Plaza Growers' Market

Wednesdays 3:30-6:30 pm

PPL Plaza, Hamilton at 9th

photocredit: molovinsky

Figment Of My Imagination

Dear Mayor Pawlowski,
Forgive me for saying this, but I'm very disappointed in the changes made to my town. After my wife passed away, I moved to the senior high-rise at 8th and Union St. I can see the old Mack Transmission Plant from my window, I worked there for 40 years. I understand now it's a indoor go-cart track, I find that a bitter pill. Actually pills are why I'm writing. I used to walk to the Rite-Aid on Hamilton Street. With that closing, I don't think I can walk out 7th St. to the old Sears. Forgive me Mayor, that's before your time in Allentown. The other Rite-Aid used to be Levines Fabrics, they bought it from Sears. The Army Navy store was across the parking lot. Anyway, back to my problem. Now I can't even catch the bus on Hamilton anymore to go visit my daughter in Catty. What have you done to me? My neighbor, a nice widow, tells me you gave that Mexican Restaurant lots of our money and they don't even pay their bills? Never ate there, what were you thinking? Anyway, sorry to bother you, I know you're a busy man, but I don't know where I will get my medicine from, and I'm upset. Sorry.

PhotoCredit: molovinsky

The Consequences of Denial

Last year when observers of local government pointed out that City Hall was gutted of it's most respected administrators, the apologists said those gone were just dead wood. Never mind that they have been replaced by people with virtually no experience. When long term private investment has left Hamilton Street, despite massive grants to a couple chosen venues, the apologists refer to transitional growing pains. When a report states crime is down, despite a recent horrendous murder and general fear, the Mayor credits his spending on technology, such as surveillance camera's and shot spotter microphones. Someone should remind the Mayor about the grassy knoll in Dallas. Despite media camera's and microphones from around the world, to this day, we still do not know how many shots were fired or where they came from. The apologists will apologize; the Mayor will rationalize, the editorials will endorse, the reports will verify, but middle class homeowners see the truth, and put up "for sale" signs.

Mt. Sinai Cemetery

Unknown to most people, contained within the sprawling Fairview Cemetery, is a small section with the oldest Jewish Burials in Lehigh Valley, called Mount Sinai. Fairview, along Lehigh St, is Allentown's most famous and now neglected cemetery. Among the notables buried there, is no less than Harry Trexler, whose largeness keeps bailing Allentown out, even 70 years after his death. Using diplomacy, not my forte, I have been trying to urge more upkeep for Mt. Sinai. Today, a letter to the editor laments the condition of the whole cemetery; perhaps this approach will be more successful. I urge everybody to take a stroll(OR DRIVE) through history, the views of Allentown are among some of the best you can find.

UPDATE: I have reason to believe the Morning Call may shed some light on this problem. Perhaps, considering the enormity of the cemetery, certain area's may have to be" adopted" by interested parties for care. It seems that as old cemeteries fill up, and the descendants move away or die off, the perpetual care becomes problematic. This is certainly an historic, significant site for Allentown, hopefully the Community can respond.

THIS IS A REPEAT OF POSTING DONE LAST AUGUST. NO LONG TERM IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE CEMETERY. THE MORNING CALL HAS YET TO REPORT ON THIS OUTRAGE. THE CEMETERY OPERATOR HAS REFUSED ASSISTANCE FROM SEVERAL SOURCES. PLEASE CONSIDER ASKING YOUR CLERGY TO ADVOCATE ON THIS COMMUNITY PROBLEM

Diversity Celebration Not Needed

Apparently official Allentown doesn't have much use for a multi-cultural celebration. If the City Administration promoted the Upward Bound Festival through it's public relations firm aka The Morning Call, I missed it. Alfonso Todd. promoter, did a remarkable job, especially considering the City had evicted him and four other minority owned businesses last week from their production facilities at 645 Hamilton Street. I started at the corner of 7th and Hamilton at the Latino's for Obama, and worked my way down pass about 20 vendors and organizations to the end of the block, where the Lehigh Valley Republican Party had a booth. I note that the Grower's Market, outgrowth of the Allentown Economic Development Corporation, is promoted by the newspaper every wednesday. The Development Corporation staff cost the taxpayers about half a million a year to bring us four vendors with a few heads of lettuce. Alfonso cost us nothing, and did more than the bureaucrats could in years. Thank you.

Open Mike

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

Jewish Cemetery Desecrated

Within the sprawling Fairview Cemetery on Lehigh Street, is the oldest Jewish Burials in the Lehigh Valley. The small Jewish section, called Mt. Sinai, predates all the existing Congregations, which have their own cemeteries. Graves here date back to the Civil War, and the descendants are long gone. The graves are being desecrated not by vandals, but by neglect. The cemetery is maintained, or not, by Boyko Funeral Services. My offer to pay for the restoration of the Jewish section has been ignored, I repeat the offer publicly. My calls, and calls from others, to The Morning Call, for exposure on this problem have likewise produced no results. Other large sections of the cemetery are in similar distress. Behind the grave marker of this Jewish child, the marker of a second child, has slid down into an enormous groundhog hole.

