Future of Allentown Parks In Jeopardy

Let me clarify that I'm referring to those aspects and features of the park system that made it famous. Let me clarify that I'm referring to those features which Harry Trexler established a trust fund to protect. 

If anybody doubts that even Trexler's wishes have been subverted, let them try and locate Mrs. Trexler's greenhouse. Although it was her pride and joy, specifically protected by the trust, years ago the trust petitioned the court it allow its removal, to accommodate a former park director.

Lately, the park department and Trust have been accommodating the Wildlands Conservancy. The agenda of the Conservancy and the traditional park system are NOT compatible. The word wildlands is not in the definition of parks, and the word parks is not in the definition of wild lands.  Under their cooperation, we have lost access to the park creeks, some WPA structures, and the future of the traditional Allentown park system.

The new Parknership is funded by both Trexler Trust and the Pool Foundation, which is the main backer of the Wildlands Conservancy.  It would be nice if the current Trexler Trustees were all descendants of the General Trexler, and shared his park values. In reality, they're all influential people, who mostly value getting along with the establishment.  Allegiance to the traditional park system no longer figures into their decision making, and hasn't for decades.

Besides for the parks, there's not much left of Allentown's former uniqueness. However, I know that there are thousands of people who share my dismay about the direction of the park system. I intend to make the new Facebook group, WPA of Allentown, a lobby for the traditional park system. There appears to be no other advocacy group for those values.

ADDENDUM: The above is rather blunt, even for this outspoken blogger. However, there is no other local venue expressing such sentiments, although many share my opinion(s) on the parks.

Bad Day For Allentown's Traditional Park System

Sunday was a rough day for Cedar Park. In cooperation with the City Park Department, dozens of eager Wildands Conservancy volunteers descended upon Cedar Park and planted dozens of trees, expanding the faux Riparian Buffer even out more from the creek. While some of the plantings took place in the most western section toward Cedar Crest Blvd., half the damage was done before the last walk bridge on the path loop. This former open space was prized by numerous dog owners, near one of the few places their pets can get a tick free drink!

The holes were dug earlier in the week by the park department. This cooperation between the department and Conservancy indicates that the department is as committed as ever to the faux buffer, aka Weed Wall. The Wildands owns hundreds of acres on South Mountain, where they could plant all the trees they want.  

I recently offended some officials by stating that the current public park input meetings are a political dog and pony show. If the city really cares about how the residents feel about the parks, they can read the Facebook group Allentown Chronicles. On the group, hundreds of residents have expressed their disgust with the weed walls.

Just Out Of View And Gone In Allentown

The photo above means a lot to me, for the things just out of view and now gone. You're at the crossing tower on Union Street, near 3th. There's another gate stopping the eastbound traffic, which has backed up toward the Jordan Creek. The same train has also blocked traffic further down the line, at Basin Street. It's the early 1950's and the tracks from the two rail lines, Lehigh Valley and Jersey Central, cross here.  At the end of Union Street you can make out my father's market, Allentown Meat Packing Company. The whole side of the building is a sign, painted directly on the brick in red and silver, Retail Meats, Wholesale Prices. You'll pass Morris Black Building Supply and The Orange Car before you get there. You'll also have to cross another set of tracks, which was the Lehigh Valley old main, before they built the Railroad Terminal over the Jordan Creek, at Hamilton Street. Our commercial past is now consigned to memory and future urban archeology.

reprinted from December of 2013

The Deep Price Of Trump's Showmanship

Trump says sometimes you have to take medicine....I wish that his Secretary of Health, Kennedy, felt the same way. 

While measles in Texas is terrible, our cutoff of food and medicine to Africa could have more dire consequences.  The first case of ebola in American could be a plane ride away.

I see partisan acquaintances defending the economy against Trump's tariffs, and his inappropriate cabinet appointments as necessary to right the ship. As they guzzle the kool-aid, I hope that they have deep pockets and a good immune systems. 

As I'm writing this. Trump announced that he is suspending the tariffs on most countries for 90 days. What the situation will be by the time you read this tomorrow, who knows? But, I can tell you that the rest of the world is not amused.

Reillyville Defended To Taxpayer's Last Dollar

Nick Miller not only took over Browne's office space in Reilly's building, but also as front man for City Center Real Estate. Also, let's not forget the Morning Call's endless promotion of Reilly's NIZ. This recent headline shown above, again forgets to mention the $Billion of diverted state tax money that went toward all the privately owned  new buildings.

Now, if I have my numbers wrong, don't blame me. The state house voted down Jarrett Coleman's proposal for a real audit. Joining the panel discussion with Miller was a City Center spokeswoman, and a merchant. Also you shouldn't blame the new reporter, he doesn't know that he's beating an old drum.

Talking of that old drum, I wonder who is still listening to it?  Someone recently told me that they were billed hundreds of dollars a month when their subscription promotion expired. Here you might also get distorted news, but at least it's free!

Homeless Moving To Allentown Rose Garden

Nat Hyman filed a legal action against the city in regard to the homeless encampment by one of his buildings. I do not find his action inappropriate.  The city then asked Hyman if he would take in some of the homeless....That request I do find inappropriate. They would not have asked Reilly to put up the homeless in a Strata building.

Years ago, Pawlowski took a local developer off the hook,  purchasing two parcels we did not need for parks. One on Basin St., and the other the old fertilizer plant on Martin Luther King. We didn't need them then and we don't need them now. 

Although I'm a self-proclaimed park expert, I must admit I have not been to the Jordan Meadows parkway along the Jordan Creek. I will refrain from opining if the park was advisable, but since we created it, we must maintain it. Comments on yesterday's post on the homeless maintain that the city has adopted a too woke attitude tolerating homelessness.  Rather than rehash that discussion, let's say that all sections of the city deserve the same treatment. Would that encampment be tolerated in the Rose Garden?

The Homeless of Allentown

Homelessness in Allentown, or any other city, is nothing new... That's why the Rescue Mission has been in business for over 100 years, and I mean in business, but more on that later. 

