Aug 31, 2016

The Mighty Atom


Years ago, at the Allentown Fair, as one would push through a sea of carney delusion, tucked back by the 4H animals, was an island of reality. There, in an old battered truck, an ancient Jewish strongman performed incredible feats of strength, to sell only homemade kosher soap. Standing on a platform on the rear of his truck, flanked by photographs from his performing youth, he would bent horse shoes and bite through nails. Many years earlier, my mother as a little girl in Bethlehem, saw him pull a truck uphill with his hair. Even as an old man, like a reincarnation of Samson, his grey hair was still long.
In the summers of 1964 and 1965, myself and a friend,(Fred Schoenk, retired Allentown art teacher) made and sold printed tee-shirts at the fair. We had the honor to know Joseph Greenstein(The Mighty Atom) and his wife. For those interested, there are various articles on the Mighty Atom and even at least one book. Enjoy the fair!

reprinted every year since 2007

Aug 30, 2016

A Crime Against Allentown's Treasure


Readers of this blog know that I was very offended that the Wildlands Conservancy demolished the small dam by the bridge at Robin Hood, in Lehigh Parkway.  To add insult to injury, they piled the smashed dam ruble around the stone piers of the bridge.  While previously the stone piers rose majestically of the water, they were now surrounded by ruble.  That ruble has now accumulated silt, and tall weeds and brush now grow around the piers.  Furthermore, this accumulation has now completely blocked off the flow of water from under one side the bridge.

I call upon the Allentown Park Director to insist that the Wildlands  remove this ruble at their expense.    They were, unfortunately, given permission to remove the dam, but they were never authorized to depreciate the bridge or stream in such a way.

The banks of the stream are so overgrown by the bridge, that the creek can no longer be seen.  The WPA water fountain that sits on the edge of the weed barrier is a reminder of how beautiful the park used to be.  Robin Hood is really a disgusting mess now,  and this blog will tolerate no environmental rationalizations as an excuse for the abuse of this former treasure.

When the classic postcard shown above was made,  the stream bank provided both access and view to enjoy the Little Lehigh.  

Aug 29, 2016

Charter Schools, Educators or Tenants?


I received a call from promoter and underground videographer Imantrek.  He is upset about the Morning Call's contention that they do not know who paid for the controversial mailer about drugs at Liberty High, despite that their associated Tribune Direct Mail produced the piece.  My hunch is that they're protecting that divisions privacy policy.  Although, I find that internal Morning Call situation mildly interesting, another aspect of this story interests me more.

As this controversy surrounding the Innovative Arts Academy newspaper ad and mailer developed, one common denominator with several other charter schools is the landlord,  Abe Atiyeh.  Atiyeh has not only been the landlord, but is active in getting these charter schools approved.  As taxpayers,  we would like to think that these schools are educationally innovative, and providing a unique learning opportunity, not available in the public schools,  which fund the charter schools within their district.  It is becoming more and more apparent to this blogger that the schools are designed first and foremost as tenants, or real estate business opportunities.

Charter schools have become fashionable, as public schools are perceived as dysfunctional victims of urban poverty.   School systems are now more inclined to approve charter school applications,  with Harrisburg's tendency to go over the head of local school boards anyway, and grant approval.

In reality, many parents looking for a better educational option for their children, may be sending their child to an under-equipped alternative.

Aug 26, 2016

Allentown's State Of The Arts


Today, in the Morning Call, a member of the Art Museum's Auxiliary asks the reporter to spread the word about the museum. The museum recently added an addition. Across the street, the Arts Park extends past the Baum Art School, to the rear of Symphony Hall. Then, across 6th Street, the Arts Walk has been extended through J.B. Reilly's Strata Village, to 7th Street. There is even a steel archway announcing the artiness of it all, by the former Shula's Steak House. With art this, and art that, why does the museum need a plug in the Morning Call? In Allentown, there's a large gap between the hype and the reality.

