SIMON GETS BROTHER'S VERDICT

Louis F. Simon(Right) tell his heavyweight brother that he is proud that he lasted into the thirteenth round of his fight with Joe Louis last night. Mike Jacobs announced after the bout that the two would be rematched in New York on May 16th.

Blogger's Notes: The above is an Associated Press "Wirephoto" that appeared in newspapers across the country on March 22, 1941. The title and caption is the actual Associated Press copy. Mike Jacobs was Joe Louis's manager. Abe Simon actually ended up fighting four more opponents and waiting over a year before the rematch; they met for second time and the title in Madison Square Garden on March 27, 1942. Simon was knocked out in the 6th round, he never fought again. His career record was 36 wins, 25 by knockout, 10 loses, 1 draw.

Merchant Dog Days

On the front page of today's Business Section of the Morning Call, the Retail Watch column features Hector Diaz and his hot dog cart. It reads "When Hector Diaz noticed business at his hot dog cart on Hamilton Street in downtown Allentown took a hit from the bus stops on the strip moving a few blocks away to a new bus terminal.. Once Lanta opened down there I pursued a location there..." * I give Hector credit for knowing enough to follow the foot traffic, except it's much easier to move a cart (Hector bought a second one) than move a building. But more disturbing, and no disrespect to Hector intended, but we spend over half a million dollars a year on economic planning**, and it seems a vendor with a push cart is ahead of the curve. If one would add up the total taxpayer investment on Hamilton Street over the last two decades, then factor in the hit the merchants took by the Pawlowski endorsed Lanta move, it makes the Afflerbach Police Pension fiasco seem like small change.

*http://www.mcall.com/business/local/all-retailwatch0427.6377491apr27,0,6321365.column

** Allentown Economic Development Planning $180,000, Administration $308,681, Initiatives $70,000

Showtime with Dottie

Calling all artists,
bloggers,
beggars,
thieves and gypsies,
Friday Nite, 6:30 House of Chen

PhotoCreditMolovinsky

Pawlowski Decrees Destiny

In 1934 Perry Minich and his bride opened a jewelry store on the side of the elegant Americus Hotel. The post depression years weren't that easy for a merchant in luxury goods, but they had faith in Allentown. They were rewarded by Allentown's boom years during the 50's . In 1981 a robber entered the store, pushed Mrs. Minich to the floor, then shot and killed her. The Minich family carried on with their Allentown business. Their nephew, who witnessed the tragedy, took over the store. One by one, in Scranton, Easton, and Wilkes-Barre, hotels of the Americus vintage, closed and were boarded up. The Americus, a white elephant, although a dollar short and a day late, stayed open. Enter new Mayor Ed Pawlowski, self-designated real estate expert. He decided because the hotel owner was controversial, and had been demonized in regard to other properties, he could execute a forced sale. He erected a scaffold around the building, declared it unsafe, and ordered the existing merchants to vacate. For those really familiar with the situation the irony abounds. One week after the scaffold was erected, a window fell out the Schoen building, controlled by the city, narrowly missing several pedestrians. Although transient tenants will be offered relocation money to de-convert apartments in Old Allentown, three merchants of the Americus got nothing. While almost seven million dollars in grant money was offered outside developers to purchase the hotel, the city confiscated insurance proceeds from the existing owner. Pawlowski ended what had endured over seventy years through good and bad times, through tragedy, and it will cost the taxpayers many millions to ever put this humpty dumpty back together again.

Clean Up Day

How many bureaucrats does it take to push a broom? Unfortunately this is not a joke. This week Allentown City Council approved the distribution of the Community Development Block Grants. These grants are distributed to non-profits which use our money to make instant business people, instant home owners and of course support hundreds of jobs administrating these funds. I have attended the meetings at city hall and watched the administrators of these programs compete for public funds; surely a growth industry in the Lehigh Valley. Admittedly, some of these programs have social value, such as emergency shelters. Besides the questionable mission of many of these programs ( i.e.,making a business owner), another problem is the sheer quantity and duplication of these organizations. The money spent on offices, utilities, overhead and administrators using these grants could be put to so much better use. Allentown, because of our economic demographics, would be allowed to apply much of this money directly to infrastructure. This approach, would benefit the tax payers in multiple ways. More capital projects could be completed with less millage, and I believe the area would receive less migration from low-income. I believe everyone would win, unless your employment depends upon an endless supply of new needy people.
* Approved the city's annual Community Development Block Grant program, which allocates money to various programs and non-profit organizations. Here's a summary.


CODE ENFORCEMENT AND REHABILITATION (CDBG)
Old Allentown Public Improvements $350,000
Code Enforcement (Salaries Only)
Acquisition 400,000
Focus Area Public Improvements 100,000
Site Clearance (Salaries Only)
Old Fairgrounds Corridor Rehabilitation – SFL 551,223
Rental Rehabilitation (Salaries Only)
Hazard Elimination Program (Salaries Only)
Program Delivery (includes Salaries to be Apportioned) 644,945
PUBLIC SERVICES (CDBG)
Allentown YMCA & YWCA $ 15,000
Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living 15,000
Adult Literacy Center of the Lehigh Valley 15,000
Family Answers – Ways to Work Program 15,000
Grace Montessori School 15,000
Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley 12,000
Baum School of Art 7,500
Communities In Schools 15,000
Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley -
Community Action Financial Services 15,000
Neighborhood Housing Services of the Lehigh Valley –
Operating 15,000
Boys and Girls Club of Allentown 15,000
St. Luke’s Neighborhood Center 15,000
Mosser Village Family Center 15,000
Community Bike Works 15,000
Circle of Stones 5,500
Embrace Your Dreams 5,250
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania 11,250
Allentown Public Library 15,000
Lehigh Carbon Community College 5,700
Lehigh County Conference of Churches – Pathways 15,000
Syrian Arab American Charity Association 15,000
Program for Women and Families 15,000
Allentown Economic Development Corporation –
Securing Industrial/Commercial Properties 15,000
Jewish Community Center 3,750
Mayor’s Anti-Gang Initiative 60,000
Mayor’s Workforce Development Program 40,000
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION (CDBG)
ADA Curb Cuts $180,000
Habitat for Humanity 75,000
Old Fairgrounds Corridor Façade Grants – Residential 220,000
Voluntary Relocation 20,000
Old Allentown Preservation Association 15,000
ADMINISTRATION, PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (CDBG)
Redevelopment Authority of the City of Allentown $289,199
Community Action Development Corporation of the
Lehigh Valley 32,500
Allentown Economic Development Corporation –
Economic Development Planning 180,000
Administration 308,681
Allentown Economic Development Corporaation
Economic Development Initiative 70,000
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (HOME)
Old Fairgrounds Corridor Rehabilitation – SFL $320,000
Housing Association and Development Corporation –
North Street 150,000
Allentown Housing Authority 600,000
Administration 95,851
Housing Association and Development Corporation –
CHDO Operating 23,962
Alliance for Building Communities – Doorway to
Homeownership 150,000
Alliance For Building Communities – CHDO Operating 23,962
EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANTS PROGRAM (ESG)
Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley -
Sixth Street Shelter $ 29,000
Allentown Rescue Mission 29,000
Salvation Army 29,000
Administration 5,671
Lehigh County Conference of Churches – Daybreak 29,000

