Allentown’s visioning committee unveiled a new vision statement to guide revitalization within the Hamilton Street district for the next decade. The statement says: ”We envision the Hamilton Street District as the commercial and cultural heart of the Lehigh Valley, an attractive, welcoming community, filled with activity and energy, offering employment, dining, arts, entertainment, shopping, and residential opportunities, supported by culturally diverse and architecturally attractive neighborhoods.” The statement was developed out of ideas generated by residents, businesspeople, government staff and representatives of nonprofits during the previous four meetings at the Holiday Inn on Hamilton Street.
 
Source: The Morning Call, 8.26.08

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 An 88-year-old former silk mill in Allentown PA may get a new life as apartments marketed to professionals working in New York City. Developer Nat Hyman says he wants to turn the third and fourth floors of his property at 315-325 Linden St., a warehouse that was once one of Allentown’s many textile mills, into 57 efficiency apartments that would rent for around $600 a month. The proposed apartments, next to the American Parkway bus terminal, would be ideal for singles or young couples who commute to New York City.
 
Source: The Morning Call, 8.27.08

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Allentown officials are considering a switch to two-way traffic on one-way southbound Seventh Street, a gateway thoroughfare into the city. Some Seventh Street merchants and residents think the concept is worth considering as a way to subdue speeding motorists and to bolster business development and pedestrian safety.
Source: The Morning Call, 9.3.08

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The Allentown Real Estate market is really all over the place at the moment. The recent decision by city officials to require city inspections is complicating things for both buyers and sellers within the city.

The problem is mostly with investment properties. Allentown probably has the greatest number of tenant occupied properties in the Lehigh Valley. For years these landlords have been able to get away with sub-standard maintence and upkeep on the properties they own. You would be truly amazed at the living conditions of many of the homes and apartments in Allentown. This problem is focused mainly in center city and parts of south Allentown. What the city really needs is more home ownership and less slumlords

Another surprising feature about Allentown is the drastic contrast in the quality of homes and neighborhoods. The west end is a far cry from the urban decay and neglect of the city. Its amazing how nice the west side truly is. There are beautiful homes on tree lined streets, in clean quiet neighborhoods, kids playing in street, people out mowing thier lawns – some really nice homes at affordable prices.

The east side – on either side of Union blvd, near Bethlehem, also has some nice areas featuring some affordable homes. Nice cape cods, ranches, even some newer townhomes are usually available for first time buyers and young families looking for a good buy.

Overall the same rules apply to Allentown as do the whole Lehigh Valley. Good homes in nice neighborhoods, that are priced right, still sell very quickly. And if you are selective, Allentown still presents many opportunites when looking for homes for sale.

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Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski froze all nonessential spending this week to help plug a projected $1.9 million hole in the city’s budget. The city is on pace to see $1.5 million less than projected revenues from real estate transfer fees. The slowing housing market is affecting transfer tax revenue in all municipalities in the Lehigh Valley. REALTORS® have argued for years that the transfer tax is an unstable source of revenue. LVAR will continue to advocate against the transfer tax.
 
Source: The Morning Call, 9.3.08

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