Evolution of The Transformation

There's a long history to everything that appears new in Allentown. The American Parkway, with it's new bridge scheduled to begin, goes back to Joe Daddona's era, 35 years ago. Some of the things that were to be serviced by that road no longer exist, others never materialized, and are long forgotten. All the while mayor after mayor obsessed on this new bridge, the existing ones have accumulated more neglect. While we accelerate the American Parkway Bridge, 15th Street receives another delay. The concept of a hockey arena goes back to Bill Heydt, when he tore down the former Hess's Store, and attempted to secure private investors. Thanks to the new Neighborhood Improvement Zone, we have found an effective financing mechanism, the taxpayer. In the real world, it seems the Sands Event Center will dominate the local entertainment market. I believe that the Allentown Arena and office buildings will have some success with foot traffic. The actual cost to bring those people here, will never be known.

rendering of proposed Corporate Plaza*, 1984/The Morning Call Archives
*destroyed by sinkhole in 1994

Take Your Medicine

If the NIZ bestowed any benefit upon Allentown, it was that Sacred Heart Hospital was included. Stranded down at 4th and Chew, the small old hospital serves those residents with the least ability to pay. Now the giant, Lehigh Valley Health Network, will open a sports medicine facility at the arena complex. Sixty percent of the staff will be transferred from their current suburban location. Although the clinic will benefit the arena project, and a private developer, it's unclear to me that it serves the best interest of the greater community.

Baggage Wars

When I grew up, Allentown produced Mack Trucks, General Electric appliances, and Black and Decker Tools, and that was within a block of my house. Four railroad spur lines fed a hundred factories. In addition to heavy industry, we were known for textiles. We now aspire to make money off of other people's loss, literally. The pawn shop owner snickers and laughs, and asks the poor son of a bitch if he wants to donate his treasure. We watch the leeches bid on abandoned storage spaces, hoping some other person left his grandmother's jewelry there, in a box. We don't even aspire to produce anything anymore, just profit from someone else's misfortune. We have become a society of lottery ticket buyers.

Deeds

CUNA To Question Pawlowski

Nobody could ever accuse CUNA* of being pro-active. Now, that the entire square block has been demolished, CUNA wants Pawlowski and Hailstone to come to a meeting and explain what guarantees has the City given that the public investment will truly benefit existing residents and living conditions.(education, housing, poverty)? They plan on holding four informational meetings before inviting Pawlowski. The first occurred last night; The second meeting will be held at 2:00PM at Zion Church, 620 Hamilton, this Sunday, March 25th.
UPDATE: Click on Cuna letter to enlarge


*Congregations United for Neighborhood Action

Allentown's New Parade Route

Yesterday I went to the beauty parlor. About five years ago my downtown barber retired, and I was forced to go to a unisex shop. She assured me she also cuts men's hair, but I have yet to see another one there, but I don't go that often. I'm not sure what she calls her shop or herself, but I use the terms I remember from my childhood; My mother would go to the hairdresser at the beauty parlor. My mother would also take me to the Halloween Parade on Hamilton Street. Parades started at the fairgrounds and ran down Hamilton Street. The Street would be lined with people all the way downtown watching the parade, and hawkers would sell balloons and treats. One of last ones I remember featured Hopalong Cassidy, movie cowboy star of the 1930's. They featured his movies on a weekly TV show in the 50's, so I was very surprised about how old he looked in person. Years later, I heard that they had to tie him to the saddle, so he wouldn't fall off his horse during the parade. In recent years they had Sally Star in a parade down Hamilton Street, also long past her prime, but the people who remember her were afraid to go downtown. Last year organizers of the St. Patrick's day parade started a new tradition in Allentown, taking the parade west, away from downtown. My hairdresser noted that parade would go by her old shop on the way to downtown, and now by her new shop, to get away from downtown. I know there is nothing racist about the organizers or the parade, but there might be something classist about the new parade route.

reprinted from March, 2009

photocredit: molovinsky

Barbarians At The Bridge

Although both Cunningham and Pawlowski hosted celebrations of our regional birthdays this year, neither cares about our history, nor do their minions. Glenn Solt, Lehigh County's project manager, and supposedly aspiring County Executive, seems contemptuous of our history. He repeatedly claimed that the 188 year old Reading Road Bridge is neither historic or unique. He states that there were 14 such bridges in the county when he began his watch. Unfortunately, for our history, this is the only one that this blog has concerned itself with. When the effort to preserve the bridge began, Cunningham said that if the community wanted to keep the bridge, the plans could be modified; But, by this past Wednesday, Solt was putting on a full court press for a new bridge. Perhaps, he sees the aggressive bridge replacement program as an accomplishment for a future political campaign. Downstream, Schreibers Bridge is now being jeopardized by Pawlowski. Because Allentown allowed the beams on the 15th Street Bridge to rust away from lack of paint, the northbound traffic now uses Schreibers, another stone arch bridge, also 188 years old. Car and trucks now line up for a block to cross the historic bridge. Three weeks ago, I personally informed Pawlowski that an outside stone on the northwest approach had come off, and others were being stressed. When the 15th Street Bridge is closed this summer for replacement, the traffic flow on Schreibers will be overbearing. History is more than blowing out a candle at Agriculture Hall, or hosting a dinner at the Holiday Inn.

