Allentown City Council Chambers is sporting its first substantive physical improvements in 50 years. Renovations have been completed that began over the summer. They were unveiled tonight in a ceremony prior to the regularly scheduled council meeting.

Improvements include new carpeting and upgraded chairs, replacing those that were 49 years old. The new chairs allow for flexible seating configurations for multi-use opportunities, including tables for training classes and conferences.

Council Chambers is now ADA compliant. The room is now equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual screens which can also be used for in-house training. They replace a roll-up screen and projector. The upgrade allows the addition of future capabilities like video of meetings. The audio system has been upgraded for meeting recording and documentation. Lobby seating has been added to accommodate overflow crowds to comply with the Open Public Meetings Act. The lobby is now equipped with an audio visual feed from Council Chambers. Inside and outside seating capacity has been increased from 110 to 130 persons.

Seating capacity has been increased to eleven on the dais. The seating increase also accommodates other city authorities, boards and commissions. High efficiency lights now shine above the dais.

The renovation project was a co-initiative of the administration and City Council. The total cost of the work is $120,000. Funding comes from a consolidation of remaining funds from old completed capital projects.

Former City Council members David M. Howells Sr., Michael D’Amore, Pam Varkony, Michael Donovan, Linda Rosenfeld, Lou Hershman, Tom Burke and Benjamin F. Howells Jr. attended tonight’s dedication ceremony along with the seven sitting members of council and Councilman-elect Daryl Hendricks.
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