molovinsky on allentown does not celebrate holidays. On Christmas I usually publish an antique card, but that stems from my appreciation of older graphics. I notice the controversy this year about stores opening earlier on Friday, and even on Thanksgiving itself. Americans chomp at the bit to shop. Perhaps we should replace Thanksgiving with Black Friday, and be over with it. Enough with molovinsky, and back to allentown. The City started eminent domain proceedings against Family Dollar. Suburban Allentonians had no idea how much business was done on the 700 block of Hamilton, and the mayor pitched the arena on that misconception. Family Dollar is going to the mat because that location is one of their most profitable in the country. I know from the Lanta controversy, (removing the bus stops from Hamilton Street) that national chain stores, such as Rite-Aid and Family Dollar, are reluctant to get involved in local politics. However, the inconsideration and methods used by the City in the Arena project, agitated them into action. A Rite-Aid attorney told City Council that they would not go gently into the night. I suspect that the taxpayers will never know what their ouster will really cost us, in many ways.
Michael, Was the Atieyh lawsuit settled since you you did not include in your article. Keep up the reporting on the Arena project.
ReplyDeleteanon 6:24, to my knowledge it has not been settled. i believe it's small potatoes compared to both rite-aid and family dollar, national chains, not falling in line with the arena program. both have the means to finance a challenge, if they choose to do so. my guess is both will settle for compensation; how much, i suspect we will never know.
ReplyDeleteAllentown has some issues for sure but volunteers on Thanksgiving Day to help serve hot turkey to hundreds, abundant. Called several churches and all had more volunteers than they needed. Now, that's volunteerism.
ReplyDeleteHave never shopped on Black Friday and see shopping as a surgical procedure to go in take care of business and get out cleanly. Lots to celebrate this Thanksgiving with family however. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Thank you for the work you do reporting on Allentown and our historical roots. Be well!
ReplyDeleteShare that thank you too for
ReplyDeleteMr. Molovinsky for all his hard work and reporting talent.
" Suburban Allentonians had no idea how much business was done on the 700 block of Hamilton, and the mayor pitched the arena on that misconception."
ReplyDeleteAnd suburban Allentonians dont care...for christ sake it is a Dollar Store!!! There are a ton of them. Oh it is not like their clientele is not leaving...at least not right away. Also it is a "Leasehold Interest" not the Dollar Store that is holding out for more money. Those are the real theives... The Dollar Store itself was one of the first to settle back in Sept. as they knew it was a great deal. Cant wait till the whole block is torn down. That is what I am thankful for today.
anon 10:36, aka future attendee, hope you attend often, and spend very much, or you may sing a different tune when your taxes go up. The action was filed against Family Dollar, which is the lessee, and is entitled to protect it's interest. If there is a thief in the deal, it would have to be the city, who now is taking the authority away from the AEDC, the puppy they used for the last several months.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael for what you do and may good health be with you.
ReplyDeleteMM, thanks for all the words of wisdom you've posted. Enjoy the holiday!!
ReplyDeletebill, 8:33, guy and momma, thank you for the well wishes
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