Treasures Lost On Hamilton Street

                                                   click photograph to enlarge

The merchants who built Hamilton Street counted on architecture to attract shoppers into their emporiums. Large neon signs wouldn't appear for another fifty years. The soffit and fascia shown above, halfway between 7th and 8th on Hamilton, is one of the most elaborate facades in Allentown. One thing you can say about Allentown City Hall, they never let culture, art, or history get into the way of their plans. As successful cities come to value and profit from their history more and more, Allentown keeps using the standard catalog of proven failures. I know from other projects on Hamilton Street that Pawlowski isn't big on history. The Cityline Building in the 800 Block was permitted to stucco over beautiful brickwork. Sad that the puppies, who are directors at the Art Museum and Historical Society, remain silent on the planned destruction. It's hard to describe the magnificence of the skylight shown below, also in the targeted block. It's very large in three sections, in pristine condition. Should be quite a snack for Pawlowski's bulldozer.
The bulldozer prevailed, and the former architectural treasures of our mercantile history were not preserved, save for this blog's archives. Above is reprinted from May 2011

ADDENDUM:   This past weekend, a member of Old Allentown Preservation Association, and an active local Democrat, bragged on facebook about how he had recycled an old second floor office door from the demolished buildings in the arena zone. In truth, Old Allentown also turned a self serving, callous eye to the destruction noted in the above post. Although I'm glad the door was recycled, allow this post to note the irony and hypocrisy of the Association.

reprinted from January of 2015


UPDATE NOVEMBER 16, 2017: Although there's always some group bestowing some award on any new development, the Allentown NIZ is certainly no architectural destination.  Although I've taken hundreds of photographs in Allentown, including the ones shown here,  I have yet to buy film for any new building in the NIZ.

An American Prism

American women are rightly beaming from this past election. We have seen dozens of pictures of the new congresswomen together, including Susan Wild, from our new 7th District.

We, as Americans, all have our own prisms.  The prisms, among other variables, are gender, race and ethnicity. Americans of Jewish and Arab backgrounds will see the middle east through different prisms. .

Among the new women in congress is Rashida Tlaib, from Detroit, Michigan. Tlaib has received national publicity for her statement about impeaching Donald Trump.  That statement doesn't faze me... it is a sentiment shared by many women, and men. Ms. Tlaib believes in a one state solution for Palestine... That means no Israel.  That statement does bother me, greatly.

It is my hope that Ms. Wild, in her enthusiasm for the blue women's wave,  realizes that Israel should be an issue which sharply separates her from the Michigan representative.  Rashida Tlaib is of Palestinian descent, and her focused support for a Palestinian state, alongside of Israel, would be fully understood.  However, I hope that Susan Wild appreciates that an advocate for Israel's dismantling can be no partner.

Closing The Monument Building

One morning in early July of 2008, code enforcement descended upon the Monument Building like a swat team. Every officer, in every department in the city entered the building at the same time, and spread out looking for every possible violation. Under the previous owner, the same conditions, with the same tenants, were lauded as a rebirth. Whatever motivated Pawlowski to pull the plug on the new owner, the tenants were lightweights, of no consequence. At that time myself and few other malcontents, like Lou Hershman, would gather very early in the morning for coffee at Jerry's Cafe, located on the first floor. The building had begun its life as the 1st National Bank. After being closed for many years, it reopened as Corporate Center. The new buyer renamed it Monument Building. 

645 Hamilton Street was torn down, to be replaced by J.B. Reilly's Two City Center. Let me tell you the story of the little people, who were disposed of along the way.

The previous April,  Pawlowski wrote "I want to thank Valley Latino TV Show and Magazine for keeping the Latino community informed. Your dedicated effort shows commitment..congratulations... I wish you great success!" Along with the magazine and television studio, a graphic art designer, a festival promoter, and a security company were displaced.  The Morning Call, reporting on the violation report from the City of Allentown, described the building as unsafe. It was the same building, with the same tenants, in the same condition, as before. Unlike the city inspectors, or the paper's reporter, I was there every day for coffee at Jerry's Cafe. Jerry's was not one of the upstart businesses blessed with a grant. He had to pay for everything, and everything had to be inspected, inside out. His plans had to be approved, his electric and plumbing had to be approved, his grill and hood system had to be approved. City inspectors in and out of the building during this process included no less than plumbing, electrical and health. Although violation report issued to the building after the raid listed extension cords, it failed to note that those cords were attached to a movable lighting grid for the Latino Television production studio, and were cords by design. Although the city citation report cited unlicensed businesses, it omitted the fact that the lower level was occupied by Sassi, which performs drug testing for the Lehigh County, and the city's action caused Melendez Reality and Madison Mortgage, among others,  to vacate.

I don't know if Pawlowski will teach government in prison, but Molovinsky University will teach how Pawlowski abused Allentown.

photocredit:molovinsky

Let It Go About Pawlowski

Yesterday, two people on the opposite end of the political spectrum both wrote,"Let it go" in regard to the news that Pawlowski wants to teach a class on government in prison. Both people, for their own different reasons, wants to move on pass Pawlowski. The reason I don't let it go, isn't because of the charges for which he was convicted. Those charges will be even scrutinized more by his appeal.

What concerns me about Pawlowski is all the things which were not part of the trial. I'm referring to the political bullying that he employed on regular basis. I'm referring to the unnecessary positions he created, the ordinances passed, and the purchases made. I believe that there were a substantial number of people who breathed a huge sigh of relief that their inaction with Pawlowski was not included in the trial.

Although, I have no intention of turning my contention into an obsession, I do push back when people say, let it go. He is still very much part of Allentown government, and to pretend otherwise, is a  mistake.   Pawlowski shouldn't be teaching a course,  but there should be a course about him.*

*There actually is, and you're taking here,  online.

