Last time I posted a Scott Armstrong essay, I came close to being lynched. But close is not enough. We're both still alive. So it is my pleasure to post yet another ditty, which is also published in The Allentown Commentator.Yesterday, on my way into the building where my eye doctor has his business, I noticed a large sign indicating that the commercial property was "for sale." Between the many tests the doctor and I chatted and he told me that he and many others on the block were "getting out." This doctor has been on the 1300 block of Hamilton street for many years and the building has long been customized to suit his needs exactly. Yet he feels compelled to relocate outside the city limits. This decision to vacate the location where he has conducted business for many years is no small thing. It will be a costly and impractical move for him and his clientele. Yet, clearly, he has concluded that he has no choice. Last year our family dermatologist left the medical building on the 1600 block of Liberty Street for a location in Hellertown.
Forget the rose colored lies being spun by the administration and its collaborators; this exodus of businesses to areas outside of the Queen City tells the real story of ineptitude, corruption and the loss of hope and faith that the city can ever be turned around. Those who can, are getting out. Soon all who will be left are those who refuse to leave and the many who can't. Meanwhile our mayor has given us a new slogan, "City Without Limits." What is that supposed to mean?
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22 comments:
I get angry at Scott's constant harping on the obvious with no real solutions other than don't vote for Democrats.
However, on reading his post I must agree in principle. Many business people I know are planning to leave Allentown. Some in locations that would surprise you. The problem Scott is illustrating crosses Party lines and political philosophy.
The Democrats in government and the Republican businessmen who support them have conspired to turn Allentown into a disaster area. Sadly the people it needs are leaving in droves and the welfare class it can ill-afford are taking up residence.
Without dramatic action by the City, the end is clearly in sight and the once proud "Queen City", will fade into memory.
Although its shameful that businesses are leaving the city, I'm not a big believer in anecdotal evidence. For instance, I know (because she's also my dermatologist) that Scott's dermatologist's relocation had nothing to do with needing to "escape" Allentown.
But I do believe in numbers, and it would be interesting to see what the change in # of businesses has been over the past 5 years compared to Bethlehem and Easton. Obviously Bethlehem and Easton's business growth has been well documented and is highly visible, but I suspect that Allentown continues to attract new businesses and retain old ones at similar rates. Unfortunately, these businesses are often not located in the CBD, but in places like 7th Street, Union Blvd, and the West End. The recession would definitely make comparing the numbers more difficult, but it might be interesting to look into.
anon 4:33,
I agre, why would anyone want to leave Allentown.
Allentown Democrat Voter
Come to Bethlehem!
Maybe the reason he feels compelled to leave Allentown is the constant bombardment by whinny folk like Armstrong.
There's a 4-unit apt. building on south side Allentown, owned for the past four years by a NYC resident, which highlights the city’s chronic investment property neglect issues.
If city fathers could find out why the owner ignores city regulations, it might offer a key to a chronic downtown property issue and might address why the city continues to lose solid businesses like the one Scott addressees in his comments. Before the current investor took over the property, the building was a “star” among investment properties, now it’s anything but. Garbage is strewn about the side yard on a weekly basis. City officials have tried to help make the owner clean it up, but little changes. Why?
Two new eye doctors have open in the past two years in the 19th Street area, just a few blocks from the one Scott mentions.
Times change, people come, and people go.
"Maybe the reason he feels compelled to leave Allentown is the constant bombardment by whinny folk like Armstrong."
Yeah, that must be it. Everything is really beautiful and all the City Without Limits need do is get rid of the naysayers.
Seriously, the biggest downer about this town is the complainers, in and out of the city.
If things are so bad move to Georgia or something.
Anon, 4:33,
I stand by my signed claim that "she" left Allentown's for several reasons but the bad environment was a factor mentioned to me.
I will add that in an unrelated case when seeking a referal for a specialist no Allentown addresses were offered. When I asked if there was one in the city I was told that "most people don't want to travel into Allentown now so [they] don't even suggest it."
By the way, anecdotal is what we live with everyday in Allentown.
Scott Armstrong
Dear 8:30am:
You're absolutely right. We have legislation but rarely anything is enforced unless the administration stresses it be done or not done. I believe the only real part of the rental inspections legislation being enforced is the collection of fees. I have heard from very good sources, that will remain nameless, that systematic inspections, isn't even happening anymore. The first 5 year cycle of inspections took close to 10 years to complete and still only about 75% compliance. Why come to Allentown and buy property? Because properties are cheap in comparison to New York and quite frankly I think many can get away with bleeding properties dry with very little investment. Perhaps, a landlord may sue the city soon for paying for a service (fee) not rendered. Not a threat but a real possibility. I don't blame the inspectors, I believe many are running around in circles not knowing which way to turn. Localized inspections for Weed & Seed area, Inspections before Sale, Rental Inspections, complaints? What's the administration's real priority? Somebody should start asking some hard questions and start looking at the performance of these programs and why the administration is slacking. Come downtown sometime and take a look at the neighborhoods where houses have additional mailboxes put on them overnight. They've been reported. They've been reported again. Still they exist. One would have to ask themselves why the process doesn't seem to be working.
Kim Beitler
"I have heard from very good sources, that will remain nameless, that systematic inspections, isn't even happening anymore."
We must agree. On one of the city's major arteries sits a very large residential investment apt. complex where large recreational
boats year after year park in plain.
It would be impossible for a city inspector to not see these boats as he/she enforces the city's newly adopted annual inspection program and not question their validity in a residentially-zoned location.
"City without limits" could mean you are free to leave if you don't like it.
Or, it could mean King Edwin is prepared to annex the surrounding communities what is stealing all his taxpayers.
Nah, its just some dumb shit he made up for his blind sheeple to hang onto while he completes the destruction.
Scott is just Negative Nancy!
Debbie Downer!
bwaaaah!
I wonder how many of the anonymous posters here actually live in Allentown, as I do every day.
I wonder how many of them have to deal with the safety concerns on the public streets of Allentown, as I do every day.
(I have been jumped three times in three years - I now no longer give cigarettes to strangers who ask for one on the street)
I wonder how many of these anonymous posters actually have the guts to walk the streets after dark, as I do every day.
"If things are so bad move to Georgia or something"
REST ASSURED - some in the city are completely demoralized, have had their spirit thoroughly BROKEN and are preparing to take their honest, hard-working butt (and money) somewhere else.
Meanwhile, hang around the bus terminal off the American Parkway sometime.
See all the people unload and start walking up the street with suitcases on wheels. I am seeing more and more of this all the time; I work in that neighborhood.
This is not a joke and the situation is certainly not very funny.
ANON 4:33 --- Don't worry. The people you despise, the honest, law-abiding and hard-working citizens --- the people who traditional built and maintained this place --- are leaving. Be patient.
"Times change. People come and go."
Absolutely agree.
A new crowd will arrive to keep you company, I have every confidence.
Enjoy the City With No Limits.
Hey Bernie -
I posted with my new handle on a DISQUS enabled thread and got banned. I can't even email you.
Is this intentional? I didn't think I posted anything objectionable.
Problem with our government locally...perhaps even nationally is that people are expendable and easily replaced. Pretty sad.
Kim Beitler
Anon 12:00, I don't understand. I am trying to get into Disqus to see what is wrong, but it is not intended to stifle discussion. i am sorry. I have only blocked one IP. Please post your comment here.
If this turns out to be a problem, I'll stop using Disqus.
Those of us who'd never choose to live in NYC have a decision to make. NYC has moved here, so it's up to us to relocate. Route 78 opened the floodgates and developments north and west of Allentown made the exodus permanent. The city had a chance of remaining a decent place to live, but the 2008 crash and resulting recession put an end to those hopes. To his credit, Pawlowski is bringing every resouce he can to Allentown. But those who think he can save it for the people who've lived here all their lives are dreaming. Stop expecting miracles, and the mayor doesn't seem like such a bad guy.
The mayor is a pox on humanity!
Those of you "free to leave it" critics of Armstrong need to realize that Allentown's shrinking middle class is leaving it every single day. I think what is making Armstrong so upset is that only partisan bootlickers like Ernie Atiyeh are welcome to participate in the City's affairs under the Afflerbach/Pawlowski regime. This has limited the ability of a great number of City residents and civic groups to help contribute towards practical long term solutions to stabilize Allentown's still salvagable neighborhoods. Under the Afflerbach/Pawlowski regime opportunistic politicians use Allentown government for their own economic gain and political rewards and then off they go leaving the mess behind. Anyone seen Roy lately? No. Pawlowski will bail as well, leaving residents like Armstrong in increasingly crime ridden, blighted neighborhoods.
One real solution I see for Allentown includes a bulldozer. Another involves confiscation of SSI checks and if you want your SSI check, bring in 25 lbs of trash off the street to claim it.
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