ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Two Allentown City Council members are pushing for new measures to protect the city’s homeless residents following the September clearing of the Jordan Creek encampment.
Councilmembers Ce-Ce Gerlach and Natalie Santos introduced an ordinance aimed at safeguarding the rights and safety of people living outdoors. The proposal would require the city to conduct risk assessments of encampments, give residents at least 90 days’ written notice before clearing a site and provide city staff with training on working with the unhoused.
The bill also outlines procedures for how the city should respond to encampments, including standards for addressing unsafe conditions and ensuring the protection of residents’ property during clearances.
The proposal comes in the wake of the Sept. 29 evacuation of the Jordan Creek encampment, where roughly 100 people had been living. City officials said the site was cleared because it was located in a flood plain, raising safety concerns.
Council President Daryl Hendricks said he would forward the bill to a Committee of the Whole meeting rather than a single committee so all councilmembers could review it together.
“Due to the importance of the impact of this bill and what it will have on most of, if not all, the city bureaus, I believe it is best to have all councilmembers present to review and evaluate the merits of it,” Hendricks said.
That decision drew frustration from Gerlach, who argued the ordinance should instead go to the Parks and Recreation Committee — where she serves — since many encampments are located along waterways and trails managed by that department.
“It seems when I introduce legislation, it always ends up at a Committee of the Whole, a special committee or a committee I don’t sit on,” Gerlach said during the meeting. “We’re dealing with unsheltered folks, many of whom were just a couple of weeks ago set up in West Park, along trails and waterways — all areas tied to Parks and Recreation.”
Gerlach accused the administration of attempting to delay or stall the ordinance, alleging that the mayor had influenced the decision. Hendricks denied that claim.
“I don’t appreciate political manipulation to get the outcome that you want,” Gerlach said. “If you want it tabled, then table it at the regular council meeting, vote against it or make amendments to it.”
Hendricks maintained that because the proposal affects multiple departments, it should be reviewed by the full council.
While city leaders continue to debate policy, community organizations have been working to meet the growing needs of displaced residents. River Crossing YMCA, which operates Allentown’s warming station, opened early this year in response to the Jordan Creek clearance.
Association Director of Communications Michael Reisman said the facility has seen a steady increase in guests as temperatures drop.
“The first week was moderately busy, seeing up to 40 guests per night,” Reisman said. “Since that time, usage has gradually increased. Last weekend saw around 60 guests per night.”
The warming station currently has 80 beds — up 20 from previous years — and so far has been able to accommodate everyone in need. In addition to providing shelter, guests receive a hot meal each evening and access to services through partnerships with Valley Health Partners’ Street Medicine program, Treatment Trends Inc. and Valley Youth House.
Reisman said the YMCA hasn’t faced major challenges managing the influx. A new community room has helped guests feel more comfortable by offering a space to relax, socialize and play games.
Local agencies, hospitals and nonprofits have been coordinating to ensure continued support for displaced residents.
“We opened early this year to provide for the adults evacuated from Jordan Creek,” Reisman said. “Allentown is a wonderful community of caring people, and every year organizations like the United Way and the First Presbyterian Church come together to help those who need us most.”
The council’s Committee of the Whole is expected to review the proposed ordinance in the coming weeks.
