Residents clash over street vacation proposal in Allentown

In a recent government meeting, the Planning Commission discussed a petition for the vacation of portions of South Roor Street and Hill Street, proposed by local residents Jose Cartagena and Elizabeth Rivera. The application aims to vacate these unimproved streets, which have never been open to the public, and has garnered support from several property owners in the vicinity, although two property owners have yet to respond.

Cartagena, who has lived in the area for eight years, expressed his commitment to maintaining the streets, stating that he has invested significant effort and resources into their upkeep. He highlighted the challenges he faced, including damage to his equipment from debris left by neighbors. Cartagena emphasized his desire to beautify the area and improve safety for both residents and pedestrians.

The Bureau of Engineering and Public Works have reviewed the petition and do not object to the vacation, provided that utility easements are retained for existing utilities. Utility companies, including PPL and Verizon, have indicated that easements will be necessary for their access. The commission noted that while they sympathize with Cartagena's position regarding the potential for more than a 50% claim to the vacated land, their role is limited to determining the feasibility of the vacation itself.

During the meeting, concerns were raised by another resident regarding access to a rear gate on their property, which has not been used but may serve as an emergency exit. The resident expressed the importance of maintaining access for safety reasons.

The commission concluded the discussion by acknowledging the complexities involved in the petition and the need for further deliberation before making a final decision. The matter will be forwarded to the city council for further consideration, with all advisory comments from the planning commission included in the report.