The Department of Veterans Affairs has signed a lease for a new outpatient clinic in Allentown, a facility nearly double the size of what currently serves the region's veterans. The clinic, planned for 935 Blue Barn Road in Upper Macungie Township, is expected to see its first patients in summer 2029, with the VA aiming to complete construction and facility preparation by winter 2029.
The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center announced the lease signing in July, according to LVMAC, with the new site designed to support that medical center's broader network. As reported by Lehigh Valley Press, the new outpatient clinic will provide integrated primary care, mental health, specialty care and ancillary services for eligible veterans in the region. The facility is set to replace both the existing Hamilton Blvd VA Clinic and the Cedar Crest Boulevard VA Mental Health Clinic, according to lehighvalleylive.com.
A Much Larger Footprint for Veterans' Care
The new lease provides 81,719 net usable square feet of replacement outpatient clinic space, including 600 parking spaces, in support of the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, according to a release from VA Wilkes-Barre health care. LVMAC describes that square footage as effectively doubling the current facility's space, a notable jump for a clinic serving an area the VA has flagged as having unusually high numbers of unenrolled veterans.
Timelines for the project differ slightly depending on the source. lehighvalleylive.com reported that construction and facility preparation were expected to be completed by early 2029, while The Morning Call reported a winter 2029 completion target; both outlets agree the first patients are expected to be seen in summer 2029, per the Morning Call's reporting.
Who's Behind the Project
Phillip Christy, chief acquisition officer and principal executive director of the VA's Office of Acquisition, Logistics and Construction, said the leased facility will enhance access, expand capacity and ensure veterans receive high-quality care and services. Christy also said the agency's mission is to provide world-class health care to the nation's heroes, framing the Allentown project as part of the VA's stated commitment to long-term, sustainable improvements in access and timely care for all veterans.
The lease cost has also been reported with slight variation between sources. lehighvalleylive.com put the total at $151,664,685 for the 20-year Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act lease, attributing the figure to VA spokesman John Baloga, while LVMAC reported the total as $151,664,684.67 for the same 20-year term.
Addressing a Gap in Veteran Enrollment
Baloga, who serves as a contact for more information about the clinic, previously said the existing Allentown VA clinic is the region's biggest community-based outpatient clinic and that the area has the most unenrolled veterans for VA health care, according to Lehigh Valley Public Media. That characterization came in connection with a health care enrollment event held at the current clinic site, 3110 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township, aimed at connecting more local veterans with VA services.
A federal prospectus tied to the project, filed pursuant to Title 40 U.S.C. § 3307, describes a lease of up to 81,719 net usable square feet for a VA outpatient clinic in the vicinity of Allentown and lists a proposed total unserviced annual cost of $4,457,000, according to the U.S. General Services Administration. Those interested in more information about the clinic can contact Baloga at 570-824-3521 ext. 24756.
