tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post5308237156808289792..comments2024-03-29T09:02:21.634-04:00Comments on Lehigh Valley Ramblings: State Senator Browne, County & City Leaders Support Suffering Hamilton Street MerchantsBernie O'Harehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-44245920575545543712007-10-20T11:09:00.000-04:002007-10-20T11:09:00.000-04:00AjThese people opened their businesses there becau...Aj<BR/><BR/>These people opened their businesses there because the formula for success was there when they opened. I assume that "foot traffic" and "impulse buying" are a big part of there cash flow. However, if the Powers that be, are dreaming of Prada or Nike opening up, they need a reality check.Jerry Kotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10432041953601833043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-78146871981017747872007-10-19T21:02:00.000-04:002007-10-19T21:02:00.000-04:00There seems to be some sort of underlying motive h...There seems to be some sort of underlying motive here but it's hard to prove.<BR/>Downtowm A-Town needs to be cleaned out and this is one way of doing it. Some business owners are going to pay the price unfortunately for the lack of political involvement. Pat is raising his voice but it's falling on deaf ears. Allentown is still a small blip on the regional radar screen.<BR/>The cameras are a real good investment to begin the cleansing process.<BR/><BR/>The next step is for the city and it's zoning dept to take back the houses that in some cases carry 5 or more individual families.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-24743275736294104352007-10-19T20:39:00.000-04:002007-10-19T20:39:00.000-04:00Anon 8:13, 6:54, 5:10,Thanks for taking the time o...Anon 8:13, 6:54, 5:10,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for taking the time out to comment. I know it's your busy season, what with all those foresclosures and tax sales this time of year. I usually only see hate-filled messages like yours at the Morning Call forum. <BR/><BR/>Can't you feel the love? <BR/><BR/>They reinforce the argument that there is, in fact, a growing class divide in this country. Whatever class you're in, please put me in the other. Your comments deserve no response.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-91495833113179522012007-10-19T20:20:00.000-04:002007-10-19T20:20:00.000-04:00Jake -That's a good way of looking at it simply. I...Jake -<BR/><BR/>That's a good way of looking at it simply. It's not like they just opened their businesses the other day - they've been here for <B>years</B> now. If anything, we should help these businesses first before inviting the "upscale" markets to the area on a free ride.Blah Societyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13140454713775283491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-56800343327829732602007-10-19T20:18:00.000-04:002007-10-19T20:18:00.000-04:00Call me crazy, but I'm beginning to believe the re...Call me crazy, but I'm beginning to believe the reason these anonymous people choose to remain anonymous is to avoid being challenged directly. They know what they speak is mostly crap. They prove this when their ideas are questioned and their argument sinks down to the nonexistent issue of "age."<BR/><BR/>Now, some anonymous jerk-off is a LANTA expert who can predict the future. Well, get your fills of MSG and “crap” while you can, because if everyone were to adopt your <I>logic,</I> there’d be nothing!<BR/><BR/>People can use my age as a direct attack all they want in attempts to prove me wrong with an actual argument. But remember, I’m the one challenging and questioning the issue-at-hand, and not one’s personal attributes. I’m not the one afraid to admit my identity and I will NEVER go anonymous. If you believe what you say, then you shouldn’t either.Blah Societyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13140454713775283491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-80623318038314389232007-10-19T20:13:00.000-04:002007-10-19T20:13:00.000-04:00Who is this women at the Loco Dollar being supplie...Who is this women at the Loco Dollar being supplied by? I hope there is no counterfit items in her store that may harm me or my family, or the families of other low-income Allentown residents for that matter.<BR/><BR/>What kind of "supplier" chocks their customers? Was she seller refer back there or something? As much as I hate to blame the victim, I think this incident is reason to question if we should get behind these people so quickly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-61707093254356356742007-10-19T18:54:00.000-04:002007-10-19T18:54:00.000-04:00This social angle is a fraud.Where is the blog to ...This social angle is a fraud.<BR/><BR/>Where is the blog to support the Charcoal Diner, who suffered from THE MAN taking Route 222 away?<BR/><BR/>It'll be a wonderful slice of irony if LANTA restores the stops, raises fares to cover the costs of the stops and the intermodal center, and then people start complaining about how expensive everything is.<BR/><BR/>If you think LANTA won't restore the stops without a fare increase, you're naive.<BR/><BR/>But thankfully, you'll still be able to get crap at the Dollar Store and get your fill of MSG.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-87920999547716187542007-10-19T18:25:00.000-04:002007-10-19T18:25:00.000-04:00the 3 rules of real estate are location, location,...the 3 rules of real estate are location, location, location. These people started their business in these locations because there was a flow of foot traffic which gave their ground level store fronts visibility. Having bus stops increased the foot traffic. They started their business there because they believed their was formula for success. <BR/><BR/>Now one of the equations is gone.Jerry Kotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10432041953601833043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-82570186592523676162007-10-19T17:10:00.000-04:002007-10-19T17:10:00.000-04:00If your business teeters on whether you have a bus...If your business teeters on whether you have a bus stop or not, I'd say that's a crappy business to begin with.