ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Allentown City Council introduced a proposed ordinance Wednesday night that relates to how the city responds to people who are homeless and living outdoors.

The purpose of the proposed bill — which is being sponsored by Councilwomen Ce-Ce Gerlach and Natalie Santos — is to set standards and procedures for remedying unsafe conditions and protecting the rights of homeless individuals living on public property.

The city was criticized last year in August when it posted notices to vacate homeless residents living in an encampment along the Jordan Creek in Jordan Meadows.

The city cited safety concerns because the area was in an active flood zone.

The proposed ordinance would require the city to work with representatives from the Commission on Homelessness and Lehigh County to conduct and develop a risk assessment analysis of each known encampment of more than five individuals.

The proposed ordinance lays out criteria for evaluating each encampment. 

Following such evaluations, the proposed law sets a timeline of requiring a 60-day notice of its intent to close an encampment.

Council President Santo Napoli said the proposed ordinance will be referred to a special committee made up of the entire council prior to it being forwarded to a voting meeting.

Liberty Street resident Mary Tomlinson told council she supports the bill and the efforts to structure future evictions, calling the Jordan Creek evacuations “traumatic and difficult for the whole community.”

“In fact, surrounding communities have established protocols, including lots of collaboration and supports for the people who need to be evicted,” Tomlinson said.  “Warming stations will be closing soon, and the encampments will be growing, so I hope you all take into consideration this need in our city.” 

Allentown Housing Authority appointment

In another matter, council approved a resolution to appoint Sherri Brokopp Binder to the Allentown Housing Authority, with a term expiring in 2031.

Sherri Binder is the wife of new Councilmember Jeremy Binder, who abstained from the vote.

But Tilghman Street resident Betty Cauler criticized the appointment.

“Appointing a councilmember’s spouse to a housing board likely presents a conflict of interest or an appearance of impropriety under Pennsylvania’s Ethics Act, as it involves a familial relationship and potential contract or policy decisions,” Cauler said. “This situation creates an appearance of a conflict which violates the ethical standards for public trust.

“Since Councilman Binder was stumping with the mayor before last year’s election, this appears to be quid pro quo,” she said. “As such, I would ask you all to vote ‘no’ on this.”