I suspect that even from Harrisburg, Josh Shapiro can see the blue beams projected into the sky from Allentown. Those beams come from both City Hall and the Lehigh County building.
Last week County Commissioner Jon Irons pitched totally blue Allentown City Council on becoming a Welcoming City. The mostly blue county is contributing $650k to the affordable housing project on Walnut Street. When all said and done from various levels of government, that feel-good will cost the taxpayers over $20mil.
The county does have a moral obligation to make sure that the historic Cedarbrook remain in good operation. Started over a hundred years ago as the county poor home, it evolved into a nursing home for low income seniors. A decade ago, Cedarbrook's future was in doubt... County nursing homes became unfashionable. Fortunately, both Lehigh and Northampton continue to meet that commitment.
Outside of the city boundaries, local Republicans were encouraged by a few wins, likely helped with Trump's coattails. The midterms in 2026 will be competitive and expensive.
“…the affordable housing project on Walnut Street.”
ReplyDeleteWhere on Walnut Street? How many units?
An outfit named Cortex has two projects planned in the 8th and Walnut area. They hope to also teach the folks life skills, so that they can move up the ladder.
DeleteMichael, shouldn't life skills be taught high school?
DeleteMike, What people need to be aware of is the the Democrats hold a six three majority on the board of commissioners. Three of the six are very woke Democrats, one apparently turns his back on the flag during the pledge of allegiance. Among other plans, he and his fellow
ReplyDeletewokesters want to create parity of funding between the county district attorney's office and the county's public defenders office. This is Portland Oregon type thinking right here in Allentown. As bad as this group is, moderate Dem Phil Armstrong is term limited out and the Democrats have lined up behind former Allentown council person and current state rep Josh Seigel. I will remind everyone Josh was part of the defund the police movement when he was on city council and there isn't a far left cause he doesn't embrace. Never forget, the county runs the prison, criminal prosecutes, and is in charge of voter registration and counting the ballots. Never in our lifetimes has county government been radicalized, that could all change this fall.
I hope that the R's have someone in the wings, besides your previous candidate, to run against Seigel,
DeleteOh, for the days of Dave Bausch, Jane Baker, Jane Ervin and a Republican led Board of Commissioners. Good old Sterling Raber and others. Sounds like Lehigh County is going off the deep end.
DeleteWhile producing "affordable housing" in Allentown appears to be a noble cause it seems the suburban areas (with fewer of them) are doing quite well. Better in fact on numerous levels. Without trying to be too nasty, ever see what happens when you try to feed seagulls at the beach?
ReplyDeleteVarious agencies made Allentown a destination twenty years ago, by giving out move in money. These new 100+ units won't add to that magnet at this point. However, they will consume $millions in grants, which could be much more productively used. They are being built by a private company, which will profit from our Blue wokeness
DeleteWait, is this “affordable housing” project for — apartments or single family homes?
ReplyDeleteAt a $20 million cost to taxpayers, that’s $200,000 per unit. How many people downtown are living in $200,000+ homes? Yet they’re supposed to help pay for the chosen few who will live in these overpriced units? And how many of the chosen will just be out-of-towners taking advantage of another stupid deal from city and county government ?
Does the developer have any skin in the game? If so, how much?
I suggest you search engine Cortex/affordable housing-allentown affordable housing is never affordablefor the taxpayers.
DeleteIt’s worse than that. The project at 8th & Walnut is only 38 units. Even if the project ends up only costing $15M that’s still $400k per unit.
DeleteCortex is the latest for profit low income housing company in Allentown. The cost per unit by the Housing Authority is also astronomical. Section 8 to private landlords seems to be the best option all around.
DeleteSo, we need affordable apartments "they" tell us... will these be subsidized via section 8 to make them affordable for folks making 13000 a year??? Let's not forget at the low income rates, few pay taxes. Maybe the 75 dollar per unit rental license fee will offset lost Allentown income taxes??? What about parking??? Most people have 2 cars, especially the poor folks!!! And don't forget the kids cars!!! Sounds like a plan for a disaster to me. Time to follow the $$$$$!!!
ReplyDelete