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.
Earlier weeks
- week of 2026-06-29 — Allentown panels advance data center regulations, financial review; zoning board to consider 37-story tower
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.