Borough officials recently began a formal process to preserve open space in Allentown’s downtown area.
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
ALLENTOWN — Borough officials recently began a formal process to preserve open space in Allentown’s downtown area.
At the Oct. 8 Borough Council meeting, the governing body unanimously introduced a letter of agreement to purchase 32 ½ Main Street, a 2.86-acre property, to ultimately designate it as open space.
Mayor Stuart Fierstein said previously rumors abounded that the property would be otherwise developed as apartments or senior housing, and that over the years specific applications were made to the local land use board.
Instead, two appraisers will now examine the property, with the borough paying average of their two appraisals for the acquisition through the Green Acres funding.
Mayor Fierstein said he approached the owner of the property after a demolition permit was applied for.
He said the pursuit of open space, if successful, would be an opportunity to “provide a green belt around the town.”
He further suggested that any potential development on the site involving residential units would tax the borough’s water and sewer system.
As for what the ultimate use for the open space would be, officials have not yet decided, though the mayor suggested recreation uses or community gardens as possibilities.
”The town doesn’t need another impactful application,” he said, referring to apartments or a similar development.
Another negative result of a residential development at the site would be increased traffic, something he said is already a problem on several county roads outside the jurisdiction of borough officials.