Allentown has announced plans for new parks on the distressed parcels purchased during the Pawlowski regime. Pawlowski purchased these brownfields from a developer who had no other possible offers. Furthermore, he paid triple the appraised value. Cedar Beach swimming pool, after finally opening last summer, is again closed because of another leaking pipe. I believe that if the FBI didn't have more than enough shady deals to charge Pawlowski with, both the land purchase and swimming pool contract may also have been scrutinized.
Budget wise, Allentown Park Department already has far too many deficits to justify expanding its burden even farther. Although I support both the mayor and the park director, they are misguided to pursue this expansion. While grants may be found for new parks, the future ongoing maintenance will only increase the strain on the annual park budget. Instead, they should concentrate on restoring the existing parks to peak condition.
I thought exactly the same thing Mike. This expansion will likely cost the city millions of own the road, money we don't and won't have.
ReplyDeleteScott, it gets worse. The trail plan is being pushed by the cyclists. Meanwhile, the park paths have older folks walking, people with leashed pets, and young families with children. In truth, none of the above is safe with the 40 mile per hour zooming spandex helmeted crowd.
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