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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
The West Walnut/Union Terrace neighborhood in Allentown, Pennsylvania, features a notable presence of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. The neighborhood's LIHTC inventory comprises 160 total units, with 159 designated as low-income units. Based on the 2022 population of 10,223 and the national average household size of 2.61, the estimated housing units in the neighborhood are approximately 3,917. LIHTC funded affordable housing represents about 4.1% of the estimated housing inventory in the area.
The LIHTC program has invested $282,823 in tax credits for affordable housing in this neighborhood, averaging approximately $1,768 per unit in federal funding. The neighborhood's affordable housing history began in 1989 with the completion of the Allentown Towne House project, which remains a significant contributor to the area's affordable housing stock.
The Allentown Towne House project offers a range of unit types, primarily consisting of 159 one-bedroom units and a single two-bedroom unit. This composition indicates a focus on accommodating smaller households or individuals in need of affordable housing options.
The West Walnut/Union Terrace neighborhood has experienced significant demographic changes over the past decade. The population increased from 7,858 in 2015 to 10,223 in 2022, suggesting a growing demand for housing. Median income fluctuated, rising from $28,776 in 2015 to $39,232 in 2022, indicating potential changes in the neighborhood's economic landscape.
Racial demographics have also shifted. The Hispanic population increased from 43% in 2015 to 54% in 2022, while the white population decreased from 41% to 27% during the same period. The Asian population grew from 2% to 7%, and the Black population remained relatively stable at 10-11%. These changes reflect the neighborhood's increasing diversity.
Despite these demographic shifts, there has been no new LIHTC development in recent years. This lack of development could be attributed to various factors, including changes in local housing policies, land availability, or shifts in funding priorities.
The West Walnut/Union Terrace neighborhood's LIHTC funded affordable housing inventory, while significant, covers a relatively small portion of the estimated housing stock. The Allentown Towne House project, completed in 1989, remains a cornerstone of affordable housing in the area, providing predominantly one-bedroom units. The neighborhood has experienced population growth and increasing diversity over the past decade, with notable increases in Hispanic and Asian populations. Despite these demographic changes, the absence of recent LIHTC development suggests a potential need for reassessment of affordable housing needs in light of the evolving community composition.