Before having a winter weather shelter at the Y, we used the former pool house at Fountain Park. The Salvation Army has facilities for women and children. Back during Pawlowski's reign, his wife was in charge of the homeless situation.

We always have had homeless encampments. They're usually displaced because of some commercial reason. In recent years, they were under the 8th St. Bridge, by the former incinerator plant, and now in the news, along the Jordan Creek. There have always been the lone wolf homeless. Whether in Lehigh Parkway or even by the Giant shopping center.

When the siren goes off every few years, people form committees and fork over money. About twenty years ago, the Rescue Mission was so flush that they operated an apartment house on 8th Street. When I reported that they were evicting people for non-payment of rent, my disclosure was resented. There has always been lone wolf homeless, and lone wolf bloggers.

While people are blaming current high rents, of course mental health is the long term reason for homelessness. Needless to say, I have no solution. However, I have observed that outreach workers hooking up the homeless with whatever assistance they're willing to accept, has been useful.

The Singer And The Steakhouse

Yesterday, the infamous Shula's Steakhouse singer was in district court on charges unrelated to the Arts Walk incident.  He claims that the Allentown Police have a vendetta against him.  Maybe they do,  their boss's boss is known for his vendettas.  The Hunsicker family, long associated with baseball on the south side,  made the same accusation about Pawlowski last week at city council.  But, this post is about the real crime last August by the steakhouse.

In the molovinsky on allentown hall of justice,  J.B. Reilly, Pat Browne,  Sy Traub, etc. would have been in court yesterday, not the singer.  They, and the others that are responsible for using public money to bring Shula's to the Strata Building (which is filled up no matter what Molovinsky says).  They are responsible for the vendors who got stuck holding the bag for pennies on the dollar, when Shula's went bankrupt.

Elsewhere, in the upside down NIZ world, the parolee center is closing after 35 years, so that Reilly can build his City Center Tower Number 6.  Some of the parolees will be transfered to Scranton and Wernersville, now, that shouldn't disrupt their lives.  Hey,  if you're a singer or a parolee, move along, it's Reilly Time.

above reprinted from May 25, 2016

ADDENDUM APRIL 4, 2025: For many the above post is ancient history.  But allow me to refresh your memory. Some hapless soul was arrested on the Arts Walk for singing about ten years ago. They claimed that he was degrading the atmosphere. I can't tell you what restaurant is there now, so many have come and folded. Yesterday it was announced that they were closing the Marketplace. How many poor vendors wasted their time and money there?  Don't blame the Morning Call for these NIZ failures, they never stopped promoting the scam/scheme that uses your diverted state taxes.  About the only place people ever read the truth about it was here, on this blog.

Mackenzie Breaks Ranks On Proxy Voting

Ryan Mackenzie joined eight other  Republicans supporting twelve week proxy voting for new parents. While this accommodation seems reasonable, it apparently contrasted with Trump's back to the office preference. His robot, house speaker Johnson, will now try another way to keep the bill from going to the full house. 

The bill was co-sponsored by Anna Luna R-Fla and Brittany Pettersen D-Colo.  Pettersen voted with both baby and burp cloth on her shoulder. Mackenzie was involved with new parent legislation while serving as a Pa. state rep..

While the proposal itself only pertains to those members who are new parents, it's revealing how important being in lockstep is to this administration. However, being in the company of eight other Republicans should shield Mackenzie from White House retribution.

Pettersen D-Colo voting

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 its 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.

reprinted from April of 2010

Allentown Saturday Night Fever

Once a week I go on the same loop and occasionally report on the state of the city's civility. Sorry to say that there is no improvement, but one sign of hope. 

The loop starts at Ott and Tilghman. A little west of Ott, the city is once again preparing to dig up Tilghman street. As residents all over the city can attest, there has been no coordination between UGI and the water department. The streets are in a constant state of being dug up. Once upon a time, such activity was managed by the city.

I assumed the car in front of me at 9th and Tilghman had a very loud sound system. But when he turned off on 7th Street, the sound continued, even getter louder? Finally, the gentleman passed me going west at 6th and Tilghman. I started hearing him back at 10th, and I'm getting hard of hearing! 

2nd Street was surprising void of the usual double parkers, but I did pass a patrol car in the 200 block. 7th and Linden was devoid of life, but then again, it was only a Saturday night at dinner time :) Apparently, there isn't enough of our tax money to restore vitality to center city, but only to expand one man's real estate portfolio. 

Back to that sign of hope. Ed Zucal has a campaign banner at 7th and Tilghman. Unless loud car stereos and litter are your values, you better support him in the upcoming primary election.

molovinsky:7th & Turner

Ryan Mackenzie

Lehigh Valley's freshman congressman, Ryan Mackenzie, was appointed to the Education committee. Considering that Trump has already signed an executive order abolishing that department, Mackenzie's appointment is akin to being assigned to the social committee on the Titanic. 

In a recent Morning Call interview, he handled the reporter's (Lindsay Weber) questions fairly well. He asserted that only congress can ultimately end the department, but he avoided saying how he would vote on it when that time came.  He did express concern that Special Education and student loans be protected.

Mackenzie is being assaulted by protests at his office. While the MC interview was a good opportunity for him,  his midterm future could rest with Trump's popularity at that time. I suspect that Trump isn't a hill he wants his career to die on.

photocredit:Tom Shortell

Trump Doesn't Want To Take A Chance

Trump withdrew Elise Stefanik from her United Nations consideration, deciding he better keep her vote in  Congress, although that part of New York state has been reliably red. While commenters on this blog maintain that Republicans are on board with the Trump show so far, the boss isn't as sure. He doesn't want to take a chance on a special election, even in a red district. 

Although I occasionally can't resist replying to an absurd comment, generally, I let my readers rant on unanswered. However, I have no doubt that they're in for a rude awakening. Trump and his appointees can say that security leaks are a hoax, or that disagreeing judges should be impeached, but only those with red hats glued to their heads are buying it. 