It All Depends

While the sheriffs were starting to round up the corrupt in Harrisburg, Rendell was hiding out in Allentown, having a press conference with Pawlowski. They were unveiling a new Keystone Opportunity Zone act, which extends and expands the current version. The KOZ for politicians is the gift that keeps on giving; unlimited press conferences about development and contributions from the few chosen developers. For the taxpayer, it's really a leech. While the chosen pay no taxes, it creates an unfair playing field and hardship for the real investors, the ones who pay taxes. The new version of the KOZ apparently has less accountability than ever. In addition to the location, our executives can now openly choose and pick which developers get the golden ring. Pawlowski said "It depends on the plan and on the developer." The Neuweiler Brewery can be included, considering Pawlowski had the current owner jailed, I doubt he'll make the KOZ grade. The photo shows "for lease signs" from two hapless owners competing for tenants in downtown Allentown, competing against new buildings which are tax abated under KOZ.

City Truth Challenged

I'm sure it was with great pride that Lehigh Valley Latino Magazine, headquartered at 645 Hamilton Street, featured the letter from Mayor Pawlowski praising them for their long time contributions to the city and Latino Community. In today's Morning Call, "city officials said they found only two businesses operating in the upper floors... neither company had secured the proper business licenses from the city, officials said."

click on photo to learn more from your mayor

Latino's, Vamos

The current issue of Lehigh Valley Latino Magazine contains greetings and congratulations from Mayor Ed Pawlowski, complete with his official photograph and the City Seal. The Magazine, along with 5 other minority businesses are being forced out of 645 Hamilton Street, with the city now telling the Morning Call their just unlicensed nobody's. In April, Pawlowski wrote "I want to thank Valley Latino TV Show and Magazine for keeping the Latino community informed. Your dedicated effort shows a deep commitment...congratulations... I wish you great success!" This week the mobile cords from the Latino TV Show stage lighting were misrepresented as extension cords by the city. Along with the magazine and television studio, a graphic art designer, a festival promoter, and a security company were displaced. You won't hear them complain, their being assisted and relocated by city hall.

Unsafe or Rising Star

A couple years ago the website for the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation described 645 Hamilton St. as "a monument to growth."* Today's edition of The Morning Call, reporting on violations from the City of Allentown, describes the building as unsafe.** It's the same building, with the same tenants, in the same condition. Unlike the city inspectors, or the well meaning reporter, I'm 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 the recent violation report issued to the building in general, lists extension cords, it fails to note those cords are attached to a movable lighting grid for the Latino Television production studio and are cords by design. Although the city citation reports cites unlicensed businesses, it omits the fact that the lower level was occupied by Sassi which performs drug testing for the Lehigh County, and the City's action recently caused Melendez Reality and Madison Mortgage to vacate. Unfortunately for this current hapless owner, the City was looking for violations. Last month Pawlowski promoted a building across the street which has not been occupied or improved in decades, although there is no running water there, breakfast was served to invited realtors. It's easy to beat the drums against the greedy absentee landlords, and surely the apologists will applaud Pawlowski for enforcing codes, but private money is running from this town. There is no work currently being done on any project on Hamilton Street without a grant. It's good politics, but bad business.

* http://www.lehighvalley.org/page.cfm?pag=58&new=132

** http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b3_5code-r.6496980jul10,0,1594649.story

Allentown Memories

click on photo to enlarge
From low income sections of center city, to expensive suburbs, Allentown and the Lehigh Valley is becoming home to more and more outsiders. I'm afraid the time will soon come when local memorabilia will have little appeal. Fortunately, for those interested, some impressive collections still exist. This past year Robert Bungerz published Allentown Remembered, documenting his outstanding collection of historical postcards and other objects. David Bausch, former County Executor and authority on Automobile Art, is also a expert on things Allentown. Then there are the many small collections, home of the hidden treasures. Above is an early aerial photograph of the Allentown Fair. Those interested in the recent commotion concerning the 19TH Street Theater District may find the upper right of the photograph interesting. There is no theater, there are no houses on Saint George Street and most of the buildings seem to to garages and automobile in nature (don't tell Auto-Zone). This gem is probably from the late teens or early 20's, and comes from the Thomas Reed Collection. Thomas is aka Z1pyro, long time expert shooter for Zambelli Firework Company. He retired several years ago, and we who appreciate fireworks, notice his departure.

