Historic Preservation is the original way to be green.
Historic Preservation Commission
The Historic Preservation Commission exists for the protection, enhancement and preservation of districts, sites, buildings and structures of historic, cultural or architectural value of interest within the Borough of Allentown. The HPC exists for advisory purposes and does not supplement the zoning ordinances of the Borough of Allentown.
The HPC promotes the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the Borough of Allentown through the preservation of historic buildings, structures, places, sites, districts, vistas and views through the development and maintenance of these appropriate settings which impart distinctive aspects to the Borough of Allentown and serve as visible reminders of its historical and cultural heritage.
The HPC's creation of the historic district is intended to:
The HPC promotes the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the Borough of Allentown through the preservation of historic buildings, structures, places, sites, districts, vistas and views through the development and maintenance of these appropriate settings which impart distinctive aspects to the Borough of Allentown and serve as visible reminders of its historical and cultural heritage.
The HPC's creation of the historic district is intended to:
- Safeguard the heritage of the Borough of Allentown by preserving resources within the Borough that reflect elements of its cultural, social, economic and architectural history;
- Encourage the continued use of historic landmarks and to facilitate their appropriate reuse;
- Promote appreciation of historic districts and sites for the education, pleasure and welfare of the local population;
- Maintain and develop an appropriate and harmonious setting for the historic and architecturally significant buildings, structures and districts within the Borough;
- Foster beautification and private reinvestment;
- Discourage unnecessary demolition of historic resources and inappropriate building or development;
- Encourage the appropriate maintenance and preservation of historic districts;
- Enhance the visual and aesthetic character of the Borough;
- Promote the conservation of historic districts and sites and to invite voluntary compliance.
All meetings take place at 7:00PM on the dates indicated at Borough Hall.
Below you will find a link to Ordinance 05-2016 which changes the amount of time the HPC has to review applications from twenty days to thirty five days. This went into effect on March 29, 2016. Below you can also find a copy of the Historic District map. Below you will find a link to Ordinance 03-2021 which changes the Historic Preservation Review Commission to the Historic Preservation Commission. This went into effect April 20, 2021.
Here is a link to the Upper Freehold Historic Farmland Byway Virtual Tour. Here is a link to the Allentown Historic District Inventory Report.
Click here to read 24 reasons why Historical Preservation is good for your community.