Back Of The Bus

Buses have long been a vehicle of discrimination. In the mid 1950's, Rosa Parks refused to go to the back of the bus with the other African Americans. In recent decades the discrimination has evolved from racial to one of class.

Several years ago Allentown decided it wanted to improve it's human streetscape on Hamilton Street. The scheme had two elements; remove the benches and remove the bus people, who for the most part are low income. This gentrification plan was not articulated, nor printed in a brochure, but discussed among officials and urban planners. Resistance was minimal. The merchants, mostly Asian, are not inclined toward outward demonstration.* The Allentown Parking Authority induced Lanta to locate a transfer terminal at the new parking deck at 6th and Linden, and the transfer stops were removed from Hamilton Street. Only after business dropped 40% on Hamilton Street, would the merchants consider speaking out.* After pleading their case, Lanta Board member Steve Schmitt told the merchants that they are just looking for a reason to complain and would have to prove the business decline, by showing their accounting books; as if the empty street was not proof enough.

Lanta is now repeating the process in Easton. The social-economic segregation is more transparent.
On the other hand, some other nearby businesses say they'd be happy to see the bus riders move along. At the Terra Cafe, a coffee shop between Family Dollar and American Dollar, owner Marcel Bedoya said he and some nearby higher-end shops don't get a lot of bus-riding customers -- and in fact the lower-income bus riders tend to scare off some of his clientele.
Bedoya said he feels for the dollar stores, but moving the transfers ''definitely will benefit us, because we will not have that type of crowd hanging around in front of our stores.''

Allentown's hope of shopping gentrification never materialized. The people of the bus never were replaced by people of the wallet. About eight businesses folded on Hamilton Street, and the remainder hang on with reduced revenues. Allentown has a new plan for economic revitalization;
The idea to improve the city's park system by connecting them through bike and pedestrian trails is extremely important. Perhaps it's the most important thing the city can do to foster economic development, improve the health of residents and attract tourists and businesses,'' Schmitt said.
Yes, it's the same Schmitt, but this time proof isn't required. Apparently it's better to get rid of those bus riders who did shop between buses, and count on bicyclists to improve our economy. I didn't even know those spandex outfits have pockets.

* I organized** several meetings on behalf of the merchants, including two at the Lanta Board
** Jenny Lim, from the House of Chen, and Bernie O'Hare were my partners in organizing the merchants
Use search engine at top of page to learn more about Lanta's abuse of the Hamilton Street merchants; Lanta and Merchants

Allentown History Highjacked

CONCLUSION FROM FATAL ACCIDENT IN TREXLER PARK IN 1989
"Last year, a consultant recommended in a study of Trexler Park that cyclists be banned.
Efforts to confine walkers and bicyclists to separate lanes have not been effective, and the cyclists are dangerous to pedestrians, the study, by Andropogon Associates Ltd. of Philadelphia, concluded. "


Allentown's history and our Traditional Park System is being highjacked by carpetbaggers. The Trail Network Plan, to be embraced this evening by City Council, is clearly designed for the Bike Cyclist Coalition, most of whom live out of town. The Executive Summary*, released yesterday, irrefutably shows that this plan is for the cyclists at the expense of everyone else. New park rules will include: Walk no more than two abreast. Keep dogs on a short lead. Beware of surprise actions by dogs and children.

Actually, Allentonians should be aware of surprise actions by this Administration that are changing the nature of our parks; from serene settings of nature to a venue for extended high speed bike use. Park Director Weitzel thinks we need his help to enjoy our parks and city. ''We have to change the culture of the city and make it more pedestrian-friendly, but it's going to take time to reverse that East Coast mentality,'' said Weitzel, who returned recently from a conference in Seattle, where he says pedestrians, not cars, rule the city.**

my reply to the 1st comment
I don't blame the bicyclists for this plan, if allentown is willing to convert the parks into a disneyland for them, why wouldn't they be excited. I blame pawlowski, weitzel, and the trexler trust. they think they have to take every suggestion from an outside consultant in 2005, and implement them immediately. how ironic that we are using outside consultants for one of the most iconic park systems in america. How pathetic that the trexler trust would pay to inflict these scars on our parks. How weak of city council to not intercede.

Illustrating the contempt for our traditions, is that the cheerleaders are spreading an urban myth that General Trexler wanted the parks connected. The Park System was not created till 1928. The General was killed in 1933. At this point, not even the WPA features highlighting our park system were built. Trexler Park was not given to the City until after the death of his widow.
my reply to the 19th comment
the whole plan is simply an insult to the everyone else but the bicyclists

Allentown has serious quality of life issues. Nonsense about people wanting to bicycle downtown to see a play, or that this plan will we an economic boom to the city, doesn't bode well for finding real solutions.

* directions to Executive Summary: go to City Web Site, then Parks and Recreation, find Executive Summary link

**The Morning Call

ADDENDUM: The Bike Lobby has been busy placing comments on yesterday's Morning Call article about the plan and meeting this evening. They have been also contacting Council members. From the last comment submitted (article comments appear in reverse order, last is first) " Plus, it will reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and draw the young people who like these types of amenities to Allentown. A win, win, win situation, if you ask me." Reduce traffic congestion? Improve air quality?

ADDENDUM 2:CONCLUSION FROM FATAL ACCIDENT IN TREXLER PARK IN 1989
"Last year, a consultant recommended in a study of Trexler Park that cyclists be banned.
Efforts to confine walkers and bicyclists to separate lanes have not been effective, and the cyclists are dangerous to pedestrians, the study, by Andropogon Associates Ltd. of Philadelphia, concluded. "

Public Meetings

There are two upcoming public meetings. Wednesday evening, Allentown City Council will approve the Bike Path Plan which will enable the cyclists to whiz through, and between the parks. Pedestrians will have to wear helmets to protect themselves.
The second meeting is in Easton Thursday evening. Lanta will tolerate legally required public input about their plan to destroy business on Northampton Street, by building a Transfer Terminal three blocks away. This Terminal will share space with the Al Bundy High School Sports Museum. I have included no details of when and where the meetings are, because they don't really care what you think anyway.