*This list appeared on the mcall queen city blog

THIS BLOG WAS INSPIRED FROM A FELLOW BLOGGER INVOLVED IN THE NON-PROFIT SECTION, WHO BELIEVES ALLENTOWN SHOULD PAY A NON-PROFIT GROUP TO HIRE A FOR PROFIT CONTRACTOR TO CLEAN OUR LITTER. I THINK THERE ARE TOO MANY MIDDLE MEN BETWEEN OUR TAXES AND OUR PROBLEMS. I'D RATHER HAVE THE CITY HIRE TWO MEN AND BUY TWO BROOMS.

Simon Fearless Against Bomber

The 1941 June edition of Ring Magazine featured the Abe Simon vs Joe Louis fight in March. Editor-writer Nat Fleischer was in awe of Simon's courage against the unbeatable Brown Bomber. Fleischer wrote "They (fans) saw Abe Simon give the Bomber the greatest battle he has had since he won the crown..." Although Simon Lost by TKO in the 13th, this image of Simon grinning at Louis while taking the 8 count in round 7, is one of my favorite photographs of that fight.

ROSE Colored Glasses

On monday evening the City of Allentown and the Chamber of Commerce will hold a joint meeting where merchants are encouraged to have their voice heard and help create a vision. In 2005, the City accepted The Parking Authority testimony, supported by the Chamber of Commerce, that the merchants approved doubling the meter rate. I conducted a survey and discovered the merchants neither approved or knew about the rate changes. This past fall, when 78 merchants petitioned Lanta not to remove the transfer stations away from Hamilton Street, they were supported neither by the City, nor the Chamber. Although this public gathering in a large meeting room promises a venue for input, the real decision makers can, and do, fit in one booth at the Brew Pub. This meeting is a public relations smorgasbord for the bureaucrats; it will be cited in future budget and grant applications under public input. One merchant, who has been on Hamilton Street for fifty years, spends his time handing out quarters and apologies to his customers about the meters. Another, there for 30 years, now works a second job because Lanta was encouraged to not serve Hamilton Street. Neither will be at the meeting, they were ignored when it really counted.

Blogger's disclaimer: I know the person organizing this meeting, she is a nice, sincere person. I believe she wasn't employed at the time the above wounds were inflicted upon the merchants and/or she is not within the sphere of influence; small booth at BrewPub

Blogger's clarification: It should be noted that in addition to the merchants opposed to the Lanta changes, 1187 signatures from bus riders were ignored.
It should be noted that this past week the Parking Authority, at the bequest of the city, ignored a petition from 120 Verizon workers opposed to the sale of the adjoining parking lot.
Although the merchants may be given input on some street festival, the big decisions will be made in the small booth.

BLOGGER'S OUTRAGE: The following comment, which I posted on the Morning Call Forum in response to an op-ed piece by Pastor Stevens about the vision meeting has been removed from mcall.

Pastor Stevens, in all due respect, I have reservations about the true degree of input most merchants and citizens really have, despite this type of meeting. i refer you to my blog, where i express a point of view based on my experience with the realities of allentown.... http://www.molovinskyonallentown.blogspot.com...

Monopoly Allentown Style

The Allentown Parking Authority, at the Mayor's bequest, is playing a high stakes game of Monopoly using the real money of citizens. Make no mistake, it's our money. If you received one of the hundred thousand plus parking tickets last year, or pay to park on a lot, or had a parking meter swallow your quarters, it's your money. The Authority has declared the North Lot "excessive" and is preparing to sell it for townhouses. This lot provides safe, convenient parking for the adjoining Verizon Building workers, and is three quarters occupied. The large "Germania" lot, on south 7th Street is virtually unused. Perhaps no lot in the Authority's inventory is more used and important than the "North" lot, yet in spite of a petition from Verizon workers, the Authority persists in selling it to a partner in the Mayor's vision. Although completed townhouses would indeed provide an impressive backdrop for the Mayor's re-election, let us not forget that Verizon has been providing over 200 jobs for decades and the true mission of the Parking Authority.

UPDATE: The Board of Directors passed the sale proposal with no discussion today by a 3 to 1 vote. Linda Rosenfeld, Malcolm Gross and Larry Hilliard voted for, Michael Donovan voted against. (Candida Svirzovsky was absent)

