Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Allentown Village Initiative's relationship to the Borough of Allentown?
The Allentown Village Initiative is a volunteer-driven not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Mayor of the Borough of Allentown allocates two members of the Borough Council as liaisons to the The Allentown Village Initiative Board of Trustees. In some projects, we will assist the Borough – on other projects, we will seek to partner with the Borough and appropriate commissions. Many projects (such as offering volunteer assistance to businesses for the design or implementation of window displays), can be accomplished independently. The Borough of Allentown has always been supportive of volunteer efforts that have broad public support to enhance the Borough.
How are we going to acquire the funds for projects?
The resources needed to fund projects will come from a mix of donations, fundraising efforts, and potentially grants.
How is the Board of Directors chosen?
The Board of Directors (trustees and officers) are chosen through a formal nomination process by the current board, after which the board votes to accept nominees.
Is my donation to the Allentown Village Initiative tax deductible?
Yes, your donation is tax deductible. The Allentown Village Initiative has 501(c) (3) organization status. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please contact Martha Ploshay at 609-529-4524.
How can I volunteer?
You can volunteer by attending one of our meetings anytime. We invite volunteers to participate! You can volunteer in an area of your expertise; volunteer in an area you might just enjoyor want to learn about; or participate on a project that you are passionate about. Martha Ploshay will be glad to hear from you regarding volunteering. Martha's contact number is 609-529.4524.
The Allentown Village Initiative is a volunteer-driven not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Mayor of the Borough of Allentown allocates two members of the Borough Council as liaisons to the The Allentown Village Initiative Board of Trustees. In some projects, we will assist the Borough – on other projects, we will seek to partner with the Borough and appropriate commissions. Many projects (such as offering volunteer assistance to businesses for the design or implementation of window displays), can be accomplished independently. The Borough of Allentown has always been supportive of volunteer efforts that have broad public support to enhance the Borough.
How are we going to acquire the funds for projects?
The resources needed to fund projects will come from a mix of donations, fundraising efforts, and potentially grants.
How is the Board of Directors chosen?
The Board of Directors (trustees and officers) are chosen through a formal nomination process by the current board, after which the board votes to accept nominees.
Is my donation to the Allentown Village Initiative tax deductible?
Yes, your donation is tax deductible. The Allentown Village Initiative has 501(c) (3) organization status. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please contact Martha Ploshay at 609-529-4524.
How can I volunteer?
You can volunteer by attending one of our meetings anytime. We invite volunteers to participate! You can volunteer in an area of your expertise; volunteer in an area you might just enjoyor want to learn about; or participate on a project that you are passionate about. Martha Ploshay will be glad to hear from you regarding volunteering. Martha's contact number is 609-529.4524.
Terms
What is a “Sense of Place”?
'Sense of Place' is a term used in relation to those characteristics that make a place unique or special and that foster a sense of authentic attachment and belonging. (Wikipedia)
What is the “Setting” of a historic village?
This is tricky as the setting will invariably change. The “setting” of a historic village is the surrounding landscapes and vistas that contribute to its historic character. Allentown's setting (including surrounding vistas) was agricultural and was often used for revolutionary war troop encampments. Removing a historic village from the setting that contributed to its being placed on the National Register of Historic Places is considered harm to the village.
What is a “Sustainable Community”?
A 'sustainable community' is one that is economically, environmentally, and socially healthy and resilient. It meets challenges through integrated solutions rather than fragmented approaches that meet one of those goals at the expense of the others. And, it takes a long-term perspective – one that focuses on both the present and the future. (Institute for Sustainable Communities)
Sustainable communities focus on improving of the quality of life of people at all income levels. They encourage recycling, the use of alternative forms of energy where appropriate, and the protection of water resources. There is an increased emphasis on health-enhancing recreation and eating locally-grown, fresh fruits and vegetables.
What is “new urbanism”?
'New urbanism' is a planning and design movement that arose in the 1980s promoting walkable neighborhoods containing a range of housing and job types. It is heavily influenced by design standards that were prominent until the use of the automobile in the mid-twentieth century. Places like Allentown were the models for new urbanism due to their higher quality-of-life.
'Sense of Place' is a term used in relation to those characteristics that make a place unique or special and that foster a sense of authentic attachment and belonging. (Wikipedia)
What is the “Setting” of a historic village?
This is tricky as the setting will invariably change. The “setting” of a historic village is the surrounding landscapes and vistas that contribute to its historic character. Allentown's setting (including surrounding vistas) was agricultural and was often used for revolutionary war troop encampments. Removing a historic village from the setting that contributed to its being placed on the National Register of Historic Places is considered harm to the village.
What is a “Sustainable Community”?
A 'sustainable community' is one that is economically, environmentally, and socially healthy and resilient. It meets challenges through integrated solutions rather than fragmented approaches that meet one of those goals at the expense of the others. And, it takes a long-term perspective – one that focuses on both the present and the future. (Institute for Sustainable Communities)
Sustainable communities focus on improving of the quality of life of people at all income levels. They encourage recycling, the use of alternative forms of energy where appropriate, and the protection of water resources. There is an increased emphasis on health-enhancing recreation and eating locally-grown, fresh fruits and vegetables.
What is “new urbanism”?
'New urbanism' is a planning and design movement that arose in the 1980s promoting walkable neighborhoods containing a range of housing and job types. It is heavily influenced by design standards that were prominent until the use of the automobile in the mid-twentieth century. Places like Allentown were the models for new urbanism due to their higher quality-of-life.