ALLENTOWN – Funding for the second phase of Allentown’s Historic Streetscape Improvement project has been set in motion by the Borough Council.
On Dec. 26, council members voted 6-0 to adopt a bond ordinance appropriating $1.9 million and authorizing the issuance of $1 million in bonds and notes to finance a portion of the streetscape improvements.
The bond ordinance was adopted with support from council President Wil Borkowski, Councilman Rob Schmitt, Councilman Thomas Fritts, Councilwoman Angela Anthony, Councilman Robert Strovinsky and Councilwoman Johnna Stinemire.
Municipal officials have said a portion of the streetscape improvements will be paid for with grants Allentown has received for the initiative, specifically $854,000 from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and $235,000 from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Mayor Greg Westfall has said the improvements will include the replacement of deteriorated curbing and sidewalks and bring the area targeted for improvement into full compliance with standards established by the Americans With Disabilities Act.
The proposed improvements may extend west on Church Street to the borough limits and north on Main Street to Broad Street, he said.
Existing sidewalks are expected to be replaced with a combination of brick pavers and concrete, and concrete curb will be installed to match the improvements that were completed during the first phase of the streetscape project, according to the mayor.
In addition, street trees that are more suitable for streetscapes will be planted in place of any trees that have to be removed in order to properly reconstruct the sidewalks and curbs.
During the public hearing on the ordinance, resident John Fabiano asked if a citizens committee will be named to assist borough officials and professionals with the project.
Westfall said there will be a citizens panel. In response to comments about costs and other aspects of the planned improvements, the mayor said the borough engineer and Strovinsky will monitor the work closely.
“I would like due diligence on the project,” Fabiano responded. “Please be mindful of the taxpayers’ money and use it sparingly.”
Resident Anne Garrison spoke about materials such as concrete and certain fixtures that may be used to complete the streetscape improvements and said, “It is important that we do this properly. Please have some aesthetic people at the top with the engineering people.”
Strovinsky said it is expected that most of the second phase of the streetscape improvements will occur in residential areas. Allentown’s downtown district was the focus of the first phase of the streetscape improvements.