The Cunningham Administration failed to intimidate the County Commissioners into approving the Reading Road Bridge this evening. Earlier in the day, Commissioners received a seven page memo attempting to negate points recently made on this blog; Their usual nonsense, that the bridge isn't historic, and that it's filled with crap. The last page was a memo from someone in Allentown Public Works, stating that the bridge was responsible for the flooding upstream, and posed a danger to public safety. Cunningham's staff then send what they thought would be the knock out punch; A legal opinion from the County Solicitor, that since that note said that the current bridge threatened public safety, a no vote would make the County liable if anything happen. They had been served notice. The tactic seemed to push the Commissioners too far, they decided to table the resolution. Allentown Public Works would be more honest to write that they are depending on an almost identical stone arch bridge, Schreibers, to link the South Side with Center City. They should write how they allowed the beams on the 15th Street Bridge to rust away. They should write how they cooperated with the County in 1980 to build the pedestrian bridge for Reading Road Bridge. Now, after 188 years, they send a memo the day of the vote, that the bridge causes problems? Gotta love the arrogance.UPDATE: The Morning Call report by Samantha Marcus
The entire area is a flood plain. How can the bridge be responsible for upstream flooding, and why is the administration so intent on replacing this bridge? It is kind of odd to me.
ReplyDeleteglenn solt, the county project manager, claims that the bridge, because it has two arches instead of one larger one, acts like a dam, causing the flooding. that explanation does not explain why union st., which is downstream, floods first. i believe that the letter, from someone at allentown public works, is one public works employee in the city, trying to help out another on the county level, glenn solt. to me, the letter appears to be responding to solt. the notion that the letter is any sort of legal notice seems improbable. i also question why the full court press on the commissioners. obstruction wise, why would the city wait 188 years to prevail upon the county?
ReplyDeleteSome County Commissioners you just can't reach ...
ReplyDeleteCOOL HAND LUKE
I can't understand fixing something that isn't broke. Why not fix the bridge in lehigh parkway that's been out of commision for yrs? My daughter would say let's take the scenic way home!We would pullover in the lot by the creek and watch the kayakers. GOOD TIMES! When Hellmanton St freezes over good times will be had by all.(All who can afford it!)
ReplyDeleteIt is true that it floods on both sides, so how have they studied the impact of three arches on flow of water during floods and measured upstream flooding versus downstream flooding?
ReplyDeleteIs there a report with data or just a letter. No need to answer, I know the answer.
Why hasn't anyone pointed out the biggest problem of them all? That darn antique bridge and ill maintained footbridge are solely responsible for the sewage everflows. I hear the bridge has also developed a close relationship with Al Gore and is conspiring to make Global Warming happen and ManBearPig sightings.
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