tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post4608048510387069402..comments2024-03-18T10:59:03.277-04:00Comments on MOLOVINSKY ON ALLENTOWN: Rite Aid to Closemichael molovinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-89189469045313694362008-06-29T06:42:00.000-04:002008-06-29T06:42:00.000-04:00dear south side sam, the problem is the city shoul...dear south side sam, the problem is the city should be "getting tough on crime", zero tolerance against buildings will not solve our perception or reality problem, but is chasing investors, not criminals, out of allentown.michael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-67352893603020010322008-06-28T23:15:00.000-04:002008-06-28T23:15:00.000-04:00hayshaker, it's not that rodney king didn't do any...hayshaker, it's not that rodney king didn't do anything wrong, it's the way the police over-reacted.<BR/> <BR/>yes the building has violations, but what is the intent of sending eight people and four vehicles and threatening to kick doors open?<BR/><BR/>you have no idea of how much empty office space there is on hamilton street.<BR/><BR/>they have yet to fill the ppl plaza even with the incentives and no taxes<BR/><BR/>the butz building is virtually empty<BR/><BR/>tax paying investors are nothing to kick around.<BR/><BR/>let us say you adhere to the above comment from sam and appreciate the mayor's zero tolerance.,<BR/>beyond that, thank you for your commentsmichael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-64260102859933931582008-06-28T21:13:00.000-04:002008-06-28T21:13:00.000-04:00That is the other side. Put your head in the sand ...<I>That is the other side. Put your head in the sand and pretend there's no problem. And that, unfortunately, is what I see in spin city. Even the rampant crime is dismissed as a perception problem.</I><BR/><BR/>The other side is that the mayor sends out roving patrols of jack-boots merely because he's a horse's ass? There is no prompting by the owner or no legal basis that the mayor is using? I'd have to put my head pretty deep to claim this! Why do you insist these property owners are innocent? Do you know them personally and know the exact details of their ownership?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-11664961054319694332008-06-28T18:04:00.000-04:002008-06-28T18:04:00.000-04:00It appears to me the city is getting tough on code...It appears to me the city is getting tough on code. I think this is great!<BR/><BR/>Although not your intent, you bloggers are doing a great job of bringing the city's new zero tolerance efforts to light! Keep it up!<BR/><BR/>South Side SamAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-64809547799394770432008-06-28T16:37:00.000-04:002008-06-28T16:37:00.000-04:00If we get one side here and the paper admittedly d...<EM>If we get one side here and the paper admittedly does not cover it at all, then where are we getting the "other" side? </EM><BR/><BR/>That is the other side. Put your head in the sand and pretend there's no problem. And that, unfortunately, is what I see in spin city. Even the rampant crime is dismissed as a perception problem.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-89078278437428521732008-06-28T16:33:00.000-04:002008-06-28T16:33:00.000-04:00Why do you think the mayor is being vindictive? So...<EM>Why do you think the mayor is being vindictive? Some bizarre masochistic tendency? Some hatred or investors? Could it be that there are other reasons you are unaware of because you simply don't want to hear anything other than your preconceived notions? </EM><BR/><BR/>I think the mayor is being vindictive because that is his modus operandi and the facts support that conclusion. I'm not pulling this conclusion out of my ass. The mayor's own supporters hacve acknowledged to me that he is a mean-spirited and vindictive man. That is his chief flaw.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-15531880276869656042008-06-28T14:20:00.000-04:002008-06-28T14:20:00.000-04:00If we get one side here and the paper admittedly d...If we get one side here and the paper admittedly does not cover it at all, then where are we getting the "other" side? <BR/><BR/>If there is one thing worse than an incompetent mayor, it's greedy and incompetent property owners.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-32723710416887409132008-06-28T09:21:00.000-04:002008-06-28T09:21:00.000-04:00RE:"BTW, for all of your love of LANTA riders, how...RE:"BTW, for all of your love of LANTA riders, how often do you actually take the bus?"<BR/><BR/>What a ridiculous comment to make considering all that MM has done to call attention to, and to help the merchants who have lost business due to the LANTA bus route changes? Why do you have to look for ways to minimize someone's good deeds?<BR/><BR/>MM You are doing a great job showing the other side of things here, because we get a different picture from the newspaper, when they even cover it. Of course as someone who reads and writes blogs I realize that this is your perspective, and there are many other blogs I could read to get a different viewpoint. Most open-minded people who read your blog know that you care about owner's property rights and citizen's rights, and Allentown.Angie Villahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01994217997761386028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-68361243330429064822008-06-28T06:53:00.000-04:002008-06-28T06:53:00.000-04:00anon 3:11, lunch or breakfast, how does it matter?...anon 3:11, lunch or breakfast, how does it matter? they were promoting a building which hasn't had an upgrade in over 75 years. besides a used furniture store on the first level three owners ago, the upper floors haven't been used in 50 years. the man bought it as a passive investment, like a vintage car. i didn't support the lanta riders, i supported the merchants; however, i do not have the contempt for the riders you apparently have. i do not ride the bus, and i do not dispute a premise over minor detailsmichael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-73002064770003110502008-06-28T06:11:00.000-04:002008-06-28T06:11:00.000-04:00Michael, get your facts straight about the Dime B...Michael, get your facts straight about the Dime Building presentation. That was organized by LVEDC. I believe that the food, which was breakfast, not lunch, was provided by the property owner.