tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post3579807959759411012..comments2024-03-29T01:02:53.128-04:00Comments on MOLOVINSKY ON ALLENTOWN: Allentown Arena Painmichael molovinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-4390098712455422062012-01-07T15:45:54.014-05:002012-01-07T15:45:54.014-05:00You have to be kidding? That is your contribution ...You have to be kidding? That is your contribution to the discussion? Pointing out that I fat fingered the letter next to the "I"?<br /><br />But you forgot to point out that it was spelled in future postings...FutureDowntownArenaAttendeenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-88083246883930355142012-01-06T18:47:42.899-05:002012-01-06T18:47:42.899-05:00Fdaa.
Homocide?? really?
All this phony baloney an...Fdaa.<br />Homocide?? really?<br />All this phony baloney and you can't even spell.<br />And Michael, we do read older posts.Thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-70518499097985196562012-01-06T15:44:49.832-05:002012-01-06T15:44:49.832-05:00future, i'll address your parking comment in ...future, i'll address your parking comment in a future post. although i will put up your comments so that you and VOR may dialogue here, i don't think too many other readers come this far back to posts. early sunday i will most likely put up a post where arena related comments are appropriate and more timely.michael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-3603362277950851632012-01-06T14:00:57.631-05:002012-01-06T14:00:57.631-05:00VOR
The parking is not an issue at all.. there i...VOR <br /><br />The parking is not an issue at all.. there is more established parking in a closer distance to the arena site that to Coca-Cola park. Read the study. <br /><br />The crime rate in Allentown while elevated is dropping quickly. The stats don't lie. Crime is down over 30% in the past years and that doesn't include 2011 numbers yet. Also last year the city had 9 homicides and if it was not for a crazy last 9 days of the year it would only have had 5. I realize you cant take those 4 off the board but it does reflect that crime is dropping.FutureDowntownArenaAttendeenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-77150753973413630192012-01-06T13:50:06.222-05:002012-01-06T13:50:06.222-05:00VOR, You can't just look at the city of Evansv...VOR, You can't just look at the city of Evansville soley, you have to look at the MSA. The MSA of the LV is 820,000 compared to 350,000. More than double of a population base to draw from. Also to say that Allentown homocide rate is 4x higher is a little out of context. The difference between 9 and 2.25 is a huge difference than 9 to 31. <br /><br />MM, There is no way that you can say that the attendance is going to be because of what is happening in Adirondack. First they play in a small and very outdated convention center. Also the audience there knows that it is a temporary stop and are not investing in the team. Adirondack had a team before but lost it because of lack of support. Finally, why dont you look at Hershey and Scranton, both extremely successful programs, especially Hershey who leads the league in attendance every year.FutureDowntownArenaAttendeenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-28366037167970779952012-01-06T13:37:56.767-05:002012-01-06T13:37:56.767-05:00Mike-
One major flaw in all of this is the dream ...Mike-<br /><br />One major flaw in all of this is the dream that the "anchor" tenant, the Phantoms will somehow be the key ingredient to eventual success for the arena, which will lead to spin off success elsewhere in the downtown. One holes are punched in that premise, the idea loses luster. A hockey season runs what, 4-5 months? Only one half of the games are scheduled at home. We showed earlier how many holes that leaves in the event calendar. So schedule Disney Ice, Monster Truck jams, Roller Derby, cheer leading competitions...I only left out musical concerts because I see no evidence that other similarly-sized arenas fill their enormous voids with the kind of head turning, "oh boy" concerts that have been eluding us thusfar. I fear that there are two classes of arenas, the 18,000 + seat arenas, and all the others. The big boys attract the big acts. I'm afraid all the others are relegated to second-tier status. Second-tier acts are just that...oldies acts, up and comers, never weres, but certainly not today's big acts. <br /><br />Maybe Allen and Dieruff will schedule comencement. Maybe some of the events now held in the Ag Hall will be diverted...Don't hold your breath for bigtime music/entertainment. <br /><br />The few posters who champion this arena have yet to admit that there are serious concerns which will likely impact upon attendance such as Allentown's unacceptably high crime rate, the parking issue and whatever else we have laid out.<br /><br />VORAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-34281998451470769302012-01-06T11:51:45.802-05:002012-01-06T11:51:45.802-05:00i thought the trenton stats were very close. that...i thought the trenton stats were very close. that 1000 seat difference doesn't matter, because the phantoms probably will never reach capacity crowd anyway, based on their current attendance.michael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-18370703685381049702012-01-06T11:03:46.997-05:002012-01-06T11:03:46.997-05:00Dear Attendee:
Very interesting, your comparison ...Dear Attendee:<br /><br />Very interesting, your comparison with Evansville. I suppose that you base the comparison mainly upon city population, since they are about even there.<br /><br />Where they are not even is crime stats - - (http://evansville.areaconnect.com/crime/compare.htm?c1=Evansville&s1=IN&c2=allentown&s2=PA)<br /><br />Evansville is 87 % white, is home to two large universities, was judged as "Most Livable City" by Kipplingers in 2008 and then 11th in 2009, and it hosts riverboat gambling. Other than that, you're correct about the two cities being peas in a pod.<br /><br />I'd say that a homicide rate 4X Evansville's, a robbery rate 4 X Evansville's, and assault, burglary and auto theft rates much higher that that Indiana city somewhat separates Allentown, but that's just my interpretation. <br /><br />Any discussion revolving around eventual long-tern success of this arena must take into account these stats, along with parking, etc...<br /><br /><br />VORAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-60390586100929991792012-01-05T16:01:40.385-05:002012-01-05T16:01:40.385-05:00I think that a good comparison to what is being bu...I think that a good comparison to what is being built downtown is the new downtown arena in Evansville, IN. <br /><br />Allentown and Evansville share many comparisons, size being one of them. They just completed an downtown arena this past fall.... oh and they used a TIF as well. <br /><br />http://www.evansvillearenaproject.com/FutureDowntownArenaAttendeenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-84188490577008489452012-01-05T09:17:01.971-05:002012-01-05T09:17:01.971-05:00FutureDowntownArenaAttendee said...
"Trento...FutureDowntownArenaAttendee said...<br /><br /><br />"Trenton is a horrible example. The arena only seats 7,605 for hockey and 8,500 for concerts and they only host an ECHL team."<br /><br />OK, maybe you're right, but then you seem to be saying that Trenton Arena musical events are different than Philly Arena events. I get that. The next question has more to do with "then why are there no appropriately-sized musical events in Trenton's downtown arena?" It looks to the untrained eye that musical events just will not be sustainable in these small to medium arenas in the long run. Eventually, that relity settles in and your small-medium downtown arena reveals itself to be of limited appeal. Whether it is the crime issue, the parking/traffic issue or the fact that competition for the music concert attendee's dollars is mighty tight, I think the Allentown downtown arena may eventually become what Reading and Trenton have become- an expensive, taxpayer-subsidized gym, utilized only a fraction of the time promised by the sellers of this scheme. The Phantoms with have a nice playpen for sure, but throngs of concert-goers dining at the Cosmopolitan, Johnny Mananas, or any other restaurant before or after an event...that's a pipe dream, I'm afraid.<br /><br /><br />VORAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-25952342070290836292012-01-04T23:36:12.514-05:002012-01-04T23:36:12.514-05:00And the Plot Thickens:
JB Reilly "steps down...And the Plot Thickens:<br /><br />JB Reilly "steps down" as Chairman of LV Medical yesterday.. after<br />LV Medical agrees to lucrative marketing deal with Phantoms <br />LV Medical Signs Letter of intent to lease as Anchor Tenant in Reilly's office project adjacent to Arena<br />LV Medical Signs LOI to construct Sports Medicine Facility tied to Arena Project<br />Isn't it sweet enough that up to 50% of Reilly's project loans are being paid through NIV tax deferrals? Did he intend to have LV Medical pay the other 50% by providing funds to Phantoms and with lease dollars??Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-59828637681146592692012-01-04T11:03:05.427-05:002012-01-04T11:03:05.427-05:00Trenton is a horrible example. The arena only seat...Trenton is a horrible example. The arena only seats 7,605 for hockey and 8,500 for concerts and they only host an ECHL team. That is one step down from the Phantoms and two from the Flyers. Secondly, Trenton and its surrounding area is a suburb of Philadelphia with distance between the two arenas being 37.2 miles away. No way does an act play Philly one night and drive 37 miles. The comparisons between Trenton and Reading are fair, high crime low density locations that have other and more attractive locations nearby. In Readings case it has the Giant Center in Hershey. Also to compare crime in Trenton is not fair, Trenton has 34,000 less residents but 3 times the number of homicides than Allentown.FutureDowntownArenaAttendeenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-81388229560224959062012-01-04T07:56:06.453-05:002012-01-04T07:56:06.453-05:00Dear FutureDowntownArenaAttendee:
