When the Allentown Park system purchased two distressed brown fields from Abe Atiyeh, this park advocate complained. I know both the parcels well. The land down by Basin and Union Streets had no market value in the real world. In an old industrial area, where no industry remains, it also has no residential appeal. The other parcel, the old fertilizer rendering plant, also in a flood plain, also had no market. When the price got low enough, speculator Abe Atiyeh purchased them. Who knew that Ed Pawlowski, who always put himself ahead of the city, would buy them to expand and connect the park system. In my informed opinion, they can't properly take care of the existing system.
Atiyeh also purchased the nearby former quarry parcel, which later functioned as a cement mixing plant. The Allentown School system is purchasing that parcel from Atiyeh for future expansion of the Union Terrace Elementary School. Last time I checked, the Atiyeh parcel was across Union Street, and behind and beyond the sports fields.
The Allentown School District is distressed, not only in the classrooms, but on the board and in the administration.
You cover park news better than anyone before or now. You provide an invaluable source.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
The beat goes on. The legacy of Mayor Pawlowski continues.
ReplyDeleteYou cannot put a price on the gaining of control over properties owned by Abe Atiyeh. The guy does whatever he feels like and when local government tries to reel him in, he runs to Attorney Van Luvanee who then make their lives miserable. I'm glad Atiyeh no longer owns the properties. Good for ASD. Less headaches for the City.
ReplyDeleteASD also bought the property at Union and Lehigh Sts from him. Biggest downside to these transactions is the fact that they are forever removed from the tax rolls.
ReplyDeleteI omitted a comment about supposed corruption, where the commenter didn't have the details, but mentioned names. For his information, I do not recall that situation.
ReplyDeleteAtiyeh has certainly availed himself to requests for zoning variances.
I felt that the Allentown School District overpaid for the lot at the former state hospital site, considering what a deal the developer got from the state for the entire parcel.
Overpaid, you say?? It seems any purchases made by any government entity are way overpriced. Could this be a way of hiding money? Check out the sales figures for the police station at 10th and Hamilton.... something doesn't wash there. But purchases made by eminent domain are downright cheap.
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