Prison Professor Pawlowski

WFMZ reported on Lisa Pawlowski's tweet, that Ed Pawlowski has drawn up a curriculum to teach a class on Understanding Government, at his prison in Danbury, Conn.  My first reaction to the story was to wonder if it would deal with understanding what is honest government, rather than shaking down contractors for campaign contributions?  Putting aside those obvious wisecracks, the next question is why would WFMZ report on Lisa's proclamations? She is the woman who proclaimed his innocence, even as they took him away in handcuffs.  I suppose that she might proclaim his innocence so adamantly, because she was so involved with his governing.

I doubt that the prison system will approve such a stunt by a convicted elected official. While the Morning Call is never shy about adopting a story,  they seemed to pass on this piece of public relations by Lisa.

photocredit:WFMZ
ADDENDUM: The Morning Call did pick up this story after all, this morning at 6:00am, two hours after it appeared here. (and a day after WFMZ)
UPDATE 10:19AM:  The Morning Call has withdrawn the story.

McHistory In The Lehigh Valley

Readers of this blog know that I'm upset about what little value history is given in this community.  Yesterday's Morning Call story on the Lehigh Valley Trust Bank building goes a step farther, and significantly alters the story of an important structure.  After reading the Morning Call article, one would think that the bank closed,  Abe Atiyeh purchased it and then sold it to the Jaindls,  who are now opening an event center after restoration.  The real story is so different,  I can only conclude that this current article was only meant as another NIZ promotion, not a serious background of the building.

When the building was purchased by Seigfried Braun, unmentioned in the article,  it had been modernized.  He and his family spend years and most of their assets lovingly restoring it.  The famed skylight and other adornments were covered over decades earlier, by a massive new lowered ceiling.  What you see now is the fruit of his labor. Restoring the skylight alone took over a year.  In addition to that bank,  he also purchased the Dime Bank and the Elks Club.  The Dime Bank has now been incorporated into the new Renaissance Hotel.  The Elks Club was demolished to make way for J.B. Reilly's aborted massive Two Towers project.

Unfortunately, illness forced Mr. Braun to quickly sell these significant structures for pennies on the dollar, to Abe Atiyeh.  We should thank Braun for saving these magnificent structures.  Although, I like to think that my local political opinions have merit,  my better calling is to defend and advocate for local historical structures, when I have the needed endurance.  Meanwhile, I use this blog to present local history, and occasionally point out misconceptions about it.

reprinted from January 7, 2017

molovinsky on allentown is published early morning every weekday.

The Sign Of Hypocrisy

Very early this morning I was amused by the article in The Morning Call speaking of something new coming to downtown Allentown, a electronic billboard. I thought I had put the soon to be demolished Monument Building to rest, but now it features in yet another story of Allentown's double standards. Before the Mayor forced the owner to lock the doors, he had installed the exact type of new billboard coming to Allentown. I apparently was not the only one shaking my head over this story. Before 7:00AM I received the following comment.

  In regards to the future digital billboards: The sad part is that a business man had this same idea and placed a beautiful sign on the side of the 645 Hamilton Street building only to have ut turned off due to City politics.. Everything that is being thought of as new and innovative was proposed and DONE by individuals 6-10 years ago who took it "upon themselves" to make Allentown a better City. Unfortunately, we received no support so many have left or became apathetic... SMH Alfonso Todd

There is actually a proud tradition of signs in center square.  For many years during the golden era a large illuminated Neuweiler Beer sign stood atop the Whelan Drugstore, on the northwest corner.  Back to the hapless Monument owner and his innovative sign.  The sign was up for a number of months and being tolerated by the city, until one faithful day.  As a favor to the coffee shop owner,  the sign company programmed an ad for Lou Hershman running for office, just as Mayor Pawlowski was walking down the street.  The Mayor blew his fuse, and the sign shortly thereafter, when the city threw every sign law on the book at the owner.

 The billboard is actually still mounted to the building, as a testament to this hypocrisy.   Is it the same billboard firm now hired by the city to place billboards on certain streets, including N. 7th?

photocredit:molovinsky

reprinted from August of 2012 

ADDENDUM JANUARY 1, 2019: I'm reprinting this post about the electronic billboard to address a Pawlowski myth. His supporters think that his only misdeed was innocently mixing together some contribution campaigning with some city contracts. In reality, since his first term, he abused his power as mayor. Although the Morning Call never reported these abuses, I was there, and knew some of the victims.

Allentown's Apartment Myths

Recently, an antagonist erroneously wrote on facebook that I hate Allentown, and that I profit from chopped up houses.

People often attribute Allentown's problems to center city houses being converted into apartments, as if this occurred recently. Many will be surprised to know that almost all the converted apartments existed for over 60 years. When the GI's returned from WW2, the trend was for small single family houses with small lawns, i.e. Levittowns. Most conversion of the row houses took place in the late 40's and early 50's, and more less stopped by the early 60's.  Because of them, Hamilton Street remained viable for twenty years beyond the main street in Bethlehem, Easton and Reading. Allentown was chosen during this era as the All American City. During those 50 years, 1940 to 1990, nobody complained about the apartments or the tenants.

What has changed is the demographics, so there is at best a classist, or at worst, a racist element to the current complaints about center city apartments.

The existing converted houses are not going away, unless Allentown wants to compensate the owners for their property rights. What can only be contemplated, at this point, is the future consequences of new housing, in both converted industrial buildings, and new apartment buildings in the NIZ.  Is Allentown helping itself, in the long run, by creating additional housing stock?

Shown above is the converted mansion from the Mary Tyler Moore Show.  Mary lived on the second floor, while her friend Rhoda had the third floor apartment.

molovinsky on allentown is published early morning every weekday.

