The Public Works Department will begin sweeping the Township streets on Monday, March 27, 2023. Sweeping helps protect our waterways and keeps our neighborhoods clean and livable. Debris on the streets can clog storm drains and pollute our streams and rivers.

Crews will post “No Parking” signs prior to sweeping residential streets. Parking will be prohibited from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the day of sweeping.

The street sweeper will begin in the areas of North Hills, Boro View, and Hampton Ridge before proceeding to the Allen Village and Kensington area. After these areas are complete the street sweeper will begin sweeping south of Route 329.

How can residents help?

To provide efficient and quick sweeping, our equipment needs to get to the curb without obstructions. Please observe the following:

• The spring street sweeping program typically takes several weeks to complete and could be delayed by cold or wet weather, parked vehicles or excessive amounts of winter anti-skid material.
  
  
• Please keep in mind that this is a very slow moving vehicle. Please use caution while passing.
  
  

Your cooperation and patience is greatly appreciated!

Please direct all street sweeping related questions or concerns to the Public Works Department by calling 610-262-7012 ext 105.

Allen Township has received reports of door-to-door solicitation for the purpose of selling various goods and items (including solar panels). Please note that Allen Township requires each salesperson and helper to obtain a SOLICITATION PERMIT from the Allen Township office.

Follow these tips when it comes to door-to-door sales:

• - Ensure that the salesperson has obtained the proper permit from Allen Township (this is a small yellow laminated card that is issued from Allen Township). Allen Township reviews applications for each salesperson and has a copy of their driver’s license/identification card on file in the office. When applicable, Allen Township may take other steps to ensure the salesperson is who they say they are. For more information about this ordinance and requirements view the Code of Allen Township Chapter 13 Part 2 by clicking this link: https://ecode360.com/15947669. You can always contact the Allen Township Municipal Office (610-262-7012 info@allentownship.org) to verify if a solicitation/vendor permit has been issued for an individual.
  
  
• - Look out for red flags such as deals that are too good to be true or “free” items or services.
  
  
• - Be wary of a salesperson who wants you to make a decision on the spot or sign an agreement, lease, or loan application. If you are interested in the product they are selling, take down their information and think about it for a while. Better yet look up reviews on the company/product and obtain other quotes from other vendors. If the salesperson does not have the time to answer your questions or seems as if they’re dodging the question, it might be a scam. If you decide to contact the company for further information it is best to do a Google search of the company and contact them at the number provided on their website rather than a number that was provided to you.
  
  
• - Keep in mind that it is easy to carry a clipboard and have an “ID badge” – this does not prove they are who they say they are.
  
  
• - Make sure your neighbors, friends, and relatives are aware of these types of sales so they do not fall victim.
  
  
• - Do not let anyone you do not know and were not expecting inside your home. Do not provide any information about your home, the people who reside in the home, your finances, or your day-to-day activities.
  
  
• - Do not sign anything and always read the fine print.
  
  
• - When in doubt, tell the salesperson that you are not interested and close and lock your door!
  
  

If at any time you feel unsafe you should immediately contact the police to file a report.

The hauler, JP Mascaro, has informed our office that due to issues beyond their control, the recycle crew had a very late start this morning. The crew is doing their best to collect all of the recycling for the North Zone but it may be necessary to finish the collection in the morning (Friday, March 24).

Please leave your recycling at the curb if it has not been collected.

If necessary, please contact JP Mascaro (1-800-333-4624)) and/or Allen Township (610-262-7012 or info@allentownship.org) if your recycling has not been collected by early afternoon on Friday (3/24).

As always, if your recycling/trash was missed (all of your neighbors were collected but yours is still out), you may contact JP Mascaro and/or Allen Township to report the missed collection.

Allen Township will not be issuing or approving any Burn Permits at this time. This is due to the dry weather and the concern for the spread of fire.

Update (3/15/2023 - #2): The closure will commence at 8:30AM instead of 9AM on Thursday, March 16th.

Update (3/15/2023 - #1): The contractor made limited progress on Tuesday (3/14) and as such will be temporarily closing Valley Road on Thursday, March 16 from 9AM to 3PM.

Update (3/14/2023): The contractor has informed Allen Township that they plan to temporarily close Valley Road for this work to be completed on Wednesday, March 15. This is weather dependent.

Update (3/13/2023): Due to weather predictions for tomorrow, the scheduled temporary closure of Valley Road has been delayed to a date to be determined. This date will be announced once it is available.

