This blog has long claimed that the occupancy rate for Strata Lofts is not as rosy as J.B. Reilly and the Morning Call claim. In the past I have accused the paper of writing virtual promotions for Reilly, resembling press releases, rather than news reports. My assessment was based on dark apartments, empty streets and the failure of upscale merchants.
Reilly has now announced that the number of additional upscale apartments will be cut back, while the lower rent units at the former Holiday Inn will proceed as planned.
When the guidelines for the NIZ were first announced, the incentive was supposed to be applied only to commercial development, not residential. I suspect that someway, his residential projects are also being financed through our state taxes. There appears to be no real scrutiny by the ANIZDA, which was to provide oversight.
At a candidates night, I found it interesting that Ray O'Connell defended the NIZ so vigorously. He and others claim that downtown Allentown is much better off than before the zone. My readers may be surprised to see me not dispute his claim. I suppose that by suburban standards it has been sanitized, but it certainly hasn't been really revitalized.
This blog started in 2007, with the insight that Pawlowski and city hall could stand some examination. When the city started sending straw buyers to intimidate the former Hamilton Street merchants, this blog reported on the deception being used. When the Morning Call started promoting, instead of reporting, this blog spoke out. Along the way I have been accused of being a naysayer. To that I say, Thank you, you're welcome. You can find plenty of positive vibes elsewhere, but there's also a need for some reality checks.
None of the merchants featured in the photo above are still in business.
I remember being told in 1987 that a neighborhood we were considering as the next big thing and to get in quick. It was inside the city limits of where we lived at the time and the house was a 1920s Craftsman with great shading. We bought it.
ReplyDeleteIn 1992, after finding a bullet casing in front of our home, we moved to a smaller, neighboring, safe city. We thrived there.
Thirty-two years later, that neighborhood is the next big thing and really cool and hip. I didn’t want to wait. But no tax dollars were involved.
I suggest that Allentown’s Powers That Be are awaiting the next great migration from New York and New Jersey driven by climate change and sea level rise. It’s either a very interesting long game or I’m giving the NIZ brains too much credit.