The Fairfax Diary

In around 1968 I purchased a old piece of furniture in Fairfax, Virginia. Tucked in back of a drawer was a daily memorandum calendar from 1920, written by an unidentified young man. At the time, I thought it would be interesting to track down the man who would be 70 or so years old then, and return his memories. I never did, and now another 40 years have passed. It's too late to find him, and I suppose the information is now too old to ring any bells. What grandchild, or great grandchild, would recognize that there was an Helen, Mary and Whit in their family, which lived in the Virginia area in the 1920's? Never the less, in this age of Google searches, I will type in the days of this man's life in 1920. The booklet, which I hadn't touched for many years, is literally disintegrating as I flip the days.

This is a year in the life of a 20 year old man in 1920. Although I don't know his name, we learn things about him. During the year he worked at two different insurance companies in Washington D.C. He loses the first job the day after his 21st. birthday, which is on Labor Day. He commuted during the summer from the family vocation house in Garrett Park, Maryland. He and his father were excited that Harding was elected President.

I have added question marks where I have difficulty with the handwriting. There are a number of heartfelt notations which I will highlight in bold type. I will present January in its entirety to give the feel, then only the more interesting days for the remainder of the year.

Jan.1,Aunt Helen, Mary and uncle Whit came up to dinner, 2, Received $1.50 com. on fire insurance. 3, Worked half day being Saturday. 4,Went to church came home and stayed in house in afternoon because it is very cold. 5,Collected $1.55 today Went back to school ?for 1st time in two week 6 worked pretty hard today 7Went to school tonight 8,went around to Moreland(?) to night 9, Went to school tonight. O.W &R Kowens(?) agree to give me 1/2% on every cust(?) I get for them to sell the house (?) them. 10,Went around to office tonight 11. Went to church and in the afternoon went to Garrett Park(?) 12. Went to school13.Virginna's(?) finger is not doing so well today. Dr. Davidson is going to bring Dr. White tomorrow. 14.Dr. White did not come today. did not go to school tonight.15. Virginnias finger is pretty bad off 16. Went to school tonight 17.fixed up back porch today Virginna's finger is better18. Stayed home in morning but went down to see uncle whit this afternoon19went to school tonight20. Went to see the Moreland tonight21. stayed home from school22.very bad day snowing and sleeting all day23did not go to school tonight24read this afternoon. Mr. G. Fred Thompson funeral was today at 2p.m. from his home 57 21(?) St. N.W. He was a man of few words but was kind to everyone. He was our neighbor in the summer time at Garrett Park.25. Papa is home sick with a cold. I went to church today. Doctor(?) is still coming to see Virginia.26.stayed at home27.Went to see the Moreland28. Went to school tonight29Worked pretty hard today30Went to school tonight31went around to office
February 7, Went around to office tonight. H.R. Howenstein is going to give $70 per month and pay twice month.12, Today is Lincoln's birthday. The man who loved and help weeked(?) and who keeped the U.S. from being divided.18 Papa has been in the Pension office 57 years today20admiral Perry the one who discovered the north (?) died today 21 Maj.Pulman head of police in D.C. is very sick might die 22 Today is the birthday of that great man who loved his fellow man and his country more then himself. George Washington will live in the love and mine(?)forever 23. Maj. R.W. Pulman chief of police died at his home 55 Ivy St. S.E. at 8:05 P.M. Feb.22 He was a square(?) man in every way. went to moreland 29 went to church went to see uncle Whit
March4, Virginia thumb is not so well today Dr. Davison is going to bring Dr. Whit here tomorrow 5, Virginia thumb is better It is snow and blowing very hard 7, Virginia is going up to have exra(?) taken of her finger tomorrow.13, snowed hard today15, every thing gone wrong17, did not go to school. everybody that lives in this world is more or less a fool 21, Mr. Kadn(?) the preacher at Kinsington(?)church is go to leave after next sunday so I went out to hear him and then after service went to garrett park 28, Papa and I went to hear Mr. Kady(?) preach his last sermon at Kingsinton(?)
April 1, walked all day motor broken down 3, went out to garrett park with mama(?) 4, went to church. 25 people gonen(?) 6, going to hospital to have eye fixt(?) No entries from April 7 through 21 22, came home from hospital today 23, went to moreland tonight 26, went up to N.E. office, main office hospital and Emmerson institute 27, collected to rents(?) today 28,Mama is sick tonight Dr. Davidson came to see her
May 1, went to office at night 3, going back to work tomorrow 5, went back to work today, made 40 call 7, went up to see David Clark(?) tonight he brought me home 11, went to Dr. Wilman(?) at 5P.M. 22, went out in country 28, took a long ride this evening on my motorcycle
June 4, Motor broke down 6, went out to garrett park on 9:25 and took long walk about 8 mile and came back on troly(?) 19, went out to G.P. and painted back porch. 23, We moved out to garrett park Md. cost $10
July 3, My vocation starts today at 1:P.M. and back until July 13 , July 4th. (There is a drawing of a flag) 5, had fire work about 3:30 I went over to Kensington to see the army tank and other things 6, This day is the start of my leave. sent motorcycle in by express to have repaired 10, Went to town to get motor cost $10 to repair 11, stayed on front porch and read most of day 13, went to eye Dr. 14,worked 17, road to work on motor 18, Uncle Whit came out to see us 26, Smith motor broke down
August 3, road into Wash and am back 5, road Smith lost top to gas tank cost 1.25 for new one 9, Papa was notified that he would be drop(?) from office on the 20 19, worked 20,Papa's retirement from office starts today 22, went to church at chevy chase start vocation 23, Went to town on business saw one dubasir(?) about making(?) office move 25, repair on wagon, repair on walking beam
Sept. 4, took a ride Papa Mama Virginia in auto up to gatherburg 5, Mr. Dubore came out to see me on 1:37 train and went back on 6:19 6, This is labor day and my birthday I am 21 years of age now 7, Ralph and Owen Howenstein told me that they did not want me after the 15 day of Sept. 1920 8. Owen and Ralph Howenstein or not worth working for (there is another sentence crossed out) 14, tomorrow is my last day with Mr. Howenstein 15, left howenstein today 652 H N.E. 17, am going to take it Mr. Terry got it for me his office. I will be insurance reppre(?) 18, I stayed at home all day will start on new job Sept. 20 19, stayed at home took papa over to church mama went to see Dr. Jones for cold 20 started to work for Barr and Phelps in insurance department 23, made 15 calls 29, we are going to move back to city tomorrow but papa and i are going to stay a few day longer

