While I was at the Lehigh River to scrutinize the Neuweiler money pit, I decided to check on Mr. Janidl's project, just slightly upstream.
As subscribers know, I'm not a fan of the NIZ. That prejudice aside, my compliments to the Jaindl Company. They have built an impressive building, nicely situated on the river. The riverscape has been enhanced with artifacts from Lehigh Structural Steel, which was the river's previous longterm tenant.
This first building will be joined by more commercial and residential opportunities. American Bank, Jaindl owned, already has an office there. That may well mean that the bank's payroll is now going through an NIZ address, allowing Janidl to harvest the state taxes for debt service on the new building. The same shenanigans are taking place up on Hamilton Street, with the LVHN payroll servicing Reilly's empire.
At least Janidl's river project is aesthetically pleasing. Wonder how he would feel about a blogger as tenant?
Think about all the tax revenues from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission that will be generated. I never would have dreamed that a public agency that ought to be in a modest county government office complex could command such a swanky office location.
ReplyDeleteanon@7:47: There is long tradition of such agencies "answering" the call. When Butz built his pre NIZ tower, both the Visitor's Bureau and the Chamber moved in. In my "critic" opinion, there is no reason for any of these agencies in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI guess that we can say that Reilly is the de facto mayor of Allentown, and Turek is the social mayor of Allentown. I''d like to think Turek has some hope of becoming the real mayor, but then something like this shows up. Less substance- more photo-ops- less time spent doing your job- more selfie opportunities. Yea, we're getting new basketball nets: https://mailchi.mp/6e25625bd8b6/looking-for-free-outdoor-events-in-allentown?e=5fbc6c2e4a
ReplyDeleteanon@1:23: I have mixed feelings about Tuerk. I believe that he has both the potential and support to accomplish good things for Allentown.
DeleteI agree the current mayor has potential but at some point you need to shift from campaigning to getting things done. It’s been nearly a year and a half.
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