Valley Road will be temporarily closed between Stonebridge Road and Kreidersville Road for utility work (cross pipe installation) on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, between 9 AM to 3 PM (weather permitting).

A traffic detour will be in place to allow traffic to access Valley Road east of the closure area at Snow Hill Road.

Notice of Zoning Hearing Board Meeting And Appeal - Monday, March 27, 2023 at 6:00PM



NOTICE OF ZONING HEARING BOARD MEETING AND APPEAL
ALLEN TOWNSHIP

Notice is hereby given, under the Code of Allen Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, Chapter 27 (Zoning), Part 1909, as amended, that a public hearing will be held by the Allen Township Zoning Hearing Board, at the Allen Township Fire Company Building, located at 3530 Howertown Road, Northampton, Pennsylvania, 18067.

DATE OF HEARING: March 27, 2023

TIME OF HEARING: 6:00 P.M.

The following appeal will be heard:

Hearing 2023-01 – To hear the appeal of Roger Marth (Property Owner/Appellant), 275 Farmhill Road, Northampton, PA 18067. The subject property tax parcel identifier number is: K4-14-2. Property Owner/Appellant appeals the decision of the Zoning Officer or other Township Official alleging that said office has failed to follow prescribed procedures or has misinterpreted or misapplied pursuant to the following sections of the Allen Township Zoning Ordinance: (§27-1507.14) “Resource Recovery Facility”.

Property Owner/Appellant further challenges the Zoning Officer’s interpretation of Section 1507(14) asserting that the Appellant’s farm is used as a Resource Recovery Facility. Additionally, property Owner/Appellant further requests relief in the form of a variance or special exception.

The Board may consider such other matters as may properly come before it.The hearing is open to the public and all interested parties may attend and will be heard.



Ilene Marie Eckhart
Zoning Officer/Manager
Allen Township

Express Times: 3/10/23 & 3/17/23

The Allen Township Park and Recreation Board is in the process of reviewing the current conditions of the Howertown Park in order to make improvements that will benefit the park and the community and allow a greater use of the park. The Allen Township Park and Recreation Board wants to hear from everyone! You do not need to be a resident of Allen Township to take this survey. The Allen Township Park and Recreation Board is interested in survey responses from everyone who currently uses, formerly used, or may want to use the Howertown Park in the future!

The Allen Township Park and Recreation Board will use these survey responses to better evaluate the site and understand the needs and wants of the community during their site visit in March.

The Park and Recreation Board holds regular meetings monthly on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. (Unless otherwise noted). Meetings take place at the Allen Township Fire Company Building Snow Hill Road entrance (3530 Howertown Road, Northampton, PA 18067). Meeting agendas, meeting minutes, and meeting audio can be accessed here: http://allentownship.org/rec_minutes.html

Please click here to access the survey.

Allen Township SPRING WHITE/METAL GOODS COLLECTION – Scheduled for Thursday, March 9th! The SPRING COLLECTION of WHITE/METAL GOODS for Allen Township residents will take place on Thursday, March 9th, with your scheduled garbage collection. Residents may place any white/metal goods (unlimited amount) at the curb for pick up on Thursday, March 9th.

White/metal goods are defined as appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers (with doors and Freon removed), washers, dryers, hot water heaters, dehumidifiers, bicycles, lawnmowers (with oil and gas removed), BBQ grills (with gas and/or charcoal removed), and various other household metal items. White/Metal Goods Collections occur twice a year (Spring & Fall collections). Collection dates are also posted on our trash & recycling page

Collection Dates for 2023:

• Spring Collection - Thursday, March 9th
• Fall Collection – Thursday, November 9th

Allen Township residents who are serviced by the municipal hauler (JP Mascaro & Sons) are reminded that each residence may place one (1) bulk item out per week with their scheduled weekly garbage collection. Bulk items include those items too large to fit into normal garbage cans and are further defined as items having the approximate size and weight of a standard size sofa that can be carried by two (2) men. Examples include furniture, porcelain sinks/toilets, mattresses, and rolled up and tied rugs no larger than 3’x6’. Due to a growing problem with bed bugs, all mattresses and box springs must be wrapped with plastic before placement at the curb for collection. Unacceptable materials that will not be collected include construction materials, hazardous waste, electronics, tires, yard waste, grass clippings, or additional household trash.

*Electronics are NOT included in the White/Metal Goods collection or Bulk Item collection. The electronics recycling event (for Allen Township residents only) is scheduled for Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 9AM to 12PM (Noon) at the Allen Township Fire Company Building. Please click here for the Electronics Recycling Day event flyer.