In reality, the city is allowing J.B. Reilly to smash Symphony Hall in the knees, by using its parking lot for a new apartment building. The lot is actually owned by the Allentown Parking Authority, which is supposed to act for the betterment of Allentown and its residents, not a private business interest. About 25 years ago, I went to see the late B.B. King perform at Symphony Hall. Today, with the competition from the Sands and Steel Stacks, and another half a dozen places, I doubt if Symphony Hall would attract such an act. Apparently, the power structure in Allentown also finds the old theatre expendable. There is a message in that for the Art Museum;  Business before art.

Aug 25, 2016

The Second Wave For Allentown Mayor


Last week I posted about the mayoral candidates already lining up in Allentown. Mentioned in that post were Sam Bennett, David Jones, Charlie Thiel, Daryl Hendricks and Ed Pawlowski. This post covers some additional potential candidates. Erika Bickford has been a long time fixture at city council meetings. She has already announced her candidacy to The Morning Call. Mark Smith has also been flirting with the idea of running. Smith ran unsuccessfully in the recent crowded school board election. That election was the most competitive for a seat in my long history of local election observations. Also hinting at a run for mayor is Luiz Garcia, a member of Allentown's police force since 2013. He thinks that he would bring some freshness to the political arena, if he decides to run. With the exception of Garcia, I have met or sat down with all the candidates at one time or another.

Pictured above I'm modeling one of my T-shirts from the 2005 election. These shirts are available for purchase in S, M, L, and XL at $495.00 each, which includes shipping.

Aug 24, 2016

Rite-Aid Returns, A Figment of My Imagination


Dear Mayor Pawlowski,
Forgive me for saying this, but I'm very disappointed in the changes made to my town. After my wife passed away, I moved to the senior high-rise at 8th and Union St. I can see the old Mack Transmission Plant from my window, I worked there for 40 years. I understand now it's a indoor go-cart track, I find that a bitter pill. Actually pills are why I'm writing. I used to walk to the Rite-Aid on Hamilton Street. With that closing, I don't think I can walk out 7th St. to the old Sears. Forgive me Mayor, that's before your time in Allentown. The other Rite-Aid used to be Levines Fabrics, they bought it from Sears. The Army Navy store was across the parking lot. Anyway, back to my problem. Now I can't even catch the bus on Hamilton anymore to go visit my daughter in Catty. What have you done to me? My neighbor, a nice widow, tells me you gave that Mexican Restaurant lots of our money and they don't even pay their bills? Never ate there, what were you thinking? Anyway, sorry to bother you, I know you're a busy man, but I don't know where I will get my medicine from, and I'm upset. Sorry.

Originally titled, Figment of My Imagination.

PhotoCredit: molovinsky

Reprinted from July of 2008, to commemorate the return of Rite-Aid.  Isn't it wonderful that J. B  Reilly will finally get a tenant there who will do enough business to actually pay rent. 

reprinted from this past April of 2016. Rite-Aid will open tomorrow, Thursday August 25, 2016

Aug 23, 2016

Lehigh County's History Lesson

Students of this blog know that I'm disappointed with the Lehigh County Commissioners, for their refusal to save Wehr's Dam from the  disingenuousness of the South Whitehall Commissioners. One of the current county commissioners is a former township commissioner, and you know that there is protocol. I was frustrated by the county's recent decision to spend $millions more on farmland preservation, while ignoring the historic dam. Now, the county commissioners are doubling down on history, and legally defending the county seal, in a lawsuit from a religious freedom group. At the end of the court cases, the defense will cost much more than it would have to save the dam. Countless thousands of people have visited the dam over the decades. How many people have come to visit and enjoy the county seal?

