Allentown plans 180-unit apartment development at 750 East Turner Street

The Allentown Planning Commission convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss the preliminary plans for the Eastside Land Development project located at 750 East Turner Street. The proposed development includes the construction of six two-and-a-half-story apartment buildings, totaling 180 units, on a 16.85-acre site previously occupied by vacant land.

Jennifer, a city planner, outlined the project's key components, which include land consolidation, street vacations of 16 paper streets, and the addition of a community building along with 295 parking spaces for residents and visitors. The meeting's primary objective was to gather initial feedback on the preliminary plan, as the project awaits comments from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC).

The site, situated about a quarter mile west of the former Allentown State Hospital, is part of the Allentown Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to create walkable neighborhoods interspersed with commercial and industrial areas. The project is zoned for medium-high density residential use, allowing for the proposed multifamily complex.

During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the project's design, particularly its car-centric layout and the need for improved walkability. Staff recommended creating green spaces and pedestrian-friendly pathways to enhance connectivity within the development. They also highlighted the importance of evaluating traffic circulation and emergency access routes, given the project's location within a predominantly single-family residential neighborhood.

The applicant's attorney, Ron Corkery, addressed the commission, emphasizing the challenges of developing the site, including steep slopes and the need for substantial infrastructure improvements. He noted that the design aims to balance the number of units with the site's topographical constraints.

Joe Ranker from Black Forest Engineering provided further insights, explaining that the project had evolved from a previous proposal for single-family homes to the current plan for apartment buildings. He acknowledged the difficulties posed by the site's elevation changes and reiterated the commitment to maintaining a gated community with on-site maintenance personnel.

The commission concluded the meeting without making a decision, allowing for further refinement of the plans based on the feedback received. The next steps will involve incorporating comments from the LVPC and addressing the concerns raised during the discussion.