Allentown Redevelopment Authority

The Redevelopment Authority works closely with the City of Allentown to address blighted properties within the city. After a multi-step certification process, as per the Urban Redevelopment Law 1712, the Redevelopment Authority has the jurisdiction to acquire Certified Blighted properties thru the eminent domain process to assist with the elimination of blight. Once acquired, the Authority can start the transformation of the properties back to code compliance and in the end, provide viable housing to the community. The Redevelopment Authority is also responsible for the management of the City of Allentown's "Abandoned Real Property" Ordinance No. 15026 which requires the registration and maintenance of abandoned, foreclosed or distressed real property within the City in order to address safety and aesthetic concerns. The management of this ordinance goes hand in hand with the blight process and is another way the Redevelopment Authority can proactively address the deterioration and blight issues caused by the increasing number of abandoned, foreclosed or distressed properties. This is all in an effort to protect neighborhoods from decay and is in the best interests of the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens and residents of the City of Allentown. The Redevelopment Authority's purpose is to focus on areas that are problematic and in need of rehabilitation which in turn creates a pipeline of properties for local community development agencies and First-Time Homebuyer programs. The redevelopment of these areas is not only about building projects, it's about building a community for the people.