It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting The Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Allentown, PA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Allentown, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when”
“Always Best Care Senior Services provided very professional services that resulted in finding the best”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of”
“I am a current client of this provider Always best care cared for my mother. They”
“Ken Good was so helpful and knowledgable when my elderly father needed in-home care. He”
“Ken and Rebecca have been extremely helpful during the process of finding in-home care for”
“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”
“Ken was the first person I really talked to when I found out my father”
“Excellent in every respect.”
“The support provided by Ken and Rebecca Good (and all of their team) has been”
“Very few businesses or even people come from a place of compassion and a good”
“I am a current client of this provider Ken and Rebecca go above and beyond”
“Ken and Rebecca were a godsend in our search for care for our elderly father.”
“Very good, prompt attention to an unexpected need for day care in home for Mother-in-law.”
“Ken & Rebecca were very helpful & knowledgeable with resources in helping me care for”
“Both Rebecca and Ken were very easy to talk with and were very interested in”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provides extremely caring, compassionate help”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”
“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when I would call about different circumstances.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services provided very professional services that resulted in finding the best personal care facility fit for my mother. They have a passion for helping seniors and prioritize the health and well-being of their clients over everything else. I would highly recommend them when you are in a position of finding senior care services for your loved ones.”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of Bethlehem. Wonderful staff and excellent caregivers that go above and beyond what is expected of them!”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of Bethlehem. Wonderful staff and excellent caregivers that go above and beyond what is expected of them!”
“I am a current client of this provider Always best care cared for my mother. They have been amazing. My mother really likes her caregiver.”
“Ken Good was so helpful and knowledgable when my elderly father needed in-home care. He actually came to the rehab center to meet us where my father was getting physical therapy after a fall. This way he was able to accurately access how much care my father would need and which caregivers would be the right fit. We were afraid we'd have to move him to a nursing home but fortunately we were able to set up in-home care. It's been four months now and we have been very happy with the caregivers who have been assigned to my father. Always Best Care is very responsive and flexible in adjusting hours as needed, somehow managing to keep the caregivers my parents have bonded with even though the hours have been reduced. We are happy our parents are able to age in place with care as they need it.”
“Ken and Rebecca have been extremely helpful during the process of finding in-home care for my in-laws. They have been sensitive to our needs, diligent in their efforts to provide the best possible care, and consistent in their follow-up to see if things are satisfactory. We have been executing this process from out-of-state and the process has been very smooth. Through phone calls and face-to-face meetings when possible, both Ken and Rebecca have been professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”
“Ken was the first person I really talked to when I found out my father was given a year to live. Instead of immediately looking at me like a business opportunity, he treated me like a close friend. He listened and treated me with complete kindness.. I have gotten to know Ken and his wife Rebecca and I can easily say that they are two of the most wonderful people I have ever met. There is nothing in this world I wouldn't trust them with. Especially the care of a loved one.”
“Excellent in every respect.”
“The support provided by Ken and Rebecca Good (and all of their team) has been invaluable as the family navigates through dealing with the impact of our sister's illness to all of us. The structure with using ABC's online portal to evidence our sister's care is extremely beneficial in ensuring strong and coordinated communication. It is truly appreciative this technology is available and utilized by ABC. For those dealing with identifying care for a loved one, you would be smart to contact Always Best Care of Upper Buxmont.”
“Very few businesses or even people come from a place of compassion and a good heart. Always Best Care does. The client always comes first as does their health and well-being, and the family seeking the best for their loved ones. Thank you Ken for all you did for my parents!”