What say you ab...Dear FutureDowntownArenaAttendee:<br /><br />What say you about the previous comment regarding the Trenton arena and the rather lackluster scheduling of events, including hockey and a serious dearth of music concerts?<br /><br />I think the gist of other posts has been to point out that in the immediate LV area (and you seem to agree) there are numerous sites where there will be considerable competition to attract musical acts. The Trenton arean is of similar size as the one proposed in A-Town, as is the one in Reading. I appreciate the fact that someone has gone so far as to compare similar sites. Where are all of these musical acts going? Are they just waiting so they can play Allentown? Very few people are breathless, waiting for Monster Truck, Cheerleading and cheese judging competitions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-43368173472201047822012-01-03T19:31:23.657-05:002012-01-03T19:31:23.657-05:00ANON 4:24
Here is a reality check for you. The e...ANON 4:24 <br /><br />Here is a reality check for you. The events center will hold a max of 3,500 when in a standing room only configuration. The Arena will hold 10,000 for concerts. That is just shy of 3x of the max capacity for the events center. <br /><br />Don't get me wrong at all, I fully support and am excited for the events center to be built. However there are acts that can only fill 3,500 and there are acts that can fill 10,000. They are two different levels. <br /><br />For example the Borgata event center is equivalent to the Sands event center in size and hosts some great acts, but they are acts that are not suitable for larger arenas such as the Allentown Arena. Either way it is a win/win situation for the whole Lehigh Valley. In the past 5 years the Valley has seen so much entertainment growth it is mind boggling to those who grew up here. The Sands, Coca-Cola Park, SteelStacks, The Promenade, Allentown Arena etc....and I believe this is just the beginning.FutureDowntownArenaAttendeenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-5474310189303136922012-01-03T16:24:41.267-05:002012-01-03T16:24:41.267-05:00A reality check about competition for musical acts...A reality check about competition for musical acts: (From ET, Sept)<br /><br />"A partnership with major concert promoter Live Nation will bring upward of 185 annual events to the new Sands Bethlehem Event Center, officials said today. <br /><br />Vision Entertainment Group, the company behind Steel Ice Center in Bethlehem, will be the operator of the 50,000-square-foot facility. Conventions will be booked through Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, the other partner in the facility expected to open in May. <br /><br />Sands was originally going to do the events center itself. Originally intended to open alongside the casino in May 2009, the economic recession halted construction on the events center in October 2008. <br /><br />In the meantime, Vision Entertainment Group was working on plans itself to bring a major concert venue to the Lehigh Valley. Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan in February 2010 convinced Sands and Vision to start working together on a shared events center."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-91687934103986998982011-12-31T18:24:18.457-05:002011-12-31T18:24:18.457-05:00"the government getting involved in these ske..."the government getting involved in these sketchy investments"<br /><br />Well, I must say ... at least we're not talking SOLYNDRA-type money.<br /><br />Plus, maybe President Obama will come drop a ceremonial puck and then sign autographs at the Brewworks afterwards.<br /><br />How is this for positive thinking?ironpigpenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11792492001296361796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-91616704455562067622011-12-31T15:15:54.833-05:002011-12-31T15:15:54.833-05:00Nice post. Ask Bethlehem Township what their $15 m...Nice post. Ask Bethlehem Township what their $15 million over budgeted community center is now costing the taxpayers. The City will never ever break even. They can't hold enough Gun Shows and other novelty events to even come close to the promises that were made. In this economy or any other economy for that matter, the government getting involved in these sketchy investments is simply wrong. This could be the straw that breaks the camels (Allentown's) back.