Double Down(Towns)

People often speculate as to why Bethlehem now is a destination, while, too often, Allentown is considered a place to avoid. The long answer will not fit within this short post, but here may be a few reasons. Bethlehem had two downtowns, on both sides of the river. While downtown Allentown certainly was the premier shopping area for the Lehigh Valley prior to the malls, it may have become a victim to over-planning. In the late 60's, early 70's, Allentown attempted to compete with the suburban malls by building a canopy on Hamilton Street. The viability of Hamilton Street was extended for a few years, but the magnetism of Hess's could well have been the reason. Bethlehem also built a pedestrian mall on Broad Street, but the historical quaintness of Main Street remained. Although the commerce in its southside business district languished, the architecture remained. By the time Allentown removed the canopies in the late 90's, the architecture of its buildings had long been bisected and altered. As historical became chic, Bethlehem profited from having done less in the past.

Its southside business district is a time capsule, architecturally unchanged since the turn of the last century. It now is becoming a mix of boutiques and bistros in a fashionable historic setting. Last, but not least, Bethlehem benefited from consistency of developmental leadership. While Allentown has had a succession of Economic Directors, Tony Hanna, with benefit of his institutional memory, has led Bethlehem for many years.

Shown at the top is pop up photo matches from the 1930's, promoting Julian Goldman's Fine Clothes For The Family on the South Side, East Third Street. Also shown is Tony Hanna, along side of the former Goodman Furniture Store.

above reprinted from July of 2012

ADDENDUM DECEMBER 28, 2018: Allentown lost most its historical mercantile district with the arena, and new NIZ office towers. They are without architectural merit.

Stacking The Deck

When Donny Cunningham appointed Ed Pawlowski to the Lehigh Valley Airport Authority, he stacked the deck against Queen City Airport. Pawlowski has advocated selling Queen City for development since before he was mayor. The fact that this city needs no more commercial or residential space is lost on him. South Mall, once home to three large department stores, now has one. The property has underperformed for decades. Needless to say, the last thing the school district needs is more housing and students. The distance between Queen City and Lehigh Valley Airport provides a safety margin between commercial planes and small aircraft. The Airport Authority is a case-study in poor decision making. They took land for runway expansion they never used, now owing the original owners ten times the price in penalty and interest. (LVIA is under court order to pay $26million) They expanded their departure terminal to a size they never needed. They constantly remodel the under used facility. They fired their director with no succession plans in place. Cunningham appointing Pawlowski, with a predetermined agenda, is the last person that board needed.
In an article today in The Morning Call, it states that the sale and development of Queen City could create "thousands of jobs." That is ridiculous.

above reprinted from December of 2011

ADDENDUM: Since I printed the above post in 2011, Queen City managed to stay on as an auxiliary airport. With the demise of Bon-Ton, things have only gotten worse for South Mall. LVIA continues to make unnecessary improvements, and there are still painfully few destinations on their departure board.  Ed Pawlowski is now residing at a federal detention center in Connecticut.

The Cheesesteak Reality

The photo and caption above is from the Morning Call.  I did not read the story.  I saw the meme on facebook, where I also did not read the post or comments.  Only the native Allentonian nostalgia types ponder which institution has better cheesesteaks.  Before Vince's, the spot was outfitted for Tony Luke's,  a Philadelphia cheesesteak king.  The successive failures aren't related to the  cheesesteaks, but to the changing demographics.  Cheesesteaks aren't a staple in Puerto Rico.  Cheesesteaks are not a staple to the younger office workers, who can't get out of Dodge fast enough,  come five o'clock.

We aging dinosaurs remember when Hamilton Street was the place, and Brass Rail cheesesteaks were king.  The demand was so great, that the establishment, in addition to the dining room, had walkup spots in both front and back.  That business wisely moved its operation out of center city to Lehigh Street.

Until which time the newspaper understands that it is cheesy to write about the sandwich, and ignore the demographic realities,  this blog will continue to serve the truth, both here and to take out.

A Snowy Morning In Jerusalem

Snow is a rare occurrence in Jerusalem, but on January 10th (2013) it snowed 6 inches, the biggest storm since 1992.  Although this blog concentrates on local political commentary, I do indulge in a few distractions. Among those are local history, boxing from the Joe Louis era, and stories from the Holy Land.  With all topics, the quality of the visual image presented here is paramount to me.

reprinted from February of 2013

The Resignation Of James Mattis

Jim Mattis was a hybrid general...part Mad Dog, part intellectual. Between his military retirement  and his appointment as Defense Secretary,  he was the Annenberg Fellow at the Sanford's Hoover think tank. He was equally at home reading Paul Linebarger's classic 1948 Psychological Warfare, or sleeping in a foxhole in Afghanistan.  As Commander of the Joint Forces, and then NATO,  his commitment to allies was bedrock.  When Donald Trump announced our withdrawal from Syria,  Mattis could no longer in good conscience serve as our 26th Secretary of Defense.

That decision by Trump also cost us the service of Brett McGurk, who was the leading envoy in the war against ISIS.  It is my hope that John Bolton remains as National Security Advisor, and that Mike Pompeo stays on as Secretary of State.  The country needs Trump receiving good advice, even if he fails to listen.


Mattis arriving in Afghanistan in 2001 to take command

A Family Story

This post is unusually personal for this blog.  My grandfather came to Allentown from Russian Lithuania  in 1891.  In the next few years he was joined by his parents, and five siblings.   The family settled on 2nd Street, along with many other Jewish immigrants of that period.  He worked in various jobs, including a cigar factory, until he could establish himself as a butcher, as in the old country.  Because we were here for over a hundred years,  I consider myself somewhat of a local historian.

As a boy growing up in Little Lehigh Manor, on the ridge above Lehigh Parkway, I explored the WPA structures when they were still comparatively new.  Because of that background, I was able to uncover the Boat Landing, and advocate for our  traditional park system.  One of my father's uncles worked for the park system, caring for Lehigh Parkway.

What brought me to this post is my great grandmother's tombstone in Fountain Hill, which I recently visited.  She is buried in an old Jewish cemetery that is no longer in use. Although, her tombstone is very old, it replaced an even older one , that then laid behind the former Wentz's tombstone factory at 20th and Hamilton, for many decades.  I am the last Molovinsky in Allentown.

photo taken behind Wentz's before recent demolition of that facility.

reprinted from December of 2016

Leaving Syria

The Kurds are a stateless ethnic minority that live in parts of Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey. They had provided the only security afforded to Christians and other minorities in Iraq.  They have been on the front line fighting against our common enemies in both Iraq and Syria. 

