For most of Allentown's past, there was no need for a Transformation. We were the ideal city, so much so, that in the early 60's, we were proclaimed The All-American City. We were Mayberry, only much larger. Our little leagues played under the lights, and our fathers worked for top union wages. Imagine a city that could boast that it actually manufactured in own fire engines! Imagine a city that had no litter. We now have so much litter, not only do we need trash cans, we need trash compactors. We once were a destination and envied; We are now resented, and sued. This blog will continue to report current city events as I perceive them, engage with the bureaucrats as my energy permits, and occasionally share a glimpse of our past.
above reprinted from March of 2012
ADDENDUM MAY 21, 2024:Although a dozen years have passed, this blogger proudly remains a thorn in the side of the exploiters. In some ways the mission is more important than ever, because the local press, while remaining non-confrontational as in the past, is now reaching far fewer people. It's a good time for the exploiters... with a depleted middle class, those that remain are either too poor or too wealthy to concern themselves about our modern robber barons.
Mike, you're spot on!!! I really never noticed how clean Allentown was till I moved south and traveled home... I may have mentioned this here in the past, but it bears repeating... driving way east down Tilghman St, which to a former West-ender is no mans land, I couldn't help but notice how CLEAN Allentown WAS... emphasis on WAS because it's now a complete garbage dump... I blame that partially on the inhabitants and partially on the crappy garbage collection service that accepts less and less but charges progressively more and more, so people just dump. That fact has NOTHING to do with the crumbs that open their car doors and throw anything and everything at the curb and/or sidewalk, which, BTW, ends up on some poor slobs property who ends up getting fined for NOT keeping their property "picked up"... you know, the same slobs that are out working the whole day to make the money to pay the taxes AND the fines for these jerks!!! BTW, it forced me notice how dirty my new area was, in comparison, which I never really noticed ...
ReplyDeleteI always noticed the "dutch cleanser" women out with a broom or a hose keeping things clean... not so much these days, as it's a losing battle, and that class of citizens has either died or moved where they didn't have to tolerate such malarkey.
This city is it's own worst enemy... stick a fork in it, VERY sadly, IT'S DONE!!!
Rant over.