Allentown, Pennsylvania – March 27, 2025 – Sen. Nick Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton), and Gary Newman of Blackstone Structures LLC held a press conference in conjunction with the groundbreaking ceremony of Newman’s new housing development, The Swans at 826 Turner St, Allentown, PA 18102.
Senator Nick Miller said, “As we continue to see in different reports of housing and affordability throughout the Lehigh Valley, the demand and supply constraints has continued, not just from post COVID, but now into 2025, therefore, projects like these continue to chip away at the overwhelming demand so we appreciate Newman’s investment.”
Local leaders, including Representative Joshua Siegel, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of this kind of investment in the City of Allentown. “A little over a decade ago, we know that the NIZ really started taking root with the PPL Center and the ambition behind the neighborhood improvement zone was always this. It would ultimately be such an incentive to developers from around the country to really see the value in Allentown.”
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated the impact of having this space occupied as it was a Hess parking deck before, “As they looked at the parking deck, and now look for the past 15 years at a vacant lot, they wondered what we’re going to see, what’s going to eventually come to this neighborhood. And now we know that not only 142 new units of market rate housing [will] come to this neighborhood, but a level of excitement and a breath of life and fresh air is going to come to the neighborhood. New families will be coming to the neighborhood.”
Gary Newman emphasized this sentiment, “I’m honored to be allowed to do this project. This job will commence in short order, and I have no doubt I would not be standing here without the help of our developers and hope to be a good neighbor to Principal Bodnar.”
As housing crisis continues nationally, new developments will continue to bring new families and residents to the area.
Attendees: Senator Nick Miller, Gary Newman, Mayor Tuerk, Representative Siegel, Allentown City Council President Daryl Hendricks, Steve Bamford (Executive Director – Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority), Rebecca Bodnar (Principal – Central Elementary School), Mark Hartney (Deputy Director – Allentown Department of Community & Economic Development), Vicky Kistler (Director – Allentown Department of Community & Economic Development), Scott Unger (Executive Director – Allentown Economic Development Corporation).
The full press event can be found on Senator Miller’s website.
