Planning Commission, July 14, 2026
Approves Advisory recommendation on Bill 52 data center zoning amendments, unanimous
What happened
The Allentown Planning Commission granted conditional preliminary/final plan approval to the West Residence (Eiler building), a seven-story, 200-unit mixed-use building at 216 Allen Street/117 Liberty Street by Urban Residencia, subject to numerous design conditions.
- Jurisdiction
- Allentown, PA
- Governing body
- Final authority
- Date
- July 14, 2026
- Decisions
- 6 zoning decisions
- Outcome
- Approved, unanimous
Projects in this meeting (2)
Each is its own project; some span multiple hearingsData Center Zoning
RecommendedWest Residence major land development
RecommendedFree sample: decision 1 of 6
Public comment policy adoption
Planning Commission formally adopted a public comment policy mirroring city council and the city charter, restricting comment to residents with a three-minute limit and general comment at meeting end.
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 granted conditional preliminary/final plan approval to the West Residence (Eiler building), a seven-story, 200-unit mixed-use building at 216 Allen Street/117 Liberty Street by Urban Residencia, subject to numerous design conditions.
Key Decisions (6)
Public comment policy adoption
Postponement (tabling) policy adoption
Advisory recommendation on Bill 52 data center zoning amendments
West Residence major land development at 216 Allen Street
Sketch plan review for medical office building at 3995 Tilghman Street
Adoption of official meeting end-time policy
Development Activity (2)
West Residence (Eiler building)
Mixed-Use
Medical office building at 3995 Tilghman Street
Commercial
Market Signals (5)
Infrastructure
Residents report electrical grid instability (flickering lights, cycling air conditioners…
Commercial Demand
Data center development is active in Allentown's industrial zones, with…
Housing Demand
Commissioners noted a shortage of housing to serve the community…
Who Spoke (19)
On the record: the chair, 3 commissioners, 3 staff members, 3 applicant's representatives, and 4 members of the public.
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