Kurdish forces in Syria are considered a nationalistic threat by Turkey, which has announced intentions to attack them. Donald Trump's announcement to withdraw ground forces from Syria seems to clear the way for such actions.

The Kurds once again will be left to their own devices for survival. If we have returned any favor for their help against Isis, it is not apparent.

Likewise, Israel will be defending against Iran in Syria by itself. With John Bolton being part of the administration, I had hopes for more engaged resolve.

ADDENDUM:  Removing ground troops from Syria will not be unwelcome by most of Allentown's Syrian American population.  Assad's father provided protection to the Christian minority,  which comprised a wave of immigrants to Allentown's 6th Ward in the early part of last century.

pictured above Kurdish female fighters

Grassroots Politics In Allentown

If you're a student of grassroots politics in Allentown, chances are that you know Robert Trotner. This political and community activist has been encouraging political newcomers for a number of years, through both an internet radio show and coffee house gatherings. His recent meetings at the Coffee House Without Limits has attracted new candidates for mayor, city council and the school board. While their names are mostly new to the general public, all of them are involved in the process already, attending meetings and studying Allentown's problems.

I have been a supporter of local outsider politics for decades. These are the people you see at the meetings, week after week. They are the ones that fight the battle for everyone else.  They are the ones who speak out for the many who remain silent.  While a few get elected and become mainstream, most remain unelected, and unrecognized for their commitment.  Reporting their accomplishments has always been an honor for this blog.

Shown sitting with Trotner is City Council candidate Jessica Lee Ortiz and School Board candidate Phoebe Harris.

reprinted from February of 2017

ADDENDUM DECEMBER 19, 2018: Robert Trotner has been taking quite a beating over at Bernie O'Hare's blog.  The assault was started by O'Hare in a comment section, and his anonymous commenters joined in, kicking Robert while he's down. Among other things, O'Hare wrote... "He has done nothing for the cause of good government"  Among the many of us who might disagree with that assessment is Phoebe Harris, who is now president of the Allentown Dems.  Robert provided numerous venues for her and others interested in participating in Allentown government.  The old saying about no good deed goes unpunished certainly applies to Robert.  I hope that the beatings over at O'Hare's does not discourage Trotner, and others, from their grassroots activities.

As On Allentown Turns

Over the weekend I was sparring on facebook with a NIZ cheerleader who contended that he did all his shopping in center city, patronizing the local businesses. I know what businesses are there, knew his assertion was nonsense, and told him so. Another antagonist popped up and commented, the writer if you read any of his blog truly hates Allentown he never has anything nice to say about it. Although,  that also isn't true, let me reply. I bill molovinsky on allentown as the junction of local history and politics. The historical posts don't have an attitude, and the politics for the last decade are nothing to brag about. Needless to say, if I hated Allentown, I would have moved out of the area long ago. I would not have run for local office, nor would I write about it almost daily. That said, those looking for only nice sentiments should buy greeting cards, not read blogs. If you insist on rose colored glasses, stick with just reading the Morning Call.  If you want to read how some politicians can walk on water, while others are deemed snakes in the grass,  there's another local blog which is better suited to you.

Although, I can be as delusional about my life as the next person,  I try and keep this blog in check with reality.  Likewise,  by not allowing anonymous comments, I try to enhance the blog's accountability.

My post yesterday about O'Connell's budget found very few in agreement.  Although my statement about a profile in courage especially rubbed some the wrong way,  not too many politicians would be willing to face the voter's wrath to maintain the current level of city service. Because of my restricted comment policy, many people wrongly equate a lower number of comments with lower readership. I've been told by numerous elected officials that they read the blog, while they don't find it complimentary, they find it fair... for me that is feedback enough.

photocredit: The Morning Call

O'Connell Goes To the Mat

On Saturday night, while most of us were sleeping, Ray O'Connell was going to the mat with Allentown City Council. Ray implemented his proposed budget by vetoing council's reduced alternative version, leaving council no time to enact an override.

Frankly, I was somewhat surprised when I learned the news early Sunday morning. I expected that O'Connell would allow council to prevail, providing everybody a little political cover. After the vote O'Connell told the Morning Call's Emily Opilo...

“I feel in my heart and in my head that what I did was financially responsible for the city of Allentown and its residents,” he said. “If this comes back to bite me and I don’t get re-elected, so be it. I will fight for the residents of Allentown.”

In reality, the alternative budgets treated the taxpayers about the same. O'Connell's budget will increase taxes 27%, while council's version shaved that down to 22%.

If O'Connell survives the next Democratic primary his action Saturday night was a profile in courage. You can bet on the fact that his tax increase will be his opponents' campaign theme.

Morning Call file photo


ADDENDUM: Only after I publish a blog post, do I scout around the main and alternative media to see how others may have treated the same topic. O'Connell's budget certainly will be ammunition for his opponents, and those already supporting them. I do not believe that the budget system or charter needs fixing. That charge is always levied when people are unhappy with a result. On the contrary, a budget going down to the wire, or any decision using every charter redress, demonstrates that the system is working.