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-52127815413986793852011-12-31T13:19:05.334-05:002011-12-31T13:19:05.334-05:00Have you ever tried to leave the parking deck near...Have you ever tried to leave the parking deck near State Theatre after a performance? And that truly great venue seats only about 1,500 patrons. Now let's assume (dream?) that the Pawlowski Palace is filled with 10,000 souls (can one refer to souls or will the anti-religion police step in here?) It'll take an hour or more just to exit the neighborhood. So here we go: 7 p.m. game ends at 10 p.m.; get to your car at 10:30 p.m.; get out of parking deck at 11:30 p.m.; home by midnight or later...........on a fall/winter school and/or work night. Not good!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-86078660607003950852011-12-31T12:00:44.440-05:002011-12-31T12:00:44.440-05:00Anon 8:31 is spot on with what sort of competition...Anon 8:31 is spot on with what sort of competition the Phantoms are dealing with from the clear minority of people who actually like ice hockey here in the United States.<br /><br />Super, super hardcore hockey fans also know that they can watch the Kontinental Hockey League from Russia, which has been throwing serious money at players in the last few years (current Flyer JAROMIR JAGR just spent three years in Omsk) in an effort to compete with the NHL for world supremacy, via streaming satellite link for free.<br /><br />Personally, I am currently enjoying the traditional post-Christmas SPENGLER CUP international tournament from Switzerland via streaming satellite at no cost. <br /><br />FDAA and her ilk need to get to work explaining to me where I want to spend my hard-earned money and why.<br /><br />VIKTOR TIKHONOVAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-82979081755908410202011-12-31T09:42:58.978-05:002011-12-31T09:42:58.978-05:00Retired ASD teacher here.
FDAA, I have read the p...Retired ASD teacher here.<br /><br />FDAA, I have read the parking report. The overall plan is approximately two-thirds deck parking to one third surface parking. I contend that ratio is troublesome.<br /><br />What the study can't determine is <br />human preferences and behavior. Exiting from a deck (collectively) at the conclusion of a sports or concert event is much more challenging than what one would experience throughout the day.<br /><br />You will also notice, the study emphasizes providing shuttle bus services, another option that requires additional restriction upon patrons.<br /><br />Finally, the report's last statement:<br /><br /><br />"Conduct a post-development parking analysis following the completion of Milestones A and B to evaluate the existing and proposed parking supplied to determine if the downtown parking supply meets the parking demand of the multi-use development."<br /><br />Seems to me, the study group leaves the door open to the reality of shortcomings discovered through actual patron behavior. Obviously, neither one of us can say with certainty, BEFORE the first event is staged, the written analysis will prove accurate and positive.<br /><br />We'll just have to revisit this discussion in a year, or so.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-69210839158219973262011-12-31T08:52:44.085-05:002011-12-31T08:52:44.085-05:00FDAA -
The parking "analysis" counted p...FDAA -<br /><br />The parking "analysis" counted parking lots from as far away as Eleventh street. Other lots on a similar radius were also included.<br /><br />In addition, one of the larger lots included in the study that was actually close to the arena was on the site of the Reilly building that is proposed.<br /><br />There was no doubt that the city and its consultants would find there was sufficient parking for the arena. In fact, this is one of the major problems with city involvement in the project. Instead of impartially looking at the plan and enforcing zoning laws, the city is now in a position to approve plans it helped develop.<br /><br />That is not the way it's supposed to work, and it doesn't happen in a well-run city.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-73440078708052002502011-12-31T08:18:45.687-05:002011-12-31T08:18:45.687-05:00A study promoting many more studies tends to prove...A study promoting many more studies tends to prove that no real analysis has been attempted.