“I am a current client of this provider Ken and Rebecca go above and beyond for their clients, as do their staff. They handled emergent situations for my grandmother when we were on vacation - staying with her the entire time at the hospital. Ken also did significant research for our decision to put her in an assisted living community. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Ken and Rebecca were a godsend in our search for care for our elderly father. Both Ken and Rebecca were incredibly compassionate, empathetic and caring. In addition, they were knowledgeable and had a wonderful process for determining the needs of the family, the needs of the specific individual and finding an appropriate match for a caregiver to meet those needs. I can't say enough about the services provided by Always Best Care. Ken always went above and beyond, he knew the questions to ask, and how to navigate all the red tape of various organizations (Veterans Administration, etc.) AND he diligently does site visits to the facilities he references so he is able to speak from experience about the quality of care at the facilities under consideration. If you are in need of advice and assistance in caring for a family member I recommend Ken and Rebecca and Always Best Care with no reservations.”
“Very good, prompt attention to an unexpected need for day care in home for Mother-in-law. Ken is very well versed in available providers and other services needed at this time.The day care providers dealt well with her memory problems.”
“Ken & Rebecca were very helpful & knowledgeable with resources in helping me care for my Mom during an extremely difficult time. It was great finding two people who cared & listened to my situation. I never felt alone in my difficult decision making process.”
“Both Rebecca and Ken were very easy to talk with and were very interested in getting to know my father. They went out of their way to help us as our plans changed from in home care to personal care. They explained the process and were with us every step of the way to answer questions and provide support. I would use them again in a minute.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provides extremely caring, compassionate help for my mom, I live out of town, and can't be there myself very often. But this business goes all-out to take care of my mom. I don't know what we would do without them.”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lehigh Parkway in Allentown, PA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Grille 3501 or visit Historic Bogert's Covered Bridge, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Allentown, PA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Allentown, PA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Allentown, PA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
It lost 100 jobs in September 2026. Those figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ state and local employment report, which tracks monthly job changes. Job numbers can swing month to month as local economies expand or contract, but over the past five years the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Metro Area has averaged about 585 new jobs per month. These figures are often revised in later months as more complete data rolls in.-100month to month change in number of jobs (September 2026)Source: Bureau of Labor...
It lost 100 jobs in September 2026. Those figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ state and local employment report, which tracks monthly job changes. Job numbers can swing month to month as local economies expand or contract, but over the past five years the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Metro Area has averaged about 585 new jobs per month. These figures are often revised in later months as more complete data rolls in.
-100
month to month change in number of jobs (September 2026)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Allentown, PA area job loss of 100 in September 2026 swung from a gain of 1,500 jobs in August 2026.
During the latest five-year period (October 2021 to September 2026), the Allentown, PA area gained jobs in 39 out of 60 months. September 2026 had the 14th-lowest job growth during this period. The highest gains during this period occurred in December 2023 (+3,900) while job growth was weakest in October 2023 (-1,600).
Monthly change in nonfarm employment in the Allentown, PA area
| MY | Jobs gained | Jobs lost |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-09 | 1000.0 | |
