Planning Commission - 2026-02-10
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Allentown Planning Commission granted a one-year extension to 02/13/2027 for Central Park Apartments at 605 Wineta Street (126-unit complex). Two major mixed-use developments—a 23-unit building at 112 North 8th Street and a 40-unit building at 119-123 North 9th Street by AW Living—were tabled pending zoning hearing board approval for demolition under the Historic Building Demolition Overlay. The commission also approved a minor land development at 1420 Walnut Street for a three-story two-family dwelling.
Key Decisions (4)
Extension for Central Park Apartments at 605 Wineta Street
One-year extension granted to 02/13/2027 for a 12-building, 126-unit apartment complex. Applicant cited need to coordinate street realignment with adjacent Northridge development. Project originally received final conditional approval in 2021 and has been working through sewer planning, drainage review, and traffic impact study revisions.
Minor Land Development at 1420 Walnut Street
Approved demolition of existing two-story garage and construction of three-story detached two-family dwelling on rear parcel fronting Hickory Street. Property located in RH High Density Residential District, TNDO, and HBDO. Applicant: Carroll Engineering representing property owner.
Mixed-Use Development at 112 North 8th Street
Seven-story apartment building with 23 studio units proposed by AW Living. Requires demolition of three existing buildings in HBDO zone. Located in B-2 Central Business District, TNDO, and HBDO. Parking to be provided at APA Spiral Deck. Tabled pending zoning hearing board approval for demolition.
Mixed-Use Development at 119-123 North 9th Street
Seven-story mixed-use building with 40 dwelling units (29 studios, 11 one-bedrooms) and 2,000+ sq ft retail proposed by AW Living. Requires demolition of three existing buildings and consolidation of three lots. Located in B-2 Central Business District, TNDO, and HBDO. Parking at APA 940 Linden Street deck. Tabled pending zoning hearing board approval.
Development Activity (5)
Central Park Apartments
12 buildings, 126 dwelling units, parking, landscaping, lighting, stormwater management. Coordinating street extension with adjacent Northridge development.
1420 Walnut Street Two-Family Dwelling
Three-story detached two-family dwelling on rear parcel. Front lot to be converted to four dwelling units per prior ZHB variance.
AW Living 8th Street
Seven-story building, 23 studio units, lobby, leasing office, amenity spaces. Modern design with thin brick and fiber cement panels.
AW Living 9th Street
Seven-story building, 40 units (29 studios, 11 one-bedrooms), 2,000+ sq ft ground floor retail, amenity space on 2nd floor, terraces on upper floors.
Northridge Development
Large development requiring coordination of Waneta Street extension and realignment with Central Park Apartments.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Multiple high-density residential projects (189 total units across three projects) are advancing in downtown Allentown, indicating strong developer interest in urban infill housing.
Housing Demand
Commission noted these developments support regional housing shortage and add to housing supply within ten-minute walk of high-capacity transit.
Commercial Demand
Mixed-use development at 119-123 North 9th Street includes 2,000+ sq ft retail space; owner seeking cafe or neighborhood-serving retail to help transition area beyond downtown core.
Infrastructure
Parking Authority structured parking decks (Spiral Deck and 940 Linden) have adequate capacity to support new residential developments, with over 1,000 spaces available.
Sentiment
Commission expressed strong support for vertical urban development but emphasized need for parking agreements, trash management plans, and loading zones to mitigate neighborhood impacts.