If you are unsure if an item is categorized as White/Metal Goods, Bulk, or Electronics, give the Township Office (610-262-7012) or JP Mascaro and Sons (1-800-333-4624) a call prior to placing your item at the curb.

The First Regional Compost Authority (FRCA) will host their 2023 Mulch Madness event on Friday, March 24th from 8:00AM to 4:00PM and Saturday, March 25th from 8:00AM to 1:00PM. Mulch material is double ground and all natural! No dye! There will be free loading of any size vehicle or trailer! (Tractor trailers are excluded from the free loading but may self-load). No residency requirement!! $10.00 per day admission charge with unlimited site visits during the event! Handstamps will be provided for reentry. If you are paying cash, exact change is appreciated.

FRCA is located at 6701 Weaversville Road Northampton, PA 18067. Anyone with questions regarding the event should contact Zac at 610-262-1000.

Please click HERE to view FRCA's 2023 Mulch Madness Flyer!

You can visit FRCA's website by clicking HERE.

The Allen Township Park and Recreation Board is seeking survey responses from individuals who use the Allen Township Dog Park (Savage Road, Northampton, PA 18067). The purpose of the survey is to gain insight on what improvements could be made to the Allen Township Dog Park. Responses from the survey will be reviewed and discussed by members of the Park and Recreation Board during and after the Board's site visit to the park. The Park and Recreation Board holds regular meetings monthly on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Meetings take place at the Allen Township Fire Company Building Snow Hill Road entrance (3530 Howertown Road, Northampton, PA 18067). Meeting agendas, meeting minutes, and meeting audio can be accessed here: http://allentownship.org/rec_minutes.html

Please click here to access the survey.

The annual invoices for 2023 trash & recycling will be mailed Tuesday, February 07, 2023.

Rates for 2023 are as follow:
On or Before March 31, 2023 $270.00
April 1, 2023 and April 29, 2023 $280.00
After April 29, 2023 $300.00
Senior Discount by April 1, 2023* $260.00
*Senior discount is for individuals 65 & older. Owner must be 65 by January 31 and must live in home.

Payments can be made at the First Northern Bank & Trust (102 Commerce Drive, Northampton, PA 18067); by mail with the return envelope; or online at http://allentownship.org/payments.html. Please note that there is a convenience fee for online payments (payable to Official Payments). This convenience fee is a fee that is charged by Official Payments and NOT Allen Township for the payment processing service.

If you have any questions regarding your invoice you may contact the Township Treasurer by phone at 610-262-7012 ext. 103.

February 20th through Mid to Late April (or sooner depending on conditions)

The Allen Township Dog Park will be temporarily closed from February 20th through mid to late April (estimated date of reopening). The temporary closure is due to the amount of precipitation our area has experienced over the past few months, as well as the upcoming freeze/thaw cycle. Limiting all paw/foot traffic during this estimated timeframe and while wet and semi-frozen conditions persist, will allow for the proper regeneration of healthy turf grass.

Additionally, the cycle of the ground freezing in the evening hours followed by thawing during the daytime, creates a slushy, muddy and slippery dog park that is not be safe for you or your pet.

The amount of precipitation we receive, going forward, how quickly the frost leaves the ground and the surface dries will determine when the dog park reopens. The Township estimates the reopening to occur tentatively, mid to late April (or sooner depending on conditions). The reopening date will be announced on the Township website.

Thank you for your cooperation during the closure and we look forward to the re-opening of the facility as soon as proper conditions allow.

Please click HERE for the 2023 residential schedule. Additional information can be found by visiting FRCA's website by clicking HERE.

Please click HERE for the Winter 2022 newsletter.

The First Regional Compost Authority (FRCA) will discontinue the acceptance of grass for the remainder of the 2022 Season on October 1st, 2022.

It is recommended that residents who typically dispose of their grass clippings at FRCA begin to grasscycle for the remainder of the 2022 mowing season. Please watch FRCA's website for updates. You may visit their website by clicking HERE.

Residents may NOT dispose of their yard waste in their regular garbage. Yard waste is no longer allowed in landfills in Pennsylvania.

The Allen Township Yard Waste Drop Off Site does NOT accept grass.

Grasscycling reduces the time, costs and labor of bagging grass and returns valuable nutrients to the soil. Grass clippings decompose quickly, so they do not contribute to thatch.

Mowing Practices for Grasscycling:

• * Mow weekly or bi-weekly during the peak growing season.
  
• * Remove no more than one-third of the leaf tissue with a sharp blade to allow the clippings to break down rapidly.
  