| 2021-10 | 3600.0 | |
| 2021-11 | 1300.0 | |
| 2021-12 | 800.0 | |
| 2022-01 | -200.0 | |
| 2022-02 | 3400.0 | |
| 2022-03 | 400.0 | |
| 2022-04 | 1900.0 | |
| 2022-05 | 200.0 | |
| 2022-06 | -200.0 | |
| 2022-07 | 3000.0 | |
| 2022-08 | 400.0 | |
| 2022-09 | 100.0 | |
| 2022-10 | -600.0 | |
| 2022-11 | ||
| 2022-12 | 800.0 | |
| 2023-01 | 2600.0 | |
| 2023-02 | -700.0 | |
| 2023-03 | -200.0 | |
| 2023-04 | 500.0 | |
| 2023-05 | -300.0 | |
| 2023-06 | 800.0 | |
| 2023-07 | -1500.0 | |
| 2023-08 | -300.0 | |
| 2023-09 | 2200.0 | |
| 2023-10 | -1600.0 | |
| 2023-11 | -900.0 | |
| 2023-12 | 3900.0 | |
| 2024-01 | 700.0 | |
| 2024-02 | 100.0 | |
| 2024-03 | 800.0 | |
| 2024-04 | 500.0 | |
| 2024-05 | 1500.0 | |
| 2024-06 | -100.0 | |
| 2024-07 | 900.0 | |
| 2024-08 | 1400.0 | |
| 2024-09 | 1000.0 | |
| 2024-10 | -100.0 | |
| 2024-11 | 200.0 | |
| 2024-12 | 400.0 | |
| 2025-01 | -100.0 | |
| 2025-02 | 1000.0 | |
| 2025-03 | 700.0 | |
| 2025-04 | 100.0 | |
| 2025-05 | 600.0 | |
| 2025-06 | 1000.0 | |
| 2025-07 | 300.0 | |
| 2025-08 | 900.0 | |
| 2025-09 | 100.0 | |
| 2025-10 | ||
| 2025-11 | -400.0 | |
| 2025-12 | 1000.0 | |
| 2026-01 | -100.0 | |
| 2026-02 | -1200.0 | |
| 2026-03 | 2100.0 | |
| 2026-04 | 900.0 | |
| 2026-05 | -600.0 | |
| 2026-06 | ||
| 2026-07 | 700.0 | |
| 2026-08 | 1500.0 | |
| 2026-09 | -100.0 |
In 2025, the Allentown, PA area has gained an average of 433 jobs every month. That's lower than the 2024 average monthly increase of 608. The 2025 average ranks as 10th-highest in job growth since 2007.
When excluding the two pandemic-affected years of 2020 and 2021, job growth ranged from a loss of 675 every month in 2009 to a gain of 767 every month in 2022.
Average monthly change in the number of jobs in the Allentown, PA area, seasonally adjusted
| USAF_TIME__year | Jobs gained | Jobs lost |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 200.0 | |
| 2008 | -500.0 | |
| 2009 | -675.0 | |
| 2010 | 475.0 | |
| 2011 | 442.0 | |
| 2012 | 208.0 | |
| 2013 | 308.0 | |
| 2014 | 667.0 | |
| 2015 | 542.0 | |
| 2016 | 375.0 | |
| 2017 | 333.0 | |
| 2018 | 508.0 | |
| 2019 | 450.0 | |
| 2020 | -1967.0 | |
| 2021 | 1542.0 | |
| 2022 | 767.0 | |
| 2023 | 375.0 | |
| 2024 | 608.0 | |
| 2025 | 433.0 |
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
A previous version of this story indicated that this plan requires a vote from Allentown City Council, but it does not. The story has since been corrected.ALLENTOWN, Pa. - The Allentown Planning Commission granted amended preliminary/final land development plan approval for a data center Tuesday afternoon at City Hall.Quantm Group LLC, the project's applicant, has proposed the conversion of a 224,000-square-foot warehouse into a data center use, adding an electrical substation, sound attenuation walls, a...
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - The Allentown Planning Commission granted amended preliminary/final land development plan approval for a data center Tuesday afternoon at City Hall.
Quantm Group LLC, the project's applicant, has proposed the conversion of a 224,000-square-foot warehouse into a data center use, adding an electrical substation, sound attenuation walls, and associated site improvements at 2401 Emaus Ave. The property rests in the city's General Industrial (I-3) zoning district.
Tuesday afternoon's revised plan featured additional technical studies which city officials cited as significant progress. Continued testing will occur to monitor the project's compliance with noise standards. Other redesign changes included increase setback and movement of a wall.
Various conditions were imposed for project approval. They include a megawatt usage limit, restrictions on emergency generator operation, along with air quality and emissions. In addition, the closed-loop system will not use public water.
Developer Tony Maras, representing Quantm Group, made his case for the 80-megawatt data center to the planning commission. Planners expressed some concern with the amount of power it would need.
"There's only one other structure that draws that mass — the waste treatment center. So this is the second one in the entire city, so this is an important decision. We have aging infrastructure, so I think it would be important to address that," said Planner Erich Hornung.
"I'm happy to accept a condition that we would provide a report on the use of alternative energy in the steam recovery, heat recovery, or galvanic cells to staff within 30 days of today's meeting, or something like that," Maras said.