Parking Authority Mugs Woman

Sometime in the not too distant future, a woman Verizon worker will be mugged on Linden Street. She will be the victim of Mayor Pawlowski and The Allentown Parking Authority. At the last Authority Meeting two plans were discussed. One was to make Parking Authority Workers safer by purchasing a robotic tire marker, making it no longer necessary for officers to stand in the street and make calk marks. The second plan, rather than allow Verizon women to continue parking in safety next to their building, the lot will be sold for townhouses. Every night at 10:30, and every morning at 6:30, 70 women would have to walk almost two blocks to the next closest surface lot, the reward for working in downtown Allentown. John Zawarski actually claimed that in spite of this forced march in fear, they will be safer because of his new townhouses. Somehow this development will add stability to the entire downtown, making it more safe to walk two blocks than 100 feet. As I questioned the consequences of this townhouse scheme, Board member Larry Hilliard, kept demanding to know if I officially represented Verizon Corporation. Larry is Pawlowski's Finance Director, I question who he represents? Although a petition signed by over 100 workers opposed to the sale of the lot was submitted to the Authority, Verizon Corporation has not issued a formal statement on the issue. Although the Rite-Aid on Hamilton Street lost over 40% of their revenue from recent Lanta changes, they also will make no statement. It is the policy of most national corporations to not get involved in local politics. In a chain of emails, I instituted from a phone call, has come back to me; Tamara Weller, Authority Director, states that had Verizon Corporate contacted her, she would intervene on the sale proposal. Tamara, although you and Larry Hilliard have not heard from Corporate Headquarters, I can assure you they would rather have their employee's continue parking next door, rather than walking about late at night and early in the morning. As Mayor Pawlowski begins a series of public relations meetings about crime, lets not send these Verizon women out to get mugged.

A City Called Contradiction

Yesterday our elected officials and esteemed bureaucrats convened to lament the lack of affordable housing. Our County Executive, generously with our tax dollars, declared he would create a new position to promote this worthy goal. Lately, because of public sentiment linking crime and litter to inter-city apartments, developers have been referring to their proposed apartment projects as upscale, designed to attract young professionals. So, it seems our leaders have concluded we need expensive apartments and cheap houses. In reality, all schemes for affordable housing require a subsidy, just increasing the tax burden on existing homeowners. Considering the problems in our cities; crime, litter and lack of civility, we should actually strive to become more "unaffordable", but who wants to live in an desirable place, that's called a vacation.

$100 a Week

In 1935, a Jewish boy earning $35 a week carrying 300 pound blocks of ice, was offered three times more to fight; win, lose or draw. For one hundred dollars a week, Jock Whitney, British aristocrat and sportsman, owned Abe Simon. Abe won his first 14 fights, 12 by knockout. On his climb to fight Louis in 1941 he would knock out 27 opponents, including Jersey Joe Walcott.

A Failure Called Allentown

My last letter to the editor, (Morning Call) explained how Mayor Pawlowski's one hand didn't

know what the other hand was doing, thus the bunny hop for Allentown, instead of progress.
The letter, short to begin with, had several key sentences and its meaning deleted out, so now I blog. I don't know what Pawlowski's strong suit is, but it's not business (or housing). In the early fall, in a blotched attempt at improving the street scene, the bus riders where relocated to the former Morning Call parking lot, now known as the Lanta Terminal. The consequence is a virtual empty Hamilton Street with merchants suffering revenue reductions up to 40%. While the city on one hand offers grants, other starting food businesses are submitted to a bureaucracy exceeding hospital operating room standards.
What's probably most pathetic, is someone can push a hot dog cart up to the side of the Lanta Terminal Fiasco, and do more business than either someone put through the city hall inspection wringer or those receiving taxpayer funded grants.

CLICK ON PHOTO'S TO READ SIGNS

Allentown Memories

Guest Post By Dennis Pearson During the Steel strike of 1959 my dad took a job as a groundskeeper for the Allentown Red Sox. Those were the days when it rained, they were allowed to burn the field to dry it off.

My dad was allowed to bring my friends and myself to the park. Those were carefree days for me and we wondered around the park which was located where JC Penny now is located in the Lehigh Valley Mall.

Breadon Field was renamed Max Hess Stadium when he was allowed to take control of the park for $1. Memory fades as whether Max Hess himself sold the premises or his successors , but I boycotted JC Penny's for many years for locating its business where the park was.

One of the personalities that played at the park was Tracy Stallard who achieved some sort of notorious fame as the pitcher who served up Roger Maris' sixty first homer.

Another personality that played there was Curt Simmons, a native of Egypt PA, who in his later years pitched at Max Hess Stadium in a rehab assignment. The presence of Curt Simmons filled up the house.

Another personality that played there was myself. Playing for the East Side Rams City Midget team against the West End Youth Center in a pre-game exhibition game, I went one for two. My hit was a double,

I am indeed delighted that professional baseball is back in the Lehigh Valley and that it is located in East Allentown. As President of the East Allentown Rittersville Neighborhood Association I went before the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners approving the then ongoing efforts to bring baseball back.

I applied for the recent vacancy on the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners. It would have been very nice to have been appointed County Commissioner as baseball returned. Unfortunately that did not happen to my disappointment.

I trust that my advocacy for the return of baseball is not lost on the Commissioners and the Ironpigs themselves.

Dennis Pearson

GUEST POST; Dennis, a lifelong Allentownian played little league as a boy, and coached as an adult. I also remember Breadon field, but only as a spectator

Try Transit Day

I love that Lanta television commerical when the yuppie puts his $900 carbon frame bicycle on the bike rack at the front of the bus. That yuppie is Steve Schmitt and today is "Try Transit Day". Once a month The Coalition for Appropriate Transportation and Lanta try to induce the middle class to be green and take public transportation. You many recall several months ago we saw photographs and footage of Mayor Ed taking the bus to promote this farce. I've spent considerable time at the new Lanta Detention Center and I can tell you most of the prisoners are not there for environmental reasons. Most of them cannot afford a car and the associated expenses, especially now. Schmitt, a biking enthusiast, was on Lanta for eight years and is responsible for Lanta outfitting their buses with bike racks. Steve now heads the Coalition (Cat) and organized today's protest against Wegman's. He wants "to illustrate how difficult it is bus riders to reach businesses that do not have Lanta stops on or near their property." While on the Lanta Board Schmitt defended the relocation of the bus stops off of Hamilton Street to the Terminal several blocks away. He stated Hamilton merchants were looking for something to complain about, and he would have to see their accounting books before believing business was down. Steve, thanks for the bike racks, and reducing revenue 40% on Hamilton street, keep up the good work.