A Historical Coincidence

There's something odd about this photograph, it's from the cover page of the Old Allentown Preservation Association website*. A few day's ago when I suggested association members should have been careful of what they wished for in regard to Cannon's Bar, my observation was received with righteous indignation. One center city blogger may well have deleted a link to this blog because of it. Another prominent member, insisting he has no political agenda, suggested I may be unwittingly driving them towards the mayor with my accusations. Old Allentown exists of over twenty five square blocks. Out of this large area, only one side of three blocks contain porch houses, those houses built with porches. I refer to the unit block of both 11th and 12th Streets, and the 300 block of 9th St. Most of the remaining townhouses had a porch added in the 1920's. Years ago I interacted with the Historical Board when I learned those porches must be removed to receive a facade grant. Built of concrete, usually with a curved overhang shingle roof with curved wooden brackets, I felt they added to the architecture. They also provided a buffer zone between the homeowner and the realities of sidewalk life. The historical purists felt differently, and according to their website over 80 such porches have been removed thus far. It is strange that the Association would choose for their cover photograph one of the few porch houses rows in Allentown, certainly not representative of the district. Stranger still, they picture two the few porch houses which had their porch's altered. The house in the foreground is completely bastardized. The porch was enclosed by brick probably in the 50's. For many years the property was a clock store. The next house also has the porch enclosed with glass panels. This treatment, meant for the winter months. is not uncommon with porch houses further west of the district, but again does not represent the Associations' historical standards. It must be a coincidence, that the house with the glass panels is where Mayor Pawlowski lives, because the Association certainly wouldn't be that political.

*http://www.oldallentown.org/index.html

Allentown Photographic

My experience with Allentown Photographic in the late 70's, at 12 N 8th Street, was not unlike my grandparent's with the Vendig Hotel. Neither were particularly successful, both only lasted a few years, but provided many memories. Now, Bela Lugosi never came into my shop, but my custom darkroom did attract numerous characters. I printed negatives supposedly smuggled out of Russia of the Romanov Family, while my strange anonymous customer watched by the door for KBG agents.(If they were real, I made no copies, nor did I keep the negatives) I once rented the darkroom to the local Porno King for his art directors to produce Puritan Magazine. His former building is now becoming the new Mayflower Condominiums. I snuck into a local high school to photograph an old circus juggler perform his act, one more time, on the stage. This photo gem, of a midget skating between legs, is from the jugglers' memento's.

Rumors and Innuendoes

I have a problem, I want to continue reporting on Pawlowski's war against private property, but I don't want to bring the wrath of the City down on any hapless owners. So, I will begin "Rumors and Innuendoes", in which I present unsubstantiated, second hand stories. I heard the following from a friend of a friend, who is a tenant at Regency Tower. Apparently, code trolled by and noticed the maintenance crew doing routine work on the swimming pool. Demanding to see a permit, they tagged the pool. Fee's will be paid today, and the management expects to have the pool open for the holiday. Let this be a lesson to you backyarders, who think you can just clean and use your pool like you own it.
In other news, Cannon's taproom will re-open. Although the yuppies in the neighborhood opposed it's previous closing, there is some hesitation about endorsing the new incarnation, which will have more of a Latino and African favor. What they would really like, is the old white crew back there, even if the bartender has to take a few more stabs from a screwdriver to protect them.

Velcome To The Vendig

In 1933, with the end of Prohibition, my grandparents(maternal) started operating the Vendig Hotel. They were the working partners, another immigrant family, here longer, were the silent backers. The hotel was directly across from the current Main Street Depot Restaurant in Bethlehem, which was the old New Jersey Line Terminal. With my grandmother cooking, they became well known for crab cakes and other shelled seafood. What wasn't known, was that she was strictly kosher, and never even tasted anything she prepared. As some may recall, my grandparents came from Hungarian Transylvania (now Romania) in the early 20's. Family lore* says Bela Lugosi visited the hotel. Lugosi was born in the same area of then Hungary, and started his acting career playing Jesus in Passion Plays. In 1931, after immigrating to America years earlier, he got his big break playing Dracula. Typecast as a villain, Lugosi was reduced in later years to drug addiction and playing in low budget monster films. He died in the mid 50's and was buried in his Dracula cape.

* My surviving uncle, who as a boy lived above the hotel, has no recollection of Lugosi. The partner families would later merge through marriage and 40 years later come to own the old vaudeville theater in South Bethlehem known as The Globe. It too is gone.

Xertek Throws in Towel

Xertek, the well respected and equipped fitness center at 10th and Hamilton has closed, victim of the Parking Authority. Since the meter increase, he has lost hundreds of members. For most members, the cost of parking and fines exceeded the cost of membership. The meter and fine rate were doubled in 2005 to finance the Parking Deck at 6th and Linden, to support a slogan called the Arts District. The Lanta terminal was added to the deck to help finance the project. The consequences of this project has been devastating to Hamilton Street and the long term interest of the taxpayers. Ironically, next to the vacating gym, the city just gave a new cell phone store owner twenty thousand to open. As a activist and candidate I opposed the meter increase, Pawlowski endorsed it. Although our Mayor keeps referring to a vision of Allentown moving forward, the private money investors are packing up. On my previous posting, concerning Rite Aid, several apologists for the Mayor keep their faith. One claims the 7th St. Eckerd is 6.5 blocks away, not 10. Tell you what my friend, go to the Hamilton Street store, and then walk to the 7th St. store, it's a long way from 8th and Hamilton to 7th and Allen. Xertek will now be located at 15th and Green Streets, with plenty of free parking. The owner invested 9 years and $300,000 on to Hamilton Street, I thanked him for that.

