435 Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pa. 18101

Allentown

Minutes - Final

City Council

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

6:15 PM

Council Chambers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Allentown City Council will consider for possible adoption an Ordinance

Amending the Zoning Map of the City of Allentown by rezoning parcel 548685625829-1, also known

2851-2865 College Drive from Low Density Residential (R-L) to Institutional-Governmental (I-G).

City Council will consider the foregoing at a Public Hearing on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 6:15 PM

in Council Chambers, 435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101. Copies of the full text of this

Ordinance are available to any interested party for examination and copying at the City Clerk’s Office or

for inspection during regular business hours at the offices of this newspaper and the Lehigh County

Department of Law. All documents can also be found on the City website. City Council may adopt this

amendment to the Zoning Ordinance at the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting at 6:30 PM on

August 6, 2025 immediately following this Public Hearing.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Hanlon and stated that the purpose of this

hearing is to take comments from the public on Bill 47. This Bill rezones

parcel 548685625829-1, also known 2851-2865 College Drive from Low

Density Residential (R-L) to Institutional-Governmental (I-G). The Bill was

voted favorably by the Community and Economic Development Committee

and the two Planning Commissions. He asked Mr. Hanlon if he can read

the Bill, please.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that Bill 47 requests from Cedar Crest College

to rezone 2851- 2865 College Drive from Low Density Residential (R-L) to

Institutional-Governmental (I-G).

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok. He asked Ms. Kistler if she would briefly

explain the Bill.

Ms. Vicky Kistler stated yes, Mr. Hendricks. She stated that the neighbors

adjacent property owners were contacted about this issue. She stated that

they do not have any inquiries or letters to submit or complaints to this

affect. The city staff has reviewed this and forward this favorable with no

hesitation whatsoever. She stated that they do have the representatives

from Cedar Crest here to answer any questions if Council or the public

should have any.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok. Thank you very much. He asked if he has

any questions or comments from his colleagues or any comments from the

public. He stated that he knows that it was voted on favorably in the

committee and forwarded to the full Council. He asked someone from the

college if they wish to speak to the Bill. He stated that he doesn't want to

take that right away from them.

Attorney Chris McLean from Fitzpatrick Lentz and Bubba on behalf of the

college. He stated with him this evening is Dr. Meade, the president of the

college and Elizabeth Wilson, the CFO. He stated that they are certainly

willing to answer any questions you may have. The Project that will follow

the rezoning will be converting the residents, rehabilitating the residents

into the academic center for the Harmon Center for leadership and

technology. He stated that he will let Mr. Meade speak briefly to what that

is all about to give the board a little idea, but general they are looking to

keep the residential character of the property. It needs some tender loving

care. Mostly, internal renovations. Turning bedrooms into officers.

Creating a small conference space in the basement for that academic

program which is made possible by a recent gift from an estate.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Attorney McLean and stated good evening.

Dr. Elizabeth Meade stated good evening and thank you so much for the

opportunity to speak. She stated that their intention in purchasing the

properties is maintain the residential character of where they find

themselves to be good stewards of the neighborhood. They love the

character of the neighborhood and we want to keep it the character of the

residential neighborhood. It will be occupied really primarily between 8:30

and 4:30 with the potential to perhaps some evening classes. She stated

that they have a good reputation in maintaining our existing property to a

very high standard that would be applied to them as well. She stated that

they also believe Harmon Center for technology for technology is going to

be a great addition to the city of Allentown by providing workforce

development and technology and artificial intelligence as well as

educational benefits for the students of our college.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated ok, thank you. He asked if there were any

questions or comments. He stated that he will ask one more time. He

asked if there were any comments from the public. He asked Mr. Hanlon to

conduct the vote.

Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that this is just for public comment and will be on

the agenda that follows.

Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it will be on the following and stated alright.

He stated that he appreciates their willingness to come in and share that

with us and thank you very much. He stated that would conclude this

meeting. Thank you.

7 -

Present:

Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Natalie Santos, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Candida

Affa, and Santo Napoli

15-7713

Bill 47 The bill was forwarded favorably by the Community and Economic