The Misconception Of Hamilton Street

There's not many mid size cities that can boast having two national chain stores within one center city block, Allentown could. Not too many cities could say that one of those stores was one of the biggest producers in a chain of over 7000 stores, Allentown could. There's not many cities that are ignorant enough to tear down their most successful block, a virtual tax machine, Allentown is. This horrible mistake took a combination of political arrogance and public misconception. The arrogance is well known, so let me concentrate on the misconception. The perception was a few undesirable people, buying cheap things. The reality is Family Dollar sells the same merchandise in their suburban and rural stores. Rite Aid fills the same prescriptions and sells their standard merchandise. The new upscale stores, visioned for the arena front, will never produce the sales tax produced by Family Dollar and Rite Aid. The arena will never have that amount of employees, nor produce that much earned income.* The traffic congestion and lack of parking for arena events will destroy the new restaurants. Welcome to the white elephant, welcome to the ghost town.
Shown above and below is the early morning delivery to Family Dollar, every week of the year.
*sales tax and earned income currently going to city and state will now go to debt service for arena
reprinted from December 5, 2011

ADDENDUM: While The Morning Call promotes Allentown's new NIZ zone, only this blogger documented the reality of the former Hamilton Street. While the Moravian Book Store could have been restocked from a small hand basket once a month, the previous Family Dollar Store needed a full tractor trailer every Sunday.  Retail is virtually destroyed on Hamilton Street. Over seven years later, and the Morning Call is still deceiving about Hamilton Street, and this blog is still delivering the truth.

Fisherman Robbed By Fit Man At Jordan Park

While Mayor Pawlowski and his compliant park director brag about catalog equipment which won't last 3 years, a fisherman was thrown to the ground and robbed at gunpoint early Thursday morning in Jordan Park. While the Allentown Police are too short manned to properly patrol our existing parks, Mayor Pawlowski and his compliant park director are seeking a grant to develop another park, at the former incinerator plant near Basin Street. Who is going to maintain an additional park after the grant runs out in year one? Who is going to provide safety at such an out of the way place? It's time for our park director, Linday Taylor, to seek the counsel of people familiar with Allentown and the parks. For her information, that would not include Ed Pawlowski.

I'm sure that Ms. Taylor saw a recent letter to the paper criticizing the grow zones along our park creeks.  She should realize that the next mayor will most likely have more familiarity with the traditional park system, which does not include weed zones, that block both access and view of the streams.  Allentown parks were created along the streams to add to the park experience, not to be a science experiment for the Wildlands Conservancy.  Although the mayor may praise the new park signs, even they are symbolic of the new superficiality,  which is not appreciated by most Allentonians.  Ms. Taylor would do well to realize that soon  there will be a new mayor, with an appreciation of Allentown's iconic park system.  By that criterion, there will be a lot to mow and repair.

reprinted from June of 2016

ADDENDUM: Since publishing this piece in 2016,  both  Ed Pawlowski and Lindsay Taylor are gone.  While park icons were left to crumble,  we purchased and installed the outdoor prison yard exercise equipment shown above.  Although, it makes the released gang members feel at home in Allentown,  it wasted our scarce park dollars.

The Improprieties Of Ed Pawlowski

Although, Pawlowski was convicted on 47 counts, over the years there were other shenanigans not included in the trial.  Someone recently asked if the city owned any surplus property that could be sold to avoid a tax increase? What comes to mind are the two parcels purchased for the park system.

The Basin Street parcel is in the heart of Allentown's old industrial zone.  I venture to say that most new residents would be hard pressed to find it.  Furthermore,  there are no residences anywhere close to it,  which would benefit from it.  Prior to the city's purchase, there was no market for the land, what- so- ever.

The western parcel,  last used forty years ago by a fertilizer and rendering plant, is in a flood plain and was for sale for decades, also with no interest.

Although, the city could not realize anywhere near what they paid, these two parcels should be sold.  The park department is a case study in deferred maintenance.  The last thing it needs is more park land to maintain. Although, I have been deferential to the new mayor and park director compared to my previous park advocacy, it's time to resume the mission, without such restraint. The city has pursued some grants toward ill advised park plans, and I would rather the city forego the grants, than contribute more to venues it doesn't need.

part of Basin Street parcel shown above

The Political Backside Of Allentown's Budget

It appears that Allentown City Council has produced a compromise budget that Mayor O'Connell can live with...It requires no pink slips. Although, a few proposed jobs will not be funded, and overtime allowances may be a little less than realistic, I expect O'Connell to allow council's budget to go into effect.

While both the mayor and council can claim a victory, there will be no such crowing from the taxpayers. However, the taxpayers already lost last November, when they reelected someone who had his eye on anywhere but Allentown. Pawlowski wanted to ride the NIZ's paper success out of town to a bigger job. When Harrisburg seemed a lost cause, he steered his election bus toward Washington. No tax hike was just another slogan for his political ambitions, but not a sound fiscal policy for the city.

Disclaimer: I did not attend the special session last night, or speak to any elected official. On this point I prefer not speaking directly to our officials. This way when I encounter them in public, they seem less betrayed by this blog's candor.

picture postcard of Allentown's new City Hall in 1962

What's Love Got To Do With It

I suppose that some of my readers were surprised when I congratulated Susan Wild on being our new representative in congress.  Although, I didn't make any endorsement prior to the election, most readers realize that I cant to the right.  However,  I had some issues with Nothstein,  and generally prefer not to make endorsements.

Last week, Wild expressed potential opposition against the proposed new trade pact with Canada and Mexico.  Seems that she went with those members of her party supposedly upset that the new trade treaty may not end up addressing gay and lesbian issues. USMCA’s Chapter 23 on labor requires countries to implement policies that protect workers against employment discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity.  There are conservatives senators who feel that such social policy need not be included with international trade agreements.

Now, I'm certainly for respecting the rights of our workers here at home, but I'm also for protecting the rights of all our citizens to have the best possible economy. I'm hoping that Representative Wild will not base her important votes on single issues.

Pawlowski's Coal To O'Connell

Pawlowski, on his way to prison, gave Ray O'Connell a lump of coal for Christmas.  While the former Mayor For Life's exit to the big house made Ray mayor, it also injured him with a necessary tax hike. Pawlowski put his political career ahead of good government by not raising taxes, and instead drained the city reserve fund.  While ten years of a 2% hike would have been politically palatable,  O'Connell must now ask for 27% to keep the city operating.

This same legacy destroyed a county executive years ago... A huge tax hike is a huge present to your political opponents. While City Council has the option of allowing the budget to pass by default with little political consequence to themselves,  O'Connell will shoulder the voter's wrath.  If the proposed budget goes into effect as is,  Ray's reelection bid could be an uphill struggle.

