ALLENTOWN – A public hearing has been scheduled for the Aug. 14 meeting of the Allentown Borough Council on an ordinance that proposes to increase the number of people who may serve on the town’s Economic Development Commission.
The ordinance was introduced by the council on July 10. The ordinance proposes increasing the number of members on the commission from five to seven, plus two alternates. Members are appointed for a term of five years by the mayor, with the advice and consent of the council.
A member of the commission must be a resident of the borough or an individual who operates a business in Allentown, according to the ordinance.
“We have people who want to join us” and be a part of what the commission is doing, Councilman Rob Schmitt said upon the introduction of the ordinance. He said the commission focuses on economic, historic and environmental aspects of the community and how those three areas are interconnected.
In Allentown, the Economic Development Commission has the following powers and duties:
• To inquire into, survey and publicize the extent, advantages and utility of vacant land and property in the borough;
• To classify such vacant land according to its adaptability for the (use) of various types of businesses, professional and industrial enterprises;
• To study and analyze various businesses, industries and professions with a view to ascertaining the opportunities for expansion of such businesses, industries and professions in the borough;
• To recommend to the Borough Council advertising the economic advantages and opportunities and availability of real estate in the borough, and encourage and accomplish business, industrial and professional settlement in the borough.
In other business on July 10, council members introduced an ordinance providing for water improvements and appropriating $500,000 for that purpose.
Municipal officials are proposing to issue $475,000 in bonds and notes to finance the majority of the costs. The remainder of the funds will be in the form of a $25,000 down payment, according to the ordinance.
A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for the council’s Aug. 14 meeting and residents may comment on the proposed law at that time. The purpose of the ordinance is to provide for water improvements that include, but are not limited to, water line replacements, hydrant repair/replacements, and general water plant improvements, as needed.
