ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Lehigh Valley Planning Commission officials on Tuesday urged their colleagues in Allentown to put pedestrians and cyclists at the center of their effort to redesign Center Square.
The city in February revealed the first look at the project at the Seventh and Hamilton streets in Center City.
Renderings showed the Soldiers and Sailors monument will remain the focal point of the new plaza.
The plaza outside the Lehigh County Government Center would be extended to cover several current traffic lanes, while the plaza in front of Two City Center would be expanded to take over the left-turn lane on Seventh Street.
The project would not touch the monument in the middle of the intersection, officials have said.
“While designing the roadway to accommodate all transportation modes is encouraged, pedestrian and bicyclist safety should be prioritized in design decisions as these are the most vulnerable road users."LVPC chief community planner Jill Seitz
Dozens of residents weighed in on the project last June, with many urging officials to use the space for dining, seating, farmers markets and festivals.
Others called for enhanced pedestrian safety measures, spaces for gathering and celebration and better lighting.
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Chief Community Planner Jill Seitz said Allentown officials should put pedestrians and bikers at the forefront of their planning.
“While designing the roadway to accommodate all transportation modes is encouraged, pedestrian and bicyclist safety should be prioritized in design decisions as these are the most vulnerable road users,” Seitz said.
Downtown green space in short supply
LVPC officials suggested the city install physical barriers, including curbs and walls, between the road and plaza to ensure their safety.
And officials’ plans to install street trees, planters and other greenery are more than welcome.
Center City Allentown is nationally ranked above the 90th percentile for its lack of green space, according to Seitz.
Allentown's main goal is to create an “urban plaza for downtown Allentown” and “beautify the area [to] create a sense of place.”Jennifer Gomez, Allentown’s planning and zoning director
Jennifer Gomez, Allentown’s planning and zoning director, said the city’s main goal is to create an “urban plaza for downtown Allentown” and “beautify the area [to] create a sense of place.”
Officials also want to install traffic-calming measures, but much of the project must be approved by the state Transportation Department, as Seventh Street is a state road, she said.
City officials now are working to “evaluate whether we can incorporate any more [LVPC] suggestions to improve the project” for pedestrians and bicyclists, Gomez told the commission.
The project at 7th and Hamilton streets would be funded by the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone’s Public Improvement Investment Program, officials have said.
The special taxing district allows some Center City businesses to keep tens of millions of dollars in state and local taxes each year.
Allentown officials and the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission are working to implement Vision Zero policies that aim to eliminate traffic and pedestrian fatalities by 2030.