Pawlowski Prostitutes Parking Authority

The Parking Authority should be horrified that Mayor Pawlowski is prevailing upon them to compromise their mission; provide parking and enforcement for the betterment of Allentown. What would Allentown be willing to offer a national employer bringing over two hundred jobs to downtown Allentown? Bringing those jobs to no less than the 700 block of Linden Street, truly a depressed area. Rendell, Cunningham and Pawlowski would be waving large cardboard checks, offering KOZ, Hud loans and grants. Smaller employers with many fewer jobs have received much more. But here in Pawlowskiville, we have a national employer who receives no incentives and has been providing jobs and paying taxes for decades. The only amenity this asset enjoys is a adjacent parking lot providing convenient and safe parking for their employees. Yesterday, at the Parking Authority Meeting, one such woman employee found out her fellow workers would have to walk a block and half at 10:30 in the evening to another lot, because the Authority is selling the lot to Nic Zawarski Construction to build townhouses. The Authority was ready to sell last month, but board member Larry Hilliard suggested they wait to yesterday so "we're not accused on rushing into it". Larry is upset with me for previously writing he delayed the sale for appearance sake. He claims he meant to say for "due diligence". If they really performed due diligence they would not sell the lot; it is over 60% occupied with 120 rent paying parkers, not a bad exchange for having an taxpaying employer providing over 200 jobs. The Authority postponed their vote again because only 3 of the 5 members were present, they want to spread their guilt out for this poor decision to the full board.

Update: Despite being a long term critic of various policies of the Parking Authority, Tamara Weller, Executive Director, has
consistently been courteous toward me and my rights as an opposer. I mention this, because too many of our elected and appointed officials show contempt toward those who dare disagree.

O'Hare goes Hollywood

This evening, viewers of WFMZ-TV Business Matters, learned that the Express Times of Easton is negotiating with Bernie O'Hare, Pope of the local blogosphere. Rumor has it, that recently Bernie has been seen in sun glasses and Don Johnson style sport coats. Joe Owens, editor and blog enthusiast, revealed his paper wouldn't mind "owning" Bernie's blog. I tried to reach Bernie earlier for comment, and was told by his secretary that I should submit my questions in writing during normal business hours.

Pawlowski Strangles Boards

Pawlowski continues to increase his strangle hold over the various Boards and Authorities in Allentown. Last week Jeff Pooley and Geoffrey Brace, from Old Allentown Preservation Association, sought to pressure the Zoning Board into forcing the new owner of Cannons into either reopening the bar or converting the property back into a single family house, after being a two unit for over 60 years. Also last month Karen Beck Pooley, Jeff's wife and new Director of the Redevelopment Authority, told Linda Rosenfeld of the Parking Authority, that she might be able to help find alternative parking for Verizon workers when the Parking Authority gives away the parking lot to a Pawlowski favorite. This week Geoffrey Brace and Michael Rosenfeld, former Director of the Redevelopment Authority and husband of Linda Rosenfeld, were appointed to the Zoning Board. Confusing, hard to track? As Mayor Pawlowski said when Lanta moved the bus stops off of Hamilton Street to the terminal at the Parking Authority Deck, "I had nothing to do with it."

Rev. Wright not Wrong

I'm not bothered by Rev. Wright's sermons. As Obama explained, he's from a previous generation who experienced much more overt racism. He is a black preacher, preaching to a black congregation in a black church. I feel they are entitled to console and bond in any manner which provides comfort. To my knowledge his preaching has not incited racial violence. I think in respecting various ethnicities we must realize our perspectives are not homogenized and pasteurized like a quart of milk. Jews speak of "never again," that is not exactly the concept of forgiveness taught by Jesus, but their collective memory is understandable. Obama need not explain his church affiliation to me. (just most of his other policies)

I first expressed the above opinion on a comment section of LVPoliblog

The photograph is of Jewish heavyweight Abe Simon knocking out Al Hart in 1938. Simon would wear the Star of David on his boxing trunks when fighting in NYC, it wasn't racist, it was target select promotion and ethnic pride.

Chicken or Egg

The Allentown Parking Authority appears to be involved in an impropriety. The Authority professes it had "excess" lots which it is selling to Nic Zawarski through proper procedures. It appears the mayor wants the parcel for his "moving ahead" plan and the Parking Authority is accommodating his agenda. The Authority Board is a who's who of Pawlowski supporters; Malcolm Gross, chairman of Pawlowski's mayoral campaign. Lawrence Hilliard, Pawlowski's finance director at city hall. Democrat Michael Donovan, endorsed by Pawlowski for city council. On January 19, the Board in full agreement declared the lots in "excess", despite the fact that there are more than 124 contracted parkers, using about 60% of the lots capacity. This lot adjoins the hugh Verizon Building and provides safe convenient parking, especially for the night sift women. By January XX *, a complex Request for Proposals was completed and sent out to whom? Is January XX the same as January 20, or is it XX as in who cares anyway. The deadline for proposals was Feb. 15. By the February 27th meeting, Zawarski had complete plans and architectural drawings. Although the Board was ready to approve the deal, Larry Hilliard suggested they wait till next week to avoid the appearance of rushing. Although no price has been officially negotiated, the 1990 tax appraisal was mentioned as the basis. In today's era of sub-prime scandals, using the 1990 tax assessment could quality an appriser for a jail-term. The property should be appraised in 2008 dollars with current comps. The bidding should be competitive with proposals send to a verified list of developers, who would have an appropriate amount of time to response. Most importantly, is there a market for $200,000 plus townhouses at 7th and Linden Streets, and would such a project serve the public interest more than providing safe parking for a large, long time employer? The Authority claims "Within a block to a block and a half radius there are......parking spaces." That's a long distance for a woman to walk at 1:00am., shame on the Authority. I maintain the Mayor's desire for the property came first, and the designation of excess, the request for proposals etc. is a ruse to accommodate him. My problem with the plan is the real victims, the Verizon workers losing their parking for very speculative townhouses. Chicken or Egg, impropriety or shenanigans, excess or coveted, something seems very wrong.

