May 30, 2008

Candy For The Spirit



Chen-Arts Group

Saturday 6:30 PM

House of Chen

Sponsored by:
Mrs. Dottie



photocredit:
molovinsky

May 29, 2008

No Investors Need Apply


Mayor Pawlowski can't stand private investors, if he didn't give you a grant, your not worth crap. In the early 70's the City and Redevelopment Authority gave control of the Neuweiler Brewery to a friend. Under the City's watch, windows were removed and exterior walls broken through to remove the brewing tanks and piping for scrap. All metal, wires and any object of value were crudely ripped out in an orgy of demolition. With a large opening in the back wall smashed out, the basement was used as a free landfill by a roofer. Still the building remained iconic, because of it's rich industrial architecture. In 2003 a New Jersey investor bought the building for over $200,000 in the condition shown in the photograph. The building has been in that condition since the late 70's. HIs hope was at some point the City would appreciate the landmark and cooperate in its revival. He must have found the building citations from the Pawlowski administration mind-numbing; can you image being held responsible for carnage committed by a previous owner under the City's watch. Also this week the City punished the owners of the Livingston Apartments for their stubbornness about keeping magnificent heavy metal doors not listed in their Home Depot code book. Mayor Pawlowski, afraid someone might want to invest private money in Allentown and pay real estate taxes, had the Neuweiler owner jailed when he came to Allentown this week to discuss the property. Our new Mayor, along with our new Director of Codes, and our new Redevelopment Director plan to steal, excuse me, i mean seize the brewery.

May 28, 2008

Pawlowski's Magic Show


Last night Mayor Pawlowski looked forward to a good nights sleep after a long day of campaigning. He took his traveling illusion show, entitled Community Policing, to two locations. Stage hands included Police Brass and a "consultant". Although he knows the shine is off his apple, and hard questions have replaced previous blind enthusiasm, he still has a supportive editorial board at the newspaper, and more democrats registered than ever. We are installing surveillance camera's, blah, blah, blah. We are installing shot spotter sound systems, blah, blah, blah. We are involving the local Church Congregations, blah, blah, blah. The mostly somewhat skeptical audiences respond in a polite nod. Here and there an apologist leads a cheer:

"The mayor has a real mess to deal with and personally I feel that he is doing a decent job. It is a shame that many of the people ..... think that they can do it better. " Adam, a Morning Call forum cheerleader.

The mayor didn't get his good night's sleep. The shooting victim lying on his sidewalk required attention from the police and ambulance. Adam, cheerleader from the Morning Call forum also says;

" Seriously if you are that smart run for mayor and figure out how to fix the major problems that previous administrations have caused."

Well, I ran for mayor, and here's my suggestions.

1. Stop attracting more and more problematic people by funding social agencies which stake anybody to move to Allentown.

2. Stop hiring more and more bureaucrats and consultants and hire more police. Although the police shortfall was caused by the retirement incentive, we knew it was coming since 2005.

May 23, 2008

Greg Weaver Tribute



I had made arrangements to use the Hotel Grand, they have an old bar from the turn of century. I also arranged to borrow a super 8 bolex camera. Greg's girlfriend(Fran) was to be the flirt. The camera owner, the Grand owner and Fran all changed their minds. I shot behind Greg's studio on 10th St. using a kodak brownie movie camera and a woman friend of mine. Greg is the shooter. John Lotte is the victim.

Sacred Cows


Yesterday's post questioning the expanded mission of a popular local charity drew only one reaction from a indignant reader, I thought there would be more. Alfonso Todd, local activist, actually complimented the concept of applying diligence to our giving. About twenty years ago I formally opposed a Habitat For Humanity Project. Their plan for three new houses would have blocked the side window in a property I managed, denying my dwelling both light and air. Habitat's plan was endorsed by the City, The Redevelopment Authority and defended by the city solicitor. After the hearing, at which I prevailed, Habitats Regional Director came up to apologize to me. Seems they went with their standard straight wall plan to save time and money, even though everyone knew blocking a neighbors window was improper. He told me they were such a sacred cow that nobody had ever opposed them before.

May 22, 2008

Allentown's Father Flanagan


My mother was a tough cookie; but, about once a year, in the late 40's and early 50's, she would get misty eyed as the letter from Boy's Town arrived. It was that picture, the boy carrying his brother, with the caption saying "He's not heavy..." The twenty dollar bill would go into the envelope, and you wouldn't want to get in her way to the mailbox. Well it seems my mother wasn't the only one, Father Flanagan had rooms full of money.* Here in Allentown Gary Millspaugh of the Rescue Mission, has his own special flyer, it shows a grisly man waiting for a turkey meal around Thanksgiving. Like the boys in Flanagan's picture who never get older, Millspaugh's guy never gets a shave and stays skinny. I guess what made me a cynic is my associates who actually donated apartment houses to the Mission, and the constables who evict people from them for not paying rent. I can't get my arms around a homeless shelter which makes people homeless. This posting could be the end of me. After all, Bobby Gunther Walsh makes meatballs by hand to raise money for Gary. My girlfriend's parents, in their nineties,look forward to Gary's talk at their church. Gary talks to all the churches in the West End. I gotta go hide now, I hear Bernie O'Hare pounding on my door...

