Thomas C. Fritts

The Reexamination Report for the Borough of Allentown evaluates the municipal master plan and development regulations as mandated by the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law. It assesses the progress on prior objectives, significant changes in underlying assumptions, and proposes specific revisions to the master plan and development regulations. Key areas of focus for recommendations include historic preservation, conservation, housing, circulation, parking, and open space, with an emphasis on revising zoning maps and district nomenclature to align with updated land use plans.

The council conducted a budget workshop and held a public hearing for an ordinance concerning municipal budget appropriation limits. Multiple resolutions were approved, including appointments for official towing services, authorizations for sewer billing adjustments and budget transfers, adoption of a formal surplus policy, and approval of a water audit. Additionally, the council approved a lease amendment with T-Mobile regarding wireless communications equipment on the borough water tower and authorized the end of a service agreement with Eastern Armored Services. Committee reports provided updates on the Historic Streetscape Project, senior wellness initiatives, and improvements at the wastewater treatment plant. The meeting also included an executive session to discuss a shared service agreement for emergency medical services and cell tower lease litigation.

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.