Bethlehem: Apartments, Warehouses and Medical Offices on the Rise

Once a year, Bethlehem Planning Director presents a Planning Report, which is endorsed by the Planning Commission and then forwarded to City Council. I consider it a very useful research tool. Below is the Planning Report endorsed by Commissioners yesterday. The report shows a definite shift in housing to apartments over home ownership. Most of the commercial development consists of warehouses and medical offices.

Bethlehem's 2015 Annual Planning Report

Sam Bennett Dedicates Mayoral Race to Michael Donovan

Political panderer Sam Bennett has made clear she intends to run for Mayor in Allentown next year, but I still threw up a little when I read her Facebook tribute paid to Michael Donovan: "Sad and deeply moving to be at Michael Donovan's funeral at the gorgeous Historic Zion Church and gathering at wonderful BrewWorks afterward. Michael we will miss you - and as conversations inevitably steered towards public service and politics, your deep and abiding passion - we sense your piercing intelligence and wry deprecating humor overseeing the proceedings. In our politics we honor you dear friend - in the words of Pastor Bob Stevens, our "Social Justice Gyroscope". This upcoming Mayor's Race in 2017 will be in your honor."

If you don't support her, you're a sexist.

Kids Say No to PennEast Pipeline

Carrying signs saying "108 miles of devastation" and "STOP the Pipeline!" about 20 PennEast Pipeline protesters ripped up proposed lease agreements yesterday during an outdoor rally at Guy Wagner's farm in Lower Nazareth Township. Above are some of the children joining in the fun. The young man whose eyes peek out above the Stop Sign is River Venini. He was joined by Tia Venini, Javis Venini, Jaycee Venini, Pipa Russell, Addy Russell, Johanna Bowers, Bella Waits and Kaia Elinich.

The PennEast Pipeline is a $1 billion, 118-mile, 36-inch diameter proposed pipeline will deliver approximately 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day from Wilkes-Barre, Pa. to Mercer County, New Jersey. A formal application seeking approval of the project was filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on September 21, 2015. Construction is expected to start in 2017.

LV Mayors' Forum on Sustainability

Fed Ed

The Urban Land Institute was supposed to have a forum yesterday that included the Lehigh Valley's top four Mayors. The topic was "Next Generation Cities and Suburbs," to be discussed over lunch in Iacocca Hall at Lehigh University's Mountaintop Campus. The place was packed with engineers and economic development types in very nice suits. And there was me in jeans and a raggedy shirt. But I did have my new Barmah hat made out of kangaroo leather, so I was the coolest dude in the room. I was looking forward to hearing Mayors Ed Hozza and Bob Donchez discuss the future of their cities. But I was disappointed. Neither of them showed up. The official line was that Mayor Bob had a mega toothache, and was being treated by Dr. Giggles, while Mayor Hozza was assisting a family member who had just undergone major surgery. But I soon discovered the real reason for their absence.

Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski.

He was the lead-off hitter, and the organizers made the mistake of letting him use a power point. A presentation that was supposed to last between five and seven minutes stretched to about a half hour. This was following an introduction that he obviously wrote himself and that took nearly a half hour to read.

Along the way, the woman reading off Fed Ed's curriculum vitae also discussed his wife, mentioning that she had once been a "Communist organizer" in Chicago. Funny how the federal investigation or vote of no-confidence was never mentioned.

The ladies just gawked when they saw this. I
think this is more effective than pretending I'm gay!

Allentown Sustainability

Fed Ed said he had a five-year sustainability plan, arrived at through discussions with 50 community and city leaders, addressing the environment, infrastructure, sustainable land use and a sustainable future.

With respect to the environment, he noted that there's been a 40% reduction in residential and commercial waste, made possible in part by a recycling participate rate of over 90%. He noted that over 800 litter baskets have been installed in the City, along with 110 "big belly" trash compactors. He indicated that WPA stone structures are being retored and that he is introducing native species to the parks. But he added that Allentown produces 120 tons of garbage per day, and he still would like to get a trash-to-energy plant going because the landfills will soon be unable to hild all the garbage coming in from New York alone, with amounts to 26,000 tons per day.

