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CED staff reports: HARB visual survey underway, zoning rewrite in final feedback phase, redevelopment updates include Ridge Avenue and 928 American Parkway
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Summary
CED staff updated the committee on a HARB visual assessment, the final feedback phase of a zoning rewrite, community reinvestment contract compliance, redevelopment authority activity on Ridge Avenue and a funeral home property, and early redevelopment work at 928 American Parkway (a Brownfield site).
City planning and redevelopment staff gave the CED committee a package of updates on ongoing programs and projects, including a HARB visual assessment, a zoning rewrite, grant contract compliance, redevelopment authority activities and an industrial redevelopment site.
Staff reported that a HARB visual assessment is underway and that a community meeting for the visual survey attracted about 30 in-person participants and 10 online. The survey is described as a visual inventory (photographic survey) of properties inside the HARB. Staff said residents can request paper copies of materials through the planning and zoning department.
The zoning rewrite is in its final public feedback phase, staff said. The department is accepting comments on the current draft; once compiled the draft will return to the planning commission and later to council for adoption. Staff said a final adoption will likely be followed by minor tweaks within the subsequent year to address any glitches.
The grants department is actively managing contracts for community reinvestment funds approved by council; staff said all contracts have been issued except one, where an agency was held until it brings its facility into compliance with city regulations. Staff promised a future update to the committee on grantees’ spending and contract performance.
Redevelopment Authority staff reported that a Ridge Avenue property raised previously by residents (and by a speaker identified as Mr. Spang) has been transferred to the parking authority and that work to create a parking lot should commence soon. Staff also said a funeral home on Sixth Street has been transferred to the housing authority and that discussions with HUD are scheduled; staff said it is their hope that the site will be developed into eight housing units.
Staff added that the authority expects to be able to start disposing of certain properties in the second quarter of the year, moving city‑owned inventory back into private ownership or development to address blight. An annual report of 2024 activities is expected within the next month, and staff said the authority’s strategic plan will be completed in the first or second quarter and align with the city’s housing strategy.
Finally, staff said they are working with the Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) on a roughly four‑acre city parcel at 928 American Parkway, a Brownfield site being prepared for manufacturing redevelopment; disposition details will be brought to the council when ready.
Committee members thanked staff for the progress and commended steps to move city-owned homes into private ownership or redevelopment.