Rite Aid to Close

Hamilton Street's Rite Aid will close it's door July 10th. Although it was against their corporate policy to join me and the merchants protesting the Pawlowski endorsed Lanta Bus changes*, it is also against their corporate policy to tolerate a 40% reduction in revenue. Hamilton Street is on it's knee's. This week three long term businesses announced their closing. Pawlowski was hoping his house of cards would stand until the next mayoral election, it doesn't look like it. All grant money is being funneled into keeping the Brew Pub open. No work has occurred at the former Sal's site for over three weeks. Pawlowski's lack of business experience is beginning to be very costly to Allentown. Many investors, some capable of investing much more, are being abused** by his bureaucracy, while a few select properties are being promoted. These tactics may well result in lawsuits, costing the city even more.

* At the time of the Lanta protest, I respected Rite Aid's corporate position, and didn't dwell on the fact that a national chain was being driven off of Hamilton Street. The Mayor and Lanta board were too self absorbed with their "vision", to understand they were depriving the merchants of the cash flow necessary to remain in business.

** Apartment owners are having their buildings declared unfit for habitation because of some external peeling paint. Commercial owners are likewise being threatened and bullied with inappropriate demands. I will refrain from citing addresses at this time to spare these hapless owners from more harassment.

UPDATE: Channel 69 news reports that Rite Aid is closing because of it's merger with Eckerd, which has a store"several blocks away on 7th St". The Eckerd is almost 10 blocks away. CVS has a store at 12th and Liberty and another at 16th and Liberty. The Hamilton Street store is closing because they lost the prescription and other business from transferring bus passengers. At some point in the future, we will pay a consultant who will make the recommendation to restore the transfer stops back to Hamilton Street.

Department of Misrepresentation

Pawlowski and his Administration routinely serve half truths on their menu of city services. Last December, when the Home Inspection Law was snuck through City Council at the end of the last meeting of the year, three officers from the Realtors Association endorsed the legislation. What they omitted to say, was that they hadn't surveyed their membership, and that the three took it upon themselves to support the proposal. Earlier this week, The Morning Call was provided with information that homeowners spent an average of $353.47 complying with the inspections. What the City omitted to say, was that this was the cost of materials only, with the presumption the homeowner could do the work himself. Misrepresentations, omissions and presumptions should preclude the City from intervening between a homeowner and his buyer.

AutoZone Political Victim

To any observer of Allentown Government, it was no surprise that the Zoning Board denied AutoZone's request for larger signs. With a room full of opponents, including the Mayor, the Board went through the motions of due process, but a witch in Salem had a better chance. I wasn't looking forward to an autoparts store replacing a charming dining spot, but I am concerned with property rights in Allentown. When zoning rights, or routinely normal variances are compromised to appease public opinion, the slippery slope is justified for more ominous abuses. Should the city building inspection system and permit system also be subject to a political agenda? Sometimes we must tolerate the unpopular and inappropriate, or we give the system a pass to violate everybody's rights.

Bridge Over Denial

Friday's Allentown edition of The Morning Call had two stories which caught my attention. The first*, was an excellent detailed account of the administration's vision for the future, by Jarrett Renshaw, a new reporter to the Allentown beat. My only issue with the vision, is that the components are anywhere from twenty-five to forty years old; it's actually more like a drug induced flashback. Now there are advantages to repackaging old plans. Mayor Pawlowski already has a power point presentation on these "visions" from when he was Director of Community Development under Afflerbach. In reality most these idea's go back to Dadonna's first term, when both the current Director of Planning and the Chief Planner where hired, forty years ago.

The second interesting article was about replacing the 124 year old Linden Street Bridge**. Readers may recall Candidate Don Cunningham campaigning about restoring the bridge. Immediately after being elected, he restricted the bridge to one lane. Now, two and half years later, we learn he will now rebid the project. The bridge in the picture is called Ponte Vecchio, in Florence, it was built in the 1300's. Europe is full of bridges which are hundreds of years old. They employ this high technology called maintenance. Weeds and plants are not allowed to grow on the bridges. The surfaces are kept as waterproof as possible, and bricks and stones are re-pointed as needed. Here in Allentown bushes grow out the 8th Street Bridge, and reinforcing rods are left exposed. The 15th Street Bridge rails were just painted last week, after being allowed to rust for years.

Allentown and Lehigh County would be better off with less planning, less campaigning and more elbow grease.

* http://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/all-b1_5plan.6468433jun20,0,4594474.story

** http://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/all-b1_5linden

Where's the Beef

Yesterday I asked Bill White and John Micek where's the local news? This question, was asked in the same vein, as the elderly lady wondering where the beef was in the hamburger commercial. Bill and John were too busy complimenting each other to answer. This evening I found an explanation buried in the Queen City Blog*:
" Jarrett Renshaw, Atown's new City Hall reporter, who arrived fresh from Easton's City Hall last week, is planning to do more with this in the next few days. Oh, and expect to see Jarrett here at the QCD as soon as he settles in, posting exclusive city news right here."
Hi Jarrett, let me introduce myself. I'm one of the nay-sayers who are responsible for Allentown not moving as far forward as it could because of our criticism. My very words alone, although seldom seen in the Morning Call, produce a negative energy with impedes the good intentions from City Hall from being fully realized. But, more important, let me explain who you are. You are the fourth reporter assigned to this administration since it began. Don't sign a long term apartment lease, because by the time you realize this Mayors' main accomplishment is producing power point presentations on his accomplishments, you will be reassigned to Shamokin to report on parallel vs. perpendicular parking.

