Minority Opportunities In The NIZ

When Allentown started acquiring properties for the Arena, I suggested that the displaced Asian merchants could end up with the rickshaw concession on Hamilton Street. Recently, I suggested that as a Community Benefit Agreement, our downtrodden be allowed to sell peanuts at the Arena. Low and behold, our inspirational leaders did make room outside the new hotel for the underclass, they can operate food carts. "There's a lot of exciting opportunities right now," said Shannon Calluori, operations manager for the city's Department of Community and Economic Development. "Food vending is one of many." Julio Guridy, City Council President added, "It could also be a good opportunity for minority-owned businesses." Who knows, perhaps leather shoes will make a comeback, and the community college could provide training in shoe shining.

Lehigh Valley Not Much For History

The Lehigh Valley isn't much on history, neither Allentown or Lehigh County. The 1824 stone arch Reading Road Bridge is only still standing because of my efforts. It's sister bridge from 1828, Schreibers, may now be closed by the State. Since the 15th Street Bridge(Ward Street) was closed for replacement, Schreibers has taken an incredible beating. Although posted for 3 tons, it has been battered by tractor-trailers no less than half a dozen times. In a further assault to the bridge, Allentown dropped the ball, and allowed the State to make Oxford drive/24th Street bridge one way for repairs, increasing the burden on the old stone bridge.

The Lily Ponds

Although it's been a few years since the ponds at the Rose Garden have been rebuilt, the water lilies were never replanted, except for one small plant in one pond.

Pawlowski's Sendoff

I wasn't motivated to to attend Pawlowski's sendoff yesterday, but find the local news reports interesting. Apparently, Mike Fleck had his entire stable of candidates  there, and one by one they mouthed platitudes, but some didn't look that enthusiastic in the photos. In this bizarre era of partisan politics, Allentown holds it's own in that department. As Pawlowski launches his trial balloon for governor in the rented RV, one wouldn't know that he's also running for mayor. The calculus for that contest seems to be that it can be won blindfolded, with one arm behind his back. The Republicans didn't tender an opponent, and the independent is running an abbreviated campaign. Shown in the photo is Cynthia Mota, up and coming  City Council member, also managed by Fleck.

photocredit:Harry Fisher/The Morning Call/September 9,2013

May of 1933

In May of 1933, the wife of Pennsylvania's Governor, Mrs. Gifford Pinchot, came to Allentown to lend support to striking textile workers. At that time,  Allentown housed close to 100 garment factories. In 2013, the sewing factories are all gone, and Mrs. Pawlowski wants to be the governor's wife.

Does Pawlowski Have Courage

Last week Ed Pawlowski gave the Wildlands Conservancy permission to remove the scenic dam in Lehigh Parkway. Earlier that week I explained to the Park and Recreation Committee that Wildlands, despite their slick presentation and parade of experts, was ignoring the 800 pound gorilla in the proposal to remove the dam. While the Wildlands was spouting cookie cutter platitudes about dam removal improving water quality, they were ignoring the over flowing sewer pipe that runs along side the creek. They were ignoring an overriding problem affecting the Little Lehigh, so that they could utilize a grant and demolish the historic dam. Today, the Morning Call ran a feature story about the sewage problem. The EPA had given Allentown and the LCA until 2014 to correct the sewage affecting the creek. If the Wildlands demolishes the dam we will lose the beauty, sound and magic it provides to Lehigh Parkway, but still have a major water quality issue from the sewage. Does Pawlowski have the courage to reverse himself and save a treasure in the park?

photocredit:molovinsky