October 3, going back to city tomorrow 17, Mama Papa Virginia and I went to garrett park on 9:25 train and came back on 6:19 22, painted front and back porch at garrett park 23 Papa and I went doror(?) so far for Harding 30 (Saturday) started to work for Singer sewing machine co. branch off 1630 14 N.W. Mr. Smith work on com
November 1, made 4.10 in fire insurance com 2, Papa and I went down to see come returns come in Harding is the next Pre 3, Harding is the next President Harding got 372 and Cox democrat 137 (written much neater than any other entry so far)
December 17, have not had time to write any been so busy working 23, took off today to shop 25, we had aunt Helen and Mary and Uncle Whit up to dinner. We are not rich but we are happy. God alone knows what is in store for us in the next year. we should take our happy days as may come

A Day In The Park

There was a time when we didn't feel the need for outside consultants telling us what to do in our parks. There was a time when we didn't buy new fads from catalogs, but maintained the icons built by the WPA. There was a time when people cherished our parks for their beauty.

photocredit: molovinsky

PennDOT Slow Learner

Do a Google Search for Rendell and Distributions Centers, and you find pages of press releases. Distribution has replaced industry in Pennsylvania. Although these massive centers don't employ that many people, a few jobs are better than none. Bringing these centers to western Lehigh County hasn't been cheap. Between the grants, cardboard checks and tax incentives, it takes years before they pay off. To bring the water bottling companies here, we have to suck the Little Lehigh Creek dry. Seems like PennDOT keeps forgetting that the section of Route 78, between Hamburg and Fogelsville, needs special attention. This same area got away from them in 2007, 2009 and again on Wednesday. After closing the entire InterState, it took PennDOT over 24 hours, till yesterday afternoon, to reopen the road. Pennsylvania supposedly closed the roads for safety sake, but now will allow the truckers to drive 14 straight hours to catch up on distribution. The picture shows the pass over Jugtown Mountain on New Jersey's section of Route 78, keep open during the storm.

ADDENDUM: PennDot reported last year that 42 trucks were assigned to that section of the road during the 09 storm. Later they disclosed actually only 10 trucks were used. Yesterday they claimed the snow drifts were 10 feet deep on the road.

PennSPOT Laundry

PennSPOT Laundry and minor snow removal will reopen today. Yesterday, I offended some readers by suggesting that Lanta could have done better. While Lanta never got out of the gate, Septa in Philadelphia provided bus service on all routes till 1:00pm, and on major ones till 5:00pm. Rendell, fearing a PennDOT repeat of Valentine Day 2007, closed down our InterState highway system. Our neighboring states, experiencing the same storm, keep their highways open. According to a PennDOT driver in 2009, the crews are up to the challenge, it's the bureaucracy that isn't. I realize the criticizing is easy from behind the comfort of my desk, but should not Lanta and PennDot be trying harder? PennDOT, especially, should be measured on how they do in the most difficult of times.

UPDATE: as of 6:00am. today (Thur. Feb. 11) Route 78 is still closed. PennDOT and Rendell fail in 2007,2009 and now again.
UPDATE: as of 11:00am. Route 78 still closed

Useless Lanta

Lanta Real Estate and Terminal Builders is closed for the day. At one point their mission was to provide transportation. At that time they took people to their jobs, and facilitated commerce in our center cities. Today they built terminals away from the main shopping streets, harvest grants and dabble in alternative transportation. Although the poor with no cars will not be able to get to work today, they may take consolation in Lanta's plans for hybrid fuel buses.

SYSTEM ALERT
**WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010**
LANTA/Metro WILL NOT operate Wednesday, Feb 10th, 2010, due to weather conditions. No Bus Service. All offices are closed.

Lunch At Allen

Up to the mid 60's, students at Allen High could leave the building for lunch. Scattered in alley's around the the school, garages had been converted into lunch shops and hangouts. The Hutch was in the alley between 17th and West Streets, in the unit block between Hamilton and Linden. Suzy's was behind the Nurse's Dormitory, between Chew and Turner. Another was across Linden from the Annex. They all had the same basic decor, a few pinball machines, a few tables and a small lunch counter. Most of the business was during lunch period, and before and after school. It's my understanding that occasionally a kid or two would skip school and hangout all day. Today these garages, turned into luncheonettes, have long ago reverted back to garages. Most of the current residents of West Park probably don't even know about this commercial history right behind their houses. I missed photo day at Allen for my yearbook, but if anybody has a picture of the gang from the Hutch, I'd appreciate a copy.

