeks

No final decisions were made by Allentown city boards or committees in the past two weeks; all recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. But several consequential items are scheduled for upcoming votes, including a $3 million federal grant application for home modifications and a $277,683 transfer for park improvements.

Recent meetings (agenda only)

City Council (Aug. 3 and Aug. 5) — The Aug. 3 meeting had no substantive items. The Aug. 5 agenda included final passage of ordinances on data center zoning (Bill 52) and noise compliance (Bill 56), plus contracts: $863,770.50 to Armour & Sons Electric, Inc. for traffic signal expansion; $299,943.00 to Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. for school zone and pedestrian improvements; and $108,127.00 to Penn Mount Stone, LLC for repair of the General Trexler Monument landing. No votes were recorded.

Zoning Hearing Board (Aug. 3 and Aug. 10) — The board heard appeals for two multi-family apartment buildings at 246 Lehigh St. (height shortfall), a vehicle sales conversion at 1130–1140 Union Blvd., and a loading dock at 620–634 N 7th St. (setback). On Aug. 10, it considered subdivision and parking variances at 406 N Fair St., 2613 South St., and 510–524 W Normandy St.

Historical Architectural Review Board (Aug. 3) — Reviewed a front fence at 37 N 17th St. and a porch enclosure at 223 N 17th St. Approved cases go to City Council on Aug. 12.

Planning Commission (Aug. 11) — Reviewed a preliminary/final land development plan for a 132-unit apartment building, hotel/event center, and 8,830 square feet of retail at 300 Hamilton St., applicant Real Star Properties, LLC.

Other boards — The Civil Service Board (Aug. 7) considered certifying police and fire promotion lists. The Human Relations Commission (Aug. 6) discussed the resignation of Vice Chair Arundhati Khanwalkar and complaint form updates. The Redevelopment Authority (Aug. 12) reviewed finances and a possible property acquisition. The Budget and Finance Committee (Aug. 12) heard intern presentations on procurement and accounts payable. The Human Resources Committee (Aug. 12) reviewed travel policy and Mayor's Office expenses.

Coming up

City Council (Aug. 19) — Will vote on R105, authorizing an application for approximately $3,000,000 from a HUD grant for an Older Adult Home Modification Program. Also on the agenda: contract increases ($41,397.14 to F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Co., new total $147,107.14; $25,000 change order to Maher Duessel, new total $523,700.00); Bill 58 transferring $277,683 from the Trexler budget for a spray park at Roosevelt Park, bathroom/design at Fountain Park, and WPA pond/wall projects; and Bill 59 adding $48,985 for an electric passenger vehicle.

Parks and Recreation Committee (Aug. 19) — Will consider Bill 58, the same $277,683 transfer.

Public Safety Committee (Aug. 19) — Will consider Bill 57, upgrading a part-time Clerk 3 Confidential position in Fire Administration to full-time (same paygrade s05).

Pension boards (Aug. 18) — Police, Fire, Aggregate, and O&E boards will approve pensions and buybacks, including a $110,956.37/year pension for Christopher Diehl (by proxy) and a $94,133.63 gross annual pension for Peter Lenig. The Police Pension Board will also consider Ordinance No. 16234 on prior police service credit.

Zoning Hearing Board (Aug. 24) — Will hear a continued application to convert a garage at 436 N 2nd St. into a hair salon and graphic design business, and an appeal by Jaindl Land Company to demolish a vacant restaurant at 3995 Tilghman St. and build a medical office building.

Public Works Committee (Aug. 19) — Will review the 2026 Q2 Capital Report.

Community and Economic Development Committee (Aug. 19) — Will discuss Allentown Works and workforce development.

Allentown boards weigh data center rules, zoning appeals; no decisions published yet

Recent Allentown government meetings were largely procedural, with no minutes published yet. The most consequential items on the table are a City Council vote on data center zoning and noise rules, plus three contracts totaling more than $1.27 million. All items below are from agendas only; no votes or outcomes have been recorded.

