Dec 31, 2008

Welcome to Allentown


Joanne is a long time caregiver in Easton, but she chose to buy a house in Allentown. It's a house you will not see on a house tour, but she is rightfully proud of it. It's on a busy street, in a poor section of town. Her house, the only one decorated for Christmas, is the gem of the block. This holiday season she was rewarded for her efforts by receiving an inspection notice from the City of Allentown. She knew that in recent past, her house had been bought and sold for double the money, by one of the city's non-profit housing agencies, so all the safety issues had been addressed. She knows it's not a rental, under that inspection program, or up for sale, under that inspection program, so why the inspection? Seems that Mayor Ed started the home sale inspection program at the wrong end of the curve, and we hired more new inspectors than new police. Allentown has rolled out its old "systematic" inspection program for a few lucky sections in center city. You who live in Midway Manor, or the south side, and certainly the west end, need not worry. Worry is what this post is about. Joanne is really upset, she feels this unwarranted inspection is an intrusion upon her privacy and time. She received no consolation from her call to City Hall, on the contrary, she was told about administrative search warrants, and that somebody better open the door at the designed time. Her anxiety resulted in a coworker contacting Bernie O'Hare, who in turn contacted me. Bernie and I will keep you informed about how Allentown treats this woman; so far, not well.

Dec 30, 2008

The Greed of Grants


Easton Mayor Sal Panto finally pulled his support of the Riverwalk Project, publicly admitting it was a useless project, yet he still wants to utilize the grant in a new location he deems less useless? Now instead of building a parking garage and Lanta terminal four blocks from the shopping district, he will duplicate Allentown, and build it only one block from the stores. Never mind there is no shortage of parking on Northampton Street, Sal can't stand the idea of losing a grant from the Joint River Bridge Authority. In Allentown we couldn't stand losing a grant from the Federal Transportation Department, never mind it destroyed the viability of the Hamilton Street merchants. Lanta officials and city officials in both cities talked of reducing congestion on the main streets, never mind that there was no congestion. Like a consumer with a coupon for something he doesn't need, our elected officials cannot comprehend that there are grants we would be better off not receiving. Greenwich, Connecticut, a beautiful community north of NYC, has a unusual community development policy; they do not accept HUD grants, not much future for bureaucrats there! The Hispanic business community on Allentown's 7th Street suffered a unnecessary disruption of parking and business this fall, as the city once again dug up the sidewalks to install new wiring for improved street lights, courtesy of a "grant". The merchants are rightfully wondering why the new lights ended up identical to the old ones. When grants are utilized, and at the end of the project there is no benefit, but on the contrary, unintended consequences, what's the point? We have become the victims of over planning, to use unnecessary grants, squandering our money, so our elected officials can blabber about progress.

Dec 28, 2008

Urban Safari


Exclusive to molovinskyonallentown; this blogger has learned that along with the golf course concession, the Allentown BrewWorks has received the first franchise to conduct urban safari's in Allentown. The evening excursions will begin and end from the safety of the municipal golf course parking lot, in the deep west end. Although still in the planning stages, sites on the tour will include 9th and Chew, gunfire epicenter of the new Allentown, and a drive-by of Trinkles Cafe. Within the safety of the armored Hummer, guests will visit an actual forensic site, and watch police officers search for shell casings. The guides will tastefully point out probable ladies of the night and merchants of recreational pharmaceuticals. The tour will include stopping in front of the home of an urban pioneer, where actual members of OAPA will wave from behind their windows. With special permission from Lanta, the excursion will drive through the bus yard, showing real passengers waiting on cold steel benches, eating stale donuts. For a VIP tour, actually driven by Mayor Pawlowski himself, contact the special events coordinator at Allentown City Hall or the Allentown BrewWorks. Jarrett Renshaw of The Morning Call did not contribute to this story.

Dec 24, 2008

Christmas Trim



BEST WISHES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON


photocredit: molovinsky

Golf Course Shenanigans


According to an article by Jarrett Renshaw in today's Morning Call, the long term (more than ten years) operator of the restaurant at the golf course has been out maneuvered by Mayor Pawlowski. Although his bid was identical to the successful bidder, the winner provided better answers to a questionnaire; so much for the concept of respecting an existing tenant and his track record. The new tenant, Allentown Brew Works, also has a track record with the city and taxpayers. Jarrett Renshaw writes, "The awarding of the Brew Works contract continues a long line of public support to the Allentown Brew Works, which has enjoyed more than $4.5 million in local, state and federal loans and grants to renovation and construction. The public support includes more than $90,000 in direct taxpayers support from the city of Allentown for design and facade improvements. In addition, the Allentown restaurant sits in a Keystone Opportunity Zone, which means it's exempt from most state and local taxes until 2011."
The decision was not officially made by Pawlowski, but by his five-person committee of city officials. Rumor of this shenanigan has been circulating town for several weeks.