Reprinted from Sept. 24, 2008

The Last Fight

When Abe Simon stepped into the ring at Madison Square Garden on March 27, 1942, it would be his last fight. He had been recently married, and promised his wife that he would stop fighting. One year earlier he had fought Joe Louis the first time, and endured a tremendous beating for thirteen rounds. Fighting since 1935, ranked 6th by Ring Magazine, a shot at the title was something a fighter cannot pass up. Many fight historians consider Louis the hardest hitting heavyweight of all time. Because of the publicity Simon gained from these Louis fights, he was offered a lucrative cross country boxing tour, which he declined. It was also Louis's last title defense for four years, until fighting Billy Conn in June of 1946. After the Simon fight he joined the U.S. Army, where he would fight 96 exhibition bouts at bases throughout the country. Shown above, Simon got knocked out in the sixth round.

Open Mike

Comment on any topic or an earlier posting.

Pre-Fight Hype

In the early 40's, during the War, boxing was a big sport. Pre-Television, fans would rather around the radio, and hear blow by blow commentary. Visuals were mostly restricted to newspaper photographs the following day. Not unlike the hype for the SuperBowl, the papers would also run photos prior to a big fight. Shown here are photos of contender Abe Simon, who was challenging Joe Louis for the Heavyweight Championship on March 27, 1942, at Madison Square Garden. These AP syndicated photos appeared in newspapers across the country on March 6th. Above, shows Abe and his wife in their kitchen. Below, he squares off with a neighborhood boy.

Simon's Record

Junior Achievement

Last month I wrote how the government was giving $millions of dollars to the poverty organizations to make mini-insulation contractors. I don't think much of this approach; I always thought we should give people fishing poles, not buy them a fish market. Here in the valley we have actually purchased new vans for these instant "contractors".

Enter an article in today's paper. There is a total of $360,000 available for manufacturers in a five county region. If they employ less than 500 people, they can loan up to $30,000. WOW, that should really get the manufacturing sector moving. That's not even enough to buy one of the caulkers a van.

The Charade Of Public Input

I've never been known as a diplomat. Bernie O'Hare says I kick them when their down (Tony Phillips), I kick them on their way out of town (Joyce Marin) and today when their not around (David Jones). One of things I have the least tolerance for is public input meetings; As if these wheeling, dealing bureaucrats care about what you think, you are merely the peanut gallery. Pennsylvania is going to hold a public input meeting on closing the Allentown State Hospital, after they have already made the decision. Perhaps that's more honest than implying that the public opinion matters. This post is actually about Johnny Callahan, who spoke yesterday at the public input meeting about whether to grant the Sands Casino an extension on their gambling license. Johnny took advantage of the situation to project his leadership skills; So we had a Congressional Candidate getting some face time at a meaningless meeting, as if the license renewal is in question. Johnny's babble was that the Sands Casino should provide a timetable for completing the Hotel. Johnny should be careful for what he wishes. If and when that hotel is completed, it will be at the expense of Hotel Bethlehem's occupancy rate. Oh well, that will be another press conference for another time. Perhaps they will allow public input.

Tasteless Trexler Trust

As I stood in Cedar Creek Park yesterday watching the carnage, it occurred to me that it really isn't Greg Weitzel's fault. He was hired as Park Director, with a background in recreation. He was handed an elaborate manual, designed by a Philadelphia firm, which outlined many possible renovations for a park system. It is not his fault that the Trexler Trust agreed to finance every item this young man picked from the catalog, and in one year no less.

I can't even blame Pawlowski. He is a professional advocate for low income housing, who was sweep into the mayorship by his predecessor's incompetence. May I add that he is very accomplished in the low income housing field. Between the brand new Hanover Acres, and many other projects, we may well lead the nation in newest low income housing available. I see a job at HUD in that man's future.

The hard packed cinder trail, which served a generation of runners, walkers, and lovers is being bulldozed away to make a full width, macadam road for two way high speed bike use. The charm and nature is gone. The roadbed is now completed from the Rose Garden to 30th Street, just awaiting the blacktop. Within three weeks(weather permitting) the entire road in the park should be completed. We should give this new street a name.

State Hospital Closing

Your View/ Feb. 1, 2010/Molovinsky

click here> STATE HOSPITAL CLOSING

to place comments, please return here

Games Of Shame

The United States Olympic Team threatened to boycott the 1936 games in Berlin if Jews were excluded. The spotlight focused on Gretel Bergmann, German high jump champion. She was a "Volljuden", a full (both parents) Jew. After the U.S. teams departed for Berlin, but before the games began, she was stripped of her championships and excluded from their track team. Ironically, the gold metal was won by a Jew anyway, Hungarian Ibolya Csak. Gretel emigrated to United States in 1937 and held the U.S. Championship several times. In 2009, when she was 95 years old, Germany restored her name (now Margaret Lambert) to the record books.

The Nazi's made several concessions to facilitate the games, which they saw as a platform to prove Aryan superiority. The "No Jews Allowed" signs were removed from the Olympic section of Berlin. Blogger and hockey historian Rolf Oeler introduced me to the strange story of Rudi Ball, considered Europe's leading ice hockey player at the time. Apparently the hockey coach realized that Germany could not win the medal without him, so his half Jewish blood was overlooked for the winter games in Bavaria. Another half Jew participated on the German fencing team. All together ten Jews, mostly Hungarian, would win medals. Hitler, realizing that some inpure people might win, had decided before the games that he would shake no hands.