City Council (Aug. 5)

The council's agenda included final passage of two ordinances and three contracts:

• **Bill 52** – Amends zoning and public notice requirements for data center use, including increased setbacks, revised noise and vibration standards, and new decommissioning standards.
• **Bill 56** – Adds regulations for continuously operating uses and noise compliance verification.
• **Armour & Sons Electric, Inc.** – $863,770.50 to expand the traffic signal system.
• **Traffic Planning and Design, Inc.** – $299,943.00 for school zone and pedestrian improvements.
• **Penn Mount Stone, LLC** – $108,127.00 to repair the General Trexler Monument landing.

A public hearing on the zoning amendment was also scheduled. No vote tallies are available because minutes have not been published.

Zoning Hearing Board (Aug. 3)

The board considered three appeals for variances:

• **246 Lehigh St.** – Two multi-family apartment buildings with a proposed height of 9.08 feet versus the required 10 feet in the Residential-Office Mix Corridor (GX-C) District.
• **1130–1140 Union Blvd.** – Conversion of a vacant staffing office to vehicle sales, a use not permitted in the GX-C District.
• **620–634 N 7th St.** – A loading dock with a proposed rear setback of 5 feet versus the required 20 feet in the Storefront Mix Corridor (MX-C) District.

Other boards

• **Historical Architectural Review Board (Aug. 3)** – Reviewed a front fence at 37 N 17th St. and a rear porch enclosure at 223 N 17th St. Approved cases go to City Council on Aug. 12.
• **Human Relations Commission (Aug. 6)** – Discussed the resignation of Vice Chair Arundhati Khanwalkar, nominations for a new vice chair, and updating the complaint form to a fillable PDF or Google Form. An executive session covered complaints from E. Avrez, G. Fritz, and R. Black.
• **Civil Service Board (Aug. 7)** – Considered certifying eligibility lists for police captain, patrolman, and lieutenant, and for fire assistant chief of training and fire marshal.
• **Environmental Advisory Council (July 27)** – Reviewed updates to the Climate Action Plan, zoning recommendations for data centers, and noise ordinances.

Several City Council meetings (July 31 and Aug. 3) had no substantive items on their agendas.

Coming up

• **Aug. 10 – Zoning Hearing Board** – Appeals for 406 N Fair St., 2613 South St., and 510-524 W Normandy St.
• **Aug. 11 – Planning Commission** – Preliminary/final plan for a 132-unit apartment building, hotel/event center, and 8,830 sq ft of retail at 300-324 W Hamilton St.
• **Aug. 12 – Redevelopment Authority** – Financial report, property inventory, and possible acquisition after executive session.
• **Aug. 12 – City Council** – Special meeting with an informational presentation from the Allentown Housing Authority.

All meeting details are from official agendas; minutes for recent meetings have not yet been published.

Allentown Roundup: Council Reviewed Sick Leave, Noise, and Pension Bills; Zoning and Data Center Votes Ahead

Recent Meetings

Allentown City Council and its committees held several meetings the week of July 22, but minutes have not yet been published for any of them. The agendas show what was scheduled for review; outcomes are not yet available.

City Council — Paid Sick Leave Proposal

On July 22, City Council held a special meeting to review Bill 54, which proposes adding Chapter 421, the Paid Sick Leave Act, to the City of Allentown Public Health Code. The bill would require certain businesses to allocate sick time to employees. No vote tally or outcome is available, as minutes have not been published.

Community and Economic Development Committee — Noise Rules and $50,000 Budget Amendment

The committee met July 22 to discuss two bills:

• **Bill 53**: A $50,000 supplemental appropriation from Community Action Lehigh Valley for HUD loan repayment related to owner-occupied home roofing.
• **Bill 56**: Amendments to Chapter 400 Noise, Sections 400-6 and 400-7, regarding sound levels by land use and compliance verification.

Outcomes are not yet available.