• * Although standard mowers do a fine job, mulching mowers chop the grass into finer pieces for quicker breakdown. Some mower manufactures offer mulching kits for standard mowers. If your mower has a bag to collect grass clippings, simply remove the bag when you mow to allow the cut grass to fall onto your yard as you mow.
  
• * When turf is overgrown (such as during rainy periods), large clumps may form after mowing. These clumps can be removed for back yard composting, used as mulch, or spread out on the lawn by remowing.

Effective September 13, 2022, the Allen Township public sewer tapping fee will increase to $6,370 per Equivalent Dwelling Unit from $5,570. The draft resolution and supporting calculations can be reviewed by clicking on the following document link HERE.

PennDOT has provided Allen Township with the official Public Meeting Invitation Letter for residents regarding the Indian Trail Road (SR 3016) Bridge Replacement Project.

The meeting will consist of a brief presentation including a plans display and a question-and-answer period.

The meeting will take place Wednesday July 27, 2022 at the Allen Township Fire Company Building (3530 Howertown Road) at 6:00 PM.

Please click HERE to view the letter from PennDOT.

Should you have any comments or require additional information on this project, please contact Consultant Project Manager Michael Mignella, P.E. at (610) 783-3828 or by email at c-mmignell@pa.gov.

Please click HERE to view the concept display plans which were supplied to the Township in 2020.

At their meeting of Monday, January 24, 2022 the Allen Township Planning Commission recommended consideration of two draft ordinances to resolve the Willow Brook Farm and Alexandra H. Fuller Family Trust Zoning Ordinance Validity Challenge/Curative Amendment (filed May 3, 2019) and the Mixed Use Conceptual Plan to the Allen Township Board of Supervisors. Public Hearings and Tentative Enactment of the Mixed Use Village Draft Zoning & Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Draft Amendments is scheduled for February 22, 2022 at 7 PM. Click here for the Public Hearing/Enactment Notice: February 22, 2022 7 PM PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE. The ordinance draft text is located within the pdf files located at the bottom of this message.

Click here for the filing and associated exhibits including the Challenge Plan Map (May 3rd, 2019):

Willowbrook Challenge to the Substantive Validity of the Allen Township Zoning Ordinance and Request for Curative Amendment Pursuant to Sections 609.1 and 916.1 of the Municipalities Planning Code Text and Willowbrook Challenge Plan.

Click here to view the plan presented to the Board of Supervisors at their meeting of November 24, 2020 to be used in the drafting of a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment"Willow Brook Farms Mixed-Use Community Conceptual Plan for Settlement Purposes".

Click here to view the comments of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (and responses from the Trust counsel) regarding the Draft Mixed Use Village SALDO and Zoning Amendments:

Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Review Comments 22Sept21 - Draft Mixed Use Village Zoning & Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Amendments.

Trust Counsel Response to Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Review Comments 07Oct21 - Draft Mixed Use Village Zoning & Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Amendments.

Click here for the Draft Mixed Use Village Ordinance Amendment Texts: Draft Mixed Use Village Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Amendment - Public Hearing/Tentative Enactment Scheduled for February 22, 2022 at 7 PM.


Draft Mixed Use Village Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Public Hearing/Tentative Enactment Scheduled for February 22, 2022 at 7 PM.

Allen Township requests all residents using the yard waste drop off/pickup area at the Municipal Building (or FRCA Processing Site) be sure to secure all incoming/outgoing loads of material. Please take this matter seriously at tie down all material in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Code!

At their meeting of Tuesday, November 24, 2020 the Board of Supervisors authorized the preparation of a draft amendment to the Allen Township Zoning Ordinance to resolve the validity challenge/curative amendment based upon the Willow Brook Farms Mixed-Use Community Plan, dated September 2020. Please check the Township website and agendas for updates (Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors)regarding this ongoing proceeding as this matter is expected to require multiple meetings to conclude.

As a matter of background, on May 3rd, 2019, Allen Township recieved the challenge to the substantive validity of the Allen Township Zoning Ordinance and request for curative amendment pursuant to Section 609.1 and 916.1 of the Municipalities Planning Code.

