Smart Growth Tools

The center city of Allentown deals with problems of a lack of development because of low income. As shown in figure 1, between 30-50% of households in the center of Allentown have an income that is less than $15,000. Not only does income play a role in development, but the balance of doing good and making money as well. The RenewLV program's goal is to provide smart growth through sustainable practices in farmland preservation, food sustainability, and smart transportation. Transportation is important because many workers in the center city rely on it to get to their jobs. 

Figure 1: Household income less than $15,000. Source: Social Explorer

Figure 2: Use of public transportation for workers. Source: Social Explorer

Presentation Reflections

Similarly to the chapter 10 presentation on metropolitan planning organizations, Allentown has a planning commission, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. This commission works on problems of transportation, environment, and community. The goal is to reach equality for the citizens of the Lehigh Valley area through the use of comprehensive planning.

Presentation Reflections

In the presentation on chapter 4, one of the main problems encountered with urban sprawl was civil rights. According to 2010 census data, Allentown is comprised of over 50% of the population white, around 40% Hispanic, and the remaining comprised of mixed races. As Allentown has developed, this has resulted in sprawl.Often the minorities are pushed out of their residential areas to make room for more upscale development. Although this is not the same civil rights issues as found in chapter 4, Allentown is still facing issues of equality in regard to urban sprawl.

Reflections on Advocacy Writing

The Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, Inc. (CACLV) is an advocacy group who works to reduce poverty and improve equality for all in the Lehigh Valley/Allentown area. One of the ways they do this is through a combination of environmental initiatives. They believe that environmental sustainability can be achieved with an anti-poverty agenda. They speak out for those who are unable to and advocate for inclusive treatment beyond just environmental action. Having an organization that advocates for equality among a wide range of groups, whether economically, racially, or any other number of demographics creates a stronger community in an area. By doing this CACLV hopes to make the Lehigh Valley an inclusive area with equality for all.
For information on specific programs from CACLV, visit their annual program report.

Transportation Programming and Smart Growth

Allentown, Pennsylvania's transportation network focuses on developing to meet the new preferences in transportation with changing demographics, development, and travel patterns over time. The goal is to grow sustainably while improving ease of travel for citizens. The transportation improvement program prioritizes technical evaluation and economic impact. (LVPC). This improvement is to take place while keeping in mind safety, system maintenance, mobility and congestion management, partnerships and shared contribution, and support of the region and performance over time (LVPC). Keeping these ideas in mind, Allentown's infrastructure will help improve the area for residents, commuters, and visitors alike. Many other projects are being implemented as well to improve more than just vehicular transportation. Projects include expanding bicycle and pedestrian paths while increasing parking and vehicle flow. New street layouts are being proposed to increase the combination of transportation in Allentown.

Source: Downtown Allentown: Development and Urban Design Plan

For more information on specific projects, visit the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission website
For more information on development and urban design, visit the City of Allentown website

Environmental Justice

Environmental justice is essentially the fair treatment of people, regardless of economic or social status, race or nationality, and other demographics in regard to environmental problems. Historically, minorities have been marginalized when it comes to environmental actions. It is often simpler for organizations to take advantage of these minorities because they often do not have the power to fight back. By moving something such as a toxic waste dump to these areas, the problem is " not in my backyard" and therefore deemed to be acceptable. Oftentimes these people are unable to defend their homes for fear of losing jobs. This can be seen in coal minors who deal with toxic sludge or lung diseases because they are reliant on the coal industry for their income. These marginalized groups are unfairly treated simply because they have no other option and can be taken advantage of. Environmental justice seeks to remove this inequality and give everyone fair access to a safe and enjoyable environment.

An Inconvenient Truth

When watching an Inconvenient Truth for the second time, I was shocked by the continued prevalence of the issues discussed in the film. Climate films like an Inconvenient Truth, despite being well known, still reach a small audience. Many of the people who watch these films already understand the atrocity that is climate change, as opposed to introducing the concept to naysayers. This creates a problem for tackling climate change. The issues Al Gore covers are still part of the climate debate going on today and little progress has been made. The debate is too heavily centered around politics which prevents anything from being accomplished. Rather than recognizing the systemic problems affecting climate change, it is overshadowed by economic interests. Despite these problems, the film still provides relevant insights to the climate debate whether or not progress is being made.


Source: David, L., Bender, L., & Burns, S. Z. (Producers), & Guggenheim, D. (Director).
(2006). An Inconvenient Truth [Motion Picture]. United States: Paramount Classics.