As dusk falls, cars start entering Lehigh Parkway to enjoy the annual Christmas light display. In the darkness they drive past the top of the Double Stairwell, built by the WPA in 1935. It was designed as the signature structure in the park. In daylight they would see that the top landing is breaking up, and the subsequent landings down the double stairs are even in worse condition. These cracked landings allow seeping water to undermine the steps below them, jeopardizing the entire structure. I have been reporting these deteriorating conditions to the Park Department for six years. While nothing has been done to rehab this irreplaceable structure, the department is actively seeking grants to build another new park, near the old incinerator plant off Basin Street.
As a long time public critic of the former Pawlowski administration, his park directors may have dismissed my criticism of park policy as political discontent. However, with the current mayor and park director I have a long time rapport, but to no apparent avail.
When I drive through the park I don't see the pretty lights, but a sad situation. I see crumbling WPA structures. I see neglect and misplaced priorities.
photo/The Morning Call
Ray was a proven disappointment before the election, now the voters have given him to more years to do the same. Typical Allentown stupidity.
ReplyDeleteThis is the state of mind today regarding preventive maintenance. Rather then spend far less repairing and maintaining we wait till things fall apart. Forget the steps being of historical significance. Rather as necessary to keep the road into the Parkway from collapsing. A patch of concrete here and there saves a hellva lot more then having to restructure this embankment entirely. And the steps look a lot more aesthetically pleasing then anything they'd come up with to replace it (last longer too).
ReplyDeleteMy point is.. even if the city doesn't care about historical structures it makes economic sense. It would take an engineering study and a million dollar contract trying to come up with a replacement for something which simply needs a touch up by a local mason. Looks a hell of a lot better then anything they'll come up with of that you can be certain.