Maras told the commission that PPL has the available electric capacity to support the project. It would include more than 30 backup generators as well if the power goes out. People who live nearby are concerned what that might be like.
"We know what it's like to endure a blackout during summer. Imagine that if 36 generators are running 24/7. What's that going to sound like? What's that going to feel like?" said one woman during public comment.
A legal zoning appeal regarding the project has been dismissed, Maras said Tuesday afternoon.
The applicant requested four SALDO waivers. The requests involved curb elevation, slopes, storm sewers, and a utility easement.
Previous revisions relocated a substation from the frontage along West Emaus Avenue to the property's south side. This was implemented to reduce noise and improve safety.
Other revisions involve the addition of sound attenuation walls around mechanical equipment, the removal of excess pavement and impervious coverage, which will be replaced with landscaping, and the retention of an existing sidewalk connection to Emaus Avenue.
The applicant's revised plan also preserves existing streetfront vegetation and adds shrubs and evergreens for screening. Finally, the proposal adds two bicycle racks and offers space for a potential bus shelter.
An earlier revised plan notes the site will have 66 employees with 32-tier backup generators to provide power during outages.
Others were worried about the gas those generators need.
"In order to power these generators, they need to store tens of thousands of gallons of diesel on site. They have a concrete pad to absorb tiny spills, but we're talking about tons and tons of fuel. In 1988, we had a small leak at that same spot, and we had oil slicks in the Trout Creek and Jordan Creek that extended for miles," said a man during public comment.
A daycare center right across the street from the proposed data center previously filed an appeal, but withdrew it right before the meeting. In a statement, Camelot for Children told 69 News:
"Our hope is that community leaders will continue to balance economic opportunities with the responsibility to protect the people and organizations that make our community strong."
Quantm said at the planning commission's July 16 meeting the project would help meet the region's growing infrastructure needs. Data centers provide the internet's foundation and have been a staple in America for the last 30 years, the applicant said.
The demand for high-bandwidth memory hardware from cloud processing facilities requires increased capacity, which the construction of new data centers can meet.
Officials with the project argued data centers provide computing power for energy-intensive activities that almost everyone on the planet uses. Examples include banking, communications, streaming and e-commerce.
"It's not a question of whether they (data centers) are needed or not," Maras said that night. "It's a question of how you develop them responsibly."
Allentown planning officials noted electrical infrastructure use, noise, water, and the site's location to residential buildings as concerns. Over the last three months, the applicant attempted to address those concerns with various project revisions.
Maras said Sept. 8 the company agreed to use the closed-loop systems as a deed restriction. He added that PPL had indicated the project would not foster rate increases to other utility users.
Maras also previously said the facility would comply with the city's noise ordinance. The noise ordinance would limit daytime sounds to 57 decibels and nighttime sounds to 52 decibels.
Maras added the company would perform a pollution study, even though one is not required. Further, the attorney told planners Quantm has amended their landscaping plan and the new plan would erect sound walls 35 feet in height to mitigate the noise.
The proposed data center application at 2401 Emaus Ave. is not impacted by recent changes adopted by the city, nor by these current proposed amendments or any future amendments. The application was reviewed under Allentown's zoning code at the time the application was submitted last year.
Preliminary/final land development approval for a warehouse was granted June 14, 2022. The facility does not have a tenant currently.
Planners approved a land development plan for additions and renovations at Bridgeview Academy.
The applicant, Allentown School District, proposed a two-story building addition, construction, and a gymnasium with a pedestrian bridge and associated site improvements at 265 Lehigh St.
A project engineer told planners Tuesday afternoon parents bringing their children to school will enter the site off Lehigh Street and then proceed out on Fifth Street.
Planners expressed concerns about traffic at nearby intersections.
