Allentown leaders set evacuation date for Jordan Creek encampment, approve emergency YMCA funding and a 30‑day search for safe camping site

Mayor Turk told the Allentown City Council and a packed public meeting that the city will clear the homeless encampment along Jordan Creek on Aug. 25 because the site sits in a flood‑prone area and poses a life‑safety risk.

The mayor said the decision follows emergency‑services warnings after several flash‑flood rescues and that the city’s priority is “safety and health.” He asked council to commit funds to get the YMCA warming station open early and pledged a 60‑day feasibility study on a “safe camping” or temporary‑shelter option. Council approved an initial funding package, and later directed the administration to identify and acquire land for a temporary shelter or safe‑camping site within 30 days.

Why it matters: city officials framed the August 25 timeline as a preventive safety step because the encampment sits in a flood hazard area; residents and service providers warned that a forced sweep without alternatives would scatter people, disrupt health care and social services, and increase risks for the unhoused.

What the council approved - Emergency YMCA funding: Council voted to take whatever steps were necessary to provide funds so the Allentown YMCA could open its warming station early. The plan approved at…