ADDENDUM: City Council has scheduled a special meeting for Monday December 10.  This presents an opportunity for the budget and tax hike to be scaled back.

Defending The Wall

The Western Wall was built in 19 BC by Herod the Great, almost 600 years before the birth of Mohammed. Herod built the current wall to expand the Mount of the Second Temple, built in 516 BC, after the Jews returned from the Babylonian Exile. The Second Temple would stand until destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Over 600 year later, in 691 AD, Muslims would build the Dome of The Rock, on top of the Mount where the Temple had stood. Today, there are 17 stone courses of the wall below the current street level. Although Jews have been praying at the Wall for over a thousand years, last week the Palestinian Authority issued a report stating that the wall is not Jewish, but part of the Dome. This report, although contradicted by Bible, history, archeology and even photography, is never the less disturbing; It plants another seed of revisionism against the history of the Jewish people. Recently, UNESCO declared that Rachel's Tomb is actually a Mosque, ignoring the thousands of years of Jewish reverence.

photograph shows Jews praying at The Wall in 1895

reprinted from November of 2010

Blogging And Friendship

I set off Bernie O'Hare's hostility on Monday by stating that all too often your loyalty to your "friends" guides your pen. Although, it is apparent to his readers how he fawns over some politicians, he prefers to think that he's fooling people.  He lashed out by writing that my criticism of a black official proves that I operate a hate blog. When I pointed out that someone should be able to criticize a black public official without being labeled a racist, he deleted my comment, and stated that he is not going to host a defense of my racism. Accusations of racism seems to be his latest weapon of choice against  his critics. This skirmish took place on O'Hare's post about Bill White retiring, and there is a tie-in...In his hostile reply comment, Bernie wrote that he and Bill White were not friends. That may not tell the whole story. In a column in February of 2008, Bill White described himself as a fan of Bernie's blog. Also on Monday, Bernie called White a bastard for including him in his Hall Of Fame. Again, in both cases, I happen to know that Bernie appreciated that the exposure increased his readership.

The Bill White column from 2008 was about Bernie starting to notice Pawlowski's abuses of power. When White asked Pawlowski for a reply...

The mayor noted that O'Hare has become friendly with Michael Molovinsky, a former mayoral candidate and persistently outspoken critic of the administration. Molovinsky's own blog is virulently anti-Pawlowski.

Actually, White's take on my blog is aligned with O'Hare's apparent philosophy...friendship or enemy first, then the story. Maybe that's why they're friends, despite their disclaimers.

I didn't dislike Pawlowski, just some aspects of his governing. This blog isn't based on people's personality or friendships. Likewise, this blog isn't influenced by political correctness, or political party.  All I ever want is the best possible government for Allentown.

Bill White And Donald Trump

Like blogger Bernie O'Hare,  I wanted to post about Bill White's departure yesterday.  However,  it is my format to place one post a day, and last night there was a city budget hearing.  As a supporter of the traditional park system,  I felt compelled to advocate, in a timely fashion, for a particular item in the park budget. Although, I also had prepared a post about Bill White,  I abandon it now, to instead address a line in O'Hare's post....Some of you, especially those among you who are Trump supporters, will trash White because he detested the guy...

I think that O'Hare and many others are so polarized about Trump, that they assume the same level of emotional intensity must reside in everybody.  On facebook people write that if you don't despise Trump,  unfriend me...  You're either with me on this or against me. I'm actually surprised that both O'Hare and White, as political pundits, are so animated about Trump. Many of us, while not supporters, are much more dispassionate about him. When I playfully posted a picture of myself in front of a Trump poster and wrote,  Make Allentown Great Again,  although it wasn't meant as an endorsement of Trump, but of Allentown,  I lost some readers.

The Trump divide has been very detrimental to both journalism and personal relationships. Donald Trump probably will be president for at least two more years.  After his term, the country goes on, and  hopefully some objectivity and civility will be restored.

Keystone Of The Parkway

When the wall along the entrance road to Lehigh Parkway collapsed, the entrance had to be closed, until they could construct a new wall. The closure wasn't because of the missing upper portion acting as a guard rail, it was because of the lower portion, which was a retaining wall holding up the roadway itself. In the mid 1930's, the road was built by the WPA, by cutting into the side of a steep ravine leading down to the Little Lehigh Creek. It was essential to shore up the exposed side of the road with a wall.

Halfway down the road is the centerpiece we call the Double Stairway. Steps from two sides lead down from the road, to the bridle path and creek below. Although very architectural, it too is an elaborate retaining structure for the road. This architectural masterpiece is in structure jeopardy. Although the vertical walls are in decent shape, the problem is the landings, both at the top and down each set of stairs. These flats surfaces have degraded, and water is seeping down into the steps below, undermining the structure from within.

The Double Stairway was designed in 1928 by one of the leading landscape architects in the United States. He was commissioned to design this masterpiece by General Harry Trexler. The stock crash of 1929 and the Great Depression put off the construction until Roosevelt's New Deal in 1935, when the WPA utilized the blueprints.

Allentown could never afford to create such an icon now, nor can we afford to lose it from neglect.

photocredit:molovinsky

The Wagon Trail

Most of Lehigh Parkway lies in a deep ravine. The slope up to Lehigh Parkway South, across the creek from Robin Hood, is very steep, about 60 degrees. Unknown to many people, there is a diagonal trail on part of the slope, which comes out halfway up the hill behind the Stone and Log House.

We kids, who grew up in the Parkway, called it the Wagon Trail. I believe it was part of the Kemmerer Farm (Stone and Log House), which dates back to the late 1770's. In the 1950's, the foundation of a small kiln was still visible on the trail. The subsequent years had not been kind to the old trail,  and it is no longer maintained by the Park Department. About halfway between it's entrance and exit on the hill, the trail has been blocked by a large fallen tree. People had dumped debris on the trail, and it remained there for years.