Aug 22, 2016

Allentown, Signs of Our Time

s

Some of you may have noticed that all the parks are getting new matching signs. The wood carved and other classic signs of the former classic parks, are being replaced by unimaginative, painted signs, which promise to have a short life span. However, beside the separate park name, they are all the same,  a rather ugly green design. It's called branding, and I suppose the new park director must have seen the uninspired idea in some national park magazine. It should be no surprise that Cedar Beach Pool has been out of commission now for two years. Most of the time no one is working on the project, while occasionally, two men can be seen there. Amazing what a mayor from out of town, with a series of park directors from out of town, and a sleeping Trexler Trust, can undo. With the stock ideas from the National Park Magazine, who needs those classic parks from Allentown's past? Put up a new sign, schedule as many events as possible, show a movie, go to a national convention, and that's how you build your resumé.


ADDENDUM: Pawlowski has now hired a company to brand the city. They will conduct a study for public input, and other dog and pony nonsense. Allentown, a city which truly never stops wasting your tax dollars.

Aug 19, 2016

As Allentown Turns


In 2014, I did a series of posts on what I called Life After Pawlowski.  I interviewed and featured both Sam Bennett and Charlie Thiel, who were both interested in the top office of city hall.  An article in today's Morning Call also examines the contenders emerging since the Pawlowski scandal.  I have decided to label the Pawlowski situation a scandal,  because he has yet to be indicted, despite being incriminated. Two more likely candidates have joined the field:  County Commissioner David Jones announced for the office, and City Councilman Daryl Hendricks issues no disclaimer on his ambition.  The main theme of the paper's article is that Pawlowski himself may well run again,  assuming he's still on this side of the iron bars.

The Morning Call has their regulars that they go to for what they consider expertise.  For local political analysis, they call on a Muhlenberg professor.  The professor thinks that Pawlowski could possibly be re-elected, despite the scandal.

today's post was delayed by a slowdown by the blog's production department,  negotiations are on-going. 

photo courtesy of The Morning Call

Aug 18, 2016

Start A Blog

I was recently asked how to start a blog, it's very easy. In the upper right hand corner of this page, click on Create Blog. Blogspot will take you through the process, step by step. When it comes to comments, it's important to allow anonymous comments, because people love to give their opinion, without revealing their identity. In addition to Blogspot, there are other blogging platforms available. You can even make money by allowing advertisements, or solicit your own sponsors. However, don't expect to make more than $100,000 the first year. It's important to be diplomatic, and not insult any elected or appointed officials. Cultivate a good rapport with the local media. Never insult your readers.

Now, although the above advise is top notch, I'm too stubborn and mean to follow it; that's why I am left with readers the likes of you.

As for Allentown, it's in suspended animation, awaiting for the culmination of the Pawlowski investigation.   So, while in this municipal trance,  you're reduced to the likes of me.

my new portrait, taken by Hub Wilson, for my upcoming second attempt at Mayor of Allentown 

Aug 17, 2016

A Joke in Allentown


According to news reports, J. B. Reilly got permission from the Allentown Zoning Board to demolish several buildings for his new Tower of (his) Opportunity at 6th and Hamilton.  What suspense, who knew what would happen?  Some of the comments reported at the hearing were precious.  The Preservation People, not to be confused with the Village People, complained that the buildings to be demolished were historical. They wanted to know if Reilly could possibly incorporate the old brick facades into his modern glass and steel tower?  Oh well puppies, you tried, have a doggy treat before your nap.  The zoners were also adorable. One spoke about the economic gain for Allentown,  I never knew that was a zoning consideration.  Another suggested that the Preservation Puppies give tours of some other old buildings, and sensitize Allentown to the issue.  Reilly's manager talked about the property taxes that will coming Allentown's way.  Funny, but he never mentioned Reilly's appeal of the assessments on previous buildings,  which were approved and constructed.

Aug 16, 2016

Molovinsky's First Post


After viewing the local media, if one would venture downtown, one encounters a rude awaking. Yes, the new buildings are there, but the essential vibe has not changed, the streets are still strewn with litter, and dominated by those that do the littering. Millions of our taxpayer dollars have been spent on a delusion; so lock your car doors and let me take you around, from behind the safety of your computer screen. michael molovinsky

Printed above is my first post on this blog, titled Time For A Reality Check. printed on May 26, 2007.  Now, over nine years later, the only difference is that we have spend a $Billion dollars more, of taxpayer money, for somebody else's private real estate portfolio. Does the sameness mean that I'm prophetic, or as citizens, we are pathetic?

