The Morning Call is located inside Allentown's 130-acre Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ). That's no secret, according to columnist Bill White. He insists that has nothing to do with what he or reporters are writing. But in the smug and hypocritical townships, rumors abound that NIZ developer J.B. Reilly has approached the Morning Call over some kind of business arrangement concerning its 101 N. 6th Street property, located a stone's throw from the proposed hockey arena, office buildings and luxury hotel.Call me cRaZy, but I think that just might color the perspectives of newspaper writers, especially at a publication that continues to lay off its staff.
In an effort to learn what exactly is going on, I have sent this email to the newspaper's publisher and its Editor, David Erdman.
Gentlemen,
I attend the meetings of several Lehigh Valley Townships for my blog and as a freelancer. These include Hanover and Bethlehem Townships, who are the spearheads in a constitutional challenge to Allentown's 130-acre Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ).
The Morning Call's Allentown property, 101 N. 6th Street, is located inside this NIZ. I am aware that you have been trying to rent out your first floor.
Last night, I was informed that NIZ developer J.B. Reilly has approached The Morning Call to purchase all or a portion of 101 N. 6th Street.
Can you confirm or deny whether you have participated in talks of any kind with Reilly or Allentown officials concerning your property?
I'm not sure the paper you reference is still publishing.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the super sleuthing! Good work Bernie!
ReplyDeleteBernie -
ReplyDeleteGood luck getting a response.
Maybe they'll have you fill out a Right-to-Know request.
Erdman has always responded to my emails. If he does not, that in itself is a response. Really, I think the paper would do itself a favor by stating exactly whether there is any truth at all to these rumors.
ReplyDeleteIs Mornig Call property listed for sale and J. Reily acting as the buyer in behalf of anther interested party.
ReplyDeleteNo. It is not listed for sale.
ReplyDeleteBernie,
ReplyDeleteOkay I am lazy and sometimes don't get all the legalese. So with that out of the way, could you please tell me what taxes could be included in the NIZ kitty. I guess what I am eluding to is the taxes PPL charges me on my electric bill up for grabs? If any tax can be taken I guess the highest taxed businesses will go there for the subsidize rents and goodies. Topper is the fuel guy right? So could he basically be subsidizing himself with the taxes applied to fuel for road taxes? So does this mean when the state looks at the budget and when it comes up short for road expenditures they will say oh well we have raise taxes to make up the shortfall.
Sorry for the rambling but I am think on the fly. I guess I am all wet if this wrong? But think about it, your are just being taxed indirectly to subsidize others.
One more thing too, I heard a rumor that this is just the beginning and that, dare I say, a casino is in the future of downtown.
Okay flame away, I have my shield up!
I love the blog Bernie regardless if you are going to call me nuts.
the mc is a bigger slut than norco county council. THAT'S BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis zone was created in an exact way that only our brightest politician can write. MC building in the zone, why isn't the PPL tower building in the zone? No opportunity there but plenty in PPL Plaza right across the street...hats off to you Browney
ReplyDeletePPL Plaza is in the NIZ and has vacancy
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