- Ripple Community, Inc. (RCI) appeared before the Allentown Zoning Hearing Board in February and March regarding plans to convert the former Emmanuel UCC building into a community center with 12 apartments. At both hearings, some aspects of the RCI project were opposed by neighbors. Attorneys for both sides then filed final arguments with the Zoning Board, and the Board made it’s decision on zoning variance requests at its April 8th meeting.
- Century-old church gets zoning relief to become affordable housing in Allentown (WFMZ: April 8, 2024)
Ripple Community Inc. presented plans to renovate the former Emmanuel United Church of Christ at 16th and Chew Streets, to provide 12 units of affordable housing for 22 to 30 residents. The facility requested four major variances which involved apartments, a community center, an office and a temporary shelter. Three of the variances were approved at the April 8th meeting of the Zoning Board, but the Community Center was rejected. - Video of April 8th hearing.
- WFMZ report on March 11th meeting
- Meeting details and video recording are posted here
- Century-old church gets zoning relief to become affordable housing in Allentown (WFMZ: April 8, 2024)
- ‘This isn’t gym class’: Bethlehem mayor, councilman spar over affordable housing initiative
(WFMZ: March 19, 2024) - Bethlehem Planning Commission to hear housing strategy that notes limits on what city can do
(Lehigh Valley Live: February 7, 2024) Pennsylvania law precludes Bethlehem from using some “affordable housing” tools that have been used elsewhere. The city cannot require developers to set aside units for low- and moderate-income households, nor can it set rent-control policies or compel landlords to attend mediation proceedings before evicting tenants. - Bethlehem Report on “Strategies to Build Housing Stability in Bethlehem” (92 pages, Nov. 2023)
- Bethlehem gets $850,000 grant to build ‘alley houses’ amid affordable housing crisis
(Morning Call: March 2024)
The discussion includes transportation, housing, non-residential, recreational, and environmental plans and projects.
- The March 27 Video recording is posted here (the 50-minute presentation and discussion begins about 13 minutes from start of the video recording)
- Presentation Slides (PDF)