Allentown, PA

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will review three special use and zoning appeals. The board is deciding whether to permit specific business and institutional uses in various zoning districts.

• A-2026-00547: Special Use Application for a small indoor banquet facility at 170 Allen St
• A-2026-00559: Appeal to convert a contractor office to a child care center at 212 S Dauphin St
• A-2026-00712: Appeal to establish college or university use at the street-facing front of 702 Hamilton St

Historical Architectural Review Board

The Historical Architectural Review Board will meet to review a proposal for the legalization of window replacement and front porch work. The board will also vote on the approval of meeting minutes from June, September, and October.

• Review of HDC-2026-00049: window replacement and front porch work at 515 N 6th St

City Council

City Council will hold a budget review for Parks and Recreation. The body will also consider an amendment to the city code regarding dog parks.

• Discussion of Parks and Recreation Budget
• Bill 83: Amending City Code Chapter 425, Section 8 regarding dog parks, park naming, and the removal of key fob use

City Council

Allentown City Council will vote on contracts for park improvements and legal representation. The body will also introduce ordinances regarding cable franchise agreements and capital plan procedures.

• Bill 88: Proposed $1,900,000.00 increase to the 2026 Capital Fund Budget for school zone flashers at 26 locations
• R151: Proposed $55,450.00 contract increase for Simone Collins Inc. for the Franklin Park Improvements Project
• Bill 83: Amendment to City Code regarding dog park rules and naming
• R155: Engagement of Cozen O'Connor, P.C. for legal representation regarding a suit by Queen City Fraternal Order of Police
• R156: Proposed transfer of $91,167.61 in Information Systems for data center fiber cables

Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission will meet to receive committee updates and review a request letter regarding the HRC logo design. The body will also enter an executive session for an update on the Aviles complaint with Attorney William D. Oetinger.

• Review of HRC Logo Design request letter
• Executive session update on Aviles Complaint with Attorney William D. Oetinger
• Updates from Outreach, Rules and Regulations, Nominations, and Investigations committees

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review land development for a mixed-use apartment building and consider several time and sidewalk postponement requests. The body will also discuss potential changes to meeting start times for 2027.

• Peregrine Tower: 37-story mixed use apartment building at 90 S 9th Street
• 1051 American Parkway NE: 1-year time extension for self storage facility
• 1024 N Bradford Street: 1-year time extension for flex warehouse
• 385 S Cedar Crest Boulevard: 10-year sidewalk and 5-year curb postponement for Seven Brew

City Council

City Council will introduce several ordinances to establish budgets for 2027 across multiple city funds. The meeting includes budget reviews for the Finance Department and Public Safety, including Police, Fire, and EMS.

• Bill 82: 2027 budgets for General, Administrative Order, Risk Management, Debt Service, Equipment, Golf, and Housing funds
• Bill 83: 2027 Stormwater Fund Budget and maintaining the $20 fee per 500 square feet of impervious surface
• Bill 84: 2027 Rental Unit Licensing Fund Budget and maintaining residential rental fees
• Bill 86: 2027 Solid Waste Enterprise Fund Budget and maintaining the $740 Solid Waste Fee
• Bill 87: 2027 Building Code Fund Budget

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will review five appeals regarding property use and zoning variances. The board is deciding on requests to convert commercial or vacant spaces into residential units and a request for business training use at a downtown location.

• Appeal for 501-503 N 4th St to convert a vacant social club to a 33-unit rooming house
• Appeal for 528 N 6th St to establish 3 additional rooming units and 1 additional dwelling unit
• Appeal for 829 845 W Hamilton St for Penn State to establish business training use on the ground floor
• Appeal for 1402 W Linden St to convert office space to 2 apartments
• Special Use Application for 926 928 W Walnut St to convert commercial space to 1 apartment

Environmental Advisory Council

The council is meeting to discuss recommendations for a Naturalization Ordinance and a PPL Transmission public notice. The agenda includes updates on the Climate Action Plan, the Urban Forestry Master Plan, and litter reduction efforts.

• Naturalization Ordinance Recommendation
• PPL Transmission Public Notice Recommendation
• Urban Forestry Master Plan public draft update
• Litter reduction containerization survey distribution
• 2026 Bird Town PA Mini-Grant awarded to Da Vinci Science Center

City Council

City Council will consider several budget amendments for grant-funded projects and infrastructure. The body is also voting on a new ordinance regarding the city's response to outdoor encampments on city-owned property.

• Contract with Flyway Excavating, Inc for $2,588,265.00 for the MLK Trail shared use path
• Bill 66: Allentown Outdoor Encampment Response Ordinance
• Bill 68: $560,000.00 for a new traffic signal at Hanover Avenue and Linden Street
• Bill 74: $600,000.00 to replace the Public Works salt shed
• Bill 84: Proposed new fees for residential rental inspection violations and no-shows

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

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

City Council

City Council will receive the 2027 budget delivery from Mayor Tuerk. The presentation includes the General Fund Summary, Budget Narrative, and details on capital projects and debt payments.

• Proposed 3.81% tax impact
• 2027 General Fund Summary
• New Positions & Reclasses
• 30 year debt payment schedule

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

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

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

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

City Council approved a budget increase for a street implementation project and a contract to digitize city records. The council also updated business license fees and approved several sewer planning modules and board reappointments.

• Approved $1.1M budget increase for Tilghman Street and Union Boulevard project (7-0)
• Approved $85,842.20 contract with FileBank, Inc. for document digitization (7-0)
• Approved updated business license fees starting with 2027 billing (7-0)
• Approved cooperative contracts for Horwith Trucks, Bethlehem Truck and Body, Tom Masano Ford, and Anchor Fence (7-0)
• Approved sewer planning modules for Little Lehigh, 301 N. Front St, Park Lofts, 337-343 Barber St, West Allen, and RS Residences (7-0)
• Approved $238k for Fire and $221k for EMS/Fire among other budget transfers (7-0)
• Approved LSA grant application for Allentown Symphony Association roofing (7-0)
• Reappointed members to Plumbers Examining Board and ACIDA (7-0)

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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