Noting that there are several gold and silver LEED-certified buildings in the City, Fed Ed stated that Allentown lends itself to sustainable land use because of its dense street grid, concentration of jobs and proximity to housing. He discussed the adaptive re-use of older buildings and spoke of the Riverfront to be so picuresque that it makes you feel as though you are "in the middle of the poconos."

In the future, he'd like to see rooftop gardens at City hall and at other places.

Panto Stresses Housing For Working Poor

According to Easton Mayor Sal Panto, the biggest challenge facing all communities, both city and suburb, are pensions. Without reform, the game is over. Panto stated that Easton is situated at the meeting place of three revers - Lehigh, Delaware and Bushkill Creek, and the City has had three 100-year floods over the past four years. But the biggest flooding problem is not from the Delaware, said Panto, but flash floods from the Bushkill Creek.

Panto's goal as Mayor has been to buy up older homes, rehab them and sell them to the working poor. He would like everyone in Easton to have a home.

He also reported that the new City Hall has operating costs that are 40% less than the one he left.

Over $480 million has been invested in Easton over the last eight years.

Bethlehem Fire Chief Stresses Emergency Preparedness

Fire Chief Robert Novatnack, who is also the City's EMS coordinator, was Bob Donchez' pinch hitter.He discussed the importance of having plans in place for inevitable emergencies. Noting the City's history with some recent weather events, Chief Novatnack made clear that "[i]f you don't get people back on their feet, you hear about it."

Like Panto, Chief Novatnack discussed flash flooding as a major problem, and produced pictures of the damages caused when the Monocacy Creek spilled over during Musikfest a few short years ago.

"A lot of people don't recover from that,": he said of submerged Musikfest stands calling the flooding damage "a disaster for small business."

He'd like to see children educated sooner, rather than later, a point on which both Fed Ed and Panto agreed.

It cost me $10 to attend this lunch. I got in at a student rate, claiming I had an INCOMPLETE in some previous course work done at Lehigh. Since only half of the Matyors showed, and a third has been asked to resign, the Urban Land Institute owes me $7.50.

Why Fed Ed's Year-End Senate Report Still Unavailable

Of the five U.S. Senate candidates required to file a year-end report, only Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski's report is still unavailable on the FEC webpage, ten days after the report was due. This utterly defeats the purpose of requiring these reports. So long as but so long as his quarterly was postmarked and sent by certified mail by January 31, the report is considered filed.

Because Fed Ed's now suspended race was for the U.S. Senate, his report had to be filed, with the Secretary of the Senate. From there it is forwarded to the FEC. As of yesterday morning, the Secretary of the Senate's office informed me there was no record of receiving the report, though it might be in the pipeline somewhere.

The FEC told me that an analyst is assigned to every candidate committee, and if the report is not received soon, he or she will make an inquiry. Those matters are treated on a case-by-case basis.

Over the weekend, I contacted Fed Ed's campaign treasurer and asked her to supply a copy of the report sent on to the Senate.

She refused.

State Opens Inquiry Into Darth Voter's Campaign Finance

Pennsylvania's Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation oversees the Commonwealth’s electoral process, including campaign finance reports. Trisha Malehorn, Chief of the Campaign Finance Division, informed me yesterday that her office is opening an investigation into campaign finance reports filed by State Rep. Mike "Darth Voter" Schlossberg.

That investigation, which is really an administrative inquiry, is in response to a complaint I filed last week about Darth Voter's 2015 Annual Report. He reported spending $13,500 on himself last year. Specifically, he claimed "reimbursements" for $520.86 on 2/6/15; $372.27 on 3/2/15: $1,867.00 on 3/31/15; $144.98 on 4/2/15; $1,402.05 on 5/5/15: $658.50 on 5/7/15; $23.00 on 5/21/15; $635.40 on 6/1/15; $4,517.80 on 7/2/15 (fundraiser mentioned); $787.88 on 8/29/15; $735.74 on 9/27/15: $94.88 on 9/30/15 (mileage); $606.82 on 10/25/15; $97.75 on 11/3/15 (mileage); $735.00 on 11/28/15; and $396.09 on 12/30/15.