* http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE4DE153CF934A35753C1A966958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2

May 18, 2008

Powerpoint Pawlowski


MCall this morning, featured a story by reporter Paul Muschick*, on Pawlowski assaulting community groups with his powerpoint presentation. Strange thing these groups, they assemble once a month and submit themselves to some speaker, usually selling something packaged as useful information. Muschick thought Pawlowski was trying to sell Allentown, but I saw the earlier version during the 05 campaign, and I realize Pawlowski is selling Pawlowski for 2010. Does Pawlowski really think that he's going to change someone's decision regarding investing in a home or business with his slide show? Can anyone really feel more secure because a crime surveillance system has been put in place? With the exception of a few cheerleaders, most of whom recently purchased a house in center city, it is apparent from the readers forum, even Stephen Spielberg would be hard pressed to sell Allentown through a presentation. The perception of Allentown is a result from a ton of litter, scattered by a legion of uncouth, committing horrendous crimes, which have become so commonplace, the stories appear in the local section. Pawlowski may well have the formula for being re-elected, in a democratic stronghold with a sympathetic newspaper, but not for saving the city.

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_5survey.6408850may18,0,7302110.story

May 15, 2008

Neglect Has Its Reward

Readers of yesterday's Morning Call were treated to a feel good story about Allentown's problem apartments.* Three buildings in one row on 9th Street, 326, 334, and 340, but not 328, are to be purchased by a Mr. Grant. I'm not sure who Mr. Grant is, but apparently money is no object. After crunching the numbers, I realized the Redevelopment Authority will be paying about $75,000 per apartment, before costs to deconvert and remodel. Altogether, Mr. Grant plans on spending about 14 million dollars to deconvert 18 row houses. Although the cheerleaders will proclaim it a worthwhile start to combat Allentown's problems, 18 deconversions will not affect the quality of life, or lack thereof, in center city. But as long as bureaucrats realize the public does not directly connect their wallet with "Grant", these positions, projects and insider deals will always exist. I know something about that row on 9th Street, I operated 328 for many years. I made too many upgrades for the current owner to qualify for the gravy train.

*http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b1_5redevelop.6405264may14,0,299007.story

May 13, 2008

My Grandfather's Horse


My grandfather lived on the corner of Chew and Jordan Streets. He butchered in a barn behind the house. For the sake of the vegans I'll spare the details, but suffice to say it wasn't for sissies. The house is still there, 301 Jordan, the barn is gone. He would deliver the meat with a horse and wagon. On the weekends, when the family wanted to visit friends, the horse insisted on doing the meat market route first. Only after he stopped in front of the last market on the route, would he permit my grandfather to direct him.
I managed rental properties between 4th and 12th Streets. Collecting rents or throwing people out is not for sissies. I developed a route between the buildings, utilizing many alleys because of the one way streets. While on my route, I got to know many people living in Allentown, and the circumstances of the different neighborhoods. I would often take pictures of people and things I considered photographic. Although I no longer have the managing job, like my grandfather's horse, I continue on the route. But things have changed, I now keep my car door locked. Not only don't I take photographs anymore, even making eye contact is uncomfortable. The streets are mean and the people are hard. Don't blame me, as an agent I always put the neighbors comfort ahead of finding tenants. Don't blame me, as a citizen I ran for office* and bluntly said what needed to be done.

* http://www.molovinskyformayor.com/Campaign2005.htm

May 11, 2008

Pawlowski's Magic Hat


Saturday's Morning Call, presented a story* outling a grant program designed "to help people at least give you a second look", according to Mayor Pawlowski. The truth is Pawlowski uses our money as the gift that keeps on giving. Two of the seven are restaurants which have received substantial aid from other city programs. Three are small startups which occupy space which appears to be owned or handled by the same realtor. One recipient, New York Urban, was a successful clothes retailer who opened a second shop. The city claims if the businesses stay open less than five years, they will try to recoup the money through liens; but only one of the seven is not a tenant, so that claim is baseless. Three of the shops have recently had their facade redone in an identical finish. Did we pay to remodel the building with facade grants and then provide tenants with these business grants? Coincidence or shenanigan? Talking of shenanigans, I must mention Pawlowski's peek-a-boo and hide-a-fund system**. One receiver of these new grants is Johnny Manana's. Yes, it's the same place that has been receiving grants since before Pawlowski was mayor. This joke is located in a KOZ and already pays no taxes. It was given a special low cost city sponsored liquor license. It appears this latest grant, $50,000, was virtually blackmail to open up, so our agency leaders could crow about how wonderful are their accomplishments. Another $50,000 went to the Cosmopolitan, not yet built, but named. The owner received the location for one dollar, the previous building was torn down at our expense, and of course he received the customary city discounted liquor license. I could say a few more things,but I will be polite. Some of the small shops, the ones with the redwood fronts, you better visit quickly. When the grant for their rent is up, so will they.
GRANT RECIPENTS
Vickey's Sweet Spot 621 Hamilton St. $11,190
New York Urban 740 Hamilton St. $19,366
Total Office Solutions 915 Hamilton St. $20,000
Wireless & Beyond 965 Hamilton St. $20,000
Ileanette's Beauty Salon 913 Hamilton St. $20,000
Johnny Manana's 835 Hamilton St. $50,000
Cosmopolitan 18 N. Sixth St. $50,000

