As a LANTA board member, Steve Schmitt smugly dismissed the plight of the mostly minority-owned businesses along Allentown's Hamilton Street. Bus routing changes resulted in a decrease in foot traffic, hurting their bottom line. "They wanted something to complain about, basically. ... I find it hard to believe. ... I'd like to see the books." Several of these businesses are now gone. When Schmitt's term as board member expired, so was he. Northampton County Executive John Stoffa replaced Schmitt over a year ago with Cordelia Miller, who adds some much needed diversity at LANTA.But Stoffa has had a change of heart. Thanks to Steve Schmitt and his Coalition for Alternative Transportation, our buses come equipped with bike racks. He is also an anti-car advocate who actually takes a bus or bicycle everywhere. He has refused to drive a car for many years. For whatever reason, Stoffa has nominated Schmitt to a LANTA board vacancy.
But this is one controversial cyclist. LANTA Chairman Fred A. Williams actually visited a County Council Personell Comittee meeting to claim this bike rack lover is "divisive." Ann McHale, also a board member, read portions of my previous blogs about Schmitt. But LANTA Treasurer Paul Marin came to another Council meeting, with Schmitt, to sing his praises.
According to Easton blogger Noel Jones, there's now an "ACTION ALERT" for Thursday night's council meeting to make sure that nomination is finally approved. Steve apparently supports "rails and trollies."
"WE MUST COME OUT IN NUMBERS TO ENSURE HE IS APPOINTED!!!
"If you want to see the future of LANTA include rail or trolleys-- Please come out and support one of the most progressive transportation advocates in the State!
"Steve Schmitt needs our voices to be heard by Northampton County Council, that his appointment should not be blocked because certain Board members are fearful of change."
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ReplyDeleteTwill be an interesting meeting for sure.
Steve was wrong on the business impact of the worthwhile, important new center. However, he is the only member who actually uses public transportation on a regular basis. Last summer he was on the G route handing out coupons for free Dorney Park admission they gave to Lanta. Messrs McHale, Williams---who NEVER USE LANTA--would never do this.
ReplyDeleteReappoint Steve. He actually cares about transit, the transit users and the economic impact of strong public transit to a growing and green economy.
And tell the mercedes bmw cadillac crew of Mchale and williams their neighborhoods --far from transit-- would benefit from Lanta expansion.
REAPPOINT STEVE
let us hope for the merchants of easton that he is not appointed. apparently greco cannot sleep without trying to use that $4mil grant, regardless of where the terminal is built or its effect on business. steve has proven he has no respect for small merchants. riding bikes in tights does not urban planning make.
ReplyDeleteIt sure sounds to me like Fred Williams is being divisive.
ReplyDeleteIf the goal is to appoint a pro-active transit user who understands the needs of ridership and who will actively seek changes to improve service then Schmitt is your guy. If the goal is to put yet another stuffed suit/political hack on the board who never even stepped on a bus, then someone else should be appointed.
Regarding the Hamilton Street merchants, I think the LANTA board should concern itself with service to the ridership, not with economic development.
anon 1:13, has it ever occurred to you that the riders might prefer doing some shopping between buses, rather than sitting on a cold concrete or steel bench for 40 minutes like prisoners?
ReplyDelete"I think the LANTA board should concern itself with service to the ridership, not with economic development."I agree. That's why LANTA makes regular trips to the Malls. That's why it should have continued service to the locally owned businesses on Hamilton St.
ReplyDeleteAs a daily LANTA commuter from 1992-2003, a LANTA board member from 2002-2004 and as a frequent LANTA rider now, I'd like to share my opinion on this issue.
ReplyDeleteThe new Allentown Transit Center (ATC) has greatly improved the system efficiency and safety for riders, alleviated dangerous bus/vehicle/pedestrian conflicts on N. & S. 8th Streets and N. & S. 9th Streets and provides safe, clean facilities for the operators.
Based on my 10+ years of daily commuting, I can tell you that nearly all transfers are 0-10 minute waits and that most riders are trying to get to work, home, daycare, doctors appointments etc... I don't recall too many passengers looking to while away 40 minutes doing their shopping on Hamilton Street, of which the 600-900 blocks are just blocks away.
To combine all bus transfers within one safe, efficient, clean facility with restrooms is a huge improvement. Under the old system, a rider might have to disembark at S. 8th Street and run two blocks across heavy traffic to catch their transfer at N. 9th Street so they could get home, work etc..on time. An infrequent rider wouldn't even stand a chance of negotiating a tight rush hour transfer. One missed transfer could mean a lost day of work, a stranded child waiting for a parent, a missed appointment or a cab ride home.
For me these key benefits of the ATC; improved safety, efficieny and most importantly better service for the riders, outweigh the important economic concerns for business owners on Hamilton Street.
Trent Sear
Allentown, PA
Trent, Can you express your view on qwhether Steve Schmitt should be reappointed. As someone who served, you have better insight than the rest of us. Can you explain why the Chair of LANTA's board would take the unusual step of advocating Schmitt's rejection at a committee hearing?
ReplyDeleteBlog Bernie: If a vote of transit users had any sway this would not even be an issue. he was appointed by your favorite target Reibman BECAUSE he uses transit. Mchale does not. Williams is a retired millionaire who sold gas stations (bet he has never taken a bus to work) worked for Diocese of Allentown. And Anne was put on for political expediencey.
ReplyDeleteKeep Steve On. At least he uses the service Bet greco doesnt.
i'm nursing an injury, and reduced to typing with one finger, on hand. sear, do you have any concept of the million wasted by bureaucrats to promote hamilton, which this new stand alone terminal wasted? neither you or scmiditt can see the whole picture
ReplyDelete