As the organizer of the forum at Faith Baptist Church on Lanta, I would like to make some speculations on what was not said at the meeting. First and foremost, the meeting was not covered by The Morning Call. I sent the press release to two reporters,plus the local editor. I'd like to note the "Paper" is a "partner" in the new Lanta Terminal. It was built on land they sold to the Parking Authority and they receive free parking at the new deck; Their publisher attended the dedication with the three amigo's.(scroll down to earlier posting). All four democratic candidates for county commissioner were no shows, although one of the candidates, Kevin Easterling, expressed solidarity over the phone; but Kevin was recently hired by Ed Pawlowski as our new Recreation Director. My attempts to connect with Lehigh Carbon Community College in regard to the effect on their students at the Hamilton Street annex were unanswered. I would like to thank all the candidates who did attend, Ellen Millard-Kern from Senator Browne's office and Bernie O'Hare for his detailed report on http://lehighvalleyramblings.blogspot.com/
UPDATE: As a result of a inquiry by Ellen Kern, I did finally receive a call from a dean at the Community College. They approve of the bus stop being removed from in front of their facility because it has "reduced the litter". I inquired about the inconvenience for their students who now must walk to the Lanta terminal; they have received "no complaints". As one who tried to contact a dean myself and received no replies, I must question whether that comment has much value. As winter weather approaches, common sense would indicate a bus stop moved from in front of the building to two blocks away, is not student friendly.
Michael, Had you not organized this event, I'd have nothing to write. I believe that the work you've done w/ Hamilton St merchants and bus riders, is the most positive thing you've done for A-town.
ReplyDeletethanks bernie, i know this issue really gets to you, but what bothers me the most is bureaucracies lying to justify their decisions. in order for the buses which exit the new lanta terminal to go west on linden street, they must drive straight across three wide lanes of traffic on 7th st., but they have the audacity to say they took buses off of hamilton street to reduce congestion. I have seen the Parking Authority and City make statements which are simply not true to further an agenda, and in fairness to pawlowski, these shenanigans are nothing new
ReplyDeletegive it a rest. instead of calling it gentrification ,call it what it is .cleaning up hamilton street
ReplyDeletedowntowns have a historic covenant with their merchants involving public transportation and parking. i have no problem with allentown trying to rise the tide in an gradual way, but this is like a stalinist exile to Siberia
ReplyDeleteMM, I hope your valiant efforts were not in vain. It's shameful that TMC did not cover the story.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see some elected officials and others speaking out. As a concerned citizen, I appreciate your (and Bernie's) updates on this issue.