This is contrary to Pennsylvania's Campaign Finance Law, which specifically provides (25 P.S. § 3246 (b)) that each campaign finance report "shall" contain the following information: "Each and every expenditure, the date made, the full name and address of the person to whom made and the purpose for which such expenditure was made."

Elections officials can impose fines, and in rare cases, can even seek a criminal investigation by the Attorney General. But in most instances, the office is primarily interested in seeing that disclosure laws are being followed. My guess is that Darth Voter will be asked to amend his report.

How Bethlehem Reacted to Flint Lead Scare

As I told you yesterday, Allentown's reaction to a state report noting unsafe levels of lead in the cities with a defensive white paper that actually suggests that the root cause is people from the barrios, who do their shopping in lead-infested bodegas. Si. Contrast that with Bethlehem, which posted a proactive message on the city webpage, noting that it is constantly testing water quality. It invites any concerned water customer concerned about lead to request an analysis.

Brace Yourself For Darth Voter Sidekick

Geoff Brace is an ordained deacon. What's more, he's an ordained deacon at Zion Liberty Bell UCC. That's the Church that took the homeless during a raging blizzard. This was after Jack Felch, a clergyman in the Order of Assholes at the Lehigh Conference of Churches, streeted about 30 homeless guys. Geoff also lives in the heart of Allentown. He's not with the foo foos in the Flats at Oh So So Do So Pa,  but in center city. I got to know Geoff via blogging, and used to rely heavily on his knowledge of Main Street and downtown programs. When he decided to seek a vacancy on Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners, I backed him. When he ran for the seat, I supported him and he won anyway. Now word is going around that Brace might make a horizontal switch and go for the Allentown City Council seat that suddenly became vacant when Jeff Glazier was appointed Controller. I consider this a bad idea, both for Brace and for Allentown.

Before you jump all over me, I did reach out and ask him about this last week. In a terse message, he told me he was undecided. The reason Geoff was terse is because he knows how I feel. He was sought out by Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski to become an alternate and then a regular member of the Zoning Hearing Board. He at one time worked for NIZ Queen Jenn Mann, who is the exact opposite of her "For the People" PAC. Now he's a legislative aide for none other than Mike "Darth Voter" Schlossberg, whose moral compass may never have worked right.

Despite his attempts to distance himself, Schlossberg is a close Fed Ed ally, and so are the people in that office. There is too much suspicion that he would be nothing more than a puppet for Mann, Schlossberg and Fed Ed. The fact that he would even consider abandoning his commitment to the people of Lehigh County is a sign to me that Brace is being pressured by Fed Ed, who is still trying to lure another unsuspecting person into a web of deceit.

To Get the Lead Out, Allentown Needs to Get the Ed Out

You can't drink the water in Flint, Michigan. Local government leaders there switched water sources to a disgusting slop from the Flint River, which corroded lead pipes. As that story was breaking came another of far more immediate concern - a Vox report that 18 cities in Pennsylvania have children with higher lead levels than Flint. This story has been repeated  in various news accounts, driving everyone nuts. But guess what? This is old news. In fact, the Vox story is based on the Pa. Department of Health's 2014 Lead Surveillance Report. Those have been published for the past eight years.

The data clearly show elevated lead levels. What the data fail to show is the cause, although there's a strong insinuation that it is from lead paint in older housing stock.

At a City Council meeting, Managing Director Francis Dougherty vowed to present a "white paper" on the topic for everyone's edification. The use of the term "white paper" suggests an authoritative report that breaks it all down from everyone's edification.

Allentown resident and mother Gina Blevins, obviously worried about her own daughter and other Allentown children, has linked to this supposed "white paper." I am unable to do so directly, but you can read it on the Facebook link supplied by Gina

It is undated, unsigned and extremely defensive.Moreover, it reaches several conclusions without no evidentiary basis. It also manages to contradict itself. It is no white paper, but a talking points memo from an administration that seems to think propaganda matters more than actual facts. This supposed report also lashes out at the news sources that reported the high lead levels. The VOX story is disparaged as "deceptively inaccurate." A WFMZ-TV69 report is slammed as "grossly inaccurate."

The report states, not once, but twice, that the drinking water in Allentown is totally unrelated to any incidence of higher lead levels. Why? Because its water plant won an award in 2013.

That's not evidence.