Budget and Finance Committee — Police Pension Credit

On July 22, the committee considered Bill 55, an amendment to Part 1 of Administrative Legislation Chapter 75 that would add a section titled "Pension Service Credit for Prior Service with a Police Department." The amendment would allow police officers to receive pension credit for service performed with another police department before joining Allentown. The committee also reviewed the Cheiron Cost Study for Act 49 Prior Service Purchase, an FOP memorandum of understanding extension, the Prior Police Service Authorization, and June 2026 finance reports. Outcomes are not yet available.

Disruptive Conduct Board of Appeals

On July 23, the board held public hearings on three appeals of disruptive conduct citations at the following properties: 201 S 14th, 748 S Carldon, and 926 W Liberty. Outcomes are not yet available.

Environmental Advisory Council

On July 27, the council reviewed Bill 52 (Zoning Data Center Use amendments) and Bill 56 (Chapter 400 Noise ordinances), discussed an Urban Canopy Letter of Support, received an update on the Dark Sky Ordinance, and reviewed the CDP 2026 questionnaire. Outcomes are not yet available.

City Council — July 31

City Council convened on July 31 with no substantive ordinances, resolutions, or new business listed on the agenda. The session consisted of procedural items only.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 3 — Zoning Hearing Board**: Three variance appeals, including two multi-family apartment buildings at 246 Lehigh St, a vehicle sales conversion at 1130-1140 Union Blvd, and a loading dock at 620-634 N 7th St.
• **Aug. 5 — Public Works Committee**: Shade tree presentation, EAC letter, and urban canopy discussion.
• **Aug. 5 — City Council**: Final passage votes scheduled on Bill 52 (data center zoning) and Bill 56 (noise compliance). Council will also consider contracts: $863,770.50 to Armour & Sons Electric, Inc. for traffic signal system expansion; $299,943.00 to Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. for school zone and pedestrian improvements; and $108,127.00 to Penn Mount Stone, LLC for General Trexler Monument landing repair.
• **Aug. 6 — Human Relations Commission**: Address Vice Chair vacancy following resignation of Arundhati Khanwalkar; consider complaint form updates; executive session on complaints.
• **Aug. 10 — Zoning Hearing Board**: Three variance appeals at 406 N Fair St, 2613 South St, and 510-524 W Normandy St.
• **Aug. 11 — Planning Commission**: Review of land development application LMA-2026-00007 for a 132-unit apartment building, hotel/event center, and 8,830 SF retail at 330-324 Hamilton Street, applicant Real Star Properties, LLC.
• **Aug. 12 — City Council**: Special meeting with Allentown Housing Authority for an informational presentation.

Allentown Boards and Council Packed With Development, Budget, and Property Proposals

Allentown's boards and committees held or scheduled a heavy slate of meetings between July 6 and July 16, 2026. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these sessions, this roundup reports only what each body was scheduled to consider, not what was ultimately decided. No vote tallies or final outcomes are available in the source records.

City Council: Vacant Property Ordinance and Budget Actions

City Council's July 15 agenda included Bill 33, which would repeal Chapter 135 (abandoned real property blight) and adopt a new Chapter 611 governing vacant and at-risk property. Several financial items were also on the agenda: Resolution R84, a $156,084.66 change order with H & P Construction for printers and multifunction machines; Resolution R85, a $139,682.00 contract increase for Michael Baker International, Inc. for D&L Trail design; Bill 49, a $15,000 budget increase for a crosswalk warning sign on 14th Street; and Resolution R86, an application for a $750,000 grant for safety improvements along the 15th Street Corridor.

Planning Commission: Data Center, Apartments, and Medical Office

The Planning Commission met twice. On July 14, the agenda included an amendment to Chapter 660 Zoning regarding data center use, a resubmission for the West Residences at 2 Allen Street (a 7-story mixed-use building with 200 apartments), and a sketch plan to redevelop a restaurant site at 3995 Tilghman Street into a two-story medical office. On July 16, a special meeting was scheduled to review an amended land development application from Quantm Group, LLC to convert a previously approved warehouse at 2401 Emaus Avenue into a data center, adding 23,342 square feet to the existing footprint.

