A Force In Allentown

I received a nice compliment the other day, somebody told me that I was a force in Allentown. I'll take the compliment as remuneration for the time and effort put into this blog. I see blogging as a component of community activism. My posts, in addition to Allentown politics, also cover local history. These subjects are not unrelated, as local political ambitions and projects are often at the expense of our history and culture. I regret my lack of diplomacy, but blame genetics. Today's photograph predates the current concrete Hamilton Street bridge, with its two west side entrance ramps. The former old metal bridge, had Union and Hamilton Streets merged into one ramp, passing the massive Arbogast & Bastian Meat Packing Plant. Next week, another historic bridge is in jeopardy. Although structurally sound, Lehigh County has appropriated funds to replace the stone arch bridge by Union Terrace. More on that later....

reprinted from March of 2012

ADDENDUM MAY 24, 2024: I fought successfully to save the historic Reading Road Bridge referenced above. I was also successful, with the help of others, with Wehr's Dam. Although official committees are not my style, I'm hoping to be appointed to the new park non-profit board, as an ambassador for the WPA structures.