* http://www.allentownedc.com/APA_RFP_200801.pdf

Pearson Survives Hatchet Attack

Dennis Pearson, recovering from a recent hatchet attack on the local blogosphere, was able to attend the County Commissioners meeting Wednesday evening. Pearson, the most qualified applicant for the vacated commissioner seat, suffered hacket wounds inflicted by Bernie O'Hare, on Lehigh Valley Ramblings. While laying wounded, he was kicked several times by Chris Casey, from Lehigh Valley Poliblog. It seems Pearson, an educator with a master's degree, has an interest in the space program. Although good enough for the voters of Ohio who rewarded John Glenn for his enthusiasm, the blogosphere discovered a photo of Pearson in a space suit and the juvenile ridicule began. Although O'Hare and Casey don't realize it yet, they have endorsed Pearson by elimination. This morning Casey said the two applicants who failed to attend Wednesday should not receive serious consideration. Although he didn't mention names, I will. I also attended the meeting, Casey left early, I came late. In attendance were Pearson, Jones and Lutz. Absent were Easterling and Wilt. After the meeting O'Hare and I spoke only briefly with Jones, but we both agreed Mr. Jones was not ready for consideration. O'Hare believes Lutz's convenient conversion from an independent to a democrat violates the intention of the county charter. This leaves Dennis Pearson, minor space exploration hobbyist, and major life long advocate for Allentown's East Side. It is my hope our Commissioners reward thirty years of community involvement with a well earned appointment. Bernie has already publicly confessed his funny bone got the best of him. Casey tries at the end of the day to be fair. I believe these two influential bloggers will come to support the dedication that Dennis has shown to the political process for decades. They, more than most, know the energy and work required to serve the public.

Crippled Lie To Lanta

The crippled have joined the list of those who lie to the Lanta Board of Directors. In the fall, the board dismissed over 1800 signatures from bus riders who protested moving the bus stops off Hamilton Street. Lanta claimed the list would have to be verified before being given any consideration. This winter, the board discounted the complaints of merchants; Lanta would have to inspect the merchants books before believing their claim of reduced business. Yesterday the claims of 60 disabled people about Lanta's Metro Plus* service will have to be looked into. Complaints varied from patients entirely missing therapy sessions to people kept on the van for over two hours and running out of oxygen. Lanta Director Armando Greco said "Part of the difficulty is determining the true extent of the problems in an objective fashion... some users are more tolerant of late arrivals and departures." The concessions made to the Hamilton Street merchants, adding additional stops on 7th and 8th Streets, have not helped restore foot traffic. It is becoming apparent the business community will once again have to appeal to Lanta. (third time) Perhaps Lanta will permit those who speak to testify under oath.

*Metro Plus is contracted out to Easton Coach, but Lanta is responsible for the quality of service.

Community Activist

Since 1973 Dennis Pearson has been the voice of the east side. As President of the Neighborhood Association for decades, and a coach, his tireless efforts are known to several generations. Mr. Pearson has a masters degree in urban and social studies and also substitute teaches. Currently he has offered his vast experience to fill out a term on the County Commission. Anybody familiar with his on going analysis of Allentown's budgets and tax ordinances, knows his experience is an opportunity county residents cannot afford to miss out on. Although he has submitted an official condensed resume to the county, please check out his decades of service on the following site; http://www.pearson4pa133.com/Biography.html
The above photo was taken in 1983, when a younger Dennis attempted to hold Mayor Daddona to a campaign promise.

UPDATE: I received an offline message exploiting Dennis's interest in space exploration. Although I do not share that passion, I find it refreshing to have a candidate for appointment with a wide palette of interests. Here is a man of the neighborhood groups, of the crime watches, straight forward, sincere and devoid of the plastic phoniness of cookie-cutter politicians.

Heavyweight Championship of the World

On March 21, 1941, my mother's cousin Abe Simon, son a of Jewish egg and butter salesman, fought Joe Louis for the title in Detroit. Lasting 13 rounds, he earned another title shot against the Brown Bomber a year later in Madison Square Garden. After retiring he acted in several movies, including On The Waterfront and Requiem For A Heavyweight.

A Wedding Day

One would hope, after all the discussion, expense and subsidizes given to create an arts district, lofts and studios, something will be named after Greg Weaver; he inspired a generation of local artists.

I took this photo of Greg and Fran the morning of their wedding

Back To The Future

It's the year 2015 and Mayor Guridy has just received the long anticipated study from A&P Associates. Advice from Afflerbach and Pawlowski doesn't come cheap, $475,000, but as City Council President Peter Lewnes said,"Sometimes it pays to invest in the best.". Some of the recommendations to revive Hamilton Street are nothing less than brilliant. Bus transfer stops are to be placed on Hamilton Street between 7th and 9th, creating foot traffic and enhancing a sense of security. Meter rates will be reduced, once again accepting quarters and other coins. The old Allentown Brew Pub, closed since the KOZ ended in 012, will be torn down to create a convenient pocket parking lot. The renovations would be implemented by the Butz Company, and as is the policy, no estimates will be provided. Guridy will make the announcement early next week, and a translation in English will be available.

Open Mike

This posting is intended to provide an opportunity to comment on any topic, or on an earlier posting.

Arrogant Heights

Mayor Ed Pawlowski, in his second State of the City address this year, proclaimed he will rename the center city subsidized district "Renaissance Square." Although some feel "Pawlowski's Pay and Playville" would be most appropriate, the new name should be "Arrogant Heights." At the Allentown Parking Authority board meeting on Feb. 26, the declining revenue of existing merchants on Hamilton Street was accepted as a factual consequence of the new Lanta Transportation Center. This matter of fact comment occurred during a discussion about building new townhouses at 7th and Linden, which they should call "Moron Manor." It is the height of arrogance, to think that any revitalization plan, justifies compromising the survival of long term, taxpaying businesses.

City Council Out of Line

According to an article in the Morning Call*, Mayor Pawlowski and Council President Michael D'Amore met about council's acting up; council did not pass an ordinance charging brides a fee to use the rose gardens for photographs. One must understand that this is the first time Allentown City Council has denied a request by the mayor**. After rubber stamping a new 10 million dollar bond, and refinancing 22 million more in bonds**, the mayor does not expect city council to act as an equal branch of city government. He refers to the recent insubordination as a bump in the road, expecting council to henceforth comply with the will of the people. Apparently Mr. Pawlowski feels his initiatives are the will of the people.