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-45043454917868213232007-10-19T16:18:00.000-04:002007-10-19T16:18:00.000-04:00Here we go with the age thing again...Here we go with the age thing again...Blah Societyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13140454713775283491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-39343356108208399562007-10-19T15:51:00.000-04:002007-10-19T15:51:00.000-04:00A.J. Cordi said... Bernie - I think you should sta...<B>A.J. Cordi said... <BR/>Bernie - <BR/><BR/>I think you should start deleting these off-topic threads. They do nothing except take away from the post. </B><BR/><BR/>A.J.:<BR/>Everything is political and it's influence and out comes are not always linear. It is often mathematical; hence, "Political Science" <B>Strategic</B><BR/>Why most people don't understand it and civics taken out of the classroom! <BR/><BR/>When you get a couple of years beyond your 20's hopefully you'll understand this!<BR/><BR/>At this time in your life; you probably know everything.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-66856862251985195002007-10-19T15:47:00.000-04:002007-10-19T15:47:00.000-04:00I've deleted the last comment, which really amount...I've deleted the last comment, which really amounts to spam. Since the others are tangentially relevant, I'll let them stay. <BR/><BR/>Anon, please stick to the topic. This is not about "winning," but about local government being accountable and responsive to its citizens. <BR/><BR/>Thank you.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-84720567562353761182007-10-19T15:31:00.000-04:002007-10-19T15:31:00.000-04:00Bernie -I think you should start deleting these of...Bernie -<BR/><BR/>I think you should start deleting these off-topic threads. They do nothing except take away from the post.Blah Societyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13140454713775283491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-57369281199001750562007-10-19T14:50:00.000-04:002007-10-19T14:50:00.000-04:00We will see how successful you are. I'll be watch...<B>We will see how successful you are.</B> <BR/><BR/>I'll be watching! I hope you win; I think that would be one for the people. But, it shouldn't stop their; if it does it will be a crime to let such political capital go by the way side. <BR/><BR/>I don't think you really understand<BR/>what's happening in the Valley and the World around you. Your fearful to look at the real truth of the matter. <BR/><BR/>So, I feel you will lose in theis matter and their will be more destruction to the valley and our communities for you will not open your eyes.<BR/><BR/>I feel, it won't be long before history classes in school will teach us that there was once a middle class in America.<BR/><BR/>Having a middle class in not normal<BR/>for society. It must be respected and honored; if not it will go away! It's not a conspiracy, it's the way people interact with one another for power and influence.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-46753715719160808892007-10-19T14:26:00.000-04:002007-10-19T14:26:00.000-04:00AJ, There will be a meeting w/ CUNA next week and ...AJ, <BR/><BR/>There will be a meeting w/ CUNA next week and a LANTA board meeting. Now that some local leaders, including state senator Pat Browne, are voicing concerns, it's going to be harder for LANTA to brush them off. That appears to have been the original intention.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-16411995335105503982007-10-19T14:16:00.000-04:002007-10-19T14:16:00.000-04:00Anon 12:29 -Why do you relate every topic to your ...Anon 12:29 -<BR/><BR/>Why do you relate every topic to your middle-class rant? I feel very strongly about how the Valley is becoming mainly "high class" and "low class", but there are other issues here besides that. <BR/><BR/>If you <B>actually</B> have something to say, why not create your own blog and invite us to read it, instead of interupting here? Hamilton St. is a very important issue/topic and I think we should all stay focused on that while commenting within this post. <BR/><BR/>A local politician finally acknowledges those asking for some help, and you attack him on a seperate issue. How does this help anything, or anyone? It doesn't! Further more, if you're going to continue ranting about middle-class issues, I'd like to personally know who they are coming from. Might you have a name?<BR/><BR/><BR/>Let's keep focused on the issues of Hamilton Street, and those that are affected by recent changes. When we stop talking about what has happened, the issues will become worse. Last night was obviously very positive.<BR/><BR/>Let's not go backwards now that we've finally begun to push forward. <BR/><BR/>A question I have at this point is where do things go from here?<BR/><BR/>The petition is still being ignored. But they can't ignore those directly affected anymore since the media and local political scene is <I>becoming active</I> in this matter. Is there going to be another gathering?<BR/><BR/>Things can't stop now just because of one good night. I hope Jim's quote is true.Blah Societyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13140454713775283491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-58641598818459464982007-10-19T14:13:00.000-04:002007-10-19T14:13:00.000-04:00Anon 12:29, I am thankful that state senator Pat B...Anon 12:29, <BR/><BR/>I am thankful that state senator Pat Browne spoke up for these middle class merchants. That's something that neither Allentown's mayor nor LANTA seems interested in right now.