ADDENDUM: According to news sources,  announcing mayoral candidate David Jones thinks that many of Allentown residents are not shareholders in the Arena and Reillyville.  His campaign may well try and harness the disenfranchised.  If he would succeed,  Allentown will become officially politically urban.  Pawlowski tried to dismiss him, with a comparison to Donald Trump.  I suppose that's the ultimate insult by a Democrat.

Aug 15, 2016

Best Of The Week's Blogs


The Morning Call has a feature each Sunday entitled, Best Of The Week's Blogs.  A clerk at a supermarket I frequent asked me why my blog is never included.  I explained that the paper only includes their own bloggers,  which are also their own reporters. All this brings me to their Sunday  feature blog post, Bill White ready to hang up his fork?  In the post, White wonders if after twenty years of eating his way through Musikfest, if it's taking too heavy a toll on his body?  No Bill, but it is taking a heavy toll on your readers.  So are all your other serial themes, like the Christmas Lights,  Hall of Shame, Fair Cake Taster, Grammer,  etc, etc, etc.  His themes have gotten to the point that when White occasionally writes something else, something relevant,  he has it put on the front page.

ADDENDUM: This isn't the first time I beat up Bill White, and he's actually a nice guy.  Worse yet of me, his columns are popular with the public. Furthermore, I suppose some of my nastiness comes from other issues with the Morning Call.  What's the big deal if Pawlowski doesn't get parking tickets, when the Parking Authority gives away the surface lots needed by Symphony Hall?  What do they mean that J.B. Reilly's project got critical approval? Has he ever been denied?  Who is there to deny him?

Aug 12, 2016

The Fiefdom of South Whitehall


Users of South Whitehall's water got a surprise in their recent billing.  Although, previously charged for metered usage, the township started charging an additional base rate of $25 per quarter.  While, not so noticeable for larger users,  the add on stands out on the bills of small users.  Usually those users,  such as the elderly, are the ones least able to afford such an increase.  For many of the elderly, this change amounts to over a 50% increase in their bill.  The justification used by the township was a 4% increase in wholesale cost from the LCA, which only provides a portion of the township's water.  Understand, that this change increases the township's revenue by almost $1 million dollars, with no public input, what so ever.

Understand, that virtually no one attends the commissioner meetings,  where the local elected aristocrats enact  such changes under no scrutiny.  This specific increase was by the township's Board of Authority,  which is appointed by the commissioners.  South Whitehall has changed from an affordable, community based government to a aristocracy,  becoming more and more expensive for the same level of service. Uncontested elections do have consequences.

Aug 11, 2016

Macungie Madness


Both Lower and Upper Macungie have been experiencing enormous growth.  The number of people residing in the townships has increased about 60% in the last  decade,  and together are the fastest growing regions in Pennsylvania.  Between them, there are now over 50,000 thousand people residing in the two townships.  Recently, I posted about the commercialization of the Rt. 222 bypass in Lower Macungie.

Upper Macungie, bi-sected by both Rt. 222 and Rt. 78, has seen the most growth in warehouse construction. That township will now begin developing a new comprehensive zoning plan, hopefully giving the residents  the sense that there is some restraint on development.

One of the more transparent elected officials in the Lehigh Valley, Ron Beitler, serves as a commissioner in Lower Macungie.  Beitler produces an informative blog on the issues affecting his township.

Aug 10, 2016

Shove Your Movies In The Park


The Lehigh Valley park systems, now essentially controlled by the Wildland Conservancy, currently feature Movies and Lies In The Park, instead of parks in the park.

While Allentown recently gave an excuse of delays in rebuilding Cedar Beach Pool, they never revealed that only about two men have been working on it all summer. While they show movies in the parks,  the weed barriers along the creeks are exposing children and pets to ticks all summer.

