Allentown Reborn, Bullsh*t On Steroids

I'm seeing the New York Times story on Allentown's rebirth shared on Facebook by all the local cheerleaders. Although the article mentions a tax-incentive, who could comprehend that all the new construction is being financed by diverted state taxes, and that it is owned by one man? Who could conceive that the new buildings are publicly paid for, but privately owned? They do mention the man as the main developer, but don't elaborate on his windfall. In fairness to the reporter, even most locals don't understand the realities of the NIZ. 

Of course if some NYC couple decides to relocate to the reborn Allentown, they will be in for quite a surprise come dinner time. They will find that the restaurants are only open for a few nights a week. They will find that the coffee shops close at 6:00PM. They will find that the stores mentioned are the only stores there are. They will find that they have moved to a Potemkin Village.

The cheerleaders I referred to in the first paragraph all have some things in common. Either they have a business, or they're a newcomer with no frame of reference, or both. Some others are former Allentonians, also in the dark about the realities. Although this blog is in its eighteenth year, I have only resorted to off color language in this last week. Like Popeye, I could only take so much for so long.