ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The City of Allentown announced it recently assessed its flood plain maps and says the area along Jordan Creek is in an active flood zone, posing a ‘significant danger’ to those living there.
The city says in light of recent deadly flooding events across the country, the city is taking ‘proactive steps to protect the health and safety of individuals in these high-risk areas’.
Beginning Thursday, August 7, Allentown says it will post formal notices informing those living along Jordan Creek in the Jordan Meadows area that they must vacate by August 25.
The City of Allentown said in a statement, “The City is supporting community partners in their efforts to connect individuals with services, while also exploring both short- and long-term solutions. The safety and well-being of all residents will always remain a top priority for the City.”
In late June, Allentown developer Nat Hyman threatened legal action against the city and other officials, claiming the city’s failure to address homeless encampments along Jordan Creek was causing pollution and violating environmental laws.
Allentown developer cites ‘environmental justice’ in plans to sue city over homeless encampments
Hyman previously filed a lawsuit in Lehigh County in April 2025, alleging the city’s failure to maintain its property along the creek was damaging his adjacent properties.
In a letter, Hyman said he was willing to negotiate a solution and offered to contribute financially toward a long-term plan, potentially including a shelter similar to one in nearby Bethlehem. His legal team said the 60-day notice period required before filing a lawsuit was an opportunity to find a resolution.
If no agreement was reached within that time, they had planned to file lawsuits in both state and federal court.