The old postcard shows Schreibers Mill from the east. Although the mill has been gone since the beginning of the 20th Century, the bridge in background is still serving Allentown.

The Uncertainty of Allentown

One man's transformation is another's destruction. Although Allentown's 700 Block of Hamilton Street had long lost it's glimmer and glamor of the 1950's, it was still a destination for the new demographic. That clientele is now being steered to outer 7th Street. The Planning Meeting, this past Wednesday, demonstrated all the uncertainty of the Arena Plan. My post on the Planning Puppies was not satire. Those gentlemen were actually reduced to asking about a tree and a garage door. One puppy mentioned that things should look pretty, so that when patrons walk beyond the arena, new shopping venues will develop; Good luck with that puppy, eat your treat. In the real world, the architect explained how hotel patrons will not have to venture outside, to access the arena, restaurants or bars. More important, she confessed that as of yet, there was no hotel operator on board. The puppies were approving merely a concept; A transformational, taxpayer funded hope, by Pawlowski, Reilly and Company. As outside municipalities begin to organize against the EIT funding mechanism,* the demolition of the entire block has been completed. While those stores had always provided the hope for more affluent days, I doubt if that will be true in the future for the arena complex.

* EIT Funding Suit story broken by Bernie O'Hare

Before the Transformation

For most of Allentown's past, there was no need for a Transformation. We were the ideal city, so much so, that in the early 60's, we were proclaimed The All-American City. We were Mayberry, only much larger. Our little leagues played under the lights, and our fathers worked for top union wages. Imagine a city that could boast that it actually manufactured in own fire engines! Imagine a city that had no litter. We now have so much litter, not only do we need trash cans, we need trash compactors. We once were a destination and envied; We are now resented, and sued. This blog will continue to report current city events as I perceive them, engage with the bureaucrats as my energy permits, and occasionally share a glimpse of our past.

A Failure to Intimidate

The Cunningham Administration failed to intimidate the County Commissioners into approving the Reading Road Bridge this evening. Earlier in the day, Commissioners received a seven page memo attempting to negate points recently made on this blog; Their usual nonsense, that the bridge isn't historic, and that it's filled with crap. The last page was a memo from someone in Allentown Public Works, stating that the bridge was responsible for the flooding upstream, and posed a danger to public safety. Cunningham's staff then send what they thought would be the knock out punch; A legal opinion from the County Solicitor, that since that note said that the current bridge threatened public safety, a no vote would make the County liable if anything happen. They had been served notice. The tactic seemed to push the Commissioners too far, they decided to table the resolution. Allentown Public Works would be more honest to write that they are depending on an almost identical stone arch bridge, Schreibers, to link the South Side with Center City. They should write how they allowed the beams on the 15th Street Bridge to rust away. They should write how they cooperated with the County in 1980 to build the pedestrian bridge for Reading Road Bridge. Now, after 188 years, they send a memo the day of the vote, that the bridge causes problems? Gotta love the arrogance.
UPDATE: The Morning Call report by Samantha Marcus

Joseph S. Daddona

Joe Daddona was mayor of Allentown four terms. Yesterday, when I visited the Reading Road Bridge, I saw the For Sale sign on the Daddona house, which adjoins Union Terrace. Actually, the park is now named for the former mayor. One of Joe's many accomplishments was to refurbish the historic Reading Road Bridge in 1980. It was under his leadership and pride that the adjoining pedestrian bridge was added at that time. Built in 1824, it was one of first bridges in Lehigh County. The current leadership takes campaign credit in replacing the bridges throughout the county. Although all identified defective bridges have already been replaced, they are now simply replacing older bridges. This bridge, in addition to being part of the county history, is part of the park's charm. Please join me this evening, and convince the County Commissioners to retain this important part of our past. Your presence would be appreciated at either one, or both, of two meetings on the topic. The committee meeting will be at 5:45 on the 4th fl. of Government Center. The main Commissioner Meeting, and vote, will take place at 7:30, in the first floor chamber.

file photograph from The Morning Call archives.

Allentown's Planning Puppies

Back in January, I told you how the Allentown Planning Puppies were miffed that the Arena was approved without them. Today, that more components have been added to the plan, and the puppies have completed their obedience school training, they were permitted to sniff the new plans. After viewing slides of the square block showing the arena, office building, hotel and parking deck, the head puppy asked if they were going to replace a tree that was removed for demolition access. A second puppy asked if the garage doors at the service entrance would be pretty. A third puppy begged for a treat, then they all voted yes. The End.