<br />Just more promotional puff from the fine folks cramming this arena down our throats.<br />>>>>><br />RECOMMENDATIONS<br />Based upon this Traffic Analysis, Traffic Planning and Design Inc. (TPD) offers the following recommendations:<br />1. Evaluate and update the coordinated signal system to optimize the signal timings in conjunction with the anticipated increase in traffic volumes. The study should include all traffic signals on 6th Street, 7th Street, and 8th Street from Union Street to Greenleaf Street, and all signals on Linden Street and Hamilton Street from 4th Street to 15th Street. Adjacent intersections on Walnut Street and Turner Street should also be evaluated.<br />2. Utilize wayfinding signage to direct motorists to the arena from all major approach routes, including Route 22, Interstate 78, and Route 309. Within the immediate vicinity of the arena, signage should direct motorists to the appropriate parking facilities. Signs directing motorists to Route 22, Interstate 78, and Interstate 476 should be posted to guide exiting traffic.<br />3. Provide pedestrian oriented wayfinding signage indicating the location of the arena and other downtown attractions at all public parking decks and other key locations throughout the study area.<br />4. Install a Parking Guidance and Information System, which would utilize variable message signs to indicate the number of available parking spaces in each public parking deck on a real-time basis to motorists approaching the study area on southbound 7th Street and eastbound Hamilton Street.<br />5. Prepare an event management plan for events at the proposed arena. Event staff may utilize traffic cones, auxiliary signage, and flagging to efficiently guide traffic to event parking.<br />6. Evaluate the impact of removing pedestrian-only signal phases at critical study area intersections. The effect on vehicular traffic and on pedestrian safety should be considered.<br />7. At capacity-constrained intersections, a peak-hour parking restriction may be implemented for a given block or blocks in order to provide an additional travel lane. Because of the resulting loss of on-street parking, the costs and benefits should be further evaluated.<br />8. Additional capacity analysis should be performed to evaluate the traffic conditions during the hour following the end of an event at the arena. Although traffic volumes on the adjacent roadway network are expected to be significantly lower during this late-night peak hour, the intersections adjacent to the public parking decks may require a special timing plan to facilitate efficient egress from the site.<br />9. Conduct a post-development study following the completion of Milestones A and B to confirm that no further roadway improvements are needed in the study area.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-88807333656153966622011-12-31T08:08:41.557-05:002011-12-31T08:08:41.557-05:00Did any body read those links?
How much did those ...Did any body read those links?<br />How much did those useless loads of crap cost?<br />It was written and directed by the same bunch touting this sham scam.<br />oh and proof that the current spate of propped up restaurants are failing?<br />Just drive by. any time. <br />Those of us living within sight of these establishments don't believe any BS Allentown city propaganda about phony great successes. <br />And the traffic report? <br />Just more biased and very likely false conclusions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-87170150891126388202011-12-31T07:22:52.487-05:002011-12-31T07:22:52.487-05:00future, first off, let me clarify something. i ...future, first off, let me clarify something. i don't wish for the failure of any establishment. they all represent significant investment and hard work. on the other hand, wishing for success unfortunately doesn't make it so. i driven by sangria too often when it was practically empty. i received reports on the same situation at the cosmopolitan. empty tables speak for themselves. likewise, i hope the arena succeeds, so that the business district wasn't sacrificed for naught. time will tell, not you and the double talking officials. if the property taxes need to be tapped for the debt service, that will be first indication of failure.michael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-21753223540650592492011-12-31T07:04:43.535-05:002011-12-31T07:04:43.535-05:00You claim things are "failing", prove it...You claim things are "failing", prove it! And by saying you heard it from someone who told someone who in return told you is not proof. Provide documentation. I have provided document and now it is your turn. Give us and your following concrete information behind what I believe is your speculation.FutureDowntownArenaAttendeenoreply@blogger.com