*Queen City Blog about joke call Vision Meetings

Lehigh Parkway Elementary School

Not that many people know where Lehigh Parkway Elementary School is. It's tucked up at the back of the development of twin homes on a dead end street, but I won't say exactly where. I do want to talk about the photograph. It's May Day, around 1952-53. May Day was big then, so were the unions; at Steel, Mack, Black and Decker, and a hundred other factories going full tilt after the war. The houses were about 8 years old, and there were no fences yet. Hundreds of kids would migrate from one yard to another, and every mother would assume some responsibility for the herd when it was in her yard. Laundry was hung out to dry. If you notice most of the "audience" are mothers, dads mostly were at work. I'm at the front, right of center, with a light shirt and long belt tail. Don't remember the girl, but see the boy in front of me with the big head? His father had the whole basement setup year round with a hugh model train layout. There were so many kid's, the school only went up to second grade. The neighborhood had its own Halloween Parade and Easter egg hunt. We all walked to school, no one being more than four blocks away. Years ago when I met my significant other, she told me she taught at an elementary school on the south side, but I would have no idea where it was.

click on photo to enlarge

Allentown on my Mind

I'm a baby boomer. I was born December 21, 1946. As soon as my mother climbed out of the hospital bed, another woman climbed in. I grew up in Lehigh Parkway. Not Lehigh Parkway North where the cyclists were last week, but the other side of the park, where the Mack and Steel workers lived. That's me on our lawn at the intersection of Catalina and Liberator Avenues, named after airplanes made by Vultee Corporation for the War. We had our own elementary school, or own grocery store, and the park to play in. On Saturdays my older brother would take me on the trolley, and later the bus, over the 8TH Street Bridge to Hamilton Street. There were far too many stores to see everything. After a matinee of cartoons or Flash Gordon, a banana split at one of the five and dimes, we would take the bus back over the bridge to Lehigh Street.

As I drive through town at night I'm constantly fearful of a small child darting out between parked cars. Their parents must be constantly afraid of gunshots and random violence. I wish these children, and their parents could enjoy a bit of serenity, they deserve it.

Profile of Pawlowski Sycophant

I first realized Peter had a political future when I saw him ignore the testimony and plight of the Hamilton Street merchants at the Lanta Meeting. As a staff member for a State Representative, he's a trained talking puppet. Now also doing Pawlowski's bidding at City Council, Peter has introduced important legislation*; residents would be limited to conducting four yard sales a year. Michael Hefele pointed out since the city doesn't have inspectors working on weekends, it would be used to target "selected" offenders. Schweyer based his ordinance after a law in Coaldale, violators would face $500 fines. Pawlowski and Schweyer, moving Allentown forward!

* http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b3_5yardsale.6458993jun14,0,7163030.story

Morning Call Manipulation

Today I received quite an education. No less than 20 people commented they saw my photograph, at least five of which where total strangers. As a candidate for mayor in 2005, my photograph never appeared in the Morning Call, not even once. The reporter assigned to the election, a Pawlowski fan, went as far as not covering my news conferences or group rallies. Although my photo was accidentally on the front page this morning, it now resides at the end of the Mcall gallery section, an oblivious editorial decision. To be honest, as a third generation Allentownian, I still think it's too good of a city to throw away for the political expediency of a Chicago politician. Don't rule me out for 2009.

Walkers' Paradise

Today, The Morning Call features a story about how great our downtown's are for walking*. The feature shows a photograph of a most interesting couple and concludes all three main cities in the Lehigh Valley, including Allentown, are a "Walkers' Paradise." By 6:30 AM, two comments appeared questioning the story, especially the safety of walking in Allentown. A third commentator, Matthew Tuerk, then stated how safe Allentown was and how much he enjoyed walking to work in center city. Matt even mentioned he buys his groceries at the downtown Farmers Market on Wednesdays. Matt forgot to mention he works for Allentown Economic Development Corporation which sponsors that little market and promotes the downtown. Why can't people disclose their self aggrandizing? At least the article showed a really nice couple.

photocredit:harry fisher, morning call

*http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_5walkscore.6454554jun13,0,6323733.story

The Cards You're Dealt

According to Morning Call, the Administration plans to hire part time police officers to supplement the force. Currently the taxpayers paid for nine more full time police officers than are currently employed. Although the mayor offers the excuse that it takes 19 months to train an officer, he's known about the shortfall for over three years. The Morning Call also reports that it will probably be reporting less news than it currently does. When one considers the rising crime and decreased police presence, less news may be a blessing in disguise.

photocredit: molovinsky

Molovinsky Post goes Poof

Last evening I joined the ranks of poof blogs, and deleted a posting from earlier in the day. Certain aspects of that posting had deeply offended a third party. I made a decision to put that person's feelings ahead of my desire to pontificate on a certain subject. Although deleting a post is nothing to take lightly, it happened. In this current exercise of rationalization, it seems to me there are worst offenses; plagiarizing, lying and misrepresenting. Considering how much of the blogosphere is anonymous, to whom am I apologizing? Although I will not let any comment stand referring back to the original content of the deleted post, feel free to comment on the concept of deletion.