I've received awards for journalism, but most people tell me I'm no journalist.

The report states that the unsafe lead levels is the result of lead paint in older housing stock, but contradicts itself a few pages later by stating that systematic home inspections have been going on for 37 years, and that 5,000 homes are lead safe.So it's the housing stock, but it's not the housing stock.

This white paper, which even has an executive summary, also blames the problem on its transient community, claiming that most of them come from some barrio, where everyone eats lead paint for dinner. It also blames bodegas that apparently sell food injected with lead, which is nonsense..

This propaganda piece also notes that the problem is limited to poor people, so don't worry. .

What Allentown needs to know is the reason for the high incidence of lead in its children. The garbage supplied by Vicky Kistler fails to answer that question. It can be answered with (1) water quality testing at different points within the City, especially where lead has been documented; (2) sampling for lead at various homes, especially where the incidence is high; and (3) air quality testing at different times, to determine if lead particulates from coal-fired power plants are at high levels.

I don't know the reason for the high lead levels. Neither does Allentown, but the City is perverting its Public Health Department to act as a Department of Spin.It wants in no way to revel anything that might reflect poorly on its embattled Mayor.

To get the lead out, Allentown needs to get the Ed out.

NorCo Fires Madame X

This is not Madame X, but I had a good
excuse to publish a scantily clad female

A Northampton County corrections officer with a history of heroin use and as a stripper in various local dives has been fired. In response to a Right-to-Know request, Northampton County has disclosed that the officer, who I'll continue calling Madame X, was terminated by letter dated January 14, 2016. This sanction followed what is known as a Loudermill hearing to ensure that her due process rights were protected. She had union representation.

I first told you about Madame X on November 23 and the County wasted no time in placing her on administrative leave so that my claims about her could be investigated.

Records disclose that Madame X was first hired by Northampton County in the beginning of January 2014. She earned $40,330.75 that year, including $7,550.31 in overtime pay. In 2015, she earned $50,560.11, including $14,794.88 in overtime.

Before she was hired, Madame X failed to disclose her work history between 1989 and 1996. But soon after she became a corrections officer, she began telling others about her previous life as a stripper at various local establishments, as well as in New Jersey and New York. She had been a model for various Biker magazines, even posing nude. She sent some of these nude pictures to her new pals after being hired at the jail. But it was not all fun and games. She apparently had fallen into drug abuse, too. And with the worst possible drug. Heroin. She did kick her addiction, thanks to her first husband.

Though former Corrections Director Arnie Matos refused to take any action, she has since confirmed that she failed to submit a complete application. She has admitted to working in the adult entertainment industry, both as a stripper or dancer, and as a model for biker magazines. She has also admitted drug use, but attempts to minimize it.

She claims, for example, that she experimented once or twice with heroin.

Nobody experiments with heroin.

Corrections experts tell me that her past in adult entertainment could make her job more difficult, especially if she runs into people she knows from that world.

Northampton County has never had a problem hiring officers who at times smoked weed. But policy is that nobody who has used heroin should ever be hired to work as a corrections officer. Madame X has compounded her problem by being dishonest on her job application.

On top of everything else, she has another problem. She is a bigot.

Her Facebook page has disappeared. But when I looked as it, her settings permitted anyone to see it, including the families of inmates. There were repeated posts of the Confederate Battle Flag as well as complaints about the appointment to the Immigration Department of Fatima Noor, a Muslim who fled from Somalia as a child and became a United States citizen. She also claims, on Facebook, that we are one nation under God, not Allah. She also posted a joke about a redneck girl who shoots an Arab and a Mexican.

Very funny.

She certainly has a First Amendment right to be a bigot and be intolerant of other religions. But as a corrections officer, she encounters numerous inmates who are black or Muslim or both. When she uses Facebook to make racist remarks or statements that infringe on religious freedom guaranteed in this country, she should be fired for that reason alone. Exercising those rights have consequences.

She was also endangering own safety, as well as the safety of other corrections officers with these unnecessary statements.

Before her Facebook page vanished, Madame X offered this defense of her past.

