ALLENTOWN, Pa. — More than 50 people attended the Allentown City Council meeting Wednesday night to discuss temporary housing for residents of a homeless encampment along Jordan Creek facing eviction later this month.
On Aug. 7, the city notified more than 100 people living in tents at Jordan Creek Meadows that they must leave by Aug. 25, citing safety concerns in the active flood zone.
Officials said the area has a history of flooding and water rescues, including an overnight incident in which three people were pulled from the creek while floating in tents.
“We’re recognizing that it’s better to ask people to find somewhere else to be than to inform their family that their loved ones have lost their lives in a flood,” Mayor Matt Tuerk said.
Council members discussed solutions, including funding the early opening of the River Crossing YMCA warming station and exploring a temporary safe camping site. The warming station, which normally opens Nov. 15, offers shelter from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., along with a meal, bathrooms, and showers.
Council unanimously approved spending $25,000, with matching funds from the mayor’s office, to open the YMCA early. Members also directed the administration to work with Lehigh County to identify land for temporary camping.
Tuerk said the city will need to budget for a year-round warming station in 2026, calling for support from the county, private sector and community.
Some residents backed the temporary measures, while others criticized the short-notice eviction and questioned its timing. Councilmember Ce-Ce Gerlach sought to extend the deadline until alternative shelter options are ready, but Tuerk said the administration would not change its decision.
Several speakers alleged the eviction date coincides with pending litigation filed by Allentown developer Nat Hyman, who in June threatened to sue the city over pollution and environmental concerns linked to encampments along Jordan Creek. A status hearing is scheduled for Aug. 25, the same day the camp must be cleared.
Tuerk denied any connection between the lawsuit and the eviction order.
“Our action here has zero to do with pending litigation,” he said. “It has zero to do with Nat Hyman. If you ask Nat Hyman, I think you’ll find that he does not consider me or this administration to be a friend.”
Council later voted to encourage the administration to delay the eviction until the YMCA opens or land for camping is secured.