<BR/><BR/>BTW, for all of your love of LANTA riders, how often do you actually take the bus?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-83604680392715383042008-06-28T00:00:00.000-04:002008-06-28T00:00:00.000-04:00Mr. O'Hare. Thanks for the broad strokes but you a...<EM>Mr. O'Hare. Thanks for the broad strokes but you are really doing a disservice to this story by avoiding the other side of the story.I'm not sure what any of your examples have to do with this story. </EM><BR/><BR/>Hayshaker, I have answereed you in detsail on my own blog, where you've asked the same question.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-5404860741377777672008-06-27T19:57:00.000-04:002008-06-27T19:57:00.000-04:00one thing you wont hear, rite aide at that locatio...one thing you wont hear, rite aide at that location had one of the highest shrink rates in its district,with petty theft its major source.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-29337022059365738442008-06-27T15:51:00.000-04:002008-06-27T15:51:00.000-04:004 decades IS a long time Hayshaker, and things hav...4 decades IS a long time Hayshaker, and things have changed alot since then. It's true, it may not be safe, in the terms that you use in comparison to 40 years ago but it IS safe in comparison to today. FBI statistics or not, Downtown Allentown is NOT a 3rd world country, nor is it plagued by daily killings on a consistent basis. I do agree that there is alot of crime but not to the point where we have to look over our shoulders constantly as if we are in Philly, Washington DC, Miami, or Baltimore. Do you need to be aware of your surroundings, yes, but that should be your state of mind ANYWHERE in the Valley and beyond. Also, I have been to the Apollo in Bethelehem and the bank next door has been robbed numerous times. SO, do bank robberies count as a type of dangerous crime ? I feel safe in both places, in reality because I know CRIME HAPPENS. As far as the "funky" shops, there are many who want to open up places but it is, unfortunately, well known how hard it is to do business in Allentown.<BR/><BR/>AlfonsoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-29113057317424836242008-06-27T15:23:00.000-04:002008-06-27T15:23:00.000-04:00hayshaker, there are some issues with 645 hamilton...hayshaker, there are some issues with 645 hamilton. however, the "raid" by code was inappropriate, there was one small office which the "raiders" couldn't see, the owner didn't have the proper key(out of 6 stories and 200,000 sq. ft.). He was screamed at, that next time they will kick the door's down if they cannot gain access.) i have been involved in property management for over 35 years, since daddonna's first term. i have never witnessed such arrogance or disrespect for a taxpayer. smart money is leaving and not looking back, believe it or not.michael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-9987439755250484932008-06-27T15:12:00.000-04:002008-06-27T15:12:00.000-04:00Well "Hayshaker" you may believe a person risks as...<I>Well "Hayshaker" you may believe a person risks assault by going to The Federal Grille or any of the other establishments in Downtown A-town but you are wrong !</I><BR/><BR/>Where do you think the risk is higher, Alphonso? Going to Federal Grill or Apollo? There is a list of FBI statistics that will stand up to any of your anecdotal evidence. Those of us who have lived here for 4 decades or more remember Allentown when it was safe. It is NOT safe now and the downtown deterioration is proving this.<BR/><BR/>Even the "funky" shops want nothing to do with downtown.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-56221643576356630082008-06-27T15:03:00.001-04:002008-06-27T15:03:00.001-04:00Mr. O'Hare. Thanks for the broad strokes but you ...Mr. O'Hare. Thanks for the broad strokes but you are really doing a disservice to this story by avoiding the other side of the story.I'm not sure what any of your examples have to do with this story. <BR/><BR/>Why do you think the mayor is being vindictive? Some bizarre masochistic tendency? Some hatred or investors? Could it be that there are other reasons you are unaware of because you simply don't want to hear anything other than your preconceived notions? <BR/><BR/>As for MM's posting: An investor buying a property is reason to let all code be optional? If I buy a $2 million house, does that mean I do not have to abide by any local code requirements? You supposition is ludicrous and biased.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-68731195659929828212008-06-27T15:03:00.000-04:002008-06-27T15:03:00.000-04:00Well "Hayshaker" you may believe a person risks as...Well "Hayshaker" you may believe a person risks assault by going to The Federal Grille or any of the other establishments in Downtown A-town but you are wrong ! And as far as the mayor being overmatched by the problems of A-town, I believe he is looking everywhere for an answer but not seeing the obvious: We need to really build on the existing community and go from there. If you think the residents from the suburban areas and PPL employees will save Allentown, then I definitely have a bridge I'd like to sell to you. The answer is to make A-town an ecclectic, funky, and chic kind of location. Somewhere that is hip and fun to dine, meet, party, and just hang. This will NEVER be a Center Valley or Bethlehem and until City leaders stop picking and choosing who should stay and who can't and what business is viable and what isn't, then Allentown only deserves what Allentown gets. PERIOD !