I love when people try to make you look bad when they are the ones that did wrong.I'm not proud of my past but I'm not ashamed of it.when your a single mom and you can't get help.you are forced into doing whatever it takes to feed your kids no, I was never a hooker.and being concerned about terrorism and our government is everyone's concern.I am not racist.never was.but some people try to make you look that way..if that's what you got to do to make me look bad.then shame on you..so I think some jokes are funny ..sure..it's a joke...and if it happened to be a bit distasteful and I laugh or share it..so what.it doesn't mean I'm racist..I started my turn to Christianity about 13 yrs ago and it's been a tough road..it's not easy being a Christian,but I am getting better although I have a long way to go because I am human and all humans are not perfect.God said so.so the ones that are skimming my Facebook and putting it out there that I'm all kind of a bad person..good for you...I actually laughed when I read the blog..you need to get your story straight...if you want to know about me.I'll tell you all about me to your face..you don't need to get stories from people who don't know me..and feeding you lies..but my God is bigger than you...and we will all stand in judgement...btw...I will pray for you...

I thank her for that, and see no purpose in disclosing her real identity at this point. But as Corrections Supervisor Dan Keen told her in the termination letter, "The County of Northampton and the Northampton County Prison have reason to expect their employees to observe a code of ethics which will not reflect discredit on the abilities and integrity of their employees, and to ensure public trust so as not to create suspicion with reference to their employees’ capability in discharging their duties and responsibilities."

She let everyone down with her basic dishonesty, and endangered the lives of fellow officers with reckless remarks on Facebook.

Ben Carson Causes Traffic Jam Off-Stage At ABC Debate

Remember folks, Ben Carson is a brain surgeon!

Where Is Fed Ed's Year End Senate Report?

Last week, I told you that Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski has used $80,000 of his state campaign funds to pay lawyers he's hired in a federal political corruption investigation that clearly has targeted him. He's got about $83,000 left. But what about his federal campaign? His federal PAC reported that he still had about $100,000 at the end of October. Is it still there? Or has he been using that kitty to pay off lawyers, too?

Fed Ed's Year-End report was due on January 31. But his is the sole report that has yet to appear on the FEC webpage among  the five candidates seeking the U..S, Senate seat. Reports are available online for Joe Sestak, Pat Toomey, Katie McGinty and John Fetterman. But not Fed Ed. He has always filed his report at the last minute, knowing it will take the FEC some time to get it posted.

Over the weekend, I contacted his campaign treasurer Lisa Pawlowski, who happens to be his wife. I told her this is just another sign of her husband's lack of transparency, and suggested that if she wants to change that image, she could forward a copy of the report to me and I would post it for one and all.

This is her response.

"I submitted our year end report during a snowstorm, post dated on January 31st. The Senate doesn't accept electronic filing yet. So I sent them a hard copy, and when they scan it, they have the respons[ibility] of posting it."

In other words, she refuses to provide a copy because she and her husband prefer keeping the public in the dark as long as possible. This is yet another Moody Bible grad who appears to be playing fast and loose with the truth, just like her hubbie. There was no snowstorm on January 31, unless it was just confined to her house. Also, January 31 was a Sunday. Though it's possible to send out certified mail on a Sunday, it's not easy.

Fed Ed's Senate report should be on the FEC site soon, perhaps as early as today. If you see it, give a holler.

The Prisoner of Love Should Be Released Any Day

Jim Gregory, the Policeman of Love, has been a police officer, Bethlehem City Council President, Mayoral candidate, union activist, casino gambler, 911 dispatcher, Human Services caseworker, and short-lived shock jock. He is also doing doing hard time since his 8/28/13 arrest for numerous violations of a Protection from Abuse Act Order (PFA) sought and obtained by his ex-girlfriend. But he should be released from Pittsburgh SCI very soon, free to resume his political career and his work as a Kingmaker.

Hopefully, he will stay away from his ex.

Before his 8/28/13 arrest, Gregory had previously been convicted twice for criminal contempt of the PFA. Those convictions stem from repeated attempts to contact his ex via phone text messages, blogs and Facebook. Gregory contended that someone else, possibly his nephew or Tricia Mezzacappa, was responsible. At that time, his pal Tricia Mezzacappa launched a venomous attack against Judge Zito on her blog, accusing him of being too old for the bench, among other things.