* http://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/all-b1_5council.6291797mar04,0,5537319.story

** current city council has three new members

A Boutique Hotel

Recently I had a conversation with someone familiar with Mayor Pawlowski's vision. The person commented that hopefully the Mayor's plan for the Americus as a boutique hotel comes to fruition. I also had a conversation with a Hamilton Street business woman, who after thirty years, is now reduced to working a second job to supplement her building costs. La Belle Cuisine is moving to Emmaus. Lanta buses ignore the new stops on 8th street, causing riders to walk back two blocks to Hamilton. Verizon workers are losing their safe parking to build townhouses at 7th and Linden. Having a vision for Allentown is fine, but sacrificing existing merchants and inconveniencing long-term employers is morally wrong, and most likely a poor bet.

St. Luke tops St. Paul

Rev. Richard Baumann, from St. Paul's Church on Walnut Street at 8th, is upset because he and his neighbors must replace sidewalks uplifted from city planted, fast growing trees. In fairness to Mayor Pawlowski, he was living in his hometown of Chicago, and never heard of Allentown when those trees were planted. We cannot ask Neal Kern, longtime director of public works and an Allentownian, because Pawlowski got rid of him; even his replacement is gone. Let up hope the good Reverend doesn't learn about 7th Street and St. Luke's Church; the sidewalks and trees there, were replaced at city expense for the same reason.

Verizon Workers Get Poor Reception

Townhouses on the former lots used for safe, convenient parking by the Verizon workers is a done deal. Officially, as reported on the Queen City Blog*, no decision will be made until March 19, but it is a done deal. Authority Director Tamara Weller and Mayor Pawlowski recently met with Verizon workers, and none appeared at the meeting; had they appeared, the ducks were lined up. Redevelopment Director Karen Pooley "happen" to be there with an alternative parking scenario for Verizon worker. The owner of the Dime Bank, "may" buy the parcel across the street from the phone building, and then "might" make it available for Verizon use. Although the official explanation for not closing the deal yesterday is to allow a few small frys an opportunity for review (they also stated they favor the project), Larry Hilliard, City Financial Director, wanted the extra time to negate future charges of a rushed deal. Board member Malcolm Gross wants the actual negotiation done under executive session, that is behind closed doors. By my calculations, the parcel price will be less than ten thousand per townhouse, a gift at our expense, including water and sewage in place. Under the Parking Authority operating charter**, it is unclear to me how they became a real estate developer, but then again I cannot see the big picture like Mayor Ed,

* http://blogs.mcall.com/allentown/2008/02/parking-authori.html

** http://204.186.114.89/about.htm


UPDATE: These lots are being sold for less than they cost in 1991 dollars. Although the Authority only declared the lots "excess" on Jan. 14, and only after then supposedly sent out requests for proposals, by Feb.27 we are told nobody besides Zawarski is interested, and he has a detailed proposal complete with architectural renderings. One hundred and twenty four paid parkers are being displaced, to build townhouses with store fronts which are not needed, which may well retard the viability of the existing buildings in that block. These lots were paid for on the backs of many Allentownians paying tickets and fine for many years. If this current Board of Directors is entitled is sell off assets at the Mayor's bidding, should be subject to scrutiny by a larger segment of the public.

Fish, Fishing pole, Fish Market

In the Lehigh Valley we don't believe in giving someone just a fish, or even a fishing pole, we give them a fish market. Alan Jennings Community Action Development Corp. makes people instant business owners. I know of no less than three of his start ups that have failed. At today's Allentown Parking Authority Board Meeting, another Jennings recipient expressed support for a questionable development plan. It is difficult for me to accept housing agencies making homeowners from those who do not qualify for conventional mortgages, especially during the last five years. I would have thought nothing down and bad credit was easy enough. But imagine the stretch to make someone a business owner. Surely poverty has become the growth industry in the Lehigh Valley.

Frankenstein Fails Polygraph

The monster, aka Allentown Parking Authority would be hard pressed to pass a polygraph test. In 2005, the former and current director of the Authority, testified in front of City Council that the majority of the merchants wanted the meter rate increased. They lied*. The Authority has always functioned for the betterment of the BIG BOYS on the backs of the smallest among us. In 1991 the Authority purchased the 13 parking lots owned by the declining Park N Shop for well over market price. Profiting from the buyout was Morning Call owner Donald Miller, Department store heir John Leh the 35th, Harvey Farr, and a few other good old boys. Keep in mind Hess's and Leh's department stores had their own parking decks, and the meters penalized the small merchants. Today the monster feeds on Allentown's poorest residents. Meters still extend out to 10th and Chew, 5 blocks well beyond the closest store. Over 100,000 tickets a year are issued to Allentown's poorest, mostly the intercity tenants. Now, 15 years after serving the needs of the BIG BOYS, the Authority again schemes for the connected. Now they give away the lots so that developers can have free to cheap KOZ opportunities. The new housing at 8th and Walnut was at the expense of the existing homeowners who used those lots as off street parking. The protest which came from a neighborhood group out of St. Pauls Church was labeled as naysayers to moving Allentown forward. Years ago the Authority paid millions for the lots, paid for them by aggressively ticketing the poor, and now are giving them back to the rich. The current plan is to "sell" a lot at 7th and Linden, used by the Verizon employees, so a developer can make a few bucks on unneeded townhouses.
Easton is beginning to realize their Parking Authority needs scrutiny. If they thought about it more, they may wonder why a town that size even needs an Authority at all. Please join me this wednesday Feb. 27, 4:00 pm at the Monsters house, 10th and Hamilton Sts., to support the Verizon workers attempt to retain their safe and convenient parking.

* I conducted a survey at that time, 40 out of the 47 merchants were opposed to the meter increase.(figures corrected since posted earlier today- actual survey will be posted in near future)

UPDATE: A small metered lot on 9th St., right off of Hamilton was given to Butz, another small lot on 8th was given to Brew
Works. These assets, intended to benefit the entire shopping district, are being given out by the Administration,
through the Authority, almost as party favors.