The district said the project will address building capacity, instructional needs and long-term facility plans.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - More than a dozen people were displaced Saturday after multiple homes in Allentown caught fire in the early morning hours.As of Saturday evening, portions of South Saint Cloud Street remain blocked off more than 15 hours after the initial call went out to firefighters.As crews with the City of Allentown board up doors and windows of multiple homes, the damage inside front windows is evident. Pieces of people's lives have now been lost forever."We just lost everything, including my dog, my life, I me...
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - More than a dozen people were displaced Saturday after multiple homes in Allentown caught fire in the early morning hours.
As of Saturday evening, portions of South Saint Cloud Street remain blocked off more than 15 hours after the initial call went out to firefighters.
As crews with the City of Allentown board up doors and windows of multiple homes, the damage inside front windows is evident. Pieces of people's lives have now been lost forever.
"We just lost everything, including my dog, my life, I mean everything was in there,” fire victim Lissette Ortega said.
Ortega woke up Saturday at 2 a.m. to a phone call from Allentown officials saying her home on South Saint Cloud Street was burning down. Not only did she lose her home of 13 years, but she also lost her 9-year-old dog, Kobe.
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk says he was shocked at how fast the fire spread.
"When I woke up this morning, I saw the command pages from the night before, and I knew the address. I was surprised to see it spread pretty well,” the mayor remarked.
The incident was reported at 1:20 a.m., and rapidly escalated to a four-alarm fire involving seven homes and evacuating a whole block.
The brick homes are in a densely packed area, and Ortega tells 69 News the fire actually started right next door to her house, which has now been deemed a total loss.
"I guess it was from the house next door. Something happened in the basement that triggered the fire, the wind pushed it, and it moved really fast to my house. They couldn't save anything," Ortega explained.
Agencies from across the area came to assist, and Tuerk said a firefighter was injured during the operation.
"One of our firefighters completing roof operations sustained an injury that required brief hospitalization, but he's going to be okay,” the mayor shared.
Mayor Tuerk went on to say that fire officials showed him some of their equipment, which had been damaged due to the heat of this fire.
"Steve showed me his helmet, he'd never seen it before. Paint peeled down, it was such a hot fire,” he remarked.
Ortega's son was in the home sleeping, and if it weren't for the help of first responders on scene, she says this could have been a lot worse.
"The cop just opened the door and got him out of the house,” Ortega said.
“Thank God that our family was not in the house, thank God for that,” she remarked.
More than a dozen people are displaced following this tragic event.
"Our hearts go out to these families. 14 people won't be sleeping in their homes tonight, but we're grateful for the community stepping up," explained Tuerk.
The Red Cross is now working with at least five families, and the Allentown Department of Economic Development is boarding up the homes hit with fire, smoke, and water damage.
"They can't even go in the house because it’s not safe; the floors are all burnt, it's not safe to go in and get anything,” Ortega said while wiping away tears.
Tuerk says he has growing concerns about fires as the temperature continues to drop.
"Particularly lithium-ion batteries, they really give me a lot of concern. With the price of fuel going up, we're worried more people will turn to space heaters to keep their properties warm, and that can be dangerous,” the mayor remarked.
"This is fire prevention month, we're coming into prevention week next week. It's always a good time to be vigilant and make sure there are no hazards in your home,” Tuerk reminds Allentown residents.
Lissette Ortega and her family spent most of the day Saturday outside of what was their home, peeking through windows where parts of their home had been burned away.
Ortega says a loss like this makes you realize what's important.
"Cherish what you have. My biggest thing is my dog right now, not having him here,” she said.
"It's comforting to know that people care. Just the support, it helps a lot,” Ortega explained.
As of now, Allentown officials tell us the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - 69 News has learned new details about a second data center proposal for the city of Allentown.Last week, during a city council meeting where members voted to tighten data center zoning regulations, city planners mentioned that a second application for a data center project had been submitted but didn't offer any other details.Frank Kane, Allentown's managing director, told 69 News the address for the latest proposal is 1024 N. Bradford Street, adjacent to Coca-Cola Park.Kane said the developer is J.G. Pe...
