Whitehall Township could become the Lehigh Valley's fourth city, shedding its official designation as a first class township.

Whitehall Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said in an interview with The Press Friday the idea of Whitehall becoming a third-class city was addressed at a Board of Commissioners Legal and Legislative Committee meeting July 10.

Hozza said the discussion was prompted by the idea that status as a third-class city would better allow the township to obtain state and federal grant money.

A related benefit to Whitehall would extend to the application process for grants.

For instance, rather than seeking a Community Development Block Grant with Lehigh County, Whitehall would apply directly to the state and federal government for funding.

The township has more pressing concerns to address first, said Hozza. Pursuing city status is not an immediate goal.

"It's not on our radar at present," Hozza said.

Some municipalities, such as Charlotte, N.C., have had success in becoming cities.

Whitehall, with a population of 26,738, would be the third largest city in the Lehigh Valley, surpassing Easton, which would drop to fourth in ranking.

Hozza conceded he has received a smattering of negative feedback and concerns from residents that crime would increase.

The township could also consider becoming a town, Hozza said. Only one municipality in the state – Bloomsburg – has that designation.

With the township's home rule charter in place, Whitehall would need to take several steps before a major change such as becoming a city would occur.

Hozza said the issue would have to be presented in the form of a voter referendum. Township residents would then vote on the matter through a ballot question.