In Florida's upcoming special election, the Republican is polling and fund raising considerably less than he should be in his bright red district. While my readers may still be gulping the kool-aid, even Trump senses the shift.

Republican Wake Up Call

Pennsylvania has a new state senator*, and he's a Democrat. But the reason that this special election is news worthy, is that this is the first Democrat elected in that district since 1979. While the Republicans are blaming being behind the eight ball in early write-in voting, I think  that they will need more excuses come November, and especially the mid-terms in 2026.

However, I believe that by mid-terms, Republican candidates will be putting some distance between themselves and Trump's Washington. Even now, just three months in, only partisans can defend Musk's disruption of the federal workforce.

While Republicans are now reduced to town halls by telephone, it will only get worse. They were elected on the coattails of a cult. MAGA will go back to political indifference, unless their benefits are cut...In that case, they'll be joining the Democrats at protests.

*James Malone, 36th Senate District

Josh Shapiro's Political Baggage

I don't know if Josh Shapiro has political ambitions beyond Pennsylvania, but if he does, he might consider dumping his Director of Revenue, Pat Browne. 

Pat Browne devised the NIZ, which only Allentown qualified for. It turns out that his life long friend ended up being the biggest beneficiary of the program. Almost all the new buildings on Hamilton, Walnut and Linden Streets are owned by this friend, J.B. Reilly, and the debt service on them is paid for with diverted state taxes...that's right, private ownership paid for by the public. 

New state senator Jarrett Coleman has been working since his first day to have financial information about the NIZ made available to the public. Browne, on his way out the door of the senate, inserted language into the NIZ ordinance making such information confidential. 

As Shapiro complains about cuts from Washington affecting Pennsylvanians, he has remained complicit in the Allentown coverup. Although he touts the development in Allentown, he ignores the details of blatant favoritism and secrecy. If he has any dreams about 2028, it's a situation that he might want to get in front of.

As Allentown Turns, March 25, 2025

Yesterday's big news is that the city employee is charged with planting the infamous noose herself. Worse for the town, she is also on the school board. By the time you read this here Wednesday morning, she will be pretty torn up by the gristmill. 

Elsewhere in my recent archives, I devoted a couple posts to a Promise Neighborhood critic. Like with the city employee, beyond this mention, my mobile press room is moving on. 

We reached a point where discrimination and accusations of such, have become a cottage industry. Everybody, including the self-proclaimed victims, would be far better off ridding themselves of those chips on their shoulders. Likewise, I think that both the city and school system would be better off less concerned with DEI, and more so with a stronger work ethic.

The Island Of Lehigh Parkway

The scene above shows the island in the Little Lehigh, with the boatlanding in the background. Please note the bridge leading to the island. The island, bridge and landing were created by the WPA. Although the island still remains, as does its stone piers, the bridge is long gone. The boatlanding, although buried, was partially recovered last year by myself and a number of volunteers. The island, as remaining, has lost its shape and has been enlarged from deposits carried by the Little Lehigh. The island was created by the WPA in the mid 1930's, by excavating a channel on its south side. It is the intention of the park department to eventually allow mother nature to fill in the channel. Park philosophy has changed from manicured to al natural. It is my hope that the excavated portion of the boatlanding will be retained. In regard to yesterday's post on Irving Park, I have confirmed that one of the WPA stone stairwells was indeed removed this year by the city. I hope that is not their version of a fix. It clearly indicates the need for the WPA Support Group. Click photo to enlarge.

reprinted from April of 2011

UPDATE JUNE 7, 2018: As a boy I played on the island and especially remember the concrete benches inlaid with tile. It was indeed a special place.  Although the island will never be restored, it is my mission that the remaining WPA structures be maintained.  In years past I have conducted tours of the WPA Structures, and will do so again if the park department does some restoration.  In the photo above, note the bench overlooking the stream and island,  with no weed wall in the way of the view.

ADDENDUM MARCH 24, 2025: I have started a new Facebook group call WPA of Allentown. If you appreciated Allentown's traditional park system,  please consider joining us.

A New Group For Allentown's WPA

My activism with the WPA began in 2009, when I started conducting meetings at the library. Later that year, with the help of few volunteers, we uncovered the Boat Landing in Lehigh Parkway. The next projects involved uncovering the stones lining the Spring Pond, and revealing the nearby miniature bridge. Cooperating with Karen El-Chaar, she secured funds from the Trexler Trust for the repair of the stairs in Fountain Park. I also conducted a couple tours of the Parkway with Karen. 

The original version of this group was kindly started for us by Steven Ramos. With the new Allentown Parknership deciding against my inclusion, I feel that it is time for friends of Allentown's WPA to organize. We will also advocate for the traditional park system, which also seems to be going by the wayside. Thank you for your interest. 

The above is an introduction to a new Facebook group dedicated to the WPA structures in the Allentown park system. 

Your membership in WPA of Allentown is most welcome.

Latino Festival In Allentown

Many readers of this blog know that I also administer the Facebook group Allentown Chronicles. Occasionally, I place a blog post on the group, if it is within the group's guidelines. Today's post actually originated on the group, and was placed there by someone else. 

The newly announced Latino Festival will occur on Hamilton Street May 18th. Called Fiesta On Hamilton, it is being sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, Valley Health Partners, MEGA 101.7,  (Spanish radio station), along with the City of Allentown. The Chamber calls it a celebration of our culture. Although Latinos are now a majority in Allentown per se, I don't think that any one "culture" should be represented as "our" culture. In addition to this new Latino festival, we also have a Puerto Rican parade and a Dominican day. 

I've criticized Matt Tuerk for conducting too many flag raising days. I wonder how much Tuerk  and politics is behind this new festival?  Perhaps we could truly respect our diversity better by not putting certain ones in the more public spotlight than others.

A Promise Made Is A Promise Enforced

Recently, after being lobbied to do so, I did a post on Promise Neighborhoods and a critic. Not wanting to be an agitator, I chose my words to downplay the confrontation between parties. As the week progressed, the critic became tamer, lastly describing the confrontation as a manly conversation. 

