On July 15th, thirteen of fourteen citizens, including a direct descendent of General Trexler, told City Council that the new recreational based plans for Cedar Park would be an assault on their quality of life. All lamented the overuse of the park, and the total disregard for the park's traditions. The fourteenth speaker complained about his neighbor's pigeons. The Morning Call this week wrote a two page feature about the pigeons, and today's "quote for the week" was about the pigeons. The pigeons of course concern one person, and are a temporary problem, while the park plans upset thousands of citizens and are changes forever. Also, in today's paper, the president of the Wildlands Conservancy, Christopher Kocher, joined his associates in dancing on the head of pin. He is "Confident" the City will protect South Mountain, even though it spend $7,500 hiring a professional lumber consultant after signing a "Appropriate Stewardship" agreement with the Conservancy in April.
In spite of enabling by the Conservancy, and confused priorities by The Morning Call, I urge all Allentownians to once again attempt to defend our parks this Tuesday evening, July 28th, at 6:30, City Council Chamber.
photocredit: Thomas Grim
Upset thousands of citizens? I have yet to see that kind of response one way or the other regarding park plans. I don't think enough people are involved in our parks, which is one of the reasons I do what I do on my blog. It would be incredible if thousands of people would care about the parks the way I and you and the people that read our blogs do. (even when not agreeing) Perhaps then, we could do trash pick ups and other big events. This Saturday, I expect maybe 10 people to come out to Trexler Park where I will be hosting a walk and historical tour. It would be a heck of a thing to see a thousand. I'll take what I can get though; anything to raise awareness.
ReplyDeleteandrew, don't confuse public apathy with the lack of public opinion. those 12 people who came to speak out against the park plans, just as a result of my editorial, had never attended a city council meeting before. everyone they know is against the plan. i have never received as much feedback, everywhere i go people tell me they agree with me. can EVEN you justify putting lights around that path at cedar park? there's something in those plans to rub everyone the wrong way, in total they will change the character of the park.
ReplyDeleteI was at that council meeting too (my first) and I will be there again on Tuesday. I don't think that there has ever been a project done by any local government that pleased everyone. I think a lot of people support these plans too. Not every detail of that plan pleases me either but I understand that because it can't. If it were up to you, would you change anything? Perhaps, if it were up to me, I'd like to see the whole thing returned to nature but that plan would not work for everyone here. I am sure some would support it but not all.
ReplyDeleteRetired ASD teacher here.
ReplyDeleteWe'll have an interesting situation next weekend.
Allentown's biggest tourism revenue generator (by far) will conduct its business at J. Birney Crum Stadium, adjacent to Cedar Beach. I refer to Drum Corps International.
The DCI event sorely needs temporary parking within the immediate stadium area for Allentown to remain attractive as host of its biggest (NEW dollars) event.
In the past, that temporary parking was found on the grass at the eastern end of the park, much like temporary parking was provided by the city on the western end to accomodate SportsFest.
Problem is, Mayor Pawlowski has prohibited DCI from continuing it's practice, as naturally occuring for more than 25 years, even though there has been NO evidence of damage to the eastern end, if given the same courtesy to the lesser event that uses the western end.
Wake-up Allentown, before it's too late.
My goodness. People come here from all over the world for Drum Corps International. Accommodate them. You community WILL come out way ahead financially. Do the research.
retired teacher, sorry to hear about the problem, funny how the city become selectively "green". also hope the Parking Authority doesn't "lunch" on your visitors.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen cars parked in the grass at the park for the Drum event in 20 years in Allentown.
ReplyDeleteRetired ASD teacher here.
ReplyDeleteMichael, it really doesn't matter if you, or I, attend the drum corps event. What matters is that event's contribution to the economic growth of our community.
You can tell me the best ballet performers in the world will appear here. I'm still not interested in attending, but.. .
there might well be a financial benefit for all of us, if we can keep that event here, in our community.
Is $1000 worth of clean-up worth three million NEW dollars to our city? I think so.
Research what's really happening next weekend. I think you'll find Musikfest does not have the impact it wants you to believe.
Mayor Ed simply doesn't see the benefit of this event in his community, and that's sad.
The Drum Corp thing kicks butt. I was a neanderthal ballplayer, but I had cultured musical friends in that event growing up! I like how the different groups from out of town practice on the streets in my neighborhood when it is time for that.