Dec 23, 2008

Nagy Novelty Company


In Downtown Allentown's commercial years, stores extended 3 blocks out from Hamilton Street. The only remaining remnant of that era is the parking meters, which apparently haven't noticed that the stores have been gone now for over 30 years. A magic shop mentioned in the previous post was on 9th Street, between Linden and Turner. On 8th Street, also a couple blocks off Hamilton, was the Nagy Novelty Company. The dictionary defines novelty as a small, often cheap, cleverly made article, usually for amusement. The Nagy's had thousands of them, floor to ceiling. There were little jokes and gags, sometimes risque, passed around parties in the 40's and 50's. When you pulled " Miss Lola, The Snappy Bubble Dancer" leg's out, your finger got snapped. The Nagy's, an ancient father, son and dog, stayed open till around 1980. I was never sure which one was the son. To me, as an aficionado of the old and curious, the store was a shrine. Items which they sold for a few cents, now sell on ebay for many dollars. They manufactured their own greeting cards. Shown here is the front and inside of an embossed card probably dating back to the 1920's.

Dec 22, 2008

Ring 32


When I was growing up in the mid-50's, stage magic was still popular. Famous magicians of the day would occasionally appear at the Lyric Theater (Symphony Hall). Local magicians were popular for entertainment at parties. Allentown always had at least one magic shop, back then Bierley's on N. 9th St. was the local favorite. The valley chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 32, dates back to the early 1930's. The Brotherhood now numbers over 300 chapters worldwide. Up till about 15 years ago, the local chapter would have a show and dealer convention each year in May. As special effects in movies and television evolved, the wonder of performing illusions, and it's popularity diminished; For a while, until Las Vegas once again put magic center stage. I've always been in awe of the performer posters from the early 1920's, lithography at it's best. They were meant to be exotic, to mystify, to be magic.

Dec 21, 2008

Weber, the Wizard


During the vaudeville heyday of stage magic, star magicians such as Thurston and Blackstone, while performing at the Lyric Theatre(Symphony Hall), could be found staying and visiting at the Weber household in Allentown. Herman L. Weber, a contemporary and friend of Houdini, was known as Namreh, the Magician and also as Weber, the Wizard. Twice, during 1930's and 40's, he traveled coast to coast with his traveling magic show. Allentown has a rich tradition of magic and a long standing chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

Villa Ahead of O'Hare


Bill Villa brays this morning that for the first time his blog is rated higher than Bernie O'Hare's in the BlogNet Ratings. Bill's accomplishment was achieved by posting over two hundred off topic insulting comments himself, on his wife's post concerning women's rights. Congratulations Bill Villa, you are remarkable!

Photo Information: This is a promotional postcard from the 1940's for the traveling vaudeville magic act by Allentown magician Herman Weber. Courtesy of the Bill Weber Collection.

Dec 20, 2008

Harassment Case Postponed


The case involving harassment charges brought against Bill Villa by Bernard O'Hare has been postponed. After Villa questioned the impartiality of the District Justice, the case will be reassigned. Villa has also questioned the impartiality of the District Attorney, in both counties of Lehigh Valley. This blogger has learned that Villa will accept the Judge shown in the photo, who has a reputation of disliking heavy set people who drive red jeeps.

Dec 16, 2008

I Got Snookered


Last month I received a phone call from the alumni office of my alma mater. A pleasant sounding woman asked if I would contribute the same amount I gave last year. I asked how much that was, and she replied $25.00. I said OK, and hung up. It occurred to me that I got snookered. Although they have been writing and calling twice a year for 40 years, I didn't recall ever making a contribution. On the contrary, it often occurred to me that they should give me a refund, or at least not admit I graduated. Having said I would donate, I sent off a check. Now I know I got snookered. Since that time I have received two phone calls and three letters. I am now an member of their esteemed philanthropy society, and started receiving the designed special newsletter. I think they finally taught me something, why people donate anonymously.

Dec 13, 2008

76 trombones


Congratulations to Angie Villa (Mrs. Dottie) for championing women's rights on her blog, Lehigh Valley Somebody. As Sasha Curvaceaux so amply put it, " And thanks Mrs. Dottie for covering Womens' Rights Issues! So many other local bloggers just grind their own agenda axes incessantly (BORE-ing!)". What Sasha didn't know then, in the fourth comment, was that comments 7 through 110 would be the Villa's grinding their own agenda axe. Using Sasha, and their whole cast of made up commentators, they attack, antagonize and provoke their growing enemy list in an unbelievable, egoistical, pathological display of aggression.