UPDATE:" Pawlowski said some of the remaining money ($155,000) could be used to promote existing restaurants"

*http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b1_5grants-r.6390799may10,0,6273080.story

**Allentown Economic and Development Corporation,Allentown Commercial and Industrial Development Authority, Allentown Redevelopment Authority

May 8, 2008

Pawlowski Picks Lightweight

Although her lack of qualifications was even apparent to Pawlowski sycophants Eichenwald and Guridy, last night City Council unanimously approved Joyce Marin to receive $87,000 a year as our new Director of Community Development. How does this happen? It's difficult to speak frankly or vote against someone. I'm sure she is a very nice person who will try hard, and maybe that will be enough; but she is a "trainee" at best, why not pay her as such? Her claims to fame, career wise, is bringing bike racks to Emmaus as their Main Street Manager, and scheduling a small part time "farmers market" for this summer on Hamilton Street. The vegetable vendor plan resulted from her being Director of Allentown Economic and Development Corporation this past year. Ms. Marin is "excited" about her new job; wants to hire a business development specialist, is counting on the "Vision" meetings to help revitalization, and thinks the farmers market on Hamilton Street will help. The intention of this posting is not to debase Ms. Marin, but rather Pawlowski and City Council. The information was derived from an article in today's Morning Call.*

* http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b2_5council.6397366may08,0,657685.story

May 6, 2008

Pam and Sam Not Playing Well


In recent memory Allentown has two women who aspired to be Mayor, Pam Varkony and Sam Bennett. If I was less politically correct, and willing to catch a storm of hell, I might refer to them as alpha females, but I won't. Pam heads an organization designed to empower women, and is both a MSM columnist and blogger. Sam heads a do-gooder organization, Properties of Merit, and is a Democratic Party activist. As a candidate for United States Congress in the 15th district against Charlie Dent, Sam has been the target of two recent columns by Pam Varkony. The first column concentrated on supposed fundraising misinformation. The current column concerns salary controversies at Properties of Merit. In the past I have been critical of the program itself; just because a couple of guys buy a new house, and plant flower boxes the first year, i don't think they deserve a trophy. To me the long term homeowner who keeps his property presentable, year in and year out, regardless of a declining neighborhood, is the property of merit. But putting aside my incendiary remarks, let's read Pam's. First she states,
"There was a case in Pittsburgh where a politician's wife did pretty much the same thing: Started a small non-profit, received government money, then took a large salary." Sort of sounds like Bennett started Properties of Merit to end up with a large salary. In fairness to Sam, she started Properties of Merit many years ago; I know because I have been criticizing the concept for a long time. Pam later writes, "I realize that the POM program, when properly managed and executed, has value...."
In fairness to Pam this post is a reaction to the juxtaposition of Sam's treatment in the local blogosphere. On the comment section of Bernie O'Hare's site she is being assaulted by even fellow liberal democrats. I always had a soft spot for the underdog.

CLARIFICATION: Both the quotes I contribute to Pam were made in the comment section, when she was reacting to comments made by other people about her posting.

May 4, 2008

Gem's of Hamilton Street


Philmore and Rose Tucker opened their first yarn store on N. 7th St. in 1949. The Tucker Yarn Company has been at it's current location at 950 Hamilton Street for over 50 years. For knitting enthusiasts the endless inventory is legendary. Phil recalls how even in May, traditionally a slow month for the industry, Hess's annual flower show kept Hamilton Street and his store busy. A busy Hamilton Street is a memory now shared only by a couple of surviving merchants. Although many of Tucker's customers are elderly, the business is much more than a time capsule. His daughter Mae, nationally known in the trade, gives classes and operates a large mail order web site, TuckerYarn.Com

May 1, 2008

Stalin's Forgotten Zion

TRAIN STATION WITH RUSSIAN AND HEBREW SIGNS
In 1934 Joseph Stalin created a Jewish Zone called Birobidzhan in the outer reaches of Siberia near the Chinese border; few Jews remain there today. Swarthmore College created an incredible website documenting this story in the saga of the Russian Jews.

http://www.Swarthmore.edu/Home/News/biro/

photocredit:James Bryant

New Youth Programs


Mayor Ed Pawlowski has announced an Anti-Gang Initiative which will use Community Development Block Grants to fund youth programs. Time is short, applications need to be in by May 9th. Secular groups are encouraged to join with a faith based organization. Coaches and Churches should call Heidi Baer for more information at 610 437-7761 Play Ball!