ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Homeless encampment sweeps in Allentown have been temporarily paused as city leaders work to develop new policies addressing homelessness.
Allentown City Council on Wednesday heard from residents and reviewed a proposed ordinance from Councilmember Ce-Ce Gerlach that would have required a 60-day notice before clearing encampments and aimed to standardize how the city handles homeless camps.
Gerlach later withdrew the ordinance after receiving assurances that city officials would work collaboratively to draft a new policy.
Council approved a pause on encampment sweeps through June 1 to allow time for discussions and policy development.
According to Gerlach, it is rare for all seven council members to agree on a single issue, but members were unified in supporting the pause and working toward a solution.
She said she has already begun meeting with city officials, including the managing director, to discuss next steps.
“I met today with the managing director as well as another member of council. We went through the policy. We both brought up some concerns and some ideas,” she said.
Gerlach added that if no proposal is brought forward by the June 1 deadline, she plans to reintroduce her ordinance.