Over the years Hanover Acres became a "terrible" place to live, a crime-ridden eyesore. Overlook Park, the $88 million development that's sprung up in its place, however, is "beautiful." Daniel R. Farrell, executive director of the Allentown Housing Authority, described turning Hanover Acres into Overlook Park as "an amazing transformation."The development features 269 rental apartments and room for 53 single-family homes.It was built by Pennrose Properties, which specializes in politically correct and politically connected housing for profit. They have done well in Allentown with Mayor Ed. Not long before Hanover and Riverview were demolished, they were completely remodeled, with high end kitchen cabinets and counters. Shown below is yours truly, in Little Lehigh Manor, built in 1944. Those brick houses of the same vintage are still new enough for home buyers today. Most of Allentown's existing row houses were built between 1895 and 1930. If Carpenter is upset about smoking, he should drive over to Overlook Park and see what they're now smoking in.
above reprinted from July of 2012
ADDENDUM JULY 27, 2022: When I first wrote this post a decade ago, the issue was tearing down Hanover Acres to built Overlook Park. It never occurred to me then that Allentown would now be tearing down the new public housing on the Lehigh Street hill, to replace them with more modern units.
The Parkway houses of my youth still stand, and I still remain confused about public housing.
My parents lived for a time in Hanover acres, in the 1940's after the war, many vets transitioned back to the the civilian life there. My mother talked about weekly inspections for damage and cleanliness. It was spartan accommodations, a temporary place for those in need until they could get back on their own feet. It is now permanent accommodations for generations. without much in responsibility or caring for the property.
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