BY SUSAN BRYANT

sbryant@tnonline.com

The Allentown Planning Commission on Sept. 12 tabled a rezoning request from City Center Investment Corporation on its proposed Northridge plan for the former Allentown State Hospital site on the east side of Allentown.

The Northridge concept, which will follow the investment group’s Allentown Vision 2030 Plan, is expected to include a mixed-use community of retail stores, health care services, and middle-income housing such as town houses, small cottages, and triplexes, as well as an assisted living facility.

Recreation areas and open green space are also planned for the site.

The Press reached out to J.B. Reilly, president, City Center Investment Corporation, for comment after the planning commission’s decision.

“This is a major project, and we support the planning committee’s need to have more time to complete their review,” Reilly said via email. “We have the same basic timeline.

“Our hope has been to secure zoning approval by November, which is still achievable.”

He said his group officially acquired the property at the former Allentown State Hospital site on Aug. 30.

“City Center is excited about Northridge and anxious to put the important parcel back into productive use,” Reilly said.

Reilly said on Aug. 5 during the City Center’s unveiling of Northridge, the proposed plan will probably cost over $1 billion and take 8 to 10 years to complete.

He also said the redevelopment of the state hospital site is another opportunity to improve the community in Allentown and his group is fortunate to be a part of this community.