Dec 12, 2008

Ozzie and Harriet


The current census data on Allentown shows that the idyllic 50's is long gone by almost every measure.* Nearly 60% of mothers are unwed, and a quarter of them do not live in the same apartment for even a year. This year as the recession gets deeper, there are many thousands of children with young, poor mothers, not in a position to buy presents. Over 2,600 of them have applied to the Salvation Army for assistance this holiday season. While demand is up 18%, donations have decreased 50%. Those of us, in a more fortunate position, should consider donating to Toys for Tots or dropping a few dollars in the Salvation Army Kettle.

* http://blogs.mcall.com/allentown/

artwork: Family by Jessica Lenard, mixed media on canvas, 50" x 66"

Dec 10, 2008

New Angle On Bill White

Today's Opinion Page at The Morning Call, has Ron Angle firing back at Bill White's blog, which criticized Angle for always being against something. Ron takes Bill to task for eating too much chili and his attacks on Emma Tropiano. Both these points have some merit. Bill White has at least four annual themes which dominate his column; food at Musikfest, food contests during the fair, hall of shame and Christmas lights. I made a similar complaint about his blog, being pre-occupied with movies. To his credit he answered my comment, citing his blog as a recreational retreat from the more serious newspaper column; not according to Ron Angle! In fairness to Mr. White, both his column and blog are apparently what both his readers and employer want to read. To curmudgeons like me and Ron Angle, if what you write doesn't annoy most people, you're just a purveyor of fluff. Now to Emma, for a guy like me who doesn't like to shave two days in a roll, and thinks a tie and sports coat should not be worn at the same time, she was the real deal. She never gave a power-point presentation or cited a grant funded study, but she told it like it is, and had practical solutions to real problems. I cannot comment on White's assessment of Angle, I don't follow Northampton politics, but anybody who defends Emma is OK with me.

Dec 8, 2008

Rose Colored Glasses


Before I became the politically correct blogger you read here, I had a darker site known as www.molovinskyformayor.com
I still keep that site up for those who prefer not to wear rose colored glasses. At the bottom of it's home page there are several links; Problem of the Month, Insights and New Approaches (also campaign 2005). I no longer add to the site, but think of it as a internet archive. (At the bottom of this page there is a hyperlink to the site) Essentially, it outlines undesirable consequences of good intentions. Last week Alan Jennings announced that KNBT and PPL have contributed 1.5 million dollars to be doled out by a newly formed Alliance of Grantmasters. I suppose that will require another director of handouts. The parent banks and electrical utility know Alan well. Nobody is better at bending their arm than him. How many branches will you open up in center city? How many months of free electric will you provide before pulling the meter?

Dec 7, 2008

School Board Does Homework

I give the Allentown School Board an A for electing Bob Smith Jr. as their new president.* Bob served on the board since 2003 and is also head of the Allentown Republican Committee. Allentown has been blessed over the years by the dedication of numerous citizens. Many of them never seek or achieve high profile positions, but clearly are the workhorses from which we all benefit. In addition to serving the interests of his east side neighborhood, Bob attends most City Council meetings. There is no position for which he would not receive my support.

* http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b9-5asd.6697620dec07,0,2095825.story

Dec 5, 2008

WaterWar


Long ago a once prosperous city had a huge water demand to meet the need of its various industries. These industries varied from basic goods first designed in the 1800's, to high tech inventions servicing the world. Today, a minor league baseball stadium occupies the space that was needed for parking by thousands of workers making the first transistors; and then the first silicon chips needed for the electronic revolution. The production of these chips required millions of gallons of clean water, and Allentown met that demand. Today the industry is gone, and we are led by people with no memory of that era, or even why the water capacity was created. Although the industrial demand for water never returned, the growth of the surrounding municipalities has created a need for our over-capacity. For the last two years, the City and County have squabbled over who would pay for a pumping station. With the county threatening to drill additional well's and avoid buying more water from Allentown, the two jurisdictions seem to have finally overcome their differences. Allentown City Council has declined, at this point, to approve a request by the Administration for a water rate increase. Allentown taxpayers should not have to pay more for something we already have too much of.

Dec 4, 2008

City Hall Bloat

City Council prevailed on Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski to hire four more police officers than the four submitted in his proposed 2009 budget. According to freelance reporter Sarah Fulton, Jeanette Eichenwald convinced the Mayor this increase was warranted. We in the local blogosphere know Michael Donovan also supported the additional manpower. Considering how many officers may retire this year to benefit themselves by the infamous "PensionGate", a true wild card, will we really reach a force of 214? Considering Pawlowski gave a press conference last spring saying he would concentrate on public safety, why didn't the proposed budget include at least eight more officers? Although City Council questioned the necessity of the Mayor's professional service fund, they have yet to question all the additional administrative positions added by this mayor.