In April of 2010, I organized a cleanup.  The park director at the time cooperated on the project. I agreed that no power tools would be used, and he arranged for the city to pick up the rubbish.

It is my hope that the new administration will realize that our parks are more than just space to cram more recreational gimmicks.  They are steeped in history, and places where children can explore.

Our History Discarded

One of General Trexler's first land donations to the City of Allentown was some acreage along the Little Lehigh. He wanted to make sure that the quality of the water supply for the city was protected. The above photograph shows one of first things built in Lehigh Parkway. Please note that the retaining walls on the park entrance road have not yet been built. On the previous post Anon 8:49 PM asks;
Has the City showed you the complete inventory and locations of all the WPA sites?
Not to sound too presumptuous, but I believe the current Administration is learning about the WPA sites from this blog, starting with Stairway To Shame. (Stairway To Shame compiled from two posts written in Sept. 2008) The photo shows the spring pond and ornamental bridge. Although water still comes from the spring pipe, residents today would have a hard time locating this image, although it's in a very prominent place.







The spring pond has been allowed to become overgrown, but the stones lining the pond are for the most part still there, buried under a few inches of dirt and tall grass.

Likewise the bridge is intact, but obscured by high grass. Now, I'm not a fan of the low mowing, high mowing and riparian buffer zones. Giving the advocates of those programs the benefit of the doubt, there can be no justification, whatsoever, for letting our historic treasures be overgrown and buried. The spring pond and bridge is right next to the parking lot in Robin Hood, the City now calls it Hole Number One of the Disc Golf Course. Hopefully the City will have enough consideration for General Trexler to weedwack the bridge, so that a father and his children can have a moment like the one shown at the top of this post.


reprinted from October of 2009 

ADDENDUM NOVEMBER29,2018: Within two years, I prevailed upon Mike Gilbert, former manager of the park's water shed division, to clear the remaining stones and miniature bridge. Friends Of The Parks, under Karen El-Chaar, would clear it again a few years later.

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.

above reprinted from February of 2012


ADDENDUM November28,2018: Although, I wrote the above post over 6 years ago, I'm afraid not much has happen about reprioritizing the park budget to save the WPA structures. The city just announced its on-going grant effort to build a $million dollar skate park. While the city and park department concentrate on adding another new facility, our existing ones languish away from lack of maintenance. The landings on the double stairway shown above are starting to cave in. Unless they are repaired in short order, the entire structure is in jeopardy.

photocredit:molovinsky

LVHN Doctors To Reilly's Wallet

If you're in the hospital, you would like to think that the head honcho for your malady, the chief of staff, is near by. Well, he or she is not, instead they're above the arena entrance, in Reilly's portion of the building. Floors 6 through 9 of the PPL Center is the official address for the LVHN administrators, and chiefs of staff. This maneuver allows J.B. Reilly to harvest the state income taxes from the highest paid employees of the hospital. Although this is a ruse to funnel even more money Reilly's way, I only hope that these doctors do in fact spend their time at the hospital, and not above the arena.

The owners of the PPL Plaza office building, now occupied by Talen Energy, have filed a federal lawsuit. They claim that the NIZ makes the playing field so uneven, that the NIZ is unconstitutional. Although I'll defer opinion on the constitutionality issue, it certainly can spawn corruption. It appears that the NIZ is so lucrative, that it can even subvert the integrity of a large tax-free, such as LVHN.

Pennsylvania is not beyond misconduct. Although, I have exposed many shenanigans on this blog, today's revelation even surprised a jaded blogger like myself.

reprinted from December of 2015


ADDENDUM NOVEMBER 27, 2018:  In 2015,  after I verified that the offices existed,  I was confronted by private security and directed to leave the building.  Over the years I have broken several stories, in the condensed style as above,  that the Morning Call went on to publish without attribution.   However, this is one story they chose NOT to use, with or without attribution.

Allentown's Remarkable Failure

I find the revitalization of Allentown incredibly unexciting... It's rather unbelievable that there could be a $billion dollars of new construction, but not 10 cents worth of new vibe.

Despite Morning Call article after article, about both new office workers and more apartments, nothing has changed. Walking or driving down Hamilton Street during the week shows little sign of life. On the weekends, there is no sign of life.

By any measure other than J.B. Reilly's real estate portfolio, it is an incredible taxpayer funded failure. The only enthusiasm is from those with a vested interest.

pictured above, some former merchants of the arts walk who have come and gone.

Boxing's Giant Era

In California these days, everybody walks around with a yoga mat strapped to their back. That certainly wasn't the case in the 1930's, when heavyweight contender Lou Nova studied yoga. Nova was the World Amateur Heavyweight Champion and a proponent of clean living. He won his first twenty two fights as a professional. His promoters said he perfected the Cosmic Punch. Only 6'2", he fought in the era of giants. He handed giant Abe Simon his first defeat after thirteen victories, eleven by knockout. Nova knocked out 6'4'' Max Baer twice. The 1939 knockout is one second away, in the above photograph. Baer himself had won the championship by knocking out Primo Carnera, the Italian giant who was 6'6" and weighed 284 lbs. Baer lost the championship to the Cinderella Man, Jim Braddock. Joe Louis took the belt from Braddock and held it for twelve years, being arguably the best fighter in history. Clean living didn't serve Lou Nova so well with the notorious dirty fighter Two Ton Tony Galento. Galento almost gouged his eye out, putting him in the hospital for weeks. Nova got his shot with Louis on September 29, 1941, but fell in six. Nova would go on to act in movies and even was a write-in candidate for President of the United States. He dropped out of the campaign because his mother was afraid he would catch a cold shaking so many hands. She wasn't afraid of him being in the ring with some of the toughest men in the world.

reprinted from December of 2012

ADDENDUM NOVEMBER 17,2025: Lou Nova would find presidential politics much different now. The few Republicans willing to criticize the current administration are being vilified by the president and party. This blog currently is reporting such deflections, and providing a venue for those inclined to comment.

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.
copy reprinted from Jan. 23, 2010
photo shows Levinsky with sister/manager Lena in 1932

Have Gun Will Travel

Allentown's former police chief, Joel Fitzgerald,  has landed yet another position.  Pawlowski had chosen him after a national search.  While here, his son got a job with the county jail,  and was then arrested for pointing a gun at county detectives.  With the help of high powered Philly lawyer Jack McMahon he was acquitted, and now has sued the county for false arrest.

Papa Fitzgerald was hired, apparently with no public vetting, from Fort Worth, as the new police commissioner of Baltimore.  A former officer in Fort Worth said that Baltimore couldn't have hired a more unqualified person.

Papa now claims that he will try and bring healing to Baltimore.  Hope that he is more successful with that than he was here or in Texas.

A Blogger and Lanta

In China, bureaucrats who underperform are executed, here in the Lehigh Valley they are submitted to me. Yesterday, the public was invited to participate in the transportation study by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission; I was the public. Because Lanta is one component of the Valley's transportation, I chose to address my concerns with that organization. After being told I was off topic, since I was the extent of the public, I decided to ignore their request and continued speaking. Although, I never have revealed this before, I have a degree in communications. I challenge all readers to go the Commission's site and figure out the proper topic of yesterday's hearing. (they control $millions of your tax dollars) Not one member of the board (at least 15 people) said one word  after I spoke... So much for public participation, the $thousands of our money they spent advertising in obscure legal journals, their legal requirement was met.

reprinted from November of 2007

ADDENDUM: The meeting referenced above was covered by Dan Hartzell, Road Warrior columnist for the Morning Call at that time. Hartzell didn't write one word about my confrontation with the planners. I realized that he was dependent upon Lanta for much of the information he conveyed in his column. This isn't meant as a criticism of Hartzell, but rather the Morning Call, which still goes along to get along.

The Devil Of Ocean Paradise

The resort town's boardwalk is partially open during the cold winter months for the hardy of spirit.  The stores that remain open were purchased mostly by middle eastern immigrants, who overpaid for their piece of the American dream in the dying resort.  Their mortgage demands every nickel they can muster,  and their large families are eager to practice their broken English on the few customers willing to brave the boardwalk's cold winter wind.

All their stores sell the same things...  brightly colored candy, souvenirs and small toys designed to make children nag and beg.  Along with the stores there is a strip of game stands, where during the warm summer breezes,  fathers and boyfriends hope to win a stuffed animal.  During the winter, the steel garage doors are closed on all these stands, except for one.  The immigrants with their broken English cannot lure in players, but the Devil can.

Oversized brightly colored stuffed animals adorn the stand. Music from the 70's pulses from one loud speaker,  while the Devil commands the occasional passing man to "show her that you care by winning a bear."  Please don't misunderstand me, he is not Satan himself, but a minor devil.  He can give you a cold, or ruin a first date,  but he has no power over life and death.  Even those he afflicts can purchase redemption. Inside the stores there are chocolate wafers for sale,  covered with white candy sprinkles.  For a mere $26 a pound, the bad omen can be eaten away.

This minor devil came from Coney Island a decade ago.  Brooklyn's Brighton Beach area started gentrifying in the late 90's, and the dress up spread to adjoining Coney.  Doc, the minor devil, thrived on hearty spirits, but not heady minds.  His move to Ocean Paradise was a win-win.  While the owning immigrant gets to keep almost all the money the stand takes in,  Doc gets to dispense a headache or two each weekend.  He has a room at a nearby old motel owned by the same family, and enjoys the middle eastern food that he has eaten since time immemorial.

If you walk on the boardwalk during the winter, you better dress warm, and not be tempted to show her that you care.

photo depiction of a fictional place and character

Congratulations Congresswoman Wild

As I posted before the election, I'm not much for making endorsements. Although, I did make two recommendations, neither was for the congressional race. Considering that Susan Wild will be representing us come January for two years, I'm glad that she also won the special election to fill Dent's remaining 6 weeks... It will provide continuity for both Congresswoman Wild and the voters. 

In her special election victory she defied some local pundits, who assumed that the temporary seat in the old 15th District would remain in Republican hands. In this bloggers opinion, the dual victory seals the legitimacy of her victory, regardless of redistricting.

 Congresswoman Wild, congratulations.

photocredit:Rick Kintzel/The Morning Call

Big Boys Don't Cry

Although the Lehigh Valley didn't make Amazon's short list, Donny Cunningham delivered for the local big boys with our pitch. After the airport's parcel, now being developed by Majestic Reality, he pitched Reilly's City Center and Jaindl's waterfront. He also pitched another parcel by Jaindl out toward Macungie.

When Cunningham isn't enjoying his gig as CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, he fronts a band, also called Cunningham and Associates.

Amazon Burps America

For two years Amazon burped over 235 mayors across American to spit up more generous incentives than their competition, in order to win the vaulted second headquarters... Newark offered $7Billion.  While the mayors burped their hearts out for Mr. Bezos, in the end he divided the prize in two, but keep the whole incentives. While the winners, NYC and Arlington, will give $billions in credits and grants,  there are no guarantees, but one, from Amazon.

The one thing Amazon guarantees is the further demise of retail, and the tax base in our cities across America.

One of the factors was supposed to be cost of living for the employees. In NYC, a one bedroom apartment hovers at about $3,000, and rising, with both Amazon and Google on the horizon.

Arlington is across the Potomac from Washington, D.C.  I didn't know what to expect from the Washington Post about the decision, Amazon owner Jeff Bezos also owns the paper.  Apparently, they decided the decision gave the Post an opportunity to appear fair and balanced,  mentioning some negatives in Amazon's contest.

The Morning Call has filed a right to know in regard to the incentives Pennsylvania offered.  The state is resisting,  claiming the offer is proprietary, because of offers to future employers.  I think the taxpayers should know how good our baby politicians can burp.