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Public Works Committee forwards four capital budget amendments, including American Parkway signal upgrades
Summary
Allentown’s Public Works Committee voted to send four capital-fund measures to the full City Council: $1.698 million for American Parkway traffic-signal upgrades, $350,000 for a Hamilton Street streetscape, $1.9 million for South Jefferson safety improvements (reimbursable), and $7,624.29 in reimbursements for tree plantings.
The Allentown Public Works Committee on Wednesday voted to forward four amendments to the city’s capital fund budget to the full City Council, officials said.
The committee approved moving $1,698,288.89 into a project to complete traffic-signal improvements along American Parkway and Basin Street from Susquehanna to Airport Road. "What we're doing this evening is moving 1,600,000 from capital improvement projects that were completed into the American Parkway capital improvement plan," said Mister Shehada, who described the transfer as necessary to start construction. He said the work is expected to be completed in "June of 2025." The committee voted to forward the measure to council.
The panel also approved Bill 24, which would add $350,000 to a newly created capital account for the Hamilton Street streetscape project. Mister Shaw told the committee the money comes from an "MTF DCED grant" and will fund sidewalks, curbs, ADA ramps, pedestrian lighting, trees, bike racks and trash receptacles along the Hamilton Street corridor from Fifth Street to the edge of the NIZ zone, including the block in front of the old courthouse. Committee members asked when that section was last upgraded; staff said the block still has older curbs and sidewalks and needs improvements.
Bill 25 would add $1,900,000 to a capital account to enhance road safety and improve pedestrian and cyclist accessibility on South Jefferson Street. Staff described the award as coming through an "ARRL grant" and said the funds are fully reimbursable but must be advanced by the city before reimbursement. Committee members confirmed the project is related to the Safe Streets for All program. The committee voted to forward Bill 25 to council.
Finally, Bill 26 would provide a supplemental appropriation of $7,624.29 to reimburse individuals for tree plantings. "This is money back for tree plantings throughout," a staff member said. The committee voted to forward that bill favorably as well and then adjourned.
All four measures were moved, seconded and carried on voice votes. No members of the public spoke during the committee’s discussion. The measures will next appear before the full City Council for final consideration.