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-80456714851049147612007-10-19T14:07:00.000-04:002007-10-19T14:07:00.000-04:00atown-liker,Points well made. This is the position...atown-liker,<BR/><BR/>Points well made. This is the position Jeff Pooley stated. There is no direct evidence of a conspiracy to sweep the poor away. <BR/><BR/>But this is how many Hamilton Street merchants feel, and it should be noted. By their refusal to respond to some very real suffering, both the mayor and LANTA lend credence to that view. Merchants look at what is being done for those foo foo businesses and what is being done to them, and start to wonder.<BR/><BR/>And I don't blame them. The lack of response by both the Pawlowski admin and LANTA has been irresponsible. When lines of communication close, that's when suspicions and accusations become possible. <BR/><BR/>There is room for everyone, including ABW and JM. In the long run, the ABW is actually good for other businesses because it brings diversity. <BR/><BR/>Thank you for your thoughtful comment.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-9778786732259809292007-10-19T13:50:00.000-04:002007-10-19T13:50:00.000-04:00Honestly, I find it hard to believe there is some ...Honestly, I find it hard to believe there is some NWO-type conspiracy among the mayor, LANTA, Butz, ABW, Prince Charles or others to sweep the poor away from Hamilton Street. And if there is, I hope the players are exposed. That would be shameful. Is there evidence?<BR/><BR/>More likely, LANTA and the city felt getting the buses off Hamilton Street would ease traffic in the area and they didn't realize the effect it would have on the older businesses.<BR/><BR/>It was short-sighted and a bad idea. They should simply undo it and be done with it. <BR/><BR/>And I wouldn't bash the new fru-fru businesses on the block. (I believe some of that $40 is going to charity, by the way.) I'm a longtime resident of the immediate neighborhood and I'm glad they are there. Rather have my tax dollar go to something useful to me for a change -- the restoration of a derelict building into a place where I can drink beer -- than to a state Legislature slush fund or another warehouse in the Macungies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-55933278934497596602007-10-19T13:19:00.000-04:002007-10-19T13:19:00.000-04:00You really wonder what our Representatives or anyb...<B>You really wonder what our Representatives or anybody else for that matter has learned in School!</B><BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o" REL="nofollow">A Vision of Students <BR/>Today</A><BR/><BR/>Should institutions be responsible for what they teach?<BR/><BR/><B>What venue or laws do we have to protect us</B>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-33479678009963396252007-10-19T12:29:00.000-04:002007-10-19T12:29:00.000-04:00If State Senator Browne wants to help; they better...If State Senator Browne wants to help; they better run for the hills.<BR/><BR/>Pat Browne champion of the <B>"New Economy" - "New World Order"</B>; leaves no room for middle class citizens.<BR/><BR/>It's like having a fox in the hen house. He might appear to be an advocate; but the moment the true owners of this Country take a nap because power dictates contant struggle.<BR/><BR/>He'll go to work saying; <I>it's legal and no you can't see the accounting of the process.</I>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-10109280826090623092007-10-19T11:39:00.000-04:002007-10-19T11:39:00.000-04:00Bernie, this is good stuff. I wish I could have be...Bernie, this is good stuff. I wish I could have been there last night.Blah Societyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13140454713775283491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-19798530315166721592007-10-19T11:09:00.000-04:002007-10-19T11:09:00.000-04:00Atown defines diversity = More white folk, less ty...Atown defines diversity = More white folk, less type funny colored ones that talk different!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-46898982976254948682007-10-19T09:42:00.000-04:002007-10-19T09:42:00.000-04:00Anon 9:31, Places like the House of Chen or the Pa...Anon 9:31, <BR/><BR/>Places like the House of Chen or the Park families (which also attended lkast night's meeting) <B>do</B> own these buildings. But they are not real estate speculators. They are not there to flip properties. They are merchants. As I've learned over the past few weeks, they've been cut off from their customer base. <BR/><BR/>They do not object to the ABW, JM or other publicly funded improvements on 8th St. That does bring more diversity to the downtown and they ultimately benefit from that. <BR/><BR/>They do object to being cut off from their customer base. It was an arbitrary, poorly planned, decision. <BR/><BR/>And if you think "outside the box" for a moment, the result of that decison is to decrease the very diversity that A-town claims it wants to create.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-9850462628641507732007-10-19T09:33:00.000-04:002007-10-19T09:33:00.000-04:00Anon 8:59,The MC was kind enough to publicize the ...Anon 8:59,<BR/><BR/>The MC was kind enough to publicize the meeting in its "In your town" section. It also recently published Barbadel Campbell's LTE. <BR/><BR/>I was shocked to see a full page story in Allentown's Spanish weekly. But most shocking of all was that Channel 69 chose to make this its top story on the 10 o'clock news last night. <BR/><BR/>LANTA won't talk to them, either.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.com