<BR/>UPWARD BOUND, ALLENTOWN !!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-72870324904400567822008-06-27T12:40:00.000-04:002008-06-27T12:40:00.000-04:00Curiously, neither Molovinsky or O'Hare provide th...<EM>Curiously, neither Molovinsky or O'Hare provide the other side of the story. There may very well NOT be another side but it'd be nice to know. Otherwise, their articles are just attack pieces used to assemble their straw men.</EM><BR/><BR/>I read the other side of the story daily in the MC, where the mayor gloats about having someone arrested and jailed for code violations that occurred before he owned the building. I read daily about ABW or Mananas or "renaissance square." I have contacterd the mayor's office several times, and they do not return calls. When people like MM point out the truth, they are marginalized by a mayor who uses thuugs like Ed DeGrace to silence dissent with personbal attacks.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-25047461427485993422008-06-27T12:16:00.000-04:002008-06-27T12:16:00.000-04:00hayshaker, the other side of the story is in the a...hayshaker, the other side of the story is in the archives of this blog. here in this post i state the current owner of 645 hamilton paid 3.75 million dollars last year. here's a real investor with private money, in any other community the mayor would be taking him out to lunch, not harassing him.michael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-51425223130279922982008-06-27T10:33:00.000-04:002008-06-27T10:33:00.000-04:00This doesn't sound like the kind of guy we need do...<I><BR/>This doesn't sound like the kind of guy we need doing business in Allentown. This displays a severe lack of business ethics. After reading this comment, I'll side with the city.</I><BR/><BR/>Curiously, neither Molovinsky or O'Hare provide the other side of the story. There may very well NOT be another side but it'd be nice to know. Otherwise, their articles are just attack pieces used to assemble their straw men.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-25558325231991295992008-06-27T10:31:00.000-04:002008-06-27T10:31:00.000-04:00I'm not sure what you want this overmatched mayor ...I'm not sure what you want this overmatched mayor to do. Nothing is going to bring back Hess', Witwer and Jones, C. Leslie Smith or Titlow's Music Store. The downtown is what it is. A person can choose to go to the Federal Grill and risk assault or they can go to someplace like Melt or Apollo and never have to worry about a thing as they stroll around. If the corporate people and the city people cannot even keep The Federal running, it tells me that even they aren't frequenting those businesses.<BR/><BR/>So what to do? We all know that the lack of patronage boils down to personal safety. Do we declare martial law in downtown? Or do we just write off downtown and start developing some other area like the East Side? I'd think your opportunity is around that ballpark.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-78590697852559424142008-06-27T10:12:00.000-04:002008-06-27T10:12:00.000-04:00"He actually has come to a point and asked who he ..."He actually has come to a point and asked who he had to "pay off"<BR/><BR/>This doesn't sound like the kind of guy we need doing business in Allentown. This displays a severe lack of business ethics. After reading this comment, I'll side with the city.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-28075004259131756032008-06-27T10:07:00.000-04:002008-06-27T10:07:00.000-04:00"The Eckerd is almost 10 blocks away"6.5 blocks is..."The Eckerd is almost 10 blocks away"<BR/><BR/>6.5 blocks is not almost 10.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-30958125326339898032008-06-27T09:45:00.000-04:002008-06-27T09:45:00.000-04:00Corporations like Rite Aid can be their own worst ...Corporations like Rite Aid can be their own worst enemy. Rather than get involved in what's going on in the community they would rather stay quiet and then disappear. Maybe they never got involved in the transit debate because the corporate guys already decided the store would be shut down? Who knows.<BR/><BR/>I have no personal knowledge or Rite Aid's finances, but I know that downtown store was busy every single time I went there. I think this company over bought (Eckerd) and overbuilt. They have new stores all over the place. I'm sick of seeing constant demolition and new construction. It's so wasteful.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-951782330457966647.post-84734562651070117542008-06-27T01:28:00.000-04:002008-06-27T01:28:00.000-04:00alfonso, the new owner of 645 paid 3.75million for...alfonso, the new owner of 645 paid 3.75million for the privilege of being abused by pawlowski. across the street, in a building that has not had an upgrade since 1940 (dime bank). pawlowski organized a hugh promotion, complete with power point presentation and catered lunch for realtors. the previous owner of 645 redirected the proceeds out of allentown. i know of 7million private money directed out recently, only thing coming in is grants, truly a house of cardsmichael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.com