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The Allentown State Hospital on Hanover Avenue in Allentown. (Photo by Christopher Holland)
Governor signs bill to demolish Allentown State Hospital
Stacy Wescoe//July 2, 2019
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf today signed Senate Bill 701, which permits the sale of the lands that currently house the Allentown State Hospital after it is demolished.
The plan to demolish the properties had been opposed by many in the community who wanted to see the more than 100-year old buildings on the nearly 200-acre property preserved and redeveloped.
However, the legislature was nearly unanimous in moving forward with the demolition, with local representatives saying having a clean slate of open land would bring in the largest amount of money and best options for development for the East Side property.
After the buildings are demolished the state Department of General Services would begin the bidding process for developers who seek to purchase the property.
A committee will be established to insure that the proposals are chosen for the impact they will have on the community as well as the dollar amount of the bid.
