ALLENTOWN – The Allentown Borough Council has adopted an ordinance that will increase the number of people who may serve on the town’s Economic Development Commission (EDC).
The ordinance was introduced by the council on July 10 and adopted on Aug. 14 in a unanimous vote by members of the governing body. The ordinance will increase the number of members on the commission from five to seven, plus two alternates.
EDC 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.
During the public hearing that preceded the council’s vote to adopt the ordinance, EDC Chairwoman Melinda Brown said the commission appreciates the support it receives from the community. She thanked council members for expanding the number of people who may serve on the commission.
Mayor Greg Westfall said the public events the EDC organizes and sponsors are a benefit to the community. He suggested that the commission should also seek to attract businesses to Allentown and to market the borough’s businesses, as described in the municipal code.
Following the adoption of the ordinance, council members authorized the following actions relating to the EDC:
• David Lam has been moved from the Alternate 2 position to a new membership position, with his term to expire on Dec. 31, 2023;
• Municipal Clerk Laurie A. Gavin has been appointed to a new membership position, with her term to expire on Dec. 31, 2023;
• Amanda Pleva has been appointed to the Alternate 1 position, with her term to expire on Dec. 31, 2019;
• Linda Cotte has been appointed to the Alternate 2 position, with her term to expire on Dec. 21, 2019.
In Allentown, the EDC 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; and
• 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.
Councilman Rob Schmitt, who is the governing body’s liaison to the EDC, said the commission “seeks to enhance” three important aspects of Allentown: historic preservation, business, and open space.
“It is not just saying, ‘Hey, we’re here.’ We want folks to come and stay and dine and play. We want folks to know it’s interesting to be here.”
Schmitt said the borough seeks to compare itself to similar municipalities in the region such as Bordentown and Cranbury.
In other business on Aug. 14, council members adopted an ordinance which will fund water improvements. Municipal officials will issue $475,000 in bonds and notes to finance the majority of the estimated cost of $500,000. The remainder of the funds will consist of a $25,000 down payment, according to the ordinance.
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.