HBO Documentary: Hitler's Pawn, The Margaret Lambert Story

Berlin '36 : New German Film

The Righteous

Last February, Miep Gies wrote: "I am 100 years old now. That is an admirable age, and I have even reached it in fairly good health. So then it's fair to say you've been fortunate, and being fortunate seems to be the red thread running through my life." She, here husband, and two other employees of Otto Frank had resettled in Holland in a vain attempt to avoid the Nazi's. When the Frank family was discovered, it was Miep who retrieved and saved the diaries, to return to Anne after the war.

Miep Gies, whenever praised for her heroism aiding the Franks, always reminded people about all the Dutch people who also hid Jews during that period. She spent her later years refuting Holocaust deniers, who claimed the diaries were forgeries. She passed away January 11, 2010. Vad Vashem and the State of Israel extended their condolences to the Queen of Holland.

Remembrance

Yesterday, elderly survivors of Auschwitz gathered there to commemorate their liberation 65 years earlier, on January 27, 1945. The memory of the Holocaust must remain a Jewish obsession, as those who can give testimony will soon be gone, while the deniers thrive. The gate sign shown above was stolen and chopped up several months ago.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Confusion In Blogosphere

Today's local blogosphere has some confusion and misinformation. Since I have recently been referred to as Mr. Misinformation and a naysayer, who better to bring some clarity to this clouded crystal ball?

Bernie O'Hare has used two recent posts from Scott Armstrong, and Jeff Pooley takes exception with one. In the first instance, Scott accuses Ernie Atiyeh, newly elected President of the neighborhood associations, of not being a fair broker for that position. Long time neighborhood leaders see the problem not in the politics, but in the election process itself. Apparently the rules were suspended, and they feel the election was highjacked by attendees with a scant history of attendance.

The second piece of red meat thrown out for the anonymous commentators to chew on, is that the annual rental inspection fee was raised from $16 to $75 dollars. So what, serves those absentee slumlords right, raise it to $1000! Well, it's not the inspection fee, it is the annual City Rental Unit Registration/License Fee, which was authorized by the Rental Inspection Program. The 2009 fee for apartments, which had been previously inspected, was $11. The previous fee for uninspected units was $16. At this point in time, all units in Allentown have been inspected at least once; so in practicality, the fee rose from $11 to $75. In 2009 City Council agreed to raise the fee to $30, then agreed again to increase the increase to $75 before the first increase went into effect. The fee is paid annually, independent of actual inspections, which are projected on a five year schedule. It is my understanding that some of the larger projects with fixed income seniors, such as Episcopal House, are impaired by this increase.

In response to The Morning Call's request for information from the City of Allentown, under the Freedom of Information Act, the City has sued The Morning Call. Here in the blogosphere we give you information and misinformation, if you want it or not, absolutely free.

Disclaimer: I do not believe that any person mentioned intentionally disseminates misinformation.

CastleRock

CastleRock took place in the cavernous Dorney Park dance-hall, Castle Garden. The "Garden" was built in the early 20's and hosted all the famous big bands of that era. By the late fifties it was called CastleRock. The Philadelphia recording stars, such as Frankie Avalon and Freddy Cannon would routinely perform. By my teenage era, in the early mid 60's, it was mostly disc jockeys. The Park was free, no admission. Pay to park, and maybe a buck or so for the dance-hall.







By then the nightclub tables shown in the photograph were gone, and sitting was around the sides. There were no shootings, and rowdiness was restricted to sneaking on a ride without buying a ticket. The dance-hall overlooked the lake, it was destroyed by a fire on Thanksgiving in 1985.

Reprinted from Sept. 10, 2008

Business Doesn't Matter

Tony Iannelli, Director of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, would like a share of the local hotel tax. Hotel taxes are a scheme local municipalities came up with about 20 years ago to penalize visitors to the region. Tony wants a share to fund his own version of a Main Street Program. Scott Armstrong, writing on the Lehigh Valley Conservative Voice, responds;

Has the chamber raised the white flag on the notion that commerce is their business and taxing and spending is the state’s? Or is it that the leadership of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce sees their organization as just another development bureaucracy deserving of tax payer support? Either way the idea that the “voice for business” now wants your tax dollars speaks to an unsettling reliance on public funding rather than private initiative for economic development. Hasn’t the chamber just undercut their own raison d’être with this request? Aren’t they supposed to be the voice and engine of the private business sector? Can they deny the obvious, that by their own action they appear to be merely another redundant and useless government development entity?

Scott Armstrong


The local Chamber has indeed been a curious hybrid, business/public wise, for many years. Iannelli's weekly show on WFMZ, Business Doesn't Matter, seldom deals with business. Iannelli teamed up with Pawlowski in 2006 giving Lou Belleterri the famous Mystery Job. Like Lanta, they have had no dialogue with the majority of local merchants for many years, while remaining closely aligned with the Parking Authority. Both the Asian and Hispanic merchants have formed their own groups. Many of the Chamber's personnel have been active with the more progressive elements of the local Democratic Party. Although I have never attended one of his network meetings, I must assume Tony throws a good mixer.

King Levinsky

In 1964, a young Cassius Clay trained in south Miami Beach for his first fight against Sonny Liston. At that time, this section of the city was home to mostly retired Jews on fixed income. The hotels, decades after their prime, became pension rooming houses. Decades later, these same buildings would be restored to their art deco splendor, creating today's South Beach. As Clay trained, a middle aged punch drunk necktie peddler told him, "After Liston punches your head, you'll be selling ties with me." The street peddler was a fixture in Miami Beach. He didn't ask, he told people they were going to buy a tie. The future champ probably didn't realize that the heckler was none other than King Levinsky, legend of the 1930's, and veteran of over 118 heavyweight fights. Levinsky was born Harris Krakow in Chicago, and worked at his parent's fish market on Maxwell Street, the Jewish section during the roaring twenties. Although he never got a title shot, and weighed only 185, he fought all the leading heavyweights of his time, including the 265lb. giant, Primo Carnera. Managed by his sister Lena, he was known never to turn down a fight, including those against Max Baer.

