Planning Commission, April 14, 2026
Approves Zoning text amendment for data center use (Bill 2026), unanimous
What happened
The Allentown Planning Commission recommended approval of a special exception for an adaptive reuse project at 322-324 North 7th Street, converting a manufacturing warehouse into six dwelling units, subject to conditions to be granted by the Zoning Hearing Board.
- Jurisdiction
- Allentown, PA
- Governing body
- Final authority
- Date
- April 14, 2026
- Decisions
- 3 zoning decisions
- Outcome
- Approved, unanimous
Projects in this meeting (1)
A project bundles every related decision, across hearingsAdaptive reuse
RecommendedFree sample: decision 1 of 3
Adaptive reuse special exception at 322-324 North 7th Street
Recommendation to Zoning Hearing Board for adaptive reuse converting a two-story manufacturing warehouse on North Hall Street into six dwelling units (two one-bedroom, two one-bedroom with office, two two-bedroom). Parking on abutting lot at 315-319 North Hall Street restriped to 19 spaces. Property within MXC storefront mixed corridor and partially within HBDO overlay. Applicant Richard Bowers; attorney Ron Rabitz. Voice vote, ayes have it.
- Minor land development submitted showing street tree in empty tree well
- replacement of deteriorated curb and ADA-compliant sidewalk
- compliance with parkland dedication
- compliance with sewage planning and utility connections
- bike racks
- inquiry about units affordability
- additional lighting on building and lot to the extent necessary
The other decisions are listed below by title. The full write-up, verbatim conditions, and the audio at each vote are in Pro.
Meeting Summary
The Allentown Planning Commission recommended approval of a special exception for an adaptive reuse project at 322-324 North 7th Street, converting a manufacturing warehouse into six dwelling units, subject to conditions to be granted by the Zoning Hearing Board.
Key Decisions (3)
Adaptive reuse special exception at 322-324 North 7th Street
Land development at 928 American Parkway Northeast
Zoning text amendment for data center use (Bill 2026)
Development Activity (2)
Adaptive reuse at 322-324 North 7th Street
Residential
928 American Parkway Northeast manufacturing building
Industrial
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Allentown's rental vacancy rate is between 0.8% and 1.4%, far…
Commercial Demand
Data center inquiries have surged in the Lehigh Valley with…
Commercial Demand
Market demand for higher industrial ceiling heights is pushing manufacturing…
Who Spoke (10)
On the record: the chair, 2 commissioners, 2 staff members, 2 applicants, and the applicant's representative.
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