The Train of Union Terrace

The Conrail engine backs across Walnut Street in 1979, as it delivers a flatcar of large granite slaps and blocks to the Wentz Memorial Company, by 20th and Hamilton Streets. The Union Terrace track was next to the former ice skating pond, behind the WPA Amphitheater Stage Mound. The train locomotive, and it's boxcar of granite, weighing untold tons, passed over a simple trestle with 8" inch beams. The pedestrian bridge which Cunningham and Solt claim is inadequate, has 24 inch steel beams. The industrial era of Union Terrace has passed. Even the Wentz property is now for sale. Please join me tomorrow evening, Wednesday March 14th, and help save the Stone Arch Bridge at Union Terrace. The Commissioner Meeting is at 7:30pm. For those unable to attend at that hour, your presence would be appreciated at the committee meeting on destroying the bridge at 5:45. Ice Skating is no longer permitted on the pond. The Amphitheater is falling apart. Let us assert ourselves, and save something of Allentown's history.
Train photograph was taken by Dave Latshaw in the 1979, and is part of the Mark Rabenold collection. Rabenold is a local train historian, specializing in Allentown's former branch lines.
click train photo to enlarge

Governance by Misinformation

Donald Cunningham is so hell bent on fulfilling his 2005 campaign pledge to replace the bridges, that he is providing false information to the County Commissioners.Glenn Solt is so tormented about the Mickley Bridge failure in Whitehall, that he tells reporters that all stone arch bridges are filled with junk and crap.

"There's nothing better than opening a bridge," said County Capital Projects Manager Glenn Solt, June 1, 2006

Cunningham told Samantha Marcus, of The Morning Call, that regardless of the bridge's fate, the county will likely have to close down the pedestrian walkway, which was added in 1980. Apart from the oversized I- Beams badly needing paint, which is actually negligence by Cunningham and Solt, the pedestrian bridge could support elephants all day long. If it were a little wider, it could support army tanks all day long. It's three piers and concrete walkway are in perfect shape. I also question the traffic count associated with the bridge. According to Cunningham and Solt it's 2,600 vehicles a day, which would be more than 100 an hour. Considering virtually no use from midnight until dawn, it would require about 130 cars an hour. Three cars crossed the bridge in the 15 minutes I was there this morning. I was there to completely document the bridges photographically, (car and pedestrian) to insure that the County Administration inflicts no intentional damage to these structures. If I was a County Commissioner given misinformation about something which I can so easily observe, I would have to seriously question everything coming down from this Administration.

Please join me Wednesday evening, 7:30, at the County Commissioner Meeting, and prevail upon the Commissioners not to squander our tax money and our history.

Lehigh County's Hypocrisy

As Lehigh County celebrated it's 200th Anniversary yesterday at Agricultural Hall, it's real commitment to history will be tested this coming Wednesday evening. County Executive Don Cunningham, and his director of destruction, Glenn Solt, have already failed the test. The issue is the Reading Road Bridge, built in 1824, and rebuilt in 1980, when a pedestrian bridge was added. Glenn Solt recently told a Morning Call reporter that the bridge is filled inside with debris and junk. Two years ago, when I started the campaign to save the bridge, he told blogger Bernie O'Hare that the bridge was filled with crap. Although conceding it's structurally sound, he's speculates that a storm in a few years could destroy it, and he already has approved plans and funds to replace it now, ready to go. Solt also points out that the bridge was never officially designated historic. Considering that the bridge is 188 years old, survived hurricane Diane in 1955, I believe it has more chance of getting hit by a meteorite than failing in a rain storm. Preeminent local historian Frank Whelan signed copies of his book at yesterday's event. The book contains old photographs of many Lehigh County structures which no longer exist. Let us hope that Wednesday evening the County Commissioners save our bridge.
Cunningham photo by The Morning Call/March 10,2012/Donna Fisher

Morning Call Blog Contest

If you vote for Bernie O'Hare and me today, we'll gladly buy you a hamburger tomorrow. Bernie and I have decided to enter The Morning Call Blog Contest. Unfortunately, rather than being judged by journalists, it's a simple popularity contest. We need you to vote for our blogs, and place the votes every day, until March 25th. Please consider Bernie (Lehigh Valley Ramblings) for the Politics category, and this blog (molovinsky on allentown) for Opinion. Click here to reach the contest.

Revelation In A Hallway

When I arrived at City Hall Wednesday evening, the Council Chamber was already packed by union workers, and closed to the public. Stranded out in the hallway, were many of those who came to speak against Delta Thermo's trash to energy plant. What they had in common, for the most part, was being informed on the issue, and being supporters of Pawlowski. Some were families, like Jeff Fegley of the Allentown Brewworks, cut off from his brother, already inside the Council Chamber. Others were couples, like non-profit director Julie Thomases, cut off from her significant other, environmental activist Dan Poresky. Although new Council Member Cynthia Mota had been impressed with the science fair poop dryer that she saw on her field trip to New Jersey, these informed opponents know better. That little demo machine didn't even contain a combustion chamber, or consequently, evaluate the emissions. This is the unproven technology that the citizens of Allentown will be submitted to, for the profit of Delta Thermo. If there was a revelation in the hallway, it was that the Price of Admission, with the Mayor, has significantly increased. Delta Thermo is fronted by Marcel Groen, a power broker with state-wide influence. The arena project now involves hundreds of $millions of dollars, and the Lehigh Valley Hospital. Previous supporters can't even get in the door anymore.