While South Whitehall will host events in Covered Bridge Park,  they have conspired with a referendum, to accommodate the Wildlands Conservancy and demolish Wehr's Dam.

Meanwhile, the Trexler Trust forsakes the General's accomplishments by funding the Wildlands Conservancy. Although, every park in Allentown got a new sign this summer, the park department forgets that the parks were designed to be enjoyed by people, not to provide space for the Wildlands' agenda.  Try leaving your yard grow that way, you'll get a fine.

Aug 9, 2016

The Boat Landing

Getting to the Boat Landing, for six year old boys who lived above the park in 1953, was quite an adventure. There were three other wonderful WPA structures to navigate on the journey. Unfortunately,  poor foresight by a previous park director has erased some of the WPA's monuments in Lehigh Parkway. As the postcard from the mid-50's above shows, the Boat Landing (my name for the structure) was a source of pride for the city and park system. It is located at the end of the park,  near Regency Apartments. I use the present tense because remnants of this edifice still exist,  buried under dirt and debris. Other attractions lost in that section of the park include the Spring Pond near the Robin Hood parking lot, and the bridge to the "Island", plus the mosaic inlaid benches which were on the island. ( Island halfway between parking lot and boat landing). Neither the Mayor or the Park Director knows that these centerpieces ever existed. These are irreplaceable architectural treasures well worth restoring.

UPDATE: The above post was written in May of 2009. Later that year I organized a small group of volunteers, and we unearthed a portion of the boat landing. The next year I prevailed on the Allentown Water Shed Foreman, Michael Gilbert, to expose the remaining stones around the Spring Pond and remove the growth hiding the Miniature Bridge.

Trexler Smiles, Landing Revealed
I believe that today, for the first time in decades, General Trexler had something to smile about. Most people never understood why three steps were near the lower entrance of Lehigh Parkway; they seemed to lead nowhere. This morning eight people joined a grass root effort to unveil, for the first time in decades, the structure I called the Boat Landing.
Buried under the dirt and grass were several more steps leading to a landing. Chris Casey was the first to arrive and cleared these steps and the first landing himself. A second set of steps led from the landing to the main landing on the creek. These second steps had a foot or so of ground and plants.
The quality and condition of the stonework is excellent, as was all our WPA icons. I will be polite and say only that it was a crime to have let this neglect occur. On the main landing the accumulated earth was two and half feet thick. The crew dug out the curving retaining wall several yards in each direction, and cleared off the top of the wall.
Eight people working four hours managed to reveal about one third of the landing at the bottom of the steps. It was a thrill to realize we were standing at creek's edge as the WPA architects had envisioned. I stood there often as a boy. There still remains a large portion of dirt to remove at the steps base, but you can now experience the Boat Landing.
The retaining wall and the landing continue for fifty feet or so in both directions. Unfortunately a huge tree has grown on the landing to the right, but the left appears reclaimable.
We who worked there today, hope to return and clear off the remainder of the dirt at the bottom of the steps.

Perhaps others will be motivated to clear off the remaining portion of the landing to the left. Now that might even be an idea for the City; imagine restoring an irreplaceable icon instead of buying something from a catalogue. I'm most grateful to all those who helped today, and will reveal their names with their permission.

ADDENDUM:Michael –

I just wanted to thank you for organizing today’s cleanup at the “Boat Landing” in the Lehigh Parkway. It’s not often that one gets to help unearth a treasure while barely leaving home, but that’s exactly what happened today.

