The Allentown Parking Authority, at the Mayor's bequest, is playing a high stakes game of Monopoly using the real money of citizens. Make no mistake, it's our money. If you received one of the hundred thousand plus parking tickets last year, or pay to park on a lot, or had a parking meter swallow your quarters, it's your money. The Authority has declared the North Lot "excessive" and is preparing to sell it for townhouses. This lot provides safe, convenient parking for the adjoining Verizon Building workers, and is three quarters occupied. The large "Germania" lot, on south 7th Street is virtually unused. Perhaps no lot in the Authority's inventory is more used and important than the "North" lot, yet in spite of a petition from Verizon workers, the Authority persists in selling it to a partner in the Mayor's vision. Although completed townhouses would indeed provide an impressive backdrop for the Mayor's re-election, let us not forget that Verizon has been providing over 200 jobs for decades and the true mission of the Parking Authority.
UPDATE: The Board of Directors passed the sale proposal with no discussion today by a 3 to 1 vote. Linda Rosenfeld, Malcolm Gross and Larry Hilliard voted for, Michael Donovan voted against. (Candida Svirzovsky was absent)
Good luck today, Mike.
ReplyDeleteIs this really a done deal?
ReplyDeleteCheers for Michael Donovan!
ReplyDeleteMr. Donovan could have spoken out against the proposal. Instead, he cast a meaningless vote against the proposal.
ReplyDeleteThat's nothing to cheer for - it's merely pandering.
actually, what malcolm gross did was worst, he asked director weller in a cross examining way, if she or her staff had any objection to the sale., justifying his vote. the authority should have retained the lots to provide convenient and SAFE parking for a large adjacent employer, instead they sold an asset WE paid for, to appease a mayor and his chosen developer. there is no available lot across the street. the closest lot at the same rental rate is two blocks away. out of 163 spaces, 124 are rented. there is NOTHING excess about that lot, on the contrary, it is one of their most successful, and considering it fulfilled the parking needs of a large national employer, one of their most necessary.
ReplyDeleteI had a feeling Donovan would vote against it. At least he conducted a survey at his blog, and he is listening to the concerns of citizens.
ReplyDeleteI'm w/ Mrs. Dottie on this. Why condemn a council member who does precisly what Molovinsky had urged, and who obviously did his homework before casting his vote? That makes no sense.
ReplyDeleteGuess you cannot please any of the people any of the time.
ReplyDeleteIt is not like there are a whole lot of people who are actively engaged in even observing realistically what goes on in this town.
My hats off to those that do. Nothing states you have to agree with every opinion someone has but you ought to respect the fact that they voice and act on what they think.
So many people are looking for the big event or perfect fix that will change the world to the way they want it, right now. Ain't gonna happen.
Everything starts with the first step and builds from there. So it you are not stepping whats the point in complaining.
bernie, i have been rough on donovan; someplace along the line i stated if he votes against it, but doesn't advocate for his position, it's not enough. in hindsight, i think i have not been appreciative enough of his willingness to study issues and be accessible.
ReplyDeleteCome One, Come All! To what may just be the greatest show on earth! The Wednesday September 23, 2009 - Allentown Parking Authority Board Meeting at 4pm! I'll be there (with a few others) to amaze and astound you! It will be a board meeting like none you've witnessed before! Chock-full of News Worthy information the general public WANTS TO KNOW! While it may not be the Jerry Springer Show; Tempers will Flare and that always makes for entertaining news, right?
ReplyDeleteWhere: "The Circus" AKA - The Allentown Parking Authority, 1005 Hamilton Street Allentown PA
When: Wednesday September 23, 2009 at 4:00pm
Why: Because its way overdue
craig, i intend on publicizing your meeting. i attempted to send your blog a comment, but there was a problem.
ReplyDelete