Government by Intimidation

Wednesday Evening, 8:40PM
This evening, hundreds of out of area union workers packed City Hall Chambers, forcing police and fire marshals to deny access to dozens of local opponents of the Trash to Energy project. Among those who had to push through the hallway crowd to reach the council chamber, were the Morning Call reporter and Frank Concannon; I presume he was summoned by the Mayor as a safety vote. In the hallway, a former high ranking city employee explained to me how the project jeopardizes all the City's previous investments, in both trash removal and sewage system. The Trash to Energy Plant would burn both trash and sewage, in an unproven technology. Adding irony to this attack on our air quality, many of the most informed opponents work for non-profits, dependent upon the City, for both funds and contracts. Those opponents not intimidated by the union workers, must then worry about the Mayor. How many will be unable to speak this evening because of the union maneuver to jam and close the room? A proper reaction by Council would have been to postpone the meeting, and move it to a larger venue. Experience tells me that it will be a long meeting, with the yes vote coming about 11:30.
UPDATE: The Trash to Energy plan passed about 1:00 am. The vote was 4 to 2, with Cynthia Mota's compliance. Frank Concannon left before the vote. When he arrived about 7:40pm, he had to go through a group of bikers in front of city hall.

Union Made in Allentown

There was a time in Allentown when the label Union Made, or Made in USA, referred to a product, now it's a pandering politician. Although the City has yet to secure a developer for the proposed office building and hotel on the arena block, the Administration's hand puppet, the ACIDA, announced that all construction will be union done. Morning Call reporter Scott Kraus notes that the construction unions contributed over $36,000 to Pawlowski in 2011. When the construction is completed, nothing will be produced in these new buildings. There are no union jobs in these new buildings, instead, people stick their McDonald's wages into slot machines, look at art or toothless skating Canadians. The rat pictured above, visited Reilly's City Center Development Company this past summer. If the chosen private developers will also be required to use union construction, has yet to be announced.

A Force in Allentown

I received a nice compliment the other day, somebody told me that I was a force in Allentown. I'll take the compliment as remuneration for the time and effort put into this blog. I see blogging as a component of community activism. Andrew Kleiner has put his blog to use to promote ecology in the park system. Bernie O'Hare functions as a one man newspaper, and is a force in the entire valley. My posts, in addition to Allentown politics, also cover local history. These subjects are not unrelated, as local political ambitions and projects are often at the expense of our history and culture. Perhaps, even my occasional boxing posts relate to those who wouldn't mind punching me in the nose. I regret my lack of diplomacy, but blame genetics. Today's photograph predates the current concrete Hamilton Street bridge, with it's two west side entrance ramps. The former old metal bridge, had Union and Hamilton Streets merged into one ramp, passing the massive Arbogast & Bastian Meat Packing Plant. Next week, another historic bridge is in jeopardy. Although structurally sound, Lehigh County has appropriated funds to replace the stone arch bridge by Union Terrace. More on that later....

The Strange Case of Dr. Mota

Thurs. March 8, 2012*. Last night, only weeks after being appointed to City Council and promising to represent the little people, Cynthia Mota joined the Administration Machine. Her change of vote to support the Trash to Private Cash scheme was expected. Her reprogramming began immediately after she voted against it, two weeks ago. Although she admitted to Colin McEvoy of the Express Times that she received threats, that behavior was overlooked, to forward the Administration's agenda. Although she will not be representing the interests of the Hispanic Community, she now becomes the second si vote on Council.

* This blog often posts about the past, so today we cover the future.

Open Mike

Long time readers of this blog know that previously my Open Mike sessions were illustrated by a radio microphone. This lone blog publishes no political press releases, bashes no political opponents, and promotes no politician's agenda. Nothing is off topic today.

World War Ringside

Joe Louis had won his previous 23 fights, and was expected to do the same against Germany's Max Schmeling in June of 1936. Instead, the large crowd at Yankee Stadium saw the older Schmeling, a former World Champion, outscore Louis, and then knock him out in the 12th. Schmeling would go back to Hitler's Germany a national hero. Louis would go on to beat the Cinderella Man, James Braddock, for the World Championship. The stage was set for the most anticipated rematch in history. The famous 1938 fight, again at Yankee Stadium, was a sellout. Louis and Schmeling embodied everything about the pending war between the two countries. They were given pep talks by no less than Roosevelt and Hitler themselves. Louis carried the mantle for all Americans, but especially Black Americans, in the late 1930's. He would leave nobody down, by knocking out Schmeling in the first round.top photo of German toy produced between the first and second fights
bottom photo, one of three first round knockdowns in 1938

Arena Project Growing Private Parts

The Morning Call team of Matt Assad and Scott Kraus broke the news that Pawlowski is pulling even more from his magic hat. The project now will include a hotel, office building and parking garage on the arena block. A new artist rendition shows the new structures. The Allentown Planning Puppies will be asked to lick their approval. Last round, they were overlooked, and miffed. One must wonder if construction is really slated to begin when the plans are in a state of constant flux? Who will own the hotel and office building? It's apparent that eminent domain was improperly threatened, because the project clearly will be mostly privately owned.