Zoning Hearing Board: High-Rise and School Use Appeals

The July 14 Zoning Hearing Board agenda listed several appeals, including the Peregrine Tower, a proposed 37-story mixed-use building at 90 S 9th St; a special use application for Roberto Clemente Charter School at 2268 S 12th St; a law office parking variance request at 552 N 10th St; and a child care center special use application at 725-731 St John St.

Civil Service Board: Appeals and Certification

The July 10 Civil Service Board agenda included an update on rules review, appeals decisions for Kery, R (AFD) and Barry, K (AFD), certification of the Captain's List and Patrolman's List for the Allentown Police Department, and a report from the Allentown Fire Department.

Redevelopment Authority: Officers and Property RFPs

The July 8 Redevelopment Authority agenda included the annual election of officers, a June 2026 financial report, invoices for payment, updates on RFPs for 725 N 10th Street and 540 Hamilton Street, and possible approval to release an RFP for 332 Front Street. An executive session for real estate transactions was also scheduled.

Other Boards and Committees

The Nuisance Abatement Board of Appeals held a July 14 hearing on an appeal of a public nuisance declaration issued April 8, 2026, for 333 Hamilton St. The Public Safety Committee met July 15 to receive public safety updates, with no specific votes or ordinances listed. The Budget and Finance Committee met July 15 to discuss Resolution R80, proposing an independent five-year financial analysis and temporary deferral of certain capital projects. The Public Works Committee met July 15 to discuss Bill 49, the $15,000 budget increase for a rectangular rapid flashing beacon crosswalk sign on 14th Street between Allen and Tilghman Street, funded through an AARP Community Challenge Grant. The July 6 Historical Architectural Review Board meeting was canceled and rescheduled to August 3, 2026.

Coming Up

• **July 22 — Community and Economic Development Committee:** Bill 53, a $50,000 supplemental appropriation from Community Action Lehigh Valley for HUD loan repayment for owner-occupied home roofing; and Bill 56, amendments to Chapter 400 Noise regarding sound levels by land use and compliance verification.
• **July 22 — City Council (special meeting):** Bill 54, proposing Chapter 421, the Paid Sick Leave Act, in the City of Allentown Public Health Code.
• **July 22 — Budget and Finance Committee:** Bill 55, adding pension service credit for prior service with another police department, plus the Cheiron Cost Study for Act 49 prior service purchase, an FOP MOU extension, and June 2026 finance reports.

Allentown boards tackle controller vacancy, property rules, and major development proposals

Most Allentown board and commission meetings over the past two weeks were held on an agenda-only basis, meaning minutes have not yet been published and outcomes cannot be confirmed. Here is what was scheduled, and what residents should watch in the week ahead.

City Council: Interim Controller Selection

On July 1, City Council was scheduled to interview candidates and select an interim City Controller to fill a vacant position. The agenda listed two candidates for review: D'Amore and Palmer, whose resumes and letters were to be considered. Because minutes are not yet available, the selection outcome is not confirmed.

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission met July 2 to review coordination efforts with the Allentown School District and discuss new complaint filings from E. Avrez and G. Fritz. No outcomes are available pending minutes.

Historical Architectural Review Board

The July 6 HARB meeting was canceled and rescheduled for August 3, 2026. No business items were discussed.

Redevelopment Authority

The Redevelopment Authority met July 8 for its annual election of officers and review of June 2026 financial reports, including budget, balance sheet, and profit/loss comparisons. The agenda included updates on RFPs for properties at 725 N 10th Street and 540 Hamilton Street, and possible approval to release an RFP for 332 Front Street. An executive session for real estate transactions was also scheduled. Results are not yet available.