Pawlowski's Dog and Pony Show

Although I have my reservations about Pawlowski as a mayor, there is no doubt about him being a first rate performer. As Director of Community Development in 2002 under Afflerbach, they instituted the federal program Weed and Seed as their plan to address Allentown's problems. In addition to a large budget, staff, separate office, professional web site* and even a documentary video, the program has everything except perhaps measurable results. Never the less, Weed and Seed was the pony pawlowski rode during the mayoral campaign of 2005. He would say "Weed and Seed, blah, blah, blah." When I called it a slogan and money pit, he bristled, "At least it's a strategy". I think what he meant was at least it's something to produce a power point presentation about and sell as a solution.

Pawlowski is now making the circuit with a new show. Just as Afflerbach hyped the hot shot police chief theory, Pawlowski has his own Kuhn, hired consultant George Kelling, of "Broken Window" fame, a fading fad in police theory**. According to Pam Varkony***, Kelling tells Pawlowski's supporters in five years "Children will be playing on the sidewalks while their parents converse with friends and neighbors from their front porches". Let's see, five years, that would take us into Pawlowski's second term?

*http://www.allentownweedandseed.org/
**http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4520866
*** http://www.mcall.com/news/opinion/anotherview/all-varkony6-1.6431595jun01,0,4235803.column

Candy For The Spirit

Chen-Arts Group

Saturday 6:30 PM

House of Chen

Sponsored by:
Mrs. Dottie



photocredit:
molovinsky

No Investors Need Apply

Mayor Pawlowski can't stand private investors, if he didn't give you a grant, your not worth crap. In the early 70's the City and Redevelopment Authority gave control of the Neuweiler Brewery to a friend. Under the City's watch, windows were removed and exterior walls broken through to remove the brewing tanks and piping for scrap. All metal, wires and any object of value were crudely ripped out in an orgy of demolition. With a large opening in the back wall smashed out, the basement was used as a free landfill by a roofer. Still the building remained iconic, because of it's rich industrial architecture. In 2003 a New Jersey investor bought the building for over $200,000 in the condition shown in the photograph. The building has been in that condition since the late 70's. HIs hope was at some point the City would appreciate the landmark and cooperate in its revival. He must have found the building citations from the Pawlowski administration mind-numbing; can you image being held responsible for carnage committed by a previous owner under the City's watch. Also this week the City punished the owners of the Livingston Apartments for their stubbornness about keeping magnificent heavy metal doors not listed in their Home Depot code book. Mayor Pawlowski, afraid someone might want to invest private money in Allentown and pay real estate taxes, had the Neuweiler owner jailed when he came to Allentown this week to discuss the property. Our new Mayor, along with our new Director of Codes, and our new Redevelopment Director plan to steal, excuse me, i mean seize the brewery.

Pawlowski's Magic Show

Last night Mayor Pawlowski looked forward to a good nights sleep after a long day of campaigning. He took his traveling illusion show, entitled Community Policing, to two locations. Stage hands included Police Brass and a "consultant". Although he knows the shine is off his apple, and hard questions have replaced previous blind enthusiasm, he still has a supportive editorial board at the newspaper, and more democrats registered than ever. We are installing surveillance camera's, blah, blah, blah. We are installing shot spotter sound systems, blah, blah, blah. We are involving the local Church Congregations, blah, blah, blah. The mostly somewhat skeptical audiences respond in a polite nod. Here and there an apologist leads a cheer:

"The mayor has a real mess to deal with and personally I feel that he is doing a decent job. It is a shame that many of the people ..... think that they can do it better. " Adam, a Morning Call forum cheerleader.

The mayor didn't get his good night's sleep. The shooting victim lying on his sidewalk required attention from the police and ambulance. Adam, cheerleader from the Morning Call forum also says;

" Seriously if you are that smart run for mayor and figure out how to fix the major problems that previous administrations have caused."

Well, I ran for mayor, and here's my suggestions.

1. Stop attracting more and more problematic people by funding social agencies which stake anybody to move to Allentown.

2. Stop hiring more and more bureaucrats and consultants and hire more police. Although the police shortfall was caused by the retirement incentive, we knew it was coming since 2005.

Greg Weaver Tribute

I had made arrangements to use the Hotel Grand, they have an old bar from the turn of century. I also arranged to borrow a super 8 bolex camera. Greg's girlfriend(Fran) was to be the flirt. The camera owner, the Grand owner and Fran all changed their minds. I shot behind Greg's studio on 10th St. using a kodak brownie movie camera and a woman friend of mine. Greg is the shooter. John Lotte is the victim.

Sacred Cows

Yesterday's post questioning the expanded mission of a popular local charity drew only one reaction from a indignant reader, I thought there would be more. Alfonso Todd, local activist, actually complimented the concept of applying diligence to our giving. About twenty years ago I formally opposed a Habitat For Humanity Project. Their plan for three new houses would have blocked the side window in a property I managed, denying my dwelling both light and air. Habitat's plan was endorsed by the City, The Redevelopment Authority and defended by the city solicitor. After the hearing, at which I prevailed, Habitats Regional Director came up to apologize to me. Seems they went with their standard straight wall plan to save time and money, even though everyone knew blocking a neighbors window was improper. He told me they were such a sacred cow that nobody had ever opposed them before.

