On Wednesday, I told you that Allentown Redevelopment Authority (ARA) is being sued by Allentown-based developer Nat Hyman. In January, on the motion of then board member Jessica Ortiz, ARA voted to seek proposals (called RFPs) to redevelop the old Allentown Toy Factory, located at 725 10th Street, with an emphasis on affordable or workplace housing. But Ortiz has since resigned from the ARA, claiming she "resigned months ago because I felt there was conflict of interest ( not with me) , miss management [sic] and [s]o much more." At a hearing, Ortiz can be asked to elaborate on this conflict of interest, mismanagement "and so much more."
Hyman proposed buying the property for $10,000 more than it cost the ARA, proposed 20 apartments with no off-street parking and without any financial contingencies.
But after a back-room meeting in which at least two board members participated, ARA went with developer Warren Lim. Under his proposal, ARA would lose between $50,000 -$100,000 over what it cost to acquire the Toy Factory. He proposed either 6 apartments and a daycare, or 12 apartments. His deal is also contingent on his ability to get a $1.39 million loan. There would be no on-site parking.
Is “Miss Management” her code name?
ReplyDeleteStay in Northampton county
ReplyDeleteYour reporting on this matter is great Bernie! I hope you keep digging. Clearly there is corruption there because, based upon the facts you brought to light , there is no logical reason for them to have not accepted Mr. Hyman’s proposal. I hope Ms Ortiz chooses to bring the mismanagement and corruption to light.
ReplyDeleteSounds like your article is about to uncover real corruption and Ortiz will be your deep throat. You may win a Pulitzer BOH.
ReplyDeleteThat’s pretty fishy. FBI Allentown might be interested in this deal.
ReplyDeleteIs it too much to ask that members of important boards exhibit proficiency in the English language?
ReplyDeleteWarren Lim is a member of a powerful, wealthy, and influential local Asian family.
ReplyDelete8:11 - Any idea what political party he belongs to or if he’s made any campaign contributions?
DeleteSounds like kickbacks are afoot. Hopefully Nat uncovers that in his lawsuit through the discovery process. These astronauts fancy themselves clever and believe that they are above reproach but Fed Ed and his gaggle of felons thought the same thing.
ReplyDeleteThe City of Allentown has no business even having a redeveloping authority investing our tax dollars buying buildings when they can’t even pay their own bills.
ReplyDeleteHyman is going to win this lawsuit and it will expose Jennings and crew as a bunch of hacks who are all compromised.
ReplyDelete