It was truly impressive what big difference a small group of people can make. I can’t even estimate the amount of dirt that was moved with nothing more than a few shovels and a lot of hard work.
We can only hope that the City and the Trexler Trust will become aware of this location and start giving all the great structures in the Parkway the care they deserve.
However, the best part of the story for me came after we all left. I got home and my daughter Lucy (age 7) wanted to know how things went. We hopped in the car and soon we were walking up to the stairs leading to the landing. The sun was shining, and the sunlight trickled through the trees and onto the freshly-exposed stairway.
Lucy asked if she could go down to the landing by the water and next thing I knew we were both there at the waters edge, standing on what had been buried only a few hours earlier and marveling at the beauty of the location.
We spent a few moments there - a father and daughter both enjoying something completely “new” to us (even though the landing is over 70 years old). We talked briefly about what was – and more importantly what could be again.

Thank you for making that moment possible, and I hope many others take the opportunity to visit the landing in the near future.

Mike Schware
P.S. – After visiting the landing, Lucy and I walked further upstream and saw the remnants of the bridge to the island (near the water fountain). The remaining supports of the bridge confirmed what you had told me earlier about the island being much smaller years ago.

I organized the excavation shown above in 2009. We did return and remove the remaining dirt at the bottom of the steps.
reprinted from two separate posts combined

Aug 8, 2016

A Petition Against Park System Policy

The weed barriers need to be removed from the Allentown Park System. The zones are unsightly, breed plants that are on Pennsylvania’s invasive plant species list, harbor vermin, and present a public health danger to the citizens who use the park. Pennsylvania remains the state with the highest rate of Lyme disease. The CDC and all other groups that report about Lyme Disease cite one major but simple preventative measure: removal of weeds and high grasses. Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose and not always easily cured. Complications include joint inflammation, neurological problems; cognitive defects, and heart rhythm irregularities; left untreated, the disease can be fatal to humans and pets. Ticks also spread other diseases such as Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Ehrlichiosis. Urban parks in the United States were created to provide city dwellers a chance not only to recreate but to do so in a healthy environment. The decision to allow these weed barriers in our parks was instituted without a referendum of the citizens of the city and without discussion with the Allentown Board of Health. The public servants of Allentown need to reconsider their decision and insure that our parks are a safe and healthy environment for the people that visit the parks. We believe the best way to do this is by weed removal along the waterways and throughout the parks.

 The above petition was started by a concerned Allentown resident.  Although, I wasn't involved in this petition initiative, it has my full support.  Those interested in signing can click here.

Aug 5, 2016

Crimes By The Wildlands Conservancy

photo by Tami Quigley

The top photo shows the Robin Hood Bridge, before the Wildlands Conservancy demolished the little folly Robin Hood Dam, just downstream beyond the bridge. The dam was only about 10 inches high, and was built as a visual effect to accompany the bridge in 1941. It was the last WPA project in Allentown, and considered the final touch for Lehigh Parkway. Several years ago, the Wildlands told the Allentown Park Director and City Council that it wanted to demolish the dam. The only thing that stood between their bulldozer and the dam was yours truly. I managed to hold up the demolition for a couple weeks, during which time I tried to educate city council about the park, but to no avail. If demolishing the dam wasn't bad enough, The Wildlands Conservancy piled the broken dam ruble around the stone bridge piers, as seen in the bottom photo. I'm sad to report that the situation is now even worse. All that ruble collected silt, and now weeds and brush is growing around the stone bridge piers. I suppose the Wildlands Conservancy considers it an extension of its riparian buffers.

The Wildlands Conservancy is now going to demolish Wehr's Dam at Covered Bridge Park in South Whitehall. The township commissioners are cooperating, by having a grossly inflated price associated with repairing the dam, to justify a disingenuous referendum. Sadly, by next spring I will be showing you before and after pictures of that crime.