Allentown's Father Flanagan

My mother was a tough cookie; but, about once a year, in the late 40's and early 50's, she would get misty eyed as the letter from Boy's Town arrived. It was that picture, the boy carrying his brother, with the caption saying "He's not heavy..." The twenty dollar bill would go into the envelope, and you wouldn't want to get in her way to the mailbox. Well it seems my mother wasn't the only one, Father Flanagan had rooms full of money.* Here in Allentown Gary Millspaugh of the Rescue Mission, has his own special flyer, it shows a grisly man waiting for a turkey meal around Thanksgiving. Like the boys in Flanagan's picture who never get older, Millspaugh's guy never gets a shave and stays skinny. I guess what made me a cynic is my associates who actually donated apartment houses to the Mission, and the constables who evict people from them for not paying rent. I can't get my arms around a homeless shelter which makes people homeless. This posting could be the end of me. After all, Bobby Gunther Walsh makes meatballs by hand to raise money for Gary. My girlfriend's parents, in their nineties,look forward to Gary's talk at their church. Gary talks to all the churches in the West End. I gotta go hide now, I hear Bernie O'Hare pounding on my door...

* http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE4DE153CF934A35753C1A966958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2

Powerpoint Pawlowski

MCall this morning, featured a story by reporter Paul Muschick*, on Pawlowski assaulting community groups with his powerpoint presentation. Strange thing these groups, they assemble once a month and submit themselves to some speaker, usually selling something packaged as useful information. Muschick thought Pawlowski was trying to sell Allentown, but I saw the earlier version during the 05 campaign, and I realize Pawlowski is selling Pawlowski for 2010. Does Pawlowski really think that he's going to change someone's decision regarding investing in a home or business with his slide show? Can anyone really feel more secure because a crime surveillance system has been put in place? With the exception of a few cheerleaders, most of whom recently purchased a house in center city, it is apparent from the readers forum, even Stephen Spielberg would be hard pressed to sell Allentown through a presentation. The perception of Allentown is a result from a ton of litter, scattered by a legion of uncouth, committing horrendous crimes, which have become so commonplace, the stories appear in the local section. Pawlowski may well have the formula for being re-elected, in a democratic stronghold with a sympathetic newspaper, but not for saving the city.

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_5survey.6408850may18,0,7302110.story

Neglect Has Its Reward

Readers of yesterday's Morning Call were treated to a feel good story about Allentown's problem apartments.* Three buildings in one row on 9th Street, 326, 334, and 340, but not 328, are to be purchased by a Mr. Grant. I'm not sure who Mr. Grant is, but apparently money is no object. After crunching the numbers, I realized the Redevelopment Authority will be paying about $75,000 per apartment, before costs to deconvert and remodel. Altogether, Mr. Grant plans on spending about 14 million dollars to deconvert 18 row houses. Although the cheerleaders will proclaim it a worthwhile start to combat Allentown's problems, 18 deconversions will not affect the quality of life, or lack thereof, in center city. But as long as bureaucrats realize the public does not directly connect their wallet with "Grant", these positions, projects and insider deals will always exist. I know something about that row on 9th Street, I operated 328 for many years. I made too many upgrades for the current owner to qualify for the gravy train.

*http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b1_5redevelop.6405264may14,0,299007.story

My Grandfather's Horse

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

* http://www.molovinskyformayor.com/Campaign2005.htm

Pawlowski's Magic Hat

Saturday's Morning Call, presented a story* outling a grant program designed "to help people at least give you a second look", according to Mayor Pawlowski. The truth is Pawlowski uses our money as the gift that keeps on giving. Two of the seven are restaurants which have received substantial aid from other city programs. Three are small startups which occupy space which appears to be owned or handled by the same realtor. One recipient, New York Urban, was a successful clothes retailer who opened a second shop. The city claims if the businesses stay open less than five years, they will try to recoup the money through liens; but only one of the seven is not a tenant, so that claim is baseless. Three of the shops have recently had their facade redone in an identical finish. Did we pay to remodel the building with facade grants and then provide tenants with these business grants? Coincidence or shenanigan? Talking of shenanigans, I must mention Pawlowski's peek-a-boo and hide-a-fund system**. One receiver of these new grants is Johnny Manana's. Yes, it's the same place that has been receiving grants since before Pawlowski was mayor. This joke is located in a KOZ and already pays no taxes. It was given a special low cost city sponsored liquor license. It appears this latest grant, $50,000, was virtually blackmail to open up, so our agency leaders could crow about how wonderful are their accomplishments. Another $50,000 went to the Cosmopolitan, not yet built, but named. The owner received the location for one dollar, the previous building was torn down at our expense, and of course he received the customary city discounted liquor license. I could say a few more things,but I will be polite. Some of the small shops, the ones with the redwood fronts, you better visit quickly. When the grant for their rent is up, so will they.
GRANT RECIPENTS
Vickey's Sweet Spot 621 Hamilton St. $11,190
New York Urban 740 Hamilton St. $19,366
Total Office Solutions 915 Hamilton St. $20,000
Wireless & Beyond 965 Hamilton St. $20,000
Ileanette's Beauty Salon 913 Hamilton St. $20,000
Johnny Manana's 835 Hamilton St. $50,000
Cosmopolitan 18 N. Sixth St. $50,000