After his second conviction, Gregory was sentenced to six months in jail, pending the results of a sealed psychological evaluation. He was released after three weeks, thanks to an impassioned pleas by noted criminal defense lawyer Gary Asteak. Gregory later said that Asteak had instructed him to break off all contact with Mezzacappa,

But Gregory ignored his attorney's sage instructions. He instead bought airtime for his own radio show, and included fellow defamer Tricia Mezzacappa as a co-host for four of his seven broadcasts.

It became LibelFest.

The show alternated between between love songs and vicious attacks at his ex, his ex' mother and any person who had testified or spoken out against him, including yours truly. When not on the air, he'd pepper this blog with numerous comments, sometimes signed with an "8."

Eventually, he began speaking to his ex on the air, offering her a job, imploring her to come back to him. "Lina, not only are you cute, you're adorable. You have a great body, great heart, great soul. You'd be a great salesperson for us, and you also have office skills.... I gave you everything I had except my heart."

One of the contempt citations was based on this direct or indirect contact. Other citations were for about 20 unwanted telephone calls from him, as well as three love notes he smuggled to his ex while he was in jail. One of them, who never met or knew his ex, actually called her after he was released.

During his trial, Gregory attempted to place some of the blame on Harvey, a 6' tall invisible pookah. Judge Leonard Zito imposed a 15-30 month sentence for five separate contempt citations. His conviction was affirmed by the Superior Court.

In the meantime, Gregory continued to contact his ex. She moved.

During his trial, Gregory told Judge Zito that the calls placed to his ex were accidental. But while in state prison, he has managed to delude himself that I figured out a way to make it appear as though his cell phone was placing calls to his ex. He wants me arrested.

In an Epistle from the Can, James I, Gregory warns,

"[D]espite your minions [sic] attempts to keep me here forever, the Lord will raise his hand and strike down the pitiful souls behind my incarceration, and I will return home. Then you, and the others behind this, will see what Righteous Anger can do. Even my friends and family with their myriad sins of omission which helped incarcerate an innocent soul will discover Righteous Anger. The New Testament time has passed. Read Revelation - It's all about Christ and his Righteous Anger and it's coming."

In James II, the Apostle Jim writes, "I'm done playing. Everyone that allowed O'Hare to place me here - better do some quick thinking - God expecting and willing - their time is soon out. Then it's my turn. Cannot wait. Sit and watch. Pack your bags, O'Hare. Or start running."

In James III, Gregory threatens both Northampton County Council and Executive John Brown to hire Tricia Mezzacappa as a supervisory nurse at Gracedale or face the consequences. "[S]he is absolutely qualified for the Gracedale job and should have been hired. Let Brown know that! Or not - then enjoy your one term."

Do I have reason to be concerned? In a word, No. I do not take seriously the idle threats of women beaters. I put them in the same category as those who attack me anonymously.

Gregory's home has been sold, so I have no idea where he'll be staying when he gets out.

Movin' Like Bernie Sanders?

It's the weekend and we're ...

Opinions Online, 2/6/16

Blogger's Note:Opinions Online is a regular Saturday feature. If you'd like to express your opinion on any topic, click on the Opinions Online button on my left sidebar. You can also call 385-325-2564. In addition to these submissions, I sometimes highlight comments from throughout the week and re-publish them here.

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One issue hardly ever mentioned in a list of things to do in preparing for a bad snow storm is to fill your gas tank . At least in this way you can stay warm if there is a power shortage. Naturally you need to make sure you open a window periodically and to make sure the tail pipe is not obstructed.

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Casey should worry more about our lead laden air and water than Flints.
He wants to keep burning more of his buddies waste coal here that is loaded with leaf.

Blogger's Reply: I have no idea what this person means, or who this person is discussing.

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Looks like West Easton finally has transparency and a motivated council.

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So the good government Bethlehem administration hires someone named Ronca to help with snow removal . Gee, that names sounds familiar. Surely it's coincidence.