Over the weekend, the critic's former personal page had disappeared from Facebook. Today's post isn't to rehash his previous complaints, but to note Promise Neighborhoods protecting its turf. It's my understanding that complaints from Promise succeeded in having the critic's page removed.

The local establishment is invested in Promise, from Tuerk through the Trexler Trust to Josh Shapiro. Apparently, the powers that be also choose to ignore any criticism of their investment.

ADDENDUM: The critic is Johnny Gomez. His organization is called Walk With Me. His current facebook page is Whatzz Tea

Allentown's Salt Of The Earth

Allentown is dependent in many ways on its dwindling stock of middle class homeowners, especially in the challenged neighborhoods, such as West Park and west of the library.  I've been informed on good source, that more and more of such former homes are becoming de facto rooming houses...that the city is turning a blind eye to landlords renting out rooms in single family houses. Although I've been told that there is a loophole in zoning allowing this, I haven't researched the ordinance. What is more important than the zoning, is the enforcement, or lack there of.

These new rooming houses increase the parking burden on legitimate neighbors, and generally decline the quality of life. What brings this situation to this blog's attention is the mayor.

These rooming houses are springing up in the mayor's own neighborhood, with his blessing. I suppose that from his progressive point of view, such a blind eye is reducing the housing crunch in Allentown. However, if bread and butter homeowners decide the increased density is too unbearable and move, Allentown loses in every way.  

South West Street, looking north

Justice Under Trump

Trump's speech on Friday afternoon should have had every lawyer there mortified. Imagine, the President of the United States inferring legal retribution against his perceived political enemies, at the Department of Justice no less! I understand that our 47th felt that the department was weaponized against him, but now he wants to wield the weapon?

The speech also reflected poorly on Pam Bondi, but her introduction of Trump suggested she is not overly encumbered by such shame. As Trump's campaign song by the Village People played at the end, it was clear that this man hasn't moved beyond the campaign. John Bolton says that Trump is purely transactional, and not interested in anything besides his own scores to settle. It's as if the country's future is being scored on a small golf card.

Trump started his speech wondering if it was inappropriate for him to be there?  That ended up being the most appropriate part of his speech. He told the assembled Justice employees that their department was just recently crooked and corrupt. He attacked the press, even the conservative Wall Street Journal, calling reporters scum. It will be interesting to see how long his appointees are willing to compromise their own legacies.

The Allentown Apartment Myth, A Molovinsky Thesis

Over and over, people contribute Allentown's problems to center city houses being converted to 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. The mass 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. These "new" apartments were mostly occupied by either singles or childless couples. The tenants were buyers at Hess's and engineers at PPL. Because of them, Hamilton Street remained viable for twenty years beyond the main street in Bethlehem, Easton and Reading. Allentown was voted during this era the All American City. During those 50 years, 1940 to 1990, nobody complained about the apartments or the tenants. 

As the urban poor from New York and New Jersey discovered the clean streets of Allentown, and its moderately priced apartments, a steady influx of new residents arrived daily. These changes were not encouraged by the landlords. Nobody ever purchased a building hoping to replace their conscientious middle class occupants, with a poorer, more problematic tenant base. Various social agencies staked many of these newcomers to the first month rent and security deposits.

 Ironically, more apartment inventory has been added recently, by creating "loft" apartments in former commercial buildings. The Urbanists think they can revitalize Hamilton Street with upper story housing. While the proponents mistakenly think that they will attract a middle class demographic, they are in fact just adding to the total inventory and thus the problem. Beside the urbanists, advocates for low income housing still demand more units. In reality, it's apparent we have an abundance of low income housing. Recently, there has been a trend to built new, center city single housing; attempting to attract a middle class with disposable income to bolster Hamilton Street. Neighborhood parking lots have been sacrificed for this concept.* In fact, we are just building tomorrow's rental houses. Allentown, unlike larger cities, is a horizontal community. There is no reason, geographic or otherwise, which compels the middle class to move to center city.

Allentown would currently be better served with a moratorium on new housing of all sorts in center city. Considering that over 7000 units exist, owned by 5000 different owners, deconversion hopes are unrealistic. Strict enforcement of current zoning standards, concerning square footage, parking, etc. would suffice in reasonably curtailing additional living units. By limiting supply, demand can improve the quality of life for everybody.

 *This post was written in 2009, and the new housing refers to the then new townhouses at 8th and Walnut, and others planned for more Parking Authority lots. Those "new" townhouses have since been sold at auction for 50 cents on the dollar, and are in fact now rentals.

ADDENDUM MARCH 14,2025; Reilly's scattered NIZ financed Strata apartments now approach over 1500 units. While intended for young urban office workers, that demographic apparently still prefers the safety of suburban living. While many Strata units remain dark at night, suburban units approach full occupany. Thanks to taxpayer generosity through the NIZ, Reilly can afford to have them empty, instead of occupied problematically. However, eventually the subsidiary will end, and the problems will begin.

photograph of 10th and Chew Streets, 1948

Growing Up Allentown

Life in Allentown during the 1950's was pretty easy, compared to nowadays. Whether you were an office worker or factory worker,  there were plenty of jobs. Whether you lived in the west end or center city, all the neighborhoods were clean, well maintained and relatively crime free. The school system was the envy of the county, and people finagled to get their children enrolled in it. Allentown High School had championship teams in multiple sports, and the football stadium was one of the most lavish high school stadiums in the country. The park system was the subject of numerous picture postcards. Likewise, downtown was widely known, with Hess's being a destination. All the above attributes would stay in place throughout the 1960's, into the early 70's.

I bill this blog as the intersection of politics and history in Allentown, and the greater Lehigh Valley. Although I will continue to speak out on current events of concern, I suspect that this page will turn more and more to history. Perhaps nostalgia is so appealing because the current reality is so disillusioning. 