Allentown Arena's Magic Show

Although demolition of the former shopping district is yet to be completed, or the first brick laid for the new arena, cracks are appearing in Mayor Pawlowski's taxpayer funded attempt to magically transform Allentown. Yesterday, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Joseph ElChaar, felt compelled to write a rah rah letter to The Morning Call. Surrounding municipalities have been alienated by the pilfering of their EIT taxes. Pat Browne, long time State Representative and Senator, soiled his reputation as details have emerged about the taxing district, and his connection to the various principals involved. Even the merchant victims of the scheme made the national news, with misinformed allegations that they were overpaid with taxpayer money. The revelation that tobacco taxes will be used to fund Allentown's grab, surely will have repercussions in Harrisburg. Once the monstrosity is completed and running, the real pain will begin. With home hockey games only occupying 40 nights a year, success is dependent upon concerts and other entertainment venues. The existing market for entertainment is competitive, to say the least. Last year, one rain storm put the new SteelStacks financially behind the eight ball. If SteelStacks, The State Theater, Symphony Hall, Zoellner, Stabler and others were not enough, enter the Sands Casino Entertainment venue. Starting in May, the Sands will bring one star after another, to their money making machine. With the adjoining Casino, their theater need not concern itself with making a profit, but only attracting people and their wallets to the complex. Pawlowski's taxpayer funded hall of scandal will languish, as insufficient parking and traffic congestion make for an unpleasant evening. Although speeches and letters will attest to how wonderful and successful it is, eventually, the rabbit will fall out the bottom of the hat.

ReAssessment Anguish

Yesterday, the phones at Molovinsky Property Management, and it's subsidiary, Bubbameister Consultations, rang off the hook. Clients were distraught after opening their reassessment notices from Lehigh County. We were able to calm most of them down, by referring them to the line under the former and new valuations. Based on this Preliminary value, your projected real estate taxes (County, Municipality and School District) should decrease due to reassessment. Our staff analyzed the data, and for many with the decrease projection, disappointment may be soon visiting. On the surface it appears that a property can withstand an increase up to 50% in valuation, without an actual tax increase, but those projections might not hold clear. Although Allentown includes trash removal in it's tax, the surrounding municipalities do not. Furthermore, the 2013 projections do not include the proposed tax hikes in most school districts. We therefore conclude, that a property with a 45% increase in valuation, projected to receive a 10% tax reduction, will most likely have a 2013 tax bill the same, if not slightly more, than 2012.
UPDATE: The Allentown municipal tax figures provided by the county for comparison, have the trash fee separated out.

photocredit: Carl Rubrecht

Allentown Arena Zone Barons Push Cigarettes

J.B. Reilly and Joe Topper have purchased a cigarette distributorship and moved the business address to their 702 Hamilton Street address. This maneuver allows their company, City Center Own Allentown, to use the $1.60 per pack Pennsylvania cigarette tax toward the debt service on their growing empire. Perhaps this was the conflict of interest which propelled Reilly to resign his position on the hospital board. One would like to think that tobacco taxes are used for health care, not private enrichment. Pat Browne, in the well done report by Matt Assad and Scott Kraus of The Morning Call, once again assures everybody that nirvana is coming. Allentown is fast becoming a well deserved national joke.

The Demolition of Allentown

In addition to three major local department stores, Allentown also sported three national chain five and dimes. Two of these emporiums stood side by side on the 700 block of Hamilton Street; F.W. Woolworth and McCrory. Those discount stores of their day sold everything, including souvenirs of Allentown and even Hamilton Street. The large buildings remained intact all these decades, still hosting national chains. Although Family Dollar and Rite Aid have other locations in Allentown, their demolition closes the chapter on Allentown's retail history. The two photographs were taken from the same location, sixty years apart. Click on images to enlarge.

Frankenstein Still Fails Polygraph Test

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(written in 2008) 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.
UPDATE 2012: The above post is reprinted from February 24, 2008. Since then Zawarski's new townhouses crashed and burned near 8th and Walnut. The last several units were recently auctioned off for less than half their original asking price. Despite this failure to change the inter-city demographic, Pawlowski maintains that the new arena will now attract the middle class to live downtown. Zawarski's out and Reilly is in. More hopes, prayers and big plans on our dime.

East Side Memories

Man! How things have changed - Cigarette in ash tray - two chile dogs and black coffee - and he had a cigarette dangling from his lips as he made your doggies from the open grille - Man! what a sauce. Just doesn't exist today. Must have been those ashes!!

photograph and commentary by Carl Rubrecht

Mt. Sinai in Fairview Cemetery

Jews have been buried in a small section of Fairview Cemetery, called Mt. Sinai, for over 138 years. Although the markings on several stones have worn away, Hannah Dreifuss was buried there in 1868. The September 10th Chronicle in 1875 reported that two members of the Jewish faith, prominent Hamilton Street merchants, Joshua Schnurman and Simon Feldman, purchased a section from Fairview Cemetery and applied for a charter for Mt. Sinai Cemetery,* thus creating the first Jewish Institution in Allentown.
Fairview Cemetery itself was not formally laid-out until 1870, when the renowned architectural firm Lathan of Buffalo was hired to create the premiere resting place in the Lehigh Valley. The giants of Allentown would be buried there, among them Harry Trexler, the Leh's, and the Mack's of truck fame.
The History Lehigh County, published in 1914, notes Mt. Sinai contained 29 graves.** Among them was Julia Wolf, who died in 1907. Her husband Morris served with the local regiment in the Civil War, and lived to be 98 years old. Feldman and Schnurman were among the earliest Jews in Allentown, immigrants from Germany who practiced the modern "Reformed" Judaism. These gentlemen and their extended family members would go on to form the "Young Ladies and Men's Hebrew Society" in 1883***, a predecessor to the Keneseth Israel Congregation organized in 1903. Mt. Sinai remained the resting place for Reformed Jews till 1928, when Keneseth Israel established its own cemetery. Burials continued at Mt. Sinai through the 1940's as spouses and passing family members joined those previously departed in family plots. Today there are 78 graves. In July of 2006, thirty years after the previous burial in 1976, Joseph Levine was laid to rest at the age of 103.