Reprinted from Feb. 22, 2009

Pawlowski's Bunnyhop

In the late 50's there was a song and dance called the bunnyhop. You essentially took one step backwards, and two forward, slow progress for sure.

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. In early 2008 He erected a scaffold around the building, declared it unsafe, and ordered the existing merchants to vacate because he was going to have the electricity shut off.

For those really familiar with the situation, the irony abounds. One week after the scaffold was erected at the Americus, a window fell out the Schoen building, which is across and up the street. Owned by the city for many years, the falling window narrowly missed several pedestrians. The three merchants of the Americus received no compensation. Besides Minich, Kerrigan's Shoe Repair had operated for many years. Pawlowski ended what had endured over seventy years, through good and bad times, including tragedy.

The electricity never was cut off. Minich, Kerrigan and a clothing store were put out of business for nothing, but now it's going to cost us. This past Wednesday, City Council approved submitting a grant application to Harrisburg for $1.5 million to help the new hotel owner remodel and rent the storefronts. Total grants required for the Americus Project are estimated to run from $10 to $25million dollars. We will never again attract a merchant of Minich's caliber, or a craftsman like Kerrigan. Its seems with Pawlowski's bunnyhop, it cost many $millions for every step forward.

Portions of this post reprinted from April 21,2008
Related Posts: A Boutique Hotel and Clueless In Allentown

My Grandfather's Horse

My grandfather lived on the corner of Chew and Jordan Streets. He butchered in a barn behind the house. For the sake of the vegans I'll spare the details, but suffice to say it wasn't for sissies. The house is still there, 301 Jordan, the barn is gone. He would deliver the meat with a horse and wagon. On the weekends, when the family wanted to visit friends, the horse insisted on doing the meat market route first. Only after he stopped in front of the last market on the route, would he permit my grandfather to direct him.
I managed rental properties between 4th and 12th Streets. Collecting rents or throwing people out is not for sissies. I developed a route between the buildings, utilizing many alleys because of the one way streets. While on my route, I got to know many people living in Allentown, and the circumstances of the different neighborhoods. I would often take pictures of people and things I considered photographic. Although I no longer have the managing job, like my grandfather's horse, I continue on the route. But things have changed, I now keep my car door locked. Not only don't I take photographs anymore, even making eye contact is uncomfortable. The streets are mean and the people are hard. Don't blame me, as an agent I always put the neighbor's comfort ahead of finding tenants. Don't blame me, as a citizen I ran for office and bluntly said what needed to be done.

reprinted from May 13, 2008

City Without Limits

Yesterday, somebody called me a naysayer on this blog. My critic said we need administrators to promote Hamilton Street. Yesterday at Symphony Hall, Mayor Pawlowski presented our new slogan and marketing plan to the bureaucrats who earn a living implementing such promotions. Everybody there in attendance earns their living, directly or indirectly, keeping the hot air in the inflatable woman. Years ago such machinations were not necessary. We really were designated the All American City, and it took not one bureaucrat to achieve that, much less a hall full.

The reputation and economic engine of our city was provided by entrepreneurs and conscientious citizens. City Hall administered the public services; police, fire, street and parks. We were known as the city of Mack Truck and Hess Brothers.

Promoting ourselves with paid slogans I believe will have little return on investment. Years ago the advertisement said the public wanted tuna that tasted good, not dressed well.




Will the public buy a slogan when a different reality stares them in the face? I suppose that's why I'm a naysayer.



Photogallery: The Morning Call/Harry Fisher

Target Market

The other week, when I was writing about the success of 7th Street, I said that Walmart and Brooks Brothers were not looking for the same market segment. All successful shopping centers know their target market. 7th Street has evolved into a successful low income Hispanic business district. The Promenade Shops in Saucon Valley is a successful high end purveyor.

Unfortunately, for Allentown's traditional Hamilton Street, its market has been manipulated away. The market share there was the bus transferees in the 700 Block. Twenty merchants, with well stocked stores, provided a shopping venue for the twenty or thirty minutes between buses. The Administration, The Parking Authority and Lanta, to harvest a grant for a parking deck, killed that goose.

In the 900 block, a few remnants of Allentown's better days hung on. Last year Freeman Jewelry finally closed. Although unsaid, they had more chance of being robbed than selling something. Tucker Yarn, an institution profiled on this blog, continues on, despite being constantly agitated by city policy and a Parking Authority that preys on his customers. A successful fitness center, also on that block, was forced out of business by the Parking Authority's hunger. About ten years ago, a very attractive eye care center also opened on this block. First a tenant, now the building owner, this couple gambled their time, energy and resources on Hamilton Street. Their current frustrations can be read on Bernie O'Hare's Ramblings.

Since the bus people were not high end enough for this Administration, and millions of public dollars have gone into a couple of restaurants designed to attract deeper pockets, this Mayor better resolve to provide the proper police protection. This past Wednesday evening, the City claimed that the police department supports the expanded Trailnet Plan in and between the parks. Is this the same police department that fails to instill confidence in the merchants? I don't think those spandex bike suits have a pocket for a wallet. We need a Hamilton Street where fat, middle age people with wallets, can park automobiles and shop, safe from the Parking Authority and predators.

Kids of The Parkway

There were hundreds of us, we were the baby boomers. The neighborhood was built for returning GI's, and the streets were named after the planes of WW2; Liberator, Catalina, and Coronado. The twin homes were wedged between Jefferson Street and the southern ridge above Lehigh Parkway. Now called Little Lehigh Manor, we knew it simply as Lehigh Parkway, and we had our own school.

