November 1, 2024 − Sen. Nick Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton), Reps. Josh Siegel (D-Lehigh), Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh) and Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh) today announced they secured $7.9 million for infrastructure improvement projects in Allentown.
“Continuing to create family-sustaining jobs and investing in our cultural assets is crucial to the long-term success of the Lehigh Valley,” said Miller. “These projects, from renovating vacant properties to investing in our arts and sciences to expanding local small businesses, show the wide scope of amenities we need here for both our residents and our visitors.”
Schweyer added, “The funding announced today will have a direct benefit for our residents and visitors to Allentown and the greater Lehigh Valley,” said Schweyer. “This funding gives an opportunity for our local businesses, like Mishka and the Marcon Properties Eastern Exterior Wall Systems project at the Allentown Metal Works site, to increase their manufacturing and production in our region and allows local organizations to make repairs, improvements and upgrades, which will help improve the quality of life in our communities. I want to thank my Lehigh County legislative colleagues and Sen. Miller for partnering with me to advocate for these projects.”
Schlossberg said, “When lawmakers and Gov. Shapiro work together, our region wins. Today’s announcement will also help municipal leaders serve their residents and our region with better services area businesses create jobs that pay good wages and help enhance our region’s health care. When we all work together, we make the Lehigh Valley a better place to live.”
Siegel added, “As the city of Allentown continues to evolve with the times, I am extremely proud of this delegation’s work, and grateful for Gov. Shapiro’s continued support for and investment in the Lehigh Valley. This historic investment in our cultural and educational assets like the Baum School of Art and DaVinci Science Center will continue to make Allentown and the Lehigh Valley a place where people want to live, raise a family and work.”
The projects are listed below:
- The Allentown Basin Street Redevelopment project will receive $250,000 for site preparation and infrastructure efforts for the future construction of a manufacturing warehouse facility, including erosion and sedimentation controls, earthwork including export and import soils, rock removal and blasting as required, storm sewer systems, structures, piping, sanitary service piping and structures, water service piping and accessories, on-site concrete and curbing and required retaining walls.
- Eastern Exterior Wall Systems, Inc.’s Allentown Metal Works Phase 1 will receive $1.5 million for construction-related activities. The building was originally constructed in the early 1900s and is in dilapidated condition. The funding will help with the return of the site to productive manufacturing use.
- The Allentown Parking Authority will receive $250,000 for the acquisition and rehabilitation of the former PPL employee deck.
- The Baum School of Art will receive $1 million to add four floors, incorporating two additional classrooms equipped with accompanying restrooms for youth students and a multipurpose classroom space that overlooks the Allentown Arts Park.
- The Da Vinci Science Center will receive $2 million toward continued development.
- The Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Campus will receive $1.5 million for renovations and upgrades throughout the campus.
- This Life Forever will receive $1 million for the expansion of Mishka Vodka, going toward new construction.
- The city of Allentown will receive $500,000 for the redevelopment of the PPL Tower North Building.
- The Allentown Parking Authority will receive $250,000 for the spiral deck rehabilitation, including adding lighting under the deck and a new mural on the deck, which is currently owned by the Allentown Parking Authority.
- Blackstone Structures, LLC will receive $300,000 to construct a parking garage for the Swans property, which is being developed as a multi-family apartment building. The funding will go to the concrete foundation systems, floor slabs, grade beams, columns, shafts and the elevated deck for the parking level of this building. The overall project will consist of both apartments and retail space.
The funding comes via the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, a state grant program for the design, acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.