UPDATE:" Pawlowski said some of the remaining money ($155,000) could be used to promote existing restaurants"

*http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b1_5grants-r.6390799may10,0,6273080.story

**Allentown Economic and Development Corporation,Allentown Commercial and Industrial Development Authority, Allentown Redevelopment Authority

Pawlowski Picks Lightweight

Although her lack of qualifications was even apparent to Pawlowski sycophants Eichenwald and Guridy, last night City Council unanimously approved Joyce Marin to receive $87,000 a year as our new Director of Community Development. How does this happen? It's difficult to speak frankly or vote against someone. I'm sure she is a very nice person who will try hard, and maybe that will be enough; but she is a "trainee" at best, why not pay her as such? Her claims to fame, career wise, is bringing bike racks to Emmaus as their Main Street Manager, and scheduling a small part time "farmers market" for this summer on Hamilton Street. The vegetable vendor plan resulted from her being Director of Allentown Economic and Development Corporation this past year. Ms. Marin is "excited" about her new job; wants to hire a business development specialist, is counting on the "Vision" meetings to help revitalization, and thinks the farmers market on Hamilton Street will help. The intention of this posting is not to debase Ms. Marin, but rather Pawlowski and City Council. The information was derived from an article in today's Morning Call.*

* http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b2_5council.6397366may08,0,657685.story

Pam and Sam Not Playing Well

In recent memory Allentown has two women who aspired to be Mayor, Pam Varkony and Sam Bennett. If I was less politically correct, and willing to catch a storm of hell, I might refer to them as alpha females, but I won't. Pam heads an organization designed to empower women, and is both a MSM columnist and blogger. Sam heads a do-gooder organization, Properties of Merit, and is a Democratic Party activist. As a candidate for United States Congress in the 15th district against Charlie Dent, Sam has been the target of two recent columns by Pam Varkony. The first column concentrated on supposed fundraising misinformation. The current column concerns salary controversies at Properties of Merit. In the past I have been critical of the program itself; just because a couple of guys buy a new house, and plant flower boxes the first year, i don't think they deserve a trophy. To me the long term homeowner who keeps his property presentable, year in and year out, regardless of a declining neighborhood, is the property of merit. But putting aside my incendiary remarks, let's read Pam's. First she states,
"There was a case in Pittsburgh where a politician's wife did pretty much the same thing: Started a small non-profit, received government money, then took a large salary." Sort of sounds like Bennett started Properties of Merit to end up with a large salary. In fairness to Sam, she started Properties of Merit many years ago; I know because I have been criticizing the concept for a long time. Pam later writes, "I realize that the POM program, when properly managed and executed, has value...."
In fairness to Pam this post is a reaction to the juxtaposition of Sam's treatment in the local blogosphere. On the comment section of Bernie O'Hare's site she is being assaulted by even fellow liberal democrats. I always had a soft spot for the underdog.

CLARIFICATION: Both the quotes I contribute to Pam were made in the comment section, when she was reacting to comments made by other people about her posting.

Gem's of Hamilton Street

Philmore and Rose Tucker opened their first yarn store on N. 7th St. in 1949. The Tucker Yarn Company has been at it's current location at 950 Hamilton Street for over 50 years. For knitting enthusiasts the endless inventory is legendary. Phil recalls how even in May, traditionally a slow month for the industry, Hess's annual flower show kept Hamilton Street and his store busy. A busy Hamilton Street is a memory now shared only by a couple of surviving merchants. Although many of Tucker's customers are elderly, the business is much more than a time capsule. His daughter Mae, nationally known in the trade, gives classes and operates a large mail order web site, TuckerYarn.Com

Stalin's Forgotten Zion

TRAIN STATION WITH RUSSIAN AND HEBREW SIGNS
In 1934 Joseph Stalin created a Jewish Zone called Birobidzhan in the outer reaches of Siberia near the Chinese border; few Jews remain there today. Swarthmore College created an incredible website documenting this story in the saga of the Russian Jews.

http://www.Swarthmore.edu/Home/News/biro/

photocredit:James Bryant

New Youth Programs

Mayor Ed Pawlowski has announced an Anti-Gang Initiative which will use Community Development Block Grants to fund youth programs. Time is short, applications need to be in by May 9th. Secular groups are encouraged to join with a faith based organization. Coaches and Churches should call Heidi Baer for more information at 610 437-7761 Play Ball!

SIMON GETS BROTHER'S VERDICT

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

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

Merchant Dog Days

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

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

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

Showtime with Dottie

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

PhotoCreditMolovinsky

Pawlowski Decrees Destiny

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

Clean Up Day

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


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

*This list appeared on the mcall queen city blog

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