Although my archive of older Allentown pictures is extensive, I invited Ozzie and Harriet Nelson to illustrate this post.

reprinted from July of 2016

A Pending Liability

Recently, I revealed that molovinsky on allentown opened a small, unimpressive, low rent office on the Space Coast. Only when there, do you realize the power that Elon Musk and Space X wield. With the Trump/Musk bromance, Musk has been essentially co-running the country for the last couple months. However, this week lays bare the consequences.

Trump's endless talking style sank the stock market on Monday. The market, expecting some reassurance from Trump, took his silence as a confirmation of pending recession. We need this man to spend more time at his country club, and restrict himself to golf talk. Meanwhile, back in Washington, co-President Musk called Mark Kelly a traitor. The last time I checked, Kelly was a hero and astronaut. As Kelly replied, you may own spaceships, but you have never been up in one. The country and world is getting tired of the insults coming from the Trump administration, whether by Trump, Vance or Musk.

It would be nice if someone sat Donald and Elon down, and told them how to behave. However, when you combine an ego maniac with the world's richest man, it's a power couple hard to contend with. The tariff war with Canada already has us the losers. I wrote previously that Trump won't be an asset in the mid-terms. Let me correct myself...by the primaries he'll be a liability.

ADDENDUM: This isn't an easy post to illustrate, with Trump the sideshow never ends. I just watched Trump and Musk hawking Teslas in front of the White House. Who could have imagined that? 

The Corner Market

Although I doubt that there will ever be a show at the Historical Society, or brochures at the Visitors Bureau, perhaps nothing encapsulates the history of Allentown more than the corner grocery stores. Allentown proper, is mostly comprised of rowhouses built between 1870 and 1920, long before the era of automobiles and suburban supermarkets. Most of the corner markets were built as stores, and over the years many were converted into apartments. Up until the late 1940's, there may have been well over a hundred operating in Allentown. Some specialized in ethnic food. The bodega at 9th and Liberty was formally an Italian market. Live and fresh killed chickens were sold at 8th and Linden, currently H & R Block Tax Service. A kosher meat market is now a hair salon on 19th Street. The original era for these markets died with the advent of the supermarket. In the early 50's some corner stores attempted to "brand" themselves as a "chain", as shown in the Economy Store sign above. That market is at 4th and Turner, and has been continually operating since the turn of the last century. Ironically, as the social-economic level of center city has decreased, the corner stores have seen a revival. Most of these new merchants, many Hispanic and some Asian, know little of the former history of their stores, but like their predecessors, work long, hard hours.

ADDENDUM: The above post is reprinted from 2009.  The sign shown above has been removed or sold. When my parents were first married, they lived next door and would patronize the same store.  My grandparents lived nearby on the corner of Chew and Jordan Streets.

ADDENDUM 2: the Economy Stores sign shown, apparently came from an early A&P format in 1912 when they leased small stores. If this particular store was such an A&P, or just dressed later with a reused sign, I have yet to determine.

ADDENDUM APRIL 12, 2024: When I took the photo back in 2009, I was friendly with the long time owner, from having managed apartments in that neighborhood. Both she and the enamel sign are now long gone. When I told the current owner that members of my family have been coming into that same store for over a hundred years, he looked at me as if I was from another planet. There are very few long time store owners that I still know.

Small Town Pizza Blogger

Last week started with me expressing my frustration as an independent in Trump's World, and ended reporting on a confrontation about our non-profit sector in Allentown.

While I applaud the border enforcement, the Musk DOGE is a disaster. Chainsaws and sledgehammers are not precision tools. The Measles outbreak is an unfortunate coincidental statement on the theatrical nature of the cabinet appointments. So far, two cabinet heads have supposedly balked at Musk's involvement. If this was Trump's first term, I'd hope that he would be growing into the office, but we know from experience that there will be no learning curve. It was from that first term and January 6, that I could no longer vote for him. 

I don't think that the midterms will bode well for the Republicans. I believe that MAGA had an underestimated cult aspect, and with Trump not on the ballot in 2026, many of the red hats will stay home. 

Here in A-Town, I expect that the tension between Promise Neighborhood and some who feel that the promise has not been kept, will continue. On a side note, I asked a member of the minority community how they feel about Ed Zucal's campaign. The response surprised me! There apparently is some concern that if both Zucal(for Allentown mayor) and Roger MacLean(for county executive) both win, we'll have a police like state?(They're both former APD) I don't see that as a realistic concern, but then again, I'm coming from a different perspective.

Promise Neighborhoods and Its Critics

An outspoken critic of Promise Neighborhoods, Johnny Gomez, aka Whatss Tea,  has used his Facebook page to question the non-profit's operation. 

This is not the first post critical of Promise Neighborhoods on this blog. Batts appeared on the local scene at the height of wokeness, and seems to have prospered from the virtue signalers. He was gifted with over a $mil of state funding from Gov. Josh Shapiro. 

The complaint from other activists and non-profits is that Batts is getting the lion's share of funding, but not providing an appropriate amount of service for it.

ADDENDUM MARCH 11th: There appears to be a reconciliation between Whatss Tea and members of Promise Neighborhood. This post has been modified accordingly.

Ego Man and The Sycophants

Ego Man and The Sycophants played in front of Congress Tuesday Night. The set included the Gulf Of America. Associated Press was barred for not humming along with the tune. We learned that only George Washington is held in higher esteem than Donald Trump.

The new tariff against Canada and Mexico was in full effect overnight, until the Emperor realized that it would hurt our own car industry. The White House sponsored DOGE fires and rehires has reduced productivity. Massive layoffs coming in the VA won't help our veterans. 

While Vance and Johnson looked like cats who swallowed canaries standing behind Trump during the show, the politicians who want a political future beyond 2028, will have to keep their parachutes packed.

Trump's Economy

When I was a boy, Mack Trucks were made in Allentown by Mack. Mack made everything, save the tires.  But even then, the parts and trucks weren't made in the same factory. The parts were made on S. 10th Street, and the trucks were assembled at Lehigh and S. 12th Streets.

General Motors now makes their vehicles in Michigan and Canada. The parts move back and forth across the border during the assembly process. Having a strong economy and partner to our north was always considered a plus, before our new emperor's reign began January 20th.

Our previous leaders, called presidents, had advisors on such matters as foreign policy and economy. Our current emperor has sycophants, whose vocabulary apparently only consists of compliments. So, while the red hats applaud their leader's strength, their stocks and assets go down, and their food gets more expensive. 

ADDENDUM: By late Tuesday afternoon, the administration was already announcing that the tariffs would be modified on Wednesday. Another announcement concerned reinstating some jobs cut last week by DOGE. Considering that this is Trump's second rodeo, only the most diehard partisans could applaud these false starts and uncertainly. Freshman Republicans should rent, rather than buy in the DC area.

Pinsley's FOMO Bigger Office Show

Mark Pinsley has been running for a bigger office than he holds since starting out as a South Whitehall Commissioner. I can't even recall how many offices he has run for, but currently he is Lehigh County Controller.

On March 12, he is conducting a meeting to explain the proposed Federal Budget. This Pinsley Promotion will take place in the Commissioner Chamber at the County Building at 7th & Hamilton. If such a transparent political opportunist should be using public space is questionable, but apparently not by Executive Armstrong or the commissioners....never mind, this local blogger will point out the misuse of a public facility.

The federal budget is a work in progress. What it will end up being is anybody's guess, but how it will filter down into Lehigh County is even beyond a guess. But, there is no guess why Pinsley is having the meeting. The only valid question to ask on March 12th, is how many of our tax dollars is this latest Pinsley self promotion costing the taxpayers?

Principles First

In a post last week I mentioned Principles First, an alternative convention to the CPAC sycophants dancing with Trump last week. The participants at the counter meeting yet have no tent. They're hoping not to become Democrats. They know a third party fares poorly, but the Trump side-show isn't the same Republican Party that they can relate to. But even the most disenchanted among them couldn't have imagined the Trump/Zelensky meeting on Friday.

By late Friday afternoon, all the click-baiters on media and the social media undercard were analyzing the brawl. Those on the right side of the ring said that Zelensky wasn't respectful and appreciative. Those on the left side said that Trump and Vance tag-teamed their guest. Assuming that the European and world media would be more objective about what happen, most, with Hungary being the exception, agreed that Zelensky was the abused party.

Getting back to the Principles First tent looking for a label. I think that after hearing the Lindsey Graham types rattle on Friday night that Zelensky should resign, some more thoughtful Republicans will be coming out of their zombie trance and start looking toward the future. The super-partisans are praising Trump for putting America first, and his peace before endless wars. That raises the question, was the ambush coming Zelensky's way, regardless of what he said or didn't say? Either way, Trump's tantrum(s) lowered our esteem on the world stage. Trump later trying to defend himself after the meeting in a red hat, may have been a sight too far, even for the partisans.

The Crucifixion of Gavin Holihan

Gavin Holihan was the last assistant district attorney to forever DA Jim Martin. When Martin retired in 2023, he recommended Galvin as his replacement. Martin was a Republican, and Holihan ran on the Republican ticket for the position.

This year state representative Josh Siegel announced his candidacy for County Executive, and Holihan endorsed him. Siegel is a rather progressive Democrat, and that endorsement caused the local Republican Party to censure Holihan. Holihan claimed that as a state rep., Siegel was aggressive in bringing extra funding to local police departments. Holihan making the endorsement before he knew who the Republican candidate will be, only further annoyed his party.

Now, I do remember Siegel as an activist years ago, marching in Allentown with the Defund The Police group. His DNA is too progressive for my vote come November, but I believe that Holihan, regardless of his party affiliation, is entitled to make an endorsement based on his knowledge of a candidate. Meanwhile, back at the local Republican Party, individual party members are demeaning Holihan as a betrayer, weak, and rat.  Ironically, the Republican overreaction has given Siegel another talking point for his campaign. But worse for the Republicans, their censure of Holihan has generated more publicity for Siegel than he could have ever generated on his own. 

photo above taken by Lee Ann Smith, concerning apartment building at the Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery

Republicans In Opposition

As a conservative independent, over the years this blog's audience trends Republican. The recent blog posts' comments, correspondently,  paint us in a golden era. While Democrats seem to have a wider range of  philosophy, from center left through liberal to progressive, the Republicans run a tighter ship. Differences in philosophy elicit labels, such as RINO,  even traitor.

As an independent, I'm disappointed at the lockstep occurring. However, there was a Principles First convention last week for the disenchanted Republicans, if only attracting about 1,200 attendees. Although no real game plan of action was formulated, I found the convention encouraging. 

Trump publicly made the cabinet subservient to Musk on Wednesday, by asking any cabinet member with an issue to speak up then and there, in front of the media. Musk is now established as the ramrod or foreman of Trump's Team. Loyalty remains the absolute requirement for the new Grand Old Party.

Space X and The Resolute Desk

As I revealed here last year on the blog, I have rented a small satellite office on the Space Coast. It's a small room on the upper story of an older building. While sparse with just a desk and cot, I do have a large window facing east..While I can't see the ocean, I can see the rockets fired from Cape Canaveral arching upwards.

In 2024, Elon Musk's Space X shot up 138 rockets carrying thousands of satellites for numerous companies and countries. For such a titan to be standing over the Resolute Desk, is unprecedented in American history. Usually presidents protected themselves with firewalls against such appearances. Once upon a time, Musk would have been a suspect for the Anti-Trust watchdogs. Musk's conflict of interest as a hyper-adviser, with Space X and NASA contracts, could only be ignored by Donald Trump, no other elected official would be so oblivious. 

The Republicans are calling the Trump/Musk association visionary. They're calling all Trump's appointments creative and what's needed to fix the ship of state. In reality, they're demoralizing the departments, and marginalizing the concept of qualifications. I would like to be able to differentiate between partisan and credible Republicans, but so far, the latter has not appeared. That delay to properly describe the emperor, will come back in 2026 and 2028 as a penalty at the polls.

Allentown's Ukrainians Are Not Happy

When Ukrainians meet this Saturday at their historic church on Fullerton Ave, Charlie Dent will be there. Although he hasn't represented them now for over four terms, he knows how tightly that community is woven into the fabric of Lehigh Valley. Recent congresswoman Susan Wild will also be there. Who won't be attending is current congressman Ryan Mackenzie. Although Trump's coattails helped get him elected with the MAGA wave, there is no intelligent way to explain why Trump would have called Zelensky a dictator, or that Ukraine started the war?

While many Americans are upset with Trump's reversal of foreign policy, with the local Ukrainian community it concerns the survival of their relatives. It concerns the blood their extended families have shed for the last three years.Trump can reverse and backtrack on many issues, but the local Ukrainians will not forget his ignorance, no matter what policy he finally adopts. They will also not forget Mackenzie's absence at their meeting. 

The Republican problem, which is coming home to roost faster than anyone imaged, is that Trump is not a Republican. After November 5th, 2024, he could care less about that party's future. But partisans are so desperate for victory, any ticket to ride was good enough. Mackenzie can issue statements about ICE and Northampton County, but the MAGA's will not be voting in 2026... That was a cult vote for Trump, not Mackenzie... But, the Ukrainians will be voting, and it won't be for Mackenzie.

ADDENDUM: I've been informed by Mackenzie's office that because congress is in session, it's not possible for him to attend the meeting at St. Mary's, but he did speak with the pastor, and sent a message to be read at the meeting.

shown above St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church

The White House Bully Pulpit

No one can accuse Trump of not working much during his first month in his second term as president. After firing all our top military leaders on Friday, I wish that he would take a week or longer off, and go play golf. 

By pulling the rug out from under Zelensky, he has managed to change long term American foreign policy in this first month. Musk seems to be the hyper active de-facto vice president, literally welding a chainsaw in Washington. He has already cut up and minced most of our safety nets. 

Most of Trump's MAGA supporters don't know what's even happening. Some hardcore ultra conservative are pleased with the shakeup, but CPAC only meets once a year, and they are also hardcore Republicans. Independent conservatives like myself are upset, so is the stock market.

While consequences are usually felt by the midterms, Republicans are already being called on the carpet by their constituents. Elected officials are pretty quick at reading the tea leaves. I think the pushback from congress will be coming sooner than Trump expects.  I'm hoping that Trump devotes more time to his golf game.

molovinsky on allentown, centering on local politics and history, is published every weekday.

Rainy Morning Chronicles, a conservative's journal, is published as warranted.

The Real Lessons At Allentown's New School

Allentown's finally getting a middle school on the East Side, but the real lessons there will never be taught or learned. 

There was never a public good component to the sale of the former State Hospital on Hanover Avenue. High bids were ignored, and Allentown's chosen developer was rewarded the prize by his associate Pat Browne, who still reigns in Harrisburg. Reilly is now selling a small portion of the parcel for three times more than he paid for the entirety, to the Allentown School System.

Likewise, the school district is snubbing local construction manager Alvin Butz for an out of town firm. Butz's contributions to the school system over the years have been notable. 

The system's superintendent, Carol Birks, states that although the district will comply with new directives concerning DEI, the changes will only affect language used, not actions. Considering how poorly the students are faring by all measurements, it would be better to change all actions, and leave the language the same. The district has been consumed with racial identity for years. They think that the teachers should look like the students, the principals should look like the students, even the superintendent should look like the students. A white superintendent had zero chance of getting hired in the last decade.

Former school board member Bob Smith is offering his experience to the voters once again. Hopefully he'll regain a seat on the new board.

shown above the former State Hospital

The Movies Of N. 8th Street

Two movie theaters were on the unit block of N. 8th Street, separated by one building. The Earle was demolished in 1961 to create another Park & Shop lot. The other theater, the Cinema, ceased operation in 1953, becoming a warehouse for the Farr shoe chain. The theater was built in 1917 as The Strand, but changed ownership and name in 1930. The lobby portion of the former Strand/Cinema still stands today, now being used as a tax service business. In the late 1970's, I operated a photographic darkroom business in part of the space.

reprinted from January of 2014

The Mad Men Of Allentown

Back in the day, the titans of Allentown would fill the five barberchairs of the Colonial Barbershop, 538 Hamilton Street. That was when the town had three department stores. That was when Wetherhold and Metzger had two shoe stores on Hamilton Street. That was when Harvey Farr would meet Donald Miller and John Leh at the Livingston Club for lunch, and discuss acquiring more lots for Park & Shop. By 1995 all that was gone, but Frank Gallucci, 82, would still give some old timers a trim. The Colonial Barbershop property, closed for many years, has been purchased by J.B. Reilly. It is my pleasure to present this previously unseen portrait of Gallucci, toward the end of his career.

photocredit:molovinsky

reprinted from May of 2013

Shade Tree Grant Wilted

Allentown City Hall was excited about a $milliion dollar shade tree grant.  It was supposedly going to save the residents in reduced electric costs. The grant is now tied up because of the Trump administration fund freezes. Mayor Tuerk even complained that the freeze hurts our kids...“Every kid knows how important trees are to clean air and clean water."  

Of course this miserable blogger has a different take on city trees. Unless they're planted southwest of the house, and at a certain distance, they won't help cool the house in the summer. But wait until the homeowners have to repair and replace their raised sidewalks, at their expense, from the tree roots. Wait until they have to clean the endless tree leaves and other tree droppings from their gutters.

I do share Tuerk's desire for our kids to experience water. What Allentown should do is take care of their parks as they were intended. They should replace the aging, damaged and now gone Weeping Willow trees along the creek banks. Besides for the Willows, which is all they need, they should mow the grass, so those kids can see and enjoy the water from our creek banks.

Allentown's New Building and Old Graves

Thanks to Allentown resident Lee Ann Thomas Smith, we learned this past November that the Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery on Railroad Street was being desecrated by the construction of a new apartment house. Smith contacted WFMZ, who reported on the outrage. Allentown Mayor Tuerk said that he would arrange a meeting between the developer and church, I suppose to dress up bad planning and make some amends. Hopefully, they will plant a row of hedges between the tombstones and the new building. I assume a cemetery doesn't require a setback, as with another building.