top photo by Tami Quigley

Aug 4, 2016

The Partisan Dilemma

The Republican partisans are having quite a dilemma  about Donald Trump.  When Charlie Dent announced yesterday that he could not vote for Trump,  local party advocate Scott Armstrong derided Dent as a Rino,  who he could no longer support.  Now, it will become more complicated if Pat Toomey continues to withhold support for Trump, because Toomey hardly fits the Rino description.
I invited Scott to express his opinion for this post;
Mike, speaking as a committee person and someone who has been part of the local committee leadership for years, I find Charlie's announcement troubling and yes,hypocritical. We have for year been told, and I myself have stressed the message that our responsibility is to defeat the Democrats. Many of us have supported Charlie even though over the years, his positions and rhetoric have been counter to basic Republican tenets.  Now Charlie finds Trump's comments as something he cannot support. Fine! So the old adage of what's good for the goose is good for the gander comes to mind.  Finally, with this development, how can I or any other Republican leader ask our fellow activists to do for Charlie what he won't do for Donald.  I  know I won't.  Will this prevent a Dent victory this fall, doubt it. But like Charlie,  I will stand by my own principles and not vote for Dent or his opponent. I will vote to defeat Hillary. Scott Armstrong

For the last decade,  except for briefly exploring the possibility of running as an outsider Republican for state representative this past winter,  I have described myself as an independent.  I ran for office twice as an independent.  I believe that  the straight party lever, which is now a button, should not exist.  In my mind there is nothing at all wrong with a Republican not supporting Trump, or a Democrat not supporting Clinton.  I understand that it is an unusual position for an elected official to take, who for the most part owe their success to party politics. So, for me there are no rino's,  only independently thinking Republicans.

Aug 3, 2016

Irony Of The Rt.222 Bypass


In 2005, when the westward side of the Rt. 222 bypass opened, it was a long planned expensive state project, to eliminate congestion on a busy road.. By 2007, when the eastward side was completed, the commercial potential of the Krocks Road interesection was already being planned.  The 63 acre shopping center now straddles both sides of Krocks Road, on the south side of the bypass.  Target and some other stores have already open.  Because the Hamilton Crossing developers also  have the option on the north side of the bypass,  the bypass promises to create more congestion than existed before the new road was built.

Besides the Jaindl family owning so much land in the county,  this portion of the bypass is designated the Fred Jaindl Memorial Highway.

ADDENDUM:  When I opened the Morning Call this morning,  they coincidentally had an article on the expanding commerce of the bypass.  Although, I sometimes do write in response to an article in the paper, such was not the case today.  When I do write in response, I link to the source article.

Aug 2, 2016

Lehigh Valley Railroad Piers


In this era of class warfare, while we worry that the rich are only paying 35% income tax, instead of 39%, let us be grateful that once upon a time we had the Robber Barons. In this era when we have to give a grant for some woman to open a small cookie shop on Hamilton Street, let us be grateful that men built railroads with private money. Let us be grateful that incredible feats of private enterprise built piers, bridges and trestles. Trains allowed us to move vast amounts of raw and finished materials across America. This network allowed us to protect ourselves during two World Wars, and provided the prosperity upon which we now rest.

The Lehigh Valley Railroad tracks extended from their piers in New Jersey to the shores of Lake Erie. The Mile Long Pier in Jersey City was the scene of German sabotage in 1916. A train full of munitions, awaiting shipment to Europe, was blown up on July 30th of that year. In 1914, the railroad built the longest ore pier in the world, in Bayonne. The ore would come from Chile, through the new Panama Canal, for shipment to Bethlehem.

reprinted from September 2013

Aug 1, 2016

The Hubris of Allentown's Attorneys

Credit Emily Opilo of the Morning Call for a great exposé on the lawyers and firms that have benefitted for the last decade from the Pawlowski reign.   Prominent among them is Oldrich Foucek the Third.  Foucek is also chairman of the Allentown Planning Commission, and a member of the NIZ Board.  His firm was paid over $615,000 for chasing the riff raff away,  when the city demolished 37 properties to build its Great White Elephant.   All together, this firm received  $1.73 million in work, and contributed $32 thousand dollars  to Pawlowski.   He told Opilo that the work they have done for the city is very complex and extremely complicated. 

Now, I can believe that Oldrich's brain is big enough, but I don't believe that anybody should serve in multiple positions of influence in any town.  This isn't a new tradition in Allentown, but Pawlowski's appointments have been particularly strategic.