Historical Fact:
The original part of the school building contained four classrooms, a teacher's room, and a health room. It replaced the Catalina Avenue School which existed in a home near the present site. Lehigh Parkway received national publicity because it was being build as a result of the new neighborhood. Thus, the "Neighborhood School Concept" was born.








Because of the school and the park, the neighborhood was really self contained. The Lehigh SuperMarket on Lehigh Street was within walking distance. Soon, FoodFair would build their first large Supermarket, also on Lehigh Street, which was even closer. Today it has developed into The Parkway Shopping Center. We kids enjoyed our own Halloween Parade and Easter Egg hunt.






Because there were so many of us, Parkway Elementary only went through 2nd. grade. We would take the bus to Jefferson Elementary for grades 3 through 6.

Historical Fact:
Jefferson Elementary used to be a high school, and for years, it had separate girls' and boys' entrances. These entrances were turned into windows at some point, but the exterior of the building still has the two entrances marked.

These were some of my friends from 3th grade. They all lived in the Parkway. Not only were they all boys, only yesterday, 56 years later, I learned the name of the girl I'm holding hands with in the May Day picture above.

Historical Facts from Allentown School District Website

ADDENDUM: other Parkway Neighborhood Posts,
Time Capsule
Allentown On My Mind

The $6Million Dollar Caulk Job

When President Obama was in town last month he visited a real business. The metal fabricator in the old Mack Plant produces large scale machined pieces. The owner talked about the difficulty of obtaining loans for expansion and to remain competitive. Obama talked about weatherization at the community college, as if caulking row houses was an industry. Well, you will pleased to know that although the banks are still not extending credit, The Community Action Committee of Lehigh Valley received $6 mil to make mini insulation contractors, although there are dozens of such real contractors in the Yellow Pages. Grant money can be used for "handholding for the participant...assessing,..training..even help with such personal-life obstacles as childcare and transportation." Transportation is an entitlement speak for buying them a car.

Although I support the SmileTrain, I'm not much for the PovertyTrain. I don't believe in buying people fish markets instead of giving them a fishing pole. We have a public educational system which includes vocational-technical training. If the bailout money was being used as expedited loans to established businesses, we would be investing in a real recovery and be creating lasting jobs.

So far, one house in the Lehigh Valley has been insulated.

Flight To NoWhere

If you want a good laugh, go to the Lehigh Valley International Airport and watch the expression on the first time Continental passengers as they are loaded on a bus to Newark; this is after they check in at the flight counter! Today the constantly expanding and remodeling airport has less destinations than ever, about nine, including Philadelphia and Newark. Years ago, the Authority members hired what they mistook as a hot shot, George Doughty, to make the new terminal and airport something to match its new name. The old ABE Airport terminal was built as a WPA project, and like the rest of the valley back then, teemed at its seams. About ten years ago the hotshot talked the Authority members into expanding the departure terminal. Looking for a large under used space for arena football, I think I know a place. Recently, a judge awarded an adjacent landowner many more millions than he ever wanted, for land the airport took for its never needed, never built new runway. Rendell has designated $3.5 million in modernization grants to help the airport keep up with its declining use? Although there are not many places one can fly directly to from the airport, parking fee's are big city. There is a recorded tape loop which keeps reminding the few passengers that unattended cars will be towed for security reasons, i'd prefer water-boarding at Guantanamo.

The postcard depicts the first hanger and terminal, before the former one built by the WPA. The hanger still exists, as does the lettering on it's roof.



Postcard of former terminal built by WPA, added Jan. 16, 2010 for this reprinted version

Reprinted from Feb. 12, 2009. In less than a year, this has become a hot topic for County Executive Cunningham, and Mayor Pawlowski has just been appointed to their Board. I rejected a comment the other day claiming this was a negative blog, and I should look at things in a more positive light. This is a reality based blog, which often points things out before our officials are ready to concede that there is a problem.


A SEARCH ENGINE FOR THIS BLOG HAS BEEN ADDED ON THE SIDEBAR

Allentown Post Office 1934

In the 1930's, the "New Deal" was good to Allentown. As I noted on earlier posts, our park system was enriched by monumental stone construction under the WPA. We also received one of the architectural gems of our area, the magnificent art deco post office. Constructed during 1933-34, no detail was spared in making the lobby an ageless classic. The floor is adorned with handmade Mercer tiles from Doylestown. Muralist Gifford Reynolds Beal worked thru 1939 portraying the Valley's cultural and industrial history. This incredible 74 year old photograph is the contractor's documentation of the project's progress. The back of the photo states; Taken Sept 1 - 34 showing lobby, floor, screens, desks, completed & fixtures hung

Reprinted from Oct. 25, 2008

Trail Network Meeting

The BikePath Meeting this evening was a packed room of pigeons who mostly bought the shammy. The pathways will encourage walking and fight childhood obesity, as if there is no place to walk now. The pathways will connect the inter city with the parks, while the plan doesn't even recognize the decaying WPA Fountain Park steps which actually do make that connection. This past summer the Mayor and Park Director, while ignoring our maintenance starved parks, announced that they would build the biggest playground on Earth. This evening, while real repairs are still deferred, the paid pitchmen referred to creating a World Class Trailway. Our precious park system is suffering from the perfect storm. A Mayor and Park Director with no institutional memory of our incredible park system. A desire to built big new projects which will enhance their rèsumes, and a Trexler Trust which has become so politicalized, that it funds those ambitions over upkeeping our treasured parks.

Spread The Word

From the current BikeAllentown Blog;

This is a wonderful opportunity for all of our organization's and our community, and we
would like to see everyone involved. Please inform your organization's members and
see how many would be interested in attending. All BikeAllentown members will be in
attendance that evening as well as providing refreshments for the event.