Already years ago, I reported on what I called the Plywood Plaza. In essence, it seems that Allentown has not been providing much oversight on these new construction projects. It may well be that the city does not have the expertise to do so, but then such inspections should be farmed out to an engineering firm.

As for as the approval process, that has been compromised for years. Planning and zoning are compliant puppies, waiting to be petted. The neighborhood, otherwise essentially poor at the richest, will have its scarce parking further reduced.

BUT, there will be a grand ribbon cutting, and we'll learn that the neighborhood is being revitalized under inspired leadership.

photocredit:Lee Ann Thomas Smith

Ce-Ce and Me Part 2

Recently, I had a post about my long history with Ce-Ce. I first met Ce-Ce campaigning outside of the gate at the Allentown fair. Her goal at that time, in 2011, was the Allentown School Board.  A couple years later we met for coffee at the Hamilton Family Diner. Her sincerity reminded me of my old friend Emma Tropiano. 

When Ce-Ce first ran for City Council, I attended her fund raiser at the Brew Works. I think by then the distance in our politics was already apparent. Ce-Ce is so left of me now, that my old eyes can barely see that far. However, she's in synch with much of current Allentown. I hope she realizes that I also care about humanity, even if I don't subscribe to DEI as an operational priority.

For the upcoming Democratic primary, I'm supporting Ed Zucal for mayor. Although he's also somewhat to my left, he has institutional knowledge of what was once a safer Allentown.

Easton Says No Thanks To Welcome Mat

Easton's police chief and mayor for life are not eager to put Allentown's Welcoming City status on their door stoop. They also don't have or want Allentown's shooting and homicide schedule. 

While Venezuelan gang members were killing someone in the Poconos,  Allentown was proposing to become a Welcoming City. Easton's top cop senses that the Welcome City designation can only be a beacon for unnecessary commotion. 

Allentown city council, confronted and intimidated by a chamber full of Welcome supporters, adapted the ordinance. It's easy in our polarized society to be construed as anti-immigrant, or worse, even as a racist. Mayor Panto felt compelled to emphasize his appreciation of law abiding immigrants on social media the next day. I was disappointed to see the ordinance in Allentown pass unanimously.

Shown above Easton center square, 1948

Depot At Overlook Park

Old timers have noticed that the contractor's building on Hanover Avenue transformed into a community center for Overlook Park. But only the oldest, or train buffs, realized that the building was the freight depot and office for the Lehigh & New England Railroad. Lehigh & New England was formed in 1895, primarily as a coal carrier. The line ran from Allentown to Maybrook, New York.

In 1904 it was acquired by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. The line ceased operation in 1961. Among it's infrastructure were impressive bridges across both the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers, both of which were dismantled. Ironic that a remnant of our industrial era is being utilized by the successor of a public housing project.

reprinted from February 17, 2011

photographs of Lehigh New England Railroad

Judge and Jury Alan Jennings

Alan Jennings was recently ranting on his facebook page about Trump/Musk shutting down the Consumer Finance Protection bureau. He wrote:

"Some of you may remember that my agency, now called Community Action Lehigh Valley, busted a mortgage fraud conspiracy that preyed on low-income Hispanics in downtown Allentown. We put a few guys in jail."

The targets of Jennings' campaign at the time supposedly participated in what was called predatory lending. Certain mortgage companies were giving mortgages to people with poor credit at a higher rate. I believe that it remains standard procedure for car loans and credit cards. Our enlightened, like Jennings, now focus on affordable housing, making low-income permanent tenants.

Jennings take great pride in jailing those mortgage brokers.  One of the people he sent to jail was married to a Hispanic woman, and was well appreciated for his work at a local mission.  Meanwhile, Jennings continues to campaign for Ed Pawlowski's release, whose criminal behavior cost every Allentown taxpayer more money on every contract he rigged during his reign.

Hunting For Non-Partisan In The Lehigh Valley

I owe Robert Orenstein for a snicker* when I read that his blog, Armchair Lehigh Valley, is non-partisan. He was the gatekeeper for the Morning Call opinion page. Almost all my submissions were rejected by him, because they were either too long for a letter, or too short for Another View. Lengthening or shortening them didn't help me get pass the gate :). Once, he actually told me that my piece only represented my opinion.  Imagine, sending an opinion to the Opinion Page?

His newsletter articles are now being printed by the Morning Call, and they in turn are promoting the newsletter. The newsletter is free, but he does have his hand out for donations.  It was under Orenstein's tenure that the three amigos were installed on the Another View page as regulars...Jennings, Cunningham and Iannelli. They're still there.

Those pieces of mine which did appear resulted from my annoying persistence. Several times I had to go over his head to be published. I do agree with him that there is a need for a local non-partisan outlet for local political news. I like to think that you're reading it here.

* a silent laugh

Mike Welsh Announces For County Executive

Mike Welsh, an extremely qualified local business man, has stepped forward to become our next county executive. 

“It’s an honor to step up to represent the County that I have had the privilege of calling home,” said Welsh. “Lehigh County has given me incredible opportunities — it’s where I’ve raised my family, run a small business, and served my community both in and out of office. Now, as our county grapples with new challenges and faces an uncertain future, it’s time for a steady hand and strong leadership. 

 “I know how to fight on behalf of residents and taxpayers. When I served as one of the few conservatives on the Allentown School Board, I fought against tax increases and wasteful spending while also working with both sides to get things done for students. And as a small business owner, I know the challenges that taxpayers and working families are facing in our county. I’m looking forward to fighting tax increases, supporting our local law enforcement, ending our status as a sanctuary county, and restoring common sense to the Lehigh County government.” 

As a political independent and blogger, I appreciate that county residents have a strong alternative to Democrat Josh Siegel, who never met a far left wing agenda that he didn't support.

Contact: Mike Welsh 

484-347-1833 

welshforexec@gmail.com