Allentown introducing major zoning changes to public

The City of Allentown has been holding a series of public meetings this week as part of its effort to launch ZONE Allentown, aimed at updating the city’s zoning ordinance and map and to make strategic revisions to the city’s subdivision and land development ordinance.

Trevor Tormann, senior planner with the city’s Bureau of Planning and Zoning, said staff hope to answer questions and make sure that the plan aligns with residents’ ideals for their neighborhoods.

“Resident feedback is important for this project to succeed in matching the community goals last communicated through the City's comprehensive plan, Allentown Vision 2030,” Tormann said. “Residents can comment on new zoning designations, specific policy changes, and intentions behind the project's six main objectives.”

ZONE Allentown is derived from the Allentown Vision 2030 plan, the city’s comprehensive 10-year blueprint for guiding economic growth and physical change. One of the key "catalytic actions" recommended in the plan is a complete update and modernization of existing zoning regulations.

Among the suggestions is making the city more employment friendly.

“ZONE Allentown will support employment opportunities by proposing codes that preserve the manufacturing economy, support job growth, and aid local entrepreneurs,” said Tormann. “This updated code maintains Allentown's history and identity of a manufacturing economy by preserving industrial zoning to accommodate future manufacturing, and it expands low-impact manufacturing more permissibly elsewhere in the city.”

Public meetings scheduled on the plan include:

Wednesday, July 10, 2024: Fearless Fire Company, 6-8 p.m.

Thursday, July 11, 2024: Theatre514, 6-8 p.m.

Planning & Zoning will also hold office hours at City Hall on July 10 and July 11 from 9 to 11a.m. each day.

After considering comments received during this public review phase, the draft ordinances will be revised and proceed to a formal review and adoption process. The goal is to adopt and implement the new ordinances by the end of 2024.

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