A reader recently commented that he lives Allentown, and is sticking it out, as opposed to those who moved out to Parkland. This is easy to say when you live in Allentown's west end, because the quality of life border isn't at Cedar Crest Blvd., but rather at about 12th Street.
As the weather gets warmer, the streets get louder and more marred by litter. Between Front and 7th Streets you're likely to encounter junior motorbike gangs, which ignore both stop lights and one way destinations.
With Tuerk and Roca there's a new sheriff in town, and it's a new town indeed. We who remember when Dodge was quiet, remember a different Allentown.
I suspect that in coming years this may seem like the good old days. Despite historically low mortgage rates, the current grossly inflated real estate frenzy will result in buyer's remorse and abandoned properties.
I can appreciate that my predictions will not be used for the city's public relations...For that kind of spin I recommend the Morning Call.
Stop hoping things will get better in the city, accept what is or work for change. This may include changing your voting pattern. Take hope to church/synagogue, take reason and common sense to the polls. Far to few do the latter.
ReplyDeletescott@9:55, although it's not my wont to reply to comments, Jiminy Cricket has more chance wishing upon a star, than working for a Republican victory in Allentown.
ReplyDeleteI understand your point. We sold our house in West Park due to the daily impacts of Allen dismissal, a gun shot through a window on our block, a nearby homicide in front of then Mayor Roy Afflerbach's house at 15th & Chew and a strong arm robbery at a beauty salon at 15th & Chew. I'm living in what I would call the mid-West End (19th Street to Ott Street) and this neighborhood is not immune to the kind of crime and activities you refer to. Throughout the pandemic a nearby single family rental owned by a real estate agent from Parkland had daily drug use/related activities out of our rear alley. However, overall this important neighborhood that transitions central Allentown to the deep West End is improving. Muhlenberg College continues to be the stabilizing influence in this neighborhood, Jay's Local and Tavern on Liberty are very successful business that add vitality and in the past year several single family rentals were sold to owner-occupants. I'm choosing to stay positive and I'm optimistic that Allentown and cities in general are well positioned to regain momentum over the next 20 to 30 years.
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