ReplyDeleteIt IS an INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION OF THE BEST OF WHATEVER IT IS THEY DO. And they have been coming to J.Birney Crum forever.
We want the WORLD CLOG DANCING CHAMPIONSHIPS to come to Allentown and spend money if those people want to, do we not?
You tell 'em retired ASD teacher!
-----------------------------------
I visited your place Kleiner and commented. I doubt you can spin my comments into support. Perhaps they have been deleted.
Seriously, as asked at your site, how much for the cow in the picture?
My brother wants to buy it and use it for a tackling dummy for his rugby team in California...
Lights in Cedar Beach Park????
Who PAYS for that????
What would CAP and TAX (whoops, Trade) and other proposed energy legislation do to the light bill in Cedar Beach Park???
(I DO take it for granted you are stocked with the energy-efficient variety of bulbs)
How long until some punks shoot the lights out do you think. Five minutes or ten? Do you actually KNOW anything about the city and what goes on at night here?
Do you LIVE in the city (I DO). Roughly speak if yes, what neighborhood for you, the West End, perhaps?
If you have courage and time, I will take you on a late night tour of the fair city that might enlighten or, perhaps, frighten you.
YOU ARE TOTALLY SCREWING WITH THE HISTORICAL CHARACTER OF THAT PLACE, CEDAR BEACH, KLEINER.
DO NOT KID YOURSELF.
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I USED TO CROSS CEDAR BEACH PARK IN ORDER TO GO PLAY ICE HOCKEY AT UNION TERRACE WHEN I WAS A KID.
YOU EVER PLAY ICE HOCKEY AT UNION TERRACE, KLEINER? WE USED TO LOSE PUCKS IN THE SNOW AND HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL SPRING TO GET THEM BACK.
I KNOW ABOUT THE HISTORICAL CHARACTER OF CEDAR BEACH PARK, BAD-TEMPERED OR OTHERWISE, SO MAKE NO MISTAKE.
MY BEST FRIEND WAS MARRIED AT THE ROSE GARDENS HOW MANY YEARS BACK. HAVE YOU ATTENDED ANY WEDDINGS AT THE OLD ROSE GARDENS BEFORE THEY PUT THE BOBSLED PRACTICE FACILITY IN RECENTLY?
(SWITCH TO A VENEZIAN GONDOLA OPERATION - YOU CAN MAKE MORE MONEY)
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP, KLEINER?
YOUR MULTI-GENERATIONAL DESTINATION PLAYGROUND IS A TOTAL TRAIN-WRECK ALREADY HAPPENING.
SORRY. I SEE A PILE OF SPECIAL INTERESTS AND POLITICAL BULLYING.
HOW MUCH TO YOU STAND TO GAIN FINANCIALLY FROM THIS WHOLE THING, KLEINER?
YOU EVER PLAY SNOW FOOTBALL IN CEDAR BEACH PARK AROUND CHRISTMAS EVERY YEAR WITH ALL YOUR BUDDIES HOME FROM COLLEGE?
YOU GUYS WILL RAMROD THIS THROUGH, BUT PEOPLE HATE THIS!!!
I got five bucks that says the whole multi-generational destination playground hoopla whatever la la land park ends up half-finished for a host of potential different reasons.
Any takers?
Sorry, but Andrew sounds too too
ReplyDeleteto not be politically-connected. He states on his very blog that he is unemployed which begs the question, has he auditioned for the futuristic Cedar Beach Electric Playground park warden?
Remember when we could hear the bands practicing all the way down Tilghman. That cap and trade issue, very interesting! Thanks for raising. Since the "Lights in the Parkway" and now this Cedar Beach, just how much will the city have available for bargaining? Need city engineer to answer. Also, is Trexler Trust to annually pay electric bill or will it be the burden of city's hard-working over-taxed
ReplyDeleteresidents? Did park officials hire security team? Friend said they did. Anyone?
"Multi-generational destination playground"
ReplyDeleteDoes this mean there will be toys for grandmamas?
anon 7:12, i find andrew's blog to be very informative. he has been to sections of some parks that i have never seen. i wish he would understand that the current park director has sweeping plans for every park, and that everything he (andrew) appreciates in the parks is because previous directors focused on being good stewards, not re-designers.