* Chronicle source courtesy of Frank Whelan
** states "people of Hebrew faith" purchased section in 1881
*** Congregation Keneseth Israel 100th Anniversary History

Blogger's Note: Mt. Sinai Cemetery is unaffiliated with any synagogue, and with few exceptions, has been unused for 60 years.

reprinted from February 2009

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 January 2010

Morning Call Distortion

Imagine having a shop on downtown's busiest block, and then ending up in a small strip mall on the other end of the city, miles from your customer base. Imagine knocking on doors looking for a new spot, then read that the city helped you relocate. Imagine investing everything you have, for the second time, in a city that just kicked you off the main street. Then imagine the newspaper writing Allentown hockey arena critics land on their feet. Many merchants who protested removal are now thriving in new locations. Worse yet, the reporters, Matt Assad and Scott Kraus, know that the article spins the reality. Matt Assad attended the meetings with Sara Hailstone, when the merchants complained of no help from the city. If they really had help, why would they have to knock on doors or end up on the east side? I'm friends with the merchants mentioned in the story. They are intelligent, hard working people, who know that they must put the best face on their current situation. Their shops are more than just speculation for a newspaper story, or a blog; Their shops are their home mortgage payments and their children's college tuition. A relative of mine, who survived a concentration camp, built a huge business in Cleveland. I suppose Assad and Kraus would say he landed on his feet. The merchants of Hamilton Street certainly were not submitted to a Holocaust. They were uprooted after building businesses for over 20 years, and forced to relocate. They were deceived by strawbuyers, and threatened by eminent domain. Most received near double the original offers, because they resisted the City's illegal bluffs. The City paid the higher amounts, because eminent domain is illegal when the intention was essentially a private business (arena), including new storefronts. Now there's a real story for Assad and Kraus!

photocredit: molovinsky

Cynthia Mota Reprogrammed

Scientists, in a secret laboratory in the basement of City Hall, successfully reprogrammed Cynthia Mota, after her heart felt, independent vote Wednesday evening. Declining to give his name, a former doctor said that the procedure went well, and it was very unlikely that Cynthia would ever again defy the mayor. She announced that she will reconsider her vote " because there's already a lot of money invested". Although the lawyer's firm, for the company rejected Wednesday evening, has contributed $6,500 to Pawlowski, what money Ms. Moto was referring to is unclear.

City Council Awoke

On Wednesday evening, City Council, for the first time in six years that Ed Pawlowski has been mayor, didn't approve one of his proposals. The proposal wasn't actually rejected, but the 3 to 3 tie vote doesn't allow his scheme to proceed. Who voted which way, is the topic of this post. Although the Pawlowski promoted Trash to Energy company was going to charge the city twice as much, for twice as long as a competitor, the RubberStamp Trio once again sang the Yes Song. Worse yet, all three singers, Schweyer, Schlossberg, and Guridy, would like to be State Representatives. Rejecting the non- competitive offer was Jeanette Eichenwald, Ray O'Connell and Cynthia Mota. Jeanette has emerged as an independent voice on Council, but until Wednesday, usually stood alone. Many people had expectations when Ray O'Connell was elected, but it took over two years for him to stand on his own. The great surprise of the evening was new councilwoman Cynthia Mota, who asserted herself at only her second council meeting. I did not attend the meeting. This analysis is from the benefit of phone calls, and two excellent articles by Devon Lash in The Morning Call.

The People's Candidate

In the late 1970's, neighbors would gather in the market on 9th Street to complain and receive consolation from the woman behind the cash register. Emma was a neighborhood institution. A native Allentonian, she had gone through school with mayor for life Joe Dadonna, and knew everybody at City Hall. More important, she wasn't shy about speaking out. What concerned the long time neighbors back then was a plan to create a Historical District, by a few newcomers. What concerned Emma wasn't so much the concept, but the proposed size of the district, sixteen square blocks. The planners unfortunately all wanted their homes included, and they lived in an area spread out from Hall Street to 12th, Linden to Liberty.* Shoving property restrictions down the throats of thousands of people who lived in the neighborhood for generations didn't seem right to Emma. As the battle to establish the district became more pitched, Emma began referring to it as the Hysterical District. Emma eventually lost the battle, but won the hearts of thousands of Allentonians. Emma Tropiano would be elected to City Council beginning in 1986, and would serve four terms. In 1993 she lost the Democratic Primary for Mayor by ONE (1) vote. Her common sense votes and positions became easy fodder for ridicule. Bashed for opposing fluoridation, our clean water advocates now question the wisdom of that additive. Although every founding member of the Historical District moved away over the years, Emma continued to live on 9th Street, one block up from the store. In the mid 1990's, disgusted by the deterioration of the streetscape, she proposed banning household furniture from front porches. Her proposal was labeled as racist against those who could not afford proper lawn furniture. Today, SWEEP officers issue tickets for sofas on the porch. Being blunt in the era of political correctness cost Emma. Although a tireless advocate for thousands of Allentown residents of all color, many people who never knew her, now read that she was a bigot. They don't know who called on her for help. They don't know who knocked on her door everyday for assistance. They don't know who approached her at diners and luncheonettes all over Allentown for decades. We who knew her remember, and we remember the truth about a caring woman. * Because the designated Historical District was too large, it has failed, to this day, to create the atmosphere envisioned by the long gone founders. Perhaps had they listened to, instead of ridiculing, the plain spoken shopkeeper, they would have created a smaller critical mass of like thinking homeowners, who then could have expanded the area. reprinted from March 2010 

Circle of Taxpayer Distrust

Fegley's Brew Works is adding to it's brewing capacity. The El Vee blog reports that later today the pub will have a news conference, announcing the expansion. molovinsky on allentown will go out on the limb and say that the real announcement is that they have probably joined the NIZ circle of taxpayer distrust. Although they may not announce that today, or at all, I have every faith in Pawlowski the GrantMeister, to plug in his favorite receiver. When they built the brewpub they claimed to have reinforced the floor to support the equipment. I believe that the extra beams were necessary to support all the grants and incentives that would eventually be attached to the enterprise.

8th Street Bridge

When opened for traffic on November 17, 1913, with seventeen spans, the Albertus L. Meyers Bridge, then known as the Eighth Street Bridge, was the longest and highest reinforced concrete arch bridge in the world.
The Lehigh Valley Transit Company organized the Allentown Bridge Company in 1911 for the sole purpose of building the bridge. The bridge was designed by the engineering firm of B.H. Davis and built by McArthur Brothers of New York City. Costing in excess of $500,000, construction of the bridge required 29,500 cubic yards of concrete and 1.1 million pounds of metal reinforcing rods.
The structure operated as a toll bridge from its November 17, 1913 opening until the 1950s, at which time the toll was five cents for an automobile. The concrete standards that once supported the trolley wire are still standing on the bridge to this day.*

This iconic bridge is a monument to our industrial history; epicenter of both the cement and steel industries. Unfortunately, bridge is suffering. Weeds and undergrowth are being allowed to penetrate the roadbed. Spalling concrete is not being replaced, submitting the reinforcing rods to rust.

Harry C. Trexler, founding member of the Transit Company and Lehigh Portland Cement Co., was a principle player in the construction of this bridge. General Trexler's gravesite, in Fairview Cemetery on Lehigh Street, affords unique views of the bridge and center city Allentown.
*Wikipedia

reprinted from February 2010

White Harvests O'Hare's Brain

I was shocked when I saw Bill White's Column on reassessment. It simply was a combination of O'Hare's post about Cunningham outsmarting the Commissioners, and the comments that followed. Even White's title appeared borrowed. O'Hare labeled his post of Thursday, February 9th as Cunningham Strikes Out on Reassessment. Or did He? Bill White's copy, which appeared on Saturday the 11th, was called In Lehigh County reassessment battle, did Don Cunningham really lose? In the past, when I took the newspaper to task for not giving me proper attribution on a story I broke, Bill White defended the paper's practice. He said that if the paper independently verifies all the facts, it can use the news without attribution. Apparently, his threshold for using someone else's opinion is even lower.

A Tale of Two Bridges

In the mid 50's, it was a big deal to us southsiders when they opened the new 15th Street Bridge. Prior to that, we had to either go over the 8th Street Bridge, or use the old stone arch bridge by the fertilizer plant. The fertilizer plant is long gone, but the old stone bridge is still there. Schreibers Bridge was built in 1828, and rehabilitated in 1920. The new 15th Street bridge was built in 1957, and is now restricted to south bound only, until which time it can be completely replaced. So the new bridge lasted 54 years, while the old stone bridge is still in use, 182 years later.

Recently, I urged Donny Cunningham not to replace the stone arch bridge on Reading Road. His project manager, Glenn Solt, insists that the historic bridge must be replaced. He stated that stone arch bridges look nice on the outside, but inside, they're filled with "crap." Thankfully, Don and Glenn didn't target Schreibers Bridge, because we're really going to need it with the new 15th Street Bridge out of commission. Hopefully, they will reconsider about stealing our history on Reading Road.

reprinted from November 2010

Bridging Our History

Part of Don Cunningham's political patter as a candidate and elected official is repairing or replacing bridges in the county. When you replace a bridge which doesn't need replacing, you're wasting taxpayer money. When you replace a historic bridge which doesn't need replacing, you're stealing our culture






The Reading Road Bridge, scheduled by Cunningham for replacement, is in excellent condition. Although my observation and top photograph clearly shows that, I did confirm it's structural integrity with someone formally with the City engineering department.

The bridge was built in 1824 and totally rehabilitated in 1980. At that time a separate walking bridge was built next to it for pedestrian safety.*





Although the beautiful two arch stone bridge needs no work, and Cunningham has been in office since 2006, the steel beams of the walking bridge are in dire need of paint. How sad that inexpensive maintenance is ignored, while $million dollar projects are planned.
click on bridge photographs to enlarge image
An engineer familiar with the bridge told me that he if was asked by supervisors to justify replacing the bridge, he will cite flooding; He added that in reality it's a moot point, because the stream flow in high water situations is also impeded by the nearby Hamilton and Union street bridges.

UPDATE: The above post appeared in June of 2010. This past Wednesday, the bridge project was presented to the County Commissioners for approval. The newest member, Mike Schware, prevailed upon the Commissioners to postpone the deliberation. I would like to remind the Commissioners that Schreiber's Bridge is now handling the former north bound traffic from the 15th Street Bridge. Once replacement begins, Schreiber will be handling virtually all the traffic from the south side. Schreiber's is also a stone arch bridge, of the same design, built at the same time as the Reading Road Bridge. Although the 15Th Street bridge was built 130 years later, that's the one that now has to be replaced. I urge the Commissioners to make a good investment in our culture, history and budget, and allow the Reading Road Bridge to remain.

Ed Hozza's Epiphany

Ed Hozza stood dutifully with the other Lehigh Valley Mayor's, across the street from a pile of rubble, and allowed Pawlowski to describe the 40 temporary demolition jobs as work recovery. If that wasn't enough, he defended Allentown's EIT grab; "We're getting the numbers first and opening our mouths second." His rendition of kumbaya would end before he got home. Apparently, driving back up MacArthur Road, he ended up behind an oversized dump truck of former Allentown. He followed the rubble and discovered it was being dumped in none other than his beloved Whitehall. Concerned about contaminants, he called the contractor, who told him not to worry his kumbaya head. Although the molovinsky on allentown legal team will not allow me to comment on his suspicions, our photography staff reported that the demolition equipment does have a vivacious appetite.

photo of mayors/The Morning Call/Donna Fisher

The Bike Path Meeting

This evening the Park Department will conduct a public meeting* on it's Trail Network Plan, including the controversial bike lanes on Linden and Turner Streets, through downtown Allentown. My previous post, Allentown's WPA Bounty, received the following comment: I don't think we have to choose between restoring the key WPA projects OR having a user-friendly bike system throughout the city. Unfortunately, we are not even being given any choices. While grants are pursued and consultants hired for the cycling paths, not a thought or dollar has gone toward the irreplaceable, iconic stone structures throughout the park system. Opposition to the center city bike lanes is widespread. In addition to center city residents, the plan is also opposed by the police department and even the cycling enthusiasts themselves: I feel taking a lane of traffic from Linden and Turner Streets is not only unnecessary but a disaster to the residents of those streets and to anyone who uses them for transportation. Because of the park department's preoccupation with cycling, at the expense and neglect of the traditional park features, I oppose the Trail Network Plan.

produced by Gary Ledebur, Netherfield Studios, Philadelphia

*meeting at 7:00pm, Allentown Library, lower level

Allentown's WPA Bounty

When the WPA started in 1935, Allentown was in a unique position to benefit. In 1929 the city decided to expand it's park system, and acquired hundreds of acres for that purpose. We had both the space and the unemployed needing the work. A project was built in almost every park in Allentown; Cedar, Irving, Union Terrace, Lehigh Parkway, Jordan, and of course, Fountain Park. The stairwells leading from Lawrence Street (now Martin Luther King Drive) up to Union Street (Junction Street) and next up to Spring Garden Street became essential several years later. Hundreds of men would use them every day as Mack Truck turned their production to the War effort. As well built as the stone structures were, they are now over 75 years old. Steps are missing on the Grand Stairway, columns are being undermined at Union Terrace, and these monuments of our past need attention. Although they are beautiful, irreplaceable, and the icons of our parks, they are not a priority for the current Administration and Park Department. Please join me this evening at the Allentown Library, (February 7, at 7:00pm, lower level) and endeavor to change their priorities.

Barbarians Sack Allentown

As Mayor Pawlowski stood last week across Hamilton Street from the former buildings, now reduced to rubble, I thought of the barbarians sacking Rome. The Knerr Building, constructed in 1892 at 707 Hamilton Street, had withstood many changes in the last 120 years. Built for John Knerr to sell groceries and confections, it's four floors served various businesses over the century. Although this past New Year's eve, the Mayor spoke of Allentown's 250th anniversary, it's a history for which he has limited knowledge and less appreciation. As a student of Allentown's architecture and past, I was offended to hear him and the other mayors boast about the 40 temporary demolition jobs. The wrecking contractor was astute enough to remove the monumental and historic Knerr facade ornamentation, before knocking the building down. He will sell it in some other city, where history is respected and valued.
For those of you who also appreciate our history, please consider joining me this Tuesday evening, February 7th, at 7:00pm in the Library's lower level. We are attempting to preserve the irreplaceable, WPA iconic stone structures throughout the park system.

photo of mayors/The Morning Call/Donna Fisher

photo of facade from former Knerr Building: molovinsky