The Truth is Black or White

The truth is usually black or white, without a lot of gray in between. In the blogosphere, the gray scale is not disclosed. Some bloggers pretend to be reporters, and even cite journalist type ethics. Others clearly are less pretentious, but often more honest. Black or white, orange or pineapple, it's only what it tastes like!
Photo credit: molovinsky

Scotty and Mikey Agree

Click on image to enlarge
Scott Armstrong and I have been on the opposite side of most issues for years, but we both agree that the Home Sale Inspection Law is bad for Allentown. Scott feels " If this administration abuses the Sweep Ordinance and gives tickets to the elderly for putting their garbage out two hours early, how could you enable them with so much power over your home?" The apologists for the city claim the law will help control rental properties, while in fact the Rental Inspection Law of 1998 requires all new owners to notify the city for re-inspection. City Hall must concentrate on providing safe, clean streets, and keep their hands out of the homeowner's pocket and house. Scott and I will work together and bring this issue to a public ballot question.
Note that in the above clipping, the bureaucrat states home values increase more downtown in the historic districts, they never let reality interfere with their agenda.

Peter Schweyer Resign Lanta

Mr. Schweyer, congratulations on being elected to the Allentown City Council. If the truth be known, your not the first council member to belong to a board of directors whose activity effects Allentown. I suppose if a blatant conflict of interest arises, you could always abstain from voting on one panel or another. Certainly, belonging to two or more important panels is impressive politically, but I was hoping this council aspires to be more proactive than your predecessors. You know, Lanta may not always act in the best interest of Allentown. There are some of us who feel the recent Lanta changes have unnecessarily hurt the merchants of Hamilton Street, and the better interests of Allentown. Although your appointment to Lanta was an honor, your election to Council was a sacred trust; Mr. Schweyer, serve Allentown, resign from Lanta.

The Rose Garden

Last night at the City Council meeting, the consequence of having a mayor from out of town, with a staff from out of town, was painfully illustrated. Our new Parks Director presented plans to hire a consultant to remodel the rose and old fashioned gardens. There is a good chance that the consultant, sometime in his past, studied the Allentown Gardens, nationally renowned for their beauty and design. There is an old saying, don't fix that which is not broken. Mr. Mayor, stay OUT of the our gardens.
photo credit: Donald Lawson

Don't Get Cheated Again

Mayor Pawlowski told The Morning Call that those opposed to the Home Sale Inspection Law had ample opportunity to speak out against it. In reality most homeowners had no idea such an ordinance was in the works. City Council passed it on December 19th, their last meeting of the year. That evening the main agenda was the dismissal of the police officer and the raise for the mayor's position. Also that evening, when I questioned adding new responsibilities for code enforcement when they still had not hired a Director of Community Development, the administration replied an announcement was forthcoming. Since then, the newly announced director resigned because of his own code deficiencies. Last week the administration urged our community leaders to report their neighbors who are selling their house by owner. I believe such an intrusive law should not be based on such misrepresentations. Home owners should defend their property rights. I believe our ethics as a seller, and our diligence as a buyer have been, and are sufficient. I urge all citizens to call city council and ask that ordinance Home Inspection 109-2007 be repealed.

UPDATE: At the beginning of the meeting, City Council declined my request to consider repeal. I believe the citizens of Allentown deserve better than legislation through misrepresentation. I will endeavor to bring this issue to voter referendum.
UPDATE 2: After I left the meeting, Councilman Donovan proposed, and council accepted, a motion to restudy the issue, while the ordinance stays in effect. Although this course of action is less than satisfactory to me, I do appreciate his intervention.

How You Were Cheated

At the end of 2000, despite the majority of neighbors in opposition, The West Park Historic District was enacted. The City Administration, City Council and The Morning Call all cooperated in ignoring the true sentiments of the property owners and the State guidelines to implement what they felt was the public good. The presented documents were mailed to the opposers in a final report, return address: How You Were Cheated. My intention is to show how we must guard and fight against this sort of assumption by our elected leaders. I mean no offense to my friends who were on the other side of this issue.
click on documents to enlarge

Monster eats Handicapped

The Monster, also known as Allentown Parking Authority, having it's fill of bus riders and poor merchants, now has a yen for the disabled. The Allentown Department of Corporate Welfare, has decided to sell it's "North" lot near the Verizon Building, to develop another tax break, for surely there is no market for these projects in the real(estate) world. Although the disabled workers of Verizon are welcome to plea before the Authority Board and City Council, in reality they will just be a sneak preview of the "Monsters" menu. Until which time the public unites and organizes against the ParkingAuthority/Lanta/CityAdministration machination, our long term assets will be determined by only three or four people.

UPDATE: This post was written in reaction to a story in today's Morning Call by Paul Muschick. Paul wrote " Verizon employees are fighting plans by the Allentown Parking Authority to sell a N. Seventh Street parking lot, saying the sale would put them a risk and would burden the disabled because they would have to walk farther." A petition by the employee's says "If we were parking even a block or two away and had to walk the streets and alleys during these hours, the chance of becoming another crime statistic would greatly increase."

Tamara Weller, director of frankenstein, would consider adding disabled spaces near the Verizon Building(723 Linden). This is bureaucratic speak for "we will not change our agenda, but will give you a peanut if you squeal enough"; much as Lanta provided the merchants with a holiday shuttle bus between Hamilton Street and their TERMINAL

The article by Muschick entitled WORKERS FEAR LOSING ALLENTOWN PARKING LOT apparently is not included in today's mcall.com

UPDATE: Although not listed in the mcall content page, the staff from Queen City arranged an address to Muschick's article
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/all-b3_5parking-2.6253253feb01,0,1429145.story

Mistake of Parking Authority/Lanta

At the Allentown Speak Out forum, Zee, an elderly neighborhood woman, referred to the new Lanta Terminal as Port Authority. She has a point, did Allentown need a Port Authority? In reality the mission of both the Parking Authority and Lanta has become political and distorted, to the detriment of those whom they were intended to serve. I have referred to the Parking Authority in previous posts as a Frankenstein monster who preys on Allentown's poorest residents. Its appetite has recently expanded to include poorer merchants. If it wasn't enough for Lanta to remove the transfer stations from the historical stops near Hamilton Street, the Parking Authority now provides eating and shopping venues for their captured bus riders at the "Terminal". Once upon a time, in Allentown's heyday, the parking meters were monitored by two meter maids in golf carts, employed by the police department. The original mission of the Parking Authority was to facilitate parking for the merchants' behalf. Lanta was suppose to provide the public with transportation to those destinations which enhanced the economic well being of both the riders and the community. The new Allentown Transportation Center fails to serve both the merchants and the riders, conversely, it serves itself by being a mini-mall with virtual prisoners. Allentown City Council now has a member who is on the Lanta Board. The previous Council had a member on the Parking Authority. All the merchants are suffering on Hamilton Street, and already three are closing their doors; City Line Creamery, Hamilton Perk Cafe, and Mish Mash Boutique. The Terminal, new or not, should be closed, and the transfer stops on Hamilton Street should be restored. The public interest is better served by the survival of the Hamilton merchants, than the utilization of the parking deck's adjacent Lanta Terminal.