Civil Service Board

On July 10, the Civil Service Board was set to consider appeals decisions for Kery, R (AFD) and Barry, K (AFD), review updates to its rules, and certify the Captain's List and Patrolman's List for the Allentown Police Department. Reports from the fire and police departments were also on the agenda. Outcomes are pending.

Coming Up

Several consequential meetings are scheduled this week:

• **July 13 — Zoning Hearing Board:** Will consider a proposed 37-story mixed-use tower (Peregrine Tower) at 90 S 9th St, a charter school special use application at 2268 S 12th St, a law office parking variance at 552 N 10th St, and a child care center special use application at 725-731 St John St.

• **July 14 — Planning Commission:** Will review a zoning amendment regarding data center uses, a 7-story mixed-use building with 200 apartments at 2 Allen Street, and a two-story medical office redevelopment at 3995 Tilghman Street.

• **July 15 — City Council:** Will vote on Bill 33, which would repeal Chapter 135 and adopt Chapter 611 regarding vacant and at-risk property. Also on the agenda: R84, a $156,084.66 change order with H & P Construction for printers; R85, a $139,682.00 contract increase for Michael Baker International, Inc. for D&L Trail design; Bill 49, a $15,000 budget increase for a crosswalk warning sign on 14th Street; and R86, an application for a $750,000 grant for safety improvements along the 15th Street Corridor.

• **July 15 — Public Works Committee:** Will discuss Bill 49, the $15,000 budget increase for a rectangular rapid flashing beacon crosswalk sign on 14th Street between Allen and Tilghman Street, funded through an AARP Community Challenge Grant.

• **July 15 — Budget and Finance Committee:** Will discuss Resolution R80, proposing an independent five-year financial analysis and temporary deferral of certain capital projects.

• **July 16 — Planning Commission (special):** Will review an amended land development application from Quantm Group, LLC to convert a warehouse at 2401 Emaus Avenue into a data center, adding 23,342 square feet to the existing footprint.

Allentown officials weigh data center zoning, financial review, and interim controller pick; minutes pending

Allentown's boards and councils convened across two busy weeks in late June and early July, but minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings. What follows is based on the published agendas only; no final votes or outcomes can be confirmed until minutes are released.

Budget and Finance Committee

The committee's agenda centered on Resolution 80, which would authorize spending on an independent five-year financial analysis of the city. The resolution also calls for temporarily delaying certain capital projects until that analysis is complete. The specific projects affected were not identified in the agenda. The committee was also scheduled to review May 2026 monthly municipal finances.

Data Center Zoning Draws Attention Across Multiple Bodies

Data center regulation appeared on several agendas. City Council held a special meeting to introduce Bill 52, which would amend Zoning Code Section 660-38 regarding manufacturing and industry by adding specific regulations and public notice requirements for data center use. The Community and Economic Development Committee reviewed the same bill, along with Bill 33, which would repeal existing blight laws and adopt a new "Vacant and At Risk Property" chapter.

The Environmental Advisory Council reviewed a draft letter concerning potential changes to the city's Zoning Ordinance following the passage of Bill 20, which also addresses data center regulation. Council members were set to evaluate public comments before voting on a final version of the letter.

Personnel Changes

The committee agenda included three personnel-related bills. Bill 50 would upgrade pay grades for the Opioid Prevention Manager and Health Director positions. Bill 51 would downgrade a vacant Grants Compliance Administrator position to the Assistant level.

Separately, City Council met on July 1 to interview and select an interim City Controller to fill a vacant position. Candidates D'Amore and Palmer submitted resumes and letters for review. The outcome of the selection has not been published.

Zoning Hearing Board

The board was scheduled to hear three appeals on June 22: a request for roof type and driveway access variances for two multifamily buildings at 2300 Hanover Ave; a special use request to convert a vacant structure at N 7th & N Hall St into six dwelling units; and an application to operate a group child care home at 1213-1217 Highland St, where the applicant cites insufficient drop-off space.