Your presence and support is also needed as we expect representation from factions who
are opposed to this plan.

Sort of reminds me of this past summer, Mrs. Pawlowski's letter to get supporters to City Council to support their Cedar Park Plans. Two full church congregations, totally ignorant of the issues, showed up in response. Outside pickets held signs against Racism and For Inclusion.

I must assume that many respondents to the Greenway survey were members of various Bike Clubs, networking from perhaps even out of state. I can tell you that most Allentonians know nothing of this plan. Some were informed in the last two days by the Morning Call letters by both Mr. Walker and myself. My assumption that most people saw the newsletter in their water bill was incorrect. Several had told me they never received such notice, others threw it away unread.

I think it's safe to say that this plan would be expensive to implement, have no economic benefit to the City and cater to a very small group of people. Although this has been the definition of most plans in Allentown, the time has come to end this absurdity. This plan has reached the point of being an insult to the legacy of the Allentown Park System.


Please join me this evening in wishing the Greenway Consultants a safe return to North Carolina, they have been well paid for their time.

The photo chosen here is courtesy of Send In The Clowns Blog, who also opines on this subject

Speak No Evil

The newsletter for the Trail Network Study, distributed with Allentown water bills, invited the public to provide input this Wednesday evening at the library. The insert says that we can talk with neighbors and project staff. An updated announcement in Sunday's paper says that the public will be able to view displays, hear a presentation and fill out comment forms. Todays paper features an editorial letter by Fritz Walker, founder of BikeAllentown, promoting the plan. Fritz claims that by paving all the existing trails, and adding 18 miles of more paved trails, we will; Improve life in Allentown, stimulate tourism and help restore economic vitality.

He writes, "Critics complain the city has spent money developing this plan. They would have us do nothing to invest in one of the city's greatest resources. If we listen to those voices, the result inevitable- the sluggish, dreary, unremitting decline of this city."

Fritz thinks that our park system is the foundation from which something truly special can be built.

Fritz, our park system is something truly special. We need to invest in maintaining those irreplaceable features, such as the WPA structures and the lakes, ponds and waterways. The last thing we need is more paved trails. Our park system was intended as a natural retreat for its citizens, not as an extended path for your bike.

See you this Wednesday, Jan. 13, 7:00pm, Allentown Public Library

Allentown's Business Barrio

I believe I attended my first Gateway meeting at St. Lukes Church in 1990. I know I was there in 1994, because I dragged someone along, and she has yet to forgive me. Gateway was a slogan Allentown City Planners gave 7th St. I must say in the early 90's, it certainly could use a coat of lipstick. I can't tell you how many $millions the City spent. First they put in new sidewalks, then tore them up to make part of the sidewalk brick. Then they tore that out and reconfigured the brick and cement. They planted and replanted numerous types of tree's. They commissioned architectural renderings, showing block by block, how the Gateway should look from Hamilton to Liberty Street. When I attended in 2005, the meeting was still identical to the previous ones, even moderated by the same city personnel.

Meanwhile, totally unconnected to this planning and spending, a Hispanic business district started developing further out in the 500, 600, and 700 blocks of Seventh Street. This occurred because rents were more reasonable, and parking more available than on Hamilton Street. Despite the 15 year planning failure by the City, the succeeding dynamic in place was the growing Hispanic Community, cultivating their own merchants. The City Planners were now anxious to "help" this area, which had helped itself. Fortunately, instead they started a Main Street Program and eventually hired the right person.



Peter Lewnes has been doing an excellent job of filling in the gaps on 7th Street, and applying facade grants in a seemingly appropriate way. On Saturdays one is hard pressed to find a parking space. I believe that his enthusiasm, and a growing community's ambition, has finally awakened 7th Street from a long sleep.

Reality In Short Supply

A new blog, Allentown Afterthoughts, reports that three more businesses have closed. I'm familiar with all three, having written about them before when Lanta stopped the transfer stops on Hamilton Street. En Vogue was a small women's store on 8th. They were double victims of City Hall and Lanta policy. A small public meter lot next to their business was taken away and given to the Allentown Brew Works for its private use; The Lanta transfer bus stop across from their store was closed. The closure of Quiznos and City Line Coffee are especially ironic. Both were housed in the CityLine Building, given both KOZ and outright grants and subsidies by Allentown. Apparently all of Pawlowski's men couldn't keep Humpty Dumpty together. Afterthoughts reports that an art gallery opened, but fails to disclose it's a temporary rent free donation by the landlord of a vacant storefront.

It will be easy forAllentown Afterthoughts to become just another city puff blog, of which there are now a dozen or so. But its owner, Jeff Pooley, a communications professor at Muhlenberg, who lives in center city, may decide to break that mold. He does disclose that his wife is Director of the Allentown Redevelopment Authority. A recent article in The Morning Call states that Emmaus has become a refuge for shops fleeing Allentown. It mentions that the customers of a Cuisine store, formally on 9th st. in Allentown, were afraid to come downtown, hence the move to Emmaus. The article then mentions the success of Main Street Program on Allentown's 7th Street. A viable Hispanic Business District has evolved there, but it's totally unrealistic to think that the Emmaus clientele would shop there. It's important to recognize that the previous statement is not intended to be classist or racist. Walmart and Brooks Brothers understand that they have different clientele. The manager of 7th St., Pete Lewnes, who is doing an excellent job, is quoted as saying that Hamilton Street needs a Main Street Program. In reality it simply needs its former customer base which Lanta took away when it removed the bus transfer stops. The Brew Works and CityLine, both on Hamilton Street, received much more money than any Main Street Program would provide.

I understand that public officials will never look to this blog for lessons on optimism, but until which time they inject their goals with some realism, the grants from our tax money will not receive much return on investment.