Allentown's looking to identify an industrial area, where an investment in infrastructure can produce jobs. The Allentown Economic Development Corporation hired a consultant, to tell them what they wanted to hear. Never mind that we have an industrial area, already complete with infrastructure. Shown above is the area along the Lehigh River, where industry began in Allentown. The working railroad line is still there, as are the industrial buildings, and even industrial tenants, including Air Products. Problem is, that area is now slated for Pawlowski Transformation Number Two, turning the industrial reality into a commercial and residential hope to be. Enter AEDC and their
choo choo project. Many years ago, Traylor Engineering on S. 10th Street, was serviced by the Barber Quarry rail spur. That rail branch has been completely removed, from it's start back at 3th and Union Streets. Last year, the AEDC purchased Traylor's successor, the vacant Allentown Metal Works, and sought a grant to rebuild the branch line. The bureaucracy of the AEDC would actually spend $millions of dollars to rebuild a railroad line, on the speculation of attracting an industrial tenant. Lo and behold,
the new study they and the City have commissioned, recommends this very nonsense.
above reprinted from November of 2013
ADDENDUM SEPTEMBER 14, 2023: In the above post from ten years ago, I take AEDC to task for wanting to rebuilt the rail branch line to S. 10th Street. Only in their dreams would we ever have a new industry there that would need rail service. To that regard they should have actively protested when the old line there was removed. But let's move ahead to 2023. The area along the river, former home of Lehigh Structural Steel, is now part of the NIZ. As I reported recently, Jaindl has built
an attractive commercial building on the parcel, with a residential component planned.
About that Riverfront project. I find it foolish to build the residential buildings not actually ON the waterfront, but behind the corporate buildings, and without balconies to enjoy a waterfront view. Why move to a waterfront home that doesn’t offer proper access to enjoy what little water activity will be down there to begin with?
ReplyDeleteThe first planned residential building is to the south of the new office building with direct frontage on the river. No idea why it has not moved forward though.
ReplyDeleteThere may possibly be an issue attracting young affluent professionals to work in the ward?
DeleteWell, it’s good news that some residents will be able to purchase apartments looking directly over the water! Hopefully, those units will also include outside balconies big enough for 2 people to sit outside. At my age, I’ll soon be looking for a nice apartment. For me, wherever I go will need to have outdoor sitting space directly connected to my unit. Not enough of those in this area.
DeleteSadly there is nothing planned to increase wealth, just spending.
ReplyDeleteAllentown and industrialization are almost the opposite poles of a magnet today, compared to 1970 when industry was flourishing in the city. There are a number of reasons that has changed in the past fifty years, offshoring, unionization, taxes, but the fact is that other than possibly silk-screening emblems on hoodies, not much is manufactured in Allentown any longer.
ReplyDeleteThe NIZ arguably brought white-collar businesses into Allentown (ADP), but mostly poached suburban companies to move their offices into Reillytown along Hamilton Street. What about the manufacturing companies that closed up shop? NADA....
The area north of Fairview Cemetery and south of the Little Lehigh, from Lehigh street to the old water works was once prime industrial land used by Traylor Engineering and Mack Trucks. Their buildings are still there but not a whole lot of use is going on since those companies left. The new industries today are not truck and mining equipment, but manufacturing software and other items to make people's lives better and convenient. And they do pay well. That entire area needs to be redeveloped to accommodate the industries of the 21st century, along with changing the regulations and laws that drove industry out of Allentown. Also perhaps a new school for the south side and truly middle-class housing not focused on single yuppies, but for young families with children.
ADP came from the suburbs too. They were out on Windsor Dr near Rt. 100/Tilghman. I’m ok with business moving into the city from the suburbs, even if it is subsidized. It’s better for the region. The burbs have been subsidized poaching business from the city for decades.
DeleteIf you drive along MLK you can see that they took down the traylor building to the metal beams. They’re rebuilding it to be a new factory. Pretty exciting.
ReplyDeleteBilVil@11:29: That work is being done for a private owner with a $Million grant from the City of Allentown...another sad arrangement
ReplyDelete