School District Coordination

City Council held a special meeting with Allentown School District officials on June 25 to discuss student internship and volunteer opportunities, summer programming, traffic and pedestrian safety, and a school zone presentation. The Human Relations Commission also listed Allentown School District coordination on its July 2 agenda, along with complaints filed by E. Avrez and G. Fritz.

Coming Up

July 13 — Zoning Hearing Board: The board will consider the Peregrine Tower, a proposed 37-story mixed-use building at 90 S 9th St; a special use application for Roberto Clemente Charter School at 2268 S 12th St; a law office parking variance at 552 N 10th St; and a child care center special use application at 725-731 St John St.

July 14 — Planning Commission: The commission will review an amendment to Chapter 660 Zoning regarding Data Center Use, the West Residences proposal at 2 Allen Street (a 7-story mixed-use building with 200 apartments), and a plan to redevelop a restaurant site at 3995 Tilghman Street into a two-story medical office.

July 16 — Planning Commission (special meeting): Commissioners will review an amended land development application from Quantm Group, LLC to convert a previously approved warehouse at 2401 Emaus Avenue into a data center, adding 23,342 square feet to the existing building footprint.

Allentown panels advance data center regulations, financial review; zoning board to consider 37-story tower

City boards and committees addressed a slate of zoning changes, financial oversight and personnel moves over the past two weeks, while several major development proposals move toward public hearings in the coming days.

Zoning and land use

The City Council introduced Bill 52 at a special meeting June 24, a measure that would add data center uses and public notification requirements to the zoning code’s manufacturing and industrial sections. The Community and Economic Development Committee reviewed the same bill alongside a separate proposal (Bill 33) to repeal existing blight laws and adopt a new chapter for vacant and at-risk properties. The committee also discussed an encampment policy draft.

Earlier, the June 22 Zoning Hearing Board agenda included appeals for two multifamily buildings at 2300 Hanover Ave seeking roof-type and driveway-access variances, a special-use request to convert a vacant structure at North 7th and Hall streets into six dwellings, and an application for a group child care home at 1213-1217 Highland St with insufficient drop-off space. Minutes were not immediately published.

City finances

On June 24, the Budget and Finance Committee reviewed May 2026 monthly finances and introduced Resolution 80, which would authorize funding for an independent five-year financial analysis of the city. The same resolution would temporarily defer certain capital projects until that analysis is complete. No dollar amounts were included in the agenda.

Personnel and appointments

The Community and Economic Development Committee also considered job reclassifications: Bill 50 would upgrade pay grades for the Opioid Prevention Manager and Health Director, while Bill 51 would downgrade a vacant Grants Compliance Administrator position to an assistant-level role. Separately, the City Council met July 1 to interview and select a new interim City Controller from candidates D’Amore and Palmer. No decision had been published as of July 5.

School coordination and complaints

The City Council held a special joint session with Allentown School District on June 25, covering traffic and pedestrian safety, student internships, summer programming and a school-zone presentation. On July 2, the Human Relations Commission discussed ongoing coordination with the school district and reviewed new complaints filed by E. Avrez and G. Fritz.

Environment and data center regulations

At the June 22 Environmental Advisory Council, members reviewed a draft letter to city officials concerning potential changes to the zoning ordinance following passage of Bill 20, which touched on data center regulation. The council evaluated public comments before preparing to vote on a final version.

Coming up

On July 13, the Zoning Hearing Board will consider a 37-story mixed-use tower proposed at 90 S 9th St, a special-use application for Roberto Clemente Charter School at 2268 S 12th St, a parking variance for a law office at 552 N 10th St, and a child care center at 725-731 St John St.

The Planning Commission meets July 14 to review a zoning amendment on data center uses as well as a 200-unit, seven-story apartment building at 2 Allen Street and a medical office redevelopment at 3995 Tilghman Street. A separate commission meeting July 16 will evaluate an amended land development plan from Quantm Group LLC to convert a previously approved warehouse at 2401 Emaus Ave into a data center, adding about 23,342 square feet of building space.