Fund established for Allentown fire victims; Mack plant upgrades to bring jobs | Lehigh Valley headlines

The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and several other community groups have established a Hamilton Street Fund to rapidly offer financial support to those affected by a July 8 fire that ravaged homes in the 1000 block of the street.

In a news release issued Thursday by the United Way, the organization said the fund is geared toward long-term assistance to the 21 residents, some children, displaced in the fire. It noted the American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter assisted in the immediate aftermath.

The news release said the “100% of funds” will go to the victims.

Donations can be made online at this secure website or via mail (checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 – attention “Hamilton Street Fire Fund”). Individuals interested in making a donation can also text “ALLENTOWN” to 40403. Gift card donations are also encouraged.

Allentown fire officials previously said no residents were hurt in the fire, but firefighters spent hours battling it Monday evening while the region was still experiencing temperatures in the 90s. Six firefighters were taken to area hospitals for treatment of non life-threatening injuries, officials said.

MORE: Allentown fire hits several buildings, leaves residents homeless

Mack Trucks gets boost from feds

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., on Thursday announced $208 million from the Inflation Reduction Act will go toward supporting Volvo Mack Trucks’ five-year plan to transition its plants and employees to new, clean energy vehicle technologies.

The funding will also create 295 new union jobs, including jobs at the local plant in Lower Macungie Township, Casey said in a news release.

The release said Casey has “urged the U.S. Departments of Energy and Treasury to support Volvo Mack Trucks’ goal to be 100% fossil fuel free by 2040.”

“Volvo Mack Trucks can move towards mixed model assembly, which will allow for the scalability and flexibility required to meet market demands for (zero-emission vehicles),” the release said. “The project is supported by local United Auto Workers (UAW) and will help sustain the 7,900 union jobs at the manufacturing facilities in addition to the new jobs created.”

MORE: Mack Trucks unveils major facility renovations, museum upgrades

More local headlines

WFMZ.com reports Elias Grilled Chicken Over Rice, a new fast-casual restaurant with sandwiches and rice platters, has opened for business at the site of a former J’s Steaks & Subs at 2140 Stefko Blvd. in Bethlehem.

MORE: Read the full wfmz.com report here.

Mcall.com reports the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission has approved the $9 million sale of the PPL Building in Allentown, marking a step in plans to redevelop the tallest building in the Lehigh Valley. The PUC approval was required because is owned PPL Electric Utilities Corp.

MORE: Read the full mcall.com report here.

Lehighvalleynews.com reports LANTA and several partner organizations will launch a new bus route to transport Musikfest goers between the festival’s north and south sides when the festival starts on Aug. 2 in Bethlehem.

MORE: Read the full lehighvalleynews.com report here.