Mayor has it Backwards

The Mayor thinks the city should be involved in the sale of your home, and you should help fight crime. Here's an idea, instead of hiring more inspectors to intrude on our property rights, hire more police and protect the homeowners. Speak out saturday at noon, Faith Baptist Church, 219 N. 12th St.

SPEAK OUT FOR THE ELDERLY

Some of the people most affected by the Lanta changes and the Home Inspection Ordinance are the elderly. They enjoyed shopping on Hamilton Street the most. Over the years they became on a first name basis with the managers and owners who served them. Two long term business's are shutting their doors as a result of Lanta; Mish Mash Boutique and the Hamilton Perk Cafe. Drive by the new Lanta Transportation Center and see the elderly sitting on cold metal benches waiting for the bus, not too stimulating. Imagine being an 83 year old widow, struggling with the need to sell your house and move into assisted living. Your reward for being a long-term conscientious taxpayer is now the city mandates upgrades you never enjoyed or could really afford, all the years you lived there. Speak out this Saturday, 12 noon, Faith Baptist Church, 219 N. 12 St., Allentown
photo credit molovinsky

ALLENTOWN SPEAK OUT

Speak out about issues in Allentown that affect our quality of life. Speak out about the new Home Inspection Law that most homeowners do not know about. Speak out about the Parking Authority and Lanta. Speak out about crime being under reported. Are you concerned about rising school taxes? Are you frustrated by zoning that negatively impacts our school system? Are you tired of City Hall and The Morning Call framing the issues. It's our house, it's our garden, it's our future. Please join us next saturday, Jan. 26, 12 noon, at the Faith Baptist Church, 219 N. 12th St. (between Turner and Chew) and speak out!

On Vocation

My agenda for the meeting at Faith Baptist Church on Saturday, Jan. 26, at 12 noon, is to question Allentown's moral authority to step between a taxpaying homeowner and his buyer. City Council will be invited to the meeting. I welcome all to come, and expand the agenda to your concerns.
I took the above photograph, so we are not the couple shown.

UPDATE: Apparently, The Parking Authority and Lanta, in addition to the Dunkin Donuts, will have a convenience store. In
addition to my concerns about the Home Inspection Ordinance 109, I will expand the meeting to again rally against
the arrogance of Lanta and the Parking Authority in their disregard of the Hamilton Street merchants.

Who will Watch the Inspector

The departure of Mr. Banuelos, because of the revelation of his own code violations, illustrates on what shaky authority Community and Economic Development will begin inspecting private houses for sale next month. Perhaps it would be more appropriate for Allentown to concentrate on providing homeowners clean, safe streets. Perhaps it would be better for the city to not expand its menu of operations until which time a proven chain of command has been established. A realtor who endorsed the ordinance stated he liked having his liability lessened by the city inspection; will debt ridden Allentown have to be liable for any inspection oversights? Should an exiting City Council, have passed an ordinance which will sooner or later effect every homeowners rights and wallet, with such little deliberation during the last meeting of the year?

A Peak Inside the New City Council

According to today's Morning Call, Michael D'Amore and Tony Phillips became president and vice president respectively, with no opposition. Hardly, in truth, it is the first crack in the Pawlowski facade. The opposition, my term, otherwise referred to by the administration and its sycophants on the blogosphere as nay-sayers, whiners, crybabies, nutz and emotionally unstable, managed to wedge D"Amore's ambition to be president with the election of Phillips. Although the new council are all democrats, I'm encouraged that more due diligence will be exhibited.

A Peak Inside the Art Scene

In the late 1970's I operated Allentown Photographic, a custom darkroom, at 12 N. 8th St., in the old Strand Movie Theatre Lobby. As mentioned in an earlier post, Greg Weaver routinely hosted large gatherings and showings at his studio. Larry Fink was an up and coming photographer and Jett Ulaner Sarachek was taking her first photo's. Barnaby Ruhe began doing portrait marathons while Gary Hasey encouraged the jazz scene. There was no art park, no art district banners.
The above image is from a series a photographs I took for Channel 39 for a program entitled "Accent on Aging".

A Personal Journey

I was at a party where the host recently acquired a lawn sculpture. Unknown to him, it was essentially comprised of an old Jewish tombstone of a wife and mother who died at the age of 25 in 1918. It's a beautiful carving of a branchless tree trunk, symbolizing a life ended prematurely. I became concerned as to where this stone had come from. Who would know if their great-grandmothers stone was taken?
I had no idea where my great-grandmother was buried. I searched for this young woman's grave. Finally, Rabbi Juda directed me to the old Agudath Achim Cemetery in Fountain Hill. There I found the woman, M. Azrilian, with a new grave marker. Next to her lies Jeannie Molovinsky, my great-grandmother. Now I know!
My thanks to Rabbi Juda and M. Azrilian (1893-1918)

I wrote the above piece on July 18, 1997. In my search for M. Azrilian, I discovered Mt. Sinai Cemetery inside Fairview Cemetery on Lehigh St., subject of one my early posts. The photograph above is the Mt. of Olives in Jerusalem.

Defend Your Home Jan. 26

Rally against Allentown's new law inspecting all private homes for sale. Let the city first make the streets clean and safe, before intruding on private property rights. Say no to mandatory inspection fee's. Meeting at Faith Baptist Church, 219 N. 12th St. (between Turner and Chew Sts.) at 12 noon on Sat. Jan. 26.