Pursuant to an excerpt of the challenge/filing as recieved from the property owners the request includes as follows:

"19. In order to cure the invalidity of the zoning of the undeveloped portions of the Willow Brook Property, Landowners seek a curative amendment: (a) rezoning a 55.47 acre portion of the Willow Brook Property, on the west side of the Catasauqua Creek, to the R-2 zoning district so that it can be developed with 73 age-restricted single-family detached dwellings, 48 age-restricted semi¬detached dwellings, and 54 age-restricted townhouses ("West Tract"); (b) rezoning a 38.04 acre portion of the Willow Brook Property, on the east side of the Catasauqua Creek, to the R-3 zoning district so that it can be developed with 214 multifamily dwellings ("North Tract"); and rezoning a 42.26 acre portion of the Willow Brook Property, on the east side of the Catasauqua Creek, to the R-3 zoning district so that it can be developed with 322 multifamily dwellings ("South Tract") as depicted on a Willow Brook Farm Challenge Plan dated December 1, 2018, prepared by Philip C. Seibert, RLA ("Challenge Plan") attached hereto as Exhibit "B". A copy of Landowner's Proposed Curative Amendment to the Zoning Map is attached hereto and made part hereof as Exhibit "C". 20. As depicted on the Challenge Plan, approximately 25.00 acres of the Willow Brook Property will continue to be used as a farm and equestrian center ("Farm Tract"). 21. As depicted on the Challenge Plan, approximately 39.93 acres of the Willow Brook Property (plus 42.03 acres in North Catasauqua Township) will continue to be used as a golf course and clubhouse and permitted accessory uses ("Golf Tract")."

Click here for the filing and associated exhibits including the Challenge Plan Map (May 3rd, 2019):

Willowbrook Challenge to the Substantive Validity of the Allen Township Zoning Ordinance and Request for Curative Amendment Pursuant to Sections 609.1 and 916.1 of the Municipalities Planning Code Text and Willowbrook Challenge Plan.

Click here to view the plan presented to the Board of Supervisors at their meeting of November 24, 2020 to be used in the drafting of a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment"Willow Brook Farms Mixed-Use Community Conceptual Plan for Settlement Purposes".

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is in the Preliminary Engineering Phase for the replacement of a bridge structure alogn Indian Trail Road spanning the Hokendauqua Creek.

Construction is anticipated to begin in Early 2022 and will take approximately one year.

Indian Trail Road will be closed at the project location indicated on the plans contained in the link below.

Indian Trail Road will be closed at the project location indicated while construction efforts are being performed. During Construction, access to all residential properties will be maintained.

For questions about this project, please contact: Michael Mignella P.E., Consultant Projecct Manager at 610-650-8101 or C-MMIGNELLA@PA.GOV

Click here for the Indian Trail Road Bridge Replacement Information

Please be advised that the Township has been contacted by USDA regarding the confirmation of the Spotted Lanternfly and added to the area of quarantine effective September 21st, 2017 due to the confirmed present of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly. The quarantine is an important legal designation. The quarantine order directs residents and municipal authorities to follow guidelines to prevent the movement of Spotted Lanternflies at any stage of development. This includes inspecting all wood and vegetation that might leave a quarantined municipality, in addition to inspecting vehicles, trailers, and other mobile equipment prior to moving it out of a quarantined area.

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive that is new to the United States. Spotted Lanternflies are native to Southeast Asia, but they have been introduced to other areas of Asia as well - including Korea, where Spotted Lanterflies are a major pest to agriculture. Spotted Lanternflies are reproducing quickly in areas of southeastern Pennsylania and have become a major threat to Pennsylvania's agriculture and forestry industries.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture general quarantine imposes limitations for moving the following items from the quarantine area: * Any living life stage of the Spotted Lanternfly * Brush, debris, bark or yard waste * Landscaping, remodeling or construction waste * Logs, stumps or any tree parts * Firewood of any species * Packing materials like wood crates * All plants and plant parts * Outdoor household articles like RV's, lawnmowers, chairs, grills, tarps, tile, stone,lumber and trucks or other vehicles not stored indoors.

However, you can still move these items and similar items if you complete the Certification Checklist found at the link below. Plant nursery, mulch producers or other similar commercial enterprise should contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture regarding the necessary compliance agreement.

Current Quarantine Map.

Residents Spotted Lanternfly Certification Checklist.

Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine.

Allen Township receives police services via the Pennsylvania State Police. Our area is served by Troop M located at the Bethlehem Station located in Hanover Township, Lehigh County. Townships officials are in contact with the State Police on a regular basis and work closely to ensure our community is kept safe. In case of an emergency always dial 911. To contact the Troop M Bethlehem Station for questions or non-emergency concerns dial 610-861-2026.

The attached brochure, entitled Accessing Your State Police provides guidance regarding appropriate information to have available when and if there is a need for a resident to contact State Police. Please keep this information as well as the emergency and non-emergency information listed available at all times.