Laurie A. Roth

This document details the Borough of Allentown's Amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, outlining the municipality's strategy to meet affordable housing obligations for the period 1987 through 2035. It addresses present and prospective needs through mechanisms such as existing group homes and a proposed multi-family residential overlay zone. The plan incorporates analyses of demographic and housing characteristics, land use patterns, and development constraints, including historic preservation and infrastructure limitations, to ensure a balanced and affordable housing supply in compliance with state regulations.

This document, the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan for the Borough of Allentown, outlines the municipality's strategy to address its affordable housing obligations in accordance with the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law and the New Jersey Fair Housing Act. The plan addresses cumulative fair share obligations for the period from 1987 through 2035, specifically focusing on Round 4 (2025-2035) present and prospective needs. Key strategies include utilizing existing group homes and establishing a Breza Road Overlay Zone to permit inclusionary multi-family development with affordable housing set-asides, aiming to meet its Realistic Development Potential (RDP) and broader housing needs.

The Borough of Allentown's 2018 Master Plan updates the original 1978 plan, integrating various elements like land use, historic preservation, conservation, housing, circulation, recycling, stormwater management, and park/recreation/open space. The plan's core principles focus on maintaining the Borough's historic character, current land use intensity, and residential neighborhoods, fostering a viable economic base, and conserving natural resources. Key objectives include ensuring public safety, environmental protection, upgrading municipal facilities, promoting open space and recreation, and encouraging appropriate development, with an assumption of minimal future population growth.

This five-year Community Forestry Management Plan for the Borough of Allentown aims to maintain and promote a healthy, safe, and sustainable shade tree resource. The plan focuses on evaluating and updating tree ordinances, enhancing storm preparedness, conducting comprehensive tree inventory and assessment, implementing strategic tree planting initiatives, ensuring effective tree maintenance and care, fostering public education and awareness, and managing administrative requirements. Its intended outcomes include improving community tree resources, reducing liabilities, and enhancing public safety and environmental quality.

The Borough of Allentown Planning Board held a public hearing and adopted a Housing Plan Element and Fair Share Plan of the Master Plan. The adopted plan will be available for public inspection at Borough Hall during regular business hours.