ReplyDeleteIron Pig Pen you need to seek professional help.
ReplyDeleteAlso to all the criticizers of both Molovinsky and Andrew Kleiner who question what they have to gain from their caring and involvement: shame on you! It is for the betterment of our city that people care to take the time to ask questions and to form opinions and share them! It is partly because of attacks like yours that more people do not dedicate their time and energy the way these two do.
If you can't see that two rational and intelligent people can see the same parks project in two different ways, I feel sorry for you - but I hold both of these bloggers in high esteem, and find the posts here attacking Kleiner and posts elsewhere attacking Molovinksy to be cowardly and without any merit at all!
It is wonderful that anyone is willng to volunteer to escort folks about the city's parks, so we congratulate Andrew. Since he writes that he is lucky to get 10 to join him, what if he posted his invitations on the city's Web site? Maybe more locals would learn of his walks and participate.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteRetired ASD teacher here with what we think is parking on the grass now being prohibited by the mayor's office.
this sounds very odd as Lehigh Parkway welcomes parking on its grass meadows including this past weekend where tire marks embedded in the grasses are evident of weekend activities. times there are thousands of cars on the Parkway's grasses for special walks, fundraisers, runs. this sounds very odd indeed.
"If you can't see that two rational and intelligent people can see the same parks project in two different ways, I feel sorry for you - but I hold both of these bloggers in high esteem, and find the posts here attacking Kleiner and posts elsewhere attacking Molovinksy to be cowardly and without any merit at all!
ReplyDeleteJuly 27, 2009 8:07 AM"
Don't think anyone is criticizing Andrew here, more a difference of personal opinions. Isn't that what discussion is all about? Readers admire Andrew's willingness to travel the parks and post photos as compliments frequently posted here support.
Someone wrote:
ReplyDelete"find the posts here attacking Kleiner and posts elsewhere attacking Molovinksy to be cowardly and without any merit at all!
July 27, 2009 8:07 AM"
Suspect this is a loved one writing, but Andrew is 25, not a young teen, and as such, his essays invite discussion.
ironpigpen wrote:
ReplyDelete"YOU ARE TOTALLY SCREWING WITH THE HISTORICAL CHARACTER OF THAT PLACE, CEDAR BEACH, KLEINER...
HOW MUCH TO YOU STAND TO GAIN FINANCIALLY FROM THIS WHOLE THING, KLEINER?"
This is not discussion of Andrew Kleiner's blog posts. This is personal attacking and slandering.
Andrew is not responsible for the parks plans. He does not work for the city or for a contractor employed by the city. He is entitled to his opinion and doesn't deserve to be accused of ruining the parks. If anything, Andrew does a public service by bringing information on the parks and the construction projects to the attention of his readers.
anon 12:11, i agree with you that the comment was rather personal, however, ironpigpen is a known blogger who reveals his name at his site.
ReplyDeletei wrestle about publishing some of the comments, but try to restrain from censorship. i do receive and reject comments which do not address the subject matter and are just blatant insults...
Mr. Molovinsky,
ReplyDeleteWe join the many who do not for a moment believe Andrew is responsible for any park plans and suspect if such was earlier posted, it was done in the rush of the moment.
As for the possibility of Andrew or anyone for that matter supporting a city's projects with the hope of future employment, we don't think anything is wrong with that either, just an observation.
Afterall, don't all of us self-promote each time we mail a resume?
Actually, Andrew seems a perfect match for a new post such as "Official Guide" should one be established in the future.
That is odd that the pigeon story would take a front seat to a discussion on our city's parks. There's nobody left at the Call to feel beholden to Pawlowski and other "Friends of the Park," is there? I guess the marketing geniuses at the Call decided (probably correctly) that their reader base would rather read about pigeons than parks. How sad.
ReplyDeleteI trust tonight's meeting will help balance out the discussion on our parks' future, although I suspect the die is already cast.
Finally, Kleiner's blog has done more to revitalize interest in Allentown's existing parks than anything I've seen done in the city in the last decade. He is clearly a true friend of these parks. I admire both Kleiner's and Molovinsky's dedication to these issues, and I hope the City can find a way to comprimise on these plans it has hatched for Allentown's best asset.