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - 69 News has learned new details about a second data center proposal for the city of Allentown.
Last week, during a city council meeting where members voted to tighten data center zoning regulations, city planners mentioned that a second application for a data center project had been submitted but didn't offer any other details.
Frank Kane, Allentown's managing director, told 69 News the address for the latest proposal is 1024 N. Bradford Street, adjacent to Coca-Cola Park.
Kane said the developer is J.G. Petrucci. According to Lehigh County property records, an LLC registered to Petrucci's business address in New Jersey owns the 9.5-acre site. It's being marketed as a property called Allentown Flex Center on the developer's website.
The same LLC is listed as the owner of 2-acre and 1.6-acre parcels that are connected to the 9.5-acre parcel. Together, the three parcels are one contiguous piece of land bordered by American Parkway, N. Dauphin Street, and N. Bradford Street. Executive Education Academy Charter School is directly southeast of the property.
In 2022, the Allentown Planning Commission granted conditional final land development plan approval for a warehouse at 1024 N. Bradford Street. Unlike the hyperscale data center proposals currently on the table in several Lehigh Valley communities, the project now being pitched for the site is smaller in scope, with one central building totaling 146,000 square feet.
Kane said it's unclear whether the proposal will be considered under the standards adopted in Bill 52, the zoning regulations city council approved on August 5; Petrucci's application was submitted earlier that same day.
Bill 52 removes data centers as a permitted use in the IG-Industrial General zoning district and limits them to the Industrial Manufacturing district. It also mandates that data centers be at least 500 feet away from "sensitive" land uses like homes and daycares, and strengthens environmental impact standards.
What is certain is that the regulations will not apply to the first data center proposal that landed on Allentown planners' desks: 2401 W. Emmaus Avenue, on the city's southside.
That plan calls for a 224,000 square-foot warehouse that's currently vacant to be converted into a data center.
A special meeting was held on the proposal last month, where the Allentown Planning Commission took no action. Planning Commission Chairman Christian Brown said officials are eagerly awaiting a formal resubmission from the developer, Quantm Group, which will adjust the plans based on the commission's feedback and face further review at a future meeting.
Executive Education Academy Charter School Football Schedule2026-27Next GameHome • ConferenceExecutive Education Academy Charter School5-4Interboro8-1Executive Education Academy Charter School5-4Fri, 10/30 @ 7:00pmPreview GameInterboro8-1Preview GameGoing to the game?Provide score updatesOverall5-40.556 Win PctConference- FreelanceHome1-1Away4-3Neutral0-0PF253PA230Streak3L* Conference** Playoffs*** TournamentDate/Time...
2026-27
Next Game
Home • Conference
Executive Education Academy Charter School5-4Interboro8-1
Executive Education Academy Charter School5-4
Fri, 10/30 @ 7:00pmPreview Game
Interboro8-1
Preview Game
Going to the game?Provide score updates
Overall5-40.556 Win Pct
Conference- Freelance
Home1-1Away4-3Neutral0-0
PF253PA230Streak3L
* Conference** Playoffs*** Tournament
| Date/Time | Opponent | Result | Watch | Game Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/287:00pm | @Northern Lehigh | L 17-14 | Watch Replay | Box Score |
| 9/36:00pm | @Berks Catholic | W 40-21 | Box Score | |
| 9/117:00pm | @Bristol | W 48-33 | Box Score | |
| 9/187:00pm | @Tamaqua | W 32-30 | Box Score | |
| 9/257:00pm | vsAcademy at Palumbo | W 51-8 | Box Score | |
| 10/31:00pm | @Penn Wood* | W 22-6 | Box Score | |
| 10/97:00pm | vsChichester* | L 14-12 | Box Score | |
| 10/1711:00am | @Chester* | L 55-6 | Box Score | |
| 10/2411:00am | @Academy Park* | L 46-28 | Box Score |
| Date/Time | Opponent | Watch | Game Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/307:00pm | vsInterboro* | Preview Game |
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