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If I were giving this a title I would call it "The Unnecessary Asbestos Scare"
A number of years ago my wife and I went to London (uk) and I saw something I will never forget: a man in his 50s on a thirty foot ladder removing a single faulty brick with a hammer and chisel. Now in this country, we`d backhoe the damn thing and put up a new building. This is why places like Prague and London have centuries old beautiful buildings. Which brings me to my intended title.
ASBESTOS
When I graduated high school I worked with a plumber for 3 years. We cleaned all kinds of stokers and it was not uncommon to mix the asbestos in a bucket in water to seal the chimney pipe with our bare hands. Asbestos is no danger unless disturbed or snorted-which I never tried by the way. The Bethlehem Steel bldg. should be preserved and reused. If asbestos is so bad why didn`t half those people who worked there for many years die from all that asbestos poisoning? MILLIONS of dollars have been wasted on it`s removal. Cover it up and don`t snort it.

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Hey bernie i want to just put something out in the air to chew on i heard that ted cruz is using the argument that he can be president because his mom is american and back in the day child born to a british subject was british period but back in the day women became the property of thier husband so his mom must be considered by her husbands nationality just saying.

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Albert Abdouche continues to get a raw deal from ANIZDA.

How is it he has to finance the project on his own, have it open, have it reach three star status and THEN ANIZDA will finance it?

Anything else he has to do? Base jump from the top of the building?

Reilly and Jaindl held to the same standards? No. Did Reilly have to lease 75% of his apartments? No. Did Jaindl have to secure 50% tenants for the offices? No.

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One consistent issue that keeps coming up is what to do about non profits and taxes . For example , if my memory serves me correctly , the city of Easton has 40 per cent of its properties categorized as non exempt. My solution would be to assess them at a small per cent of their assessed value . e.g. 10 per cent. After all if an ambulance or fire personnel are needed on a Sunday morning at a church shouldn`t they shoulder some of the ultimate expense?

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I love the rich, revisionist thinking in Lower Macungie - the posit that the bypass was the logical place for all the stuff that's happening there now despite the fact the whole bypass was built due to the endless complaining about traffic congestion on Hamilton Boulevard and how it was killing business.

Next up will be the township complaining it needs redevelopment money for all of its old malls it will kill off with all the new malls they absolutely had to have on the bypass.

Allentown: A Pa. Version of Detriot

The difference between a guy like Steve Thide and myself is that he knows what he is talking about and I don't. It's Dr. Stephen Thode, incidentally, and he is an Associate professor of Finance at Lehigh University, as well its Director of the Murray Goodman Center for Real Estate Studies. He has an extensive knowledge of real estate trends. For a time, Bethlehem was lucky to have him as a member of its Planning Commission.

From the onset, he has been a vocal opponent of Allentown's Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ). Although Morning Call columnist Bill White didn't go quite so far as Alan Jennings did in singing the praises of that Potemkin Village, he did make the mistake of claiming that Allentown is "much better off" than it was before Edwin Pawlowski was elected Mayor.

In an op-ed published by The Morning Call, Dr. Thode explains why both Bill and Alan have it wrong. Calling the NIZ "Pennsylvania's version of Detriot," Dr. Thode notes that the City not only poached businesses from outlying communities, but did so from within the City itself.

"In fact, the NIZ is the most distasteful example of crony capitalism of which I am aware: Wealthy businesspersons make sizable campaign donations to politicians; in turn, those politicians pass legislation to divert taxpayer funds to some of those donors; those donors then use some of those taxpayer funds to make more campaign donations to ensure that the cycle repeats itself. Endlessly.

"Does that make the people of Allentown "much better off?" I suggest you ask them."

Updated 4:40 pm: I spelled Detroit wrong, but Detriot does the trick as well.

NorCo's 2015 Gracedale Contribution Just $2.1 Million

Obviously, $2.1 million is a lot of money. So when I tell you that Northampton County only spent that much to keep its nursing home Gracedale afloat last year, that's still a lot of money. But the good news is that the County had budgeted $7.7 million. So Gracedale beat the budget forecast by $5.6 million.

Executive John Brown delivered this good news to Council last night, stating that the nursing home is "moving in the right direction. We are very optimistic we are going to repeat that." He indicated no one change and no one person is responsible for the financial improvement, although he had high praise for the workforce.

That has always been's Gracedale's secret weapon. The people who work at that nursing home really care about the residents and often will take them out shopping or bring them home for the holidays. Many of them become volunteers after retiring.

Brown also reported that the county closed the books on 2015 with a $31 million fund balance, compared to about $33 million at the end of 2014. He said this money was there after moving $10 million into a human services capital find and after setting aside a rainy day fund. He is pleased by the "very strong financial performance."

Perhaps all this good financial news made Council a bit more picky. By a 6-3 vote, they rejected a $200 "gift" for the 2016 Senior Games from Humana, a health insurance provider. In exchange for this "gift," the County would be required to provide Humana with a table at these Senior Games, and would also be required to feature this business in its program for the event.

"The weasel their way in any way they can," Ken Kraft noted after being informed that Humana is a health insurer. Only Council members Peg Ferraro, John Cusick and Mat Benol voted to accept the money.

Council was also taken to task over pre-meeting prayers, led by Council President John Cusick. I am the person who took him to task. I have no problem with seeking out clergy from different denominations to lead everyone in prayer/ Council is too lazy to do that, but wants to pretend God is on their side. So Cusick prepares some goofy prayer before each meeting as though he is Moses, minus the beard ... and the hair.

I find this offensive because it presumes and gives preference to a monotheistic religion, in violation of the Establishment clause. I also have serious problems with any elected official leading a group in prayer before a meeting because it conveys  a message that the official speaks for God. I also find the practice is divisive, and refuse to be part of it.

Yesterday, Phoenix voted to end prayer at public meetings because Followers of the Satanic Temple demanded the right to give an invocation. Now this is not really a group of Satanists. They were making a point.

One of the County's fiscal officers said they should continue the prayer, but pass out a collection plate.

Arbitrator Awards Bethlehem Firefighters Contract

Bethlehem firefighters have a new contract, thanks to a binding arbitration. Their contract with the City expired on December 31, 2014, and union members voted down an agreement that is nearly identical to one negotiated with the police. According to City officials, the award is nearly the same as it offered in April.

The highlights of the award include:

1. Three year term: January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017.
2. A 3% wage increase in January of each year.
3. A $200 increase to the maximum paid for longevity.
4. Increased monthly employee contribution for health care to 6% (2017) of the COBRA rate, with limits on yearly escalation.
5. Deductibles on Health Care expenses. (Annual Individual $500 and family $1,000 in 2017)
6. An increase in the co-pays for prescription drugs.
The award is nearly identical to the terms of the tentative agreement of April 29, 2015 presented to the IAFF. It is also nearly identical to the terms of the negotiated settlement between the City and the Fraternal Order of Police Star Lodge 20 in April of 2015.

“Our labor agreements are essential management tools by which we manage our operations,” Mayor Bob Donchez said. “We feel that we have dealt with our employees in an equitable manner from the start of negotiations, a fact supported by this award.”

This agreement affects 108 firefighters in a City with three unions - Police, Fire and SEIU. There are also 120 non-union employees.

“I am pleased that this process is now complete, and the City is anxious to continue to provide services to the citizens of Bethlehem,” reported Mayor Donchez.

Michael Donovan Remembered

I mussed last night's Allentown City Council meeting because I was watching Central Catholic High School's Varsity Boys' basketball team clinch a league playoff berth with a much-needed win over Northampton. But I watched the video, and was moved by the kind words spoken about Michael Donovan, who passed away on Wednesday.

Alan Jennings recently called people who are spending the public's money "heroic," but if anyone really deserves that title, it is Donovan. City Council President Ray O'Connell had some very heartfelt words. And Rich Fegley, who is usually locking horns with Council, was having trouble staying composed as he read the remarks of Michael's son, Ned Donovan, into the record.

Allentown City Council President Ray O'Connell: "Mr. Donovan passed away this morning after a courageous battle with cancer. I served on Council with Michael when i first started Council. Michael was an extremely passionate man, a very caring man. I would say Michael was ahead of his times on many items and many thoughts.

"I had a few ... cokes ... pepsis ... [laughter] with Mike over the years, and I learned a lot from Michael. Michael did not have a mean bone in his body. Michael was not mean-spirited at all. Michael looked out for the little guy out there. He really did. Today, we truly lost one of the good guys. May his family be at peace and may Michael Donovan rest in peace."

Rich Fegley (with statement from Michael's son, