Wednesday, February 08, 2012
What Allentown Residents Really Think About the Arena
At tonight's Lehigh County Commissioners' meeting, I met five Allentown residents concerned about the looming reassessment. These are just ordinary homeowners. Three of them don't even bother to vote. They go to no tea party meetings or union halls.
I asked them what they thought about Mayor Pawlowski's vaunted hockey arena in downtown Allentown. I was surprised to learn that, unlike Hizzoner's sycophants and well-heeled associates, every single one of them considers this a terrible idea.
Some are downright angry.
That's why they should vote.
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47 comments:
Hey BO, did the LCC over ride the Cunningham veto tonight?
Most normal thinking folks will agree this is a terrible idea. Even Philadelphia has its sports areanas in one out of center city area. Kind of like a Coca-Cola park, hockey arena could have been.
LCC ovderrode the veto 8-1. I'm working on the story.
Love hockey, hate where the arena is. do these rocket scientist realize how easily jammed traffic is trying to head east out of the downtown.
Hamilton Street bridge or Tilghman Bridges. either way it will be a nightmare for folks heading to and coming in from Bethlehem and points east.
Nice sample size. Real scientifical.
Jon is the best, he speaks like a real Allentown Democrat. Don't let them get you down Jon, Allentown is moving forward, Ed is a great mayor and a good man and what ever he wants to do must be the right thing for the city.
Allentown Democrat Voter
Any truth to the rumor that local sports organs will report "shots on goal" as well as "shots on visitors to the arena?" Going to Allentown at night is just cRaZy.
I don't see any assertions from Bernie that this was a scientific poll. But, isn't it curious that a poll of a decent sample size has never been done? And isn't it even more curious that ZERO public input was gathered on this project before critical decisions were made? The Administration knows regular Allentonians would not support this project, which is why they've lied and deceived folks at every turn on the arena project. It's disgusting, and you can bet that if Republicans pulled off a stunt like this, Geeting would be howling.
Because Coca Cola park was a HORRIBLE idea. And that place can only be used in the summer! What a joke.
The bias against Allentown here it beyond the pale. I don't live there anymore but I was born there and grew up there and want to see it come back. Obviously, many curmudgeons just want to throw in the towel and hide in the Slate Belt.
I don't see any assertions from Bernie that this was a scientific poll. But, isn't it curious that a poll of a decent sample size has never been done? And isn't it even more curious that ZERO public input was gathered on this project before critical decisions were made? The Administration knows regular Allentonians would not support this project, which is why they've lied and deceived folks at every turn on the arena project. It's disgusting, and you can bet that if Republicans pulled off a stunt like this, Geeting would be howling.
So your suppositions are as noteworthy as BOH. I think you are wrong and I think the Phantoms and all the concerts and stuff are going to be a big success. I've said it repeatedly, the Lehigh Valley needs to grow culturally.
Every time I've gone to steel stacks there has been a good crowd and it keeps getting bigger.
The Arena will be exactly like a casino in Atlantic City; It will be grand and successful, with nealry 100% of patrons parking in a garage, attending the game and then driving out of the City without spending a dime outside the arena. You walked around Atlantic City? You think the Democratic Party Mayor didn't claim the casinos would "transform" downtown? Lets all hope this "cadillac" isn't a lemon, because like his good friend Roy Afflerbach, Kinf Edwin will be long gone.
"Real scientifical."
Great grammar, too, Geeting.
No, my sample was not "scientifical." I am unaware that I made any claim this was some kind of poll. Your own comment reveals that much.
"The bias against Allentown here it beyond the pale. I don't live there anymore "
Let me get this straight. I am biased bc I accurately reported the feelings of 5 Allentown homeowners concerning a downtown hockey arena. You aren't but you don't live there anymore.
If you don't vote, don't complain.
Let me get this straight. I am biased bc I accurately reported the feelings of 5 Allentown homeowners concerning a downtown hockey arena. You aren't but you don't live there anymore.
No, you are biased because you would NEVER ever report it if you spoke to five people that spoke positively of the plan. Everyone knows that. You're Mr. Negativity. A good rebranding of the blog is in order.
And I think Geeting was goofing on you with the term and it went right over your head.
I understand the hockey team has a website that gathers names of people interested in season tickets?
That might be an interesting take on how interested the community is in the arena? I hear the numbers are immpressive! There will always be ney sayers, but the real meat is in tickets sold.
The Iron Pigs were not popular till it it opened and now good season tickets are on waiting lists.
I am sure the arena will be busy 40 nights per year, with out-of-town fans. But some of the people who actually live and work in Allentown don't like the idea, and will be too busy working to pay for it to enjoy it.
I actually think that CHAIRMAN PAWLOWSKI's PUCKSTERS will do quite well in terms of attendance at the magnificent $ 160.0 million dollar PALACE of SPORT.
Ice hockey IS a great game.
We will see how the PALACE of SPORT does the other 325 days of the year ...
... the IronPigs HAVE done well at the box office BUT that has NOT led to an Economic Revolution for the City of Allentown.
ROLF OELER
The Chairman has made bold predictions of 2.5 million people attending the magnificent PALACE of SPORT ...
... even IF the hockey team sells out EVERY GAME, that would only be 340,000 people which still leaves a long, long way to go.
ROLF OELER
Why do we care what people who cannot be bothered to vote think? Here you have people who pay no attention, cannot take 30 minutes out of their life once a year to vote, and we should care what they now think? If you cannot be bothered to vote you give up your right to complain.
"No, you are biased because you would NEVER ever report it if you spoke to five people that spoke positively of the plan. Everyone knows that. You're Mr. Negativity. A good rebranding of the blog is in order."
As an Allentown resident, I have personally talked to hundreds of people and not one thinks the location is a good idea. It's not Bernie's fault that Allentown welcomes so much negative publicity. This arena has been a scandalous booddoggle from day one, with no-bid contracts, taxes being withheld from other municipalities, politically connected NIZ board appointments, Heather Browne (need I say more!). You want negativity? Try owning a home in Allentown and having 6 Democratic Party stooges rubber stamp everything with no questions or scrutiny.
Retired ASD teacher here.
Anonymous 12:16 -
When was the arena project approval placed on public ballot?
One might argue, Comrade ASD Teacher, that the Proletariat DID give their consent for this massive project involving the magnificent $ 160.0 million dollar Palace of Sport when they overwhelmingly re-elected Chairman Pawlowski.
Respectfully,
VIKTOR TIKHONOV
As an Allentown resident, I have personally talked to hundreds of people and not one thinks the location is a good idea. It's not Bernie's fault that Allentown welcomes so much negative publicity. This arena has been a scandalous booddoggle from day one, with no-bid contracts, taxes being withheld from other municipalities, politically connected NIZ board appointments, Heather Browne (need I say more!). You want negativity? Try owning a home in Allentown and having 6 Democratic Party stooges rubber stamp everything with no questions or scrutiny.
Welcome to the world of building sports arenas. Personally, it's like worrying about how much the Phillies overpaid for a player? Who cares? My ticket prices are going up regardless.
People just like to complain and they love being indignant.
All of these people grousing about the arena eventually fall back to it's location. After a couple weeks, they will all be there, just like they are all packed in at Coca Cola Park. FINALLY, something to do in the valley and the ingrates always have to complain.
I agree whole-heartedly with Anons 2:54 and 2:57
I, for one, am thankful for the Elitists who know better than me.
PRESIDENT
POLITICAL ASTRO TURF, INC.
I must have missed the prosperous Economic Revolution for the City With No Limits that Coca-Cola Park and the IronPigs, who HAVE done well at the box office, ushered in.
Loyal Allentown Democrat Voter
I doubt if those people even own their homes. Probably renting leeches who don't even vote. They go to meetings to bitch and moan. Sounds just like Bernie's kind of folks.
As much as I totally hate the downtown arena plan, all these commenters who are questioning whether the arena has had a positive economic impact on the City should go ask businesses on Airport Road and Union Blvd whether they see a positive impact from the stadium. That will be a universal "yes."
The hockey arena and implementation of the NIZ HAVE been a boondoggle and the whole project could have been pulled off much better (well communicated to all stakeholders, build the arena over by the ballpark, have the NIZ located largely in downtown to encourage downtown revitalization, don't eminent domain an entire block of center city, etc.), but if the stadium is built as planned, to forecast that there will be no positive economic benefit to downtown is kind of sticking your head in the sand.
Anon 3:26 what an awful thing to say. Just because somebody rents does not make them a leech.
Sure, it's not a great area, but there are decent hardworking people who live there just like anywhere else.
I think the NIZ scheme is a cash cow for a few connected people, but it's unfair to call renters names like that.
"I doubt if those people even own their homes."
They are both long-time home owners. They are not political. They were at the meeting bc of the reassessment. If they were renters, they'd be watching the boob tube like you.
Reading, PA, begs to differ about a hockey rink leading to an Economic Revolution for a city's downtown.
That would only be just one example, there are many, many others.
Interesting. No one is for it! I really have no idea. I don't spend too much time in Allentown. But I will say one thing: People don't like change. So whatever it is, people are going to criticize it. But hey, they could have good reasons!!
Another person in favor, where do I stop?
"In these reports I've seen online, I've seen pretty clearly as to who is FOR the arena project (myself included) and those who are against it....Mayor Pawlowski has repeatedly said many times how this will rehabilitate the area and renew it, but there are those who refuse to see the forest for the trees for some reason.
To be honest, from what I've seen in these reports, the people who are firmly against it are the very people who wouldn't be caught dead in the place...they DON'T like hockey or sports in general, love bitching just to bitch and seem like little effing children who never really grew up. Everybody is clearly entitled to their opinions on this issue, and while I am not overly a fan of Mayor Pawlowski, at least he IS trying to fix things up in Center City Allentown...I'm all for that...if this project were bad, I could see the animosity, but it's not, clearly not...
You could not only hold AHL games there, but other high school and college hockey/basketball/wrestling here too, not to mention top headliners to perform there and other various events there like WWE as well. If they can keep the arena busy for about 200 nights out of the year, if not more, then I think this will really benefit the area as a whole, I honestly do...
I've been on board with this since the old, failed Lehigh Valley Xtreme debacle years ago involving sinkholes and the like that kept that team from ever playing a game....but in years since, and through extensive study by the Hammes Group of the ground where they arena is to be built, they've determined that the ground IS safe to build on, unlike it was in the past...the PPL Building in the nearby area is standing now where the arena for the Xtreme was to have been built....that's held up pretty well as will the arena after it's built as well....
Since Day One, I've said that IF the Phantoms were to ever move to the region, I'd be safely on board with a multi-year season ticket plan and that's still the case! I haven't been to a game in person for at least five or six years, so I have a TON of making up to do and I surely will too! :): "
Do you want to know how bias Bernie O'Hare is? Well just click on this link... a story on about how Allentown residents are excited for the arena... then go back and look at his previous post. He does not mention once about this story.. Once again Bernie O'Hare's integrity has been shot to hell. He writes this blog to create hate and negativity, not growth and prosperity. It is a shame that he doesnt allow links on his blog... everyone can find it be googling; Residents support Allentown's Arena.
The irony of it all is that he doesnt post on the whole story according to his headline post. "Conservative or Liberal, Deist or Pagan, Jersey transplant or Lehigh Valley native, we're all in this mess together. Let's talk. Let us do no harm. Today's one-liner: "No friend ever served me, and no enemy ever wronged me, whom I have not repaid in full." - Lucius Cornelius Sulla
This Northampton resident continues to poke his suspended law license into areas that do not concern him.
http://www.wfmz.com/news/Residents-support-Allentown-s-hockey-arena/-/121458/4861492/-/w27axm/-/index.html
I am sure that your principals, JB Reilly and Vaughn, could dredge the streets for enough people to say they support the arena if paid enough. Shit, the list of Pawlowski campaign contributors, man of whom stand to benefit from the arena, make that abundantly clear. My sampling consists of 5 ordinary homeowners who have never even heard of my blog and couldn't care less what you or I think.
Reading, PA, begs to differ about a hockey rink leading to an Economic Revolution for a city's downtown.
Fact 1. The Reading arena does not house an AHL team who is an affiliate of the Flyers. This by itself guarantees hockey success.
Fact 2. The population of the Lehigh Valley greatly surpasses Reading.
Fact 3. Given Fact 2, is is sad that smaller areas like Reading and Scranton get better cultural centers than the LV.
5. lol
I just asked 5 coworkers in the last 3 minutes and all of them were looking forward to seeing some pro hockey action in the LV. Shall I go ask the 6th dude now?
Sure, you did. Cut a youtube video and send it to me.
College hockey?
Who?
Lehigh?
Yea, that'll pack'em in.
Sorry, Comrade Future Downtown Arena Attendee, but the college hockey thing just plain ridiculous.
Shaibu!
VIKTOR TIKHONOV
I am not a fan of the location (I would of rather seen it built by the Coca-Cola park), but I will attend as many games as I can.
I would like to see the indoor football team move to the arena also. Maybe add a soccer (kixx) and/or lacrosse (wings) team.
The Lehigh Valley could be an outstanding sports area with connections to Philly.
My initial thought was negative because of the location, but as I accepted the decision I focused more on what the Lehigh Valley will provide.
I'm looking forward to some outstanding hockey and opportunities of many other sports to the arena.
Retired ASD teacher here.
Anonymous 12:48, at least two other sports franchises will be needed to make the Allentown project worth the investment.
Unfortunately, if the Morning Call report is correct, profits from concessions and signage inside the building have already been assigned to the Phantoms. Any other franchise will need to survive almost totally on ticket revenue. This might not be very appealing.
The article also went on to say, the city gave away building naming rights to the Phantoms. That's an even bigger blunder. In effect, the city gave the Phantoms must of its (the Phantoms) own $10 million dollar comittment. Nice deal.
Allentown is moving forward, Ed is a great mayor and a good man and what ever he wants to do must be the right thing for the city.
This poster must be related to Mr. Ed .
If you don't vote, don't complain.
I think the late George Carlin said it best , He don't vote so there for he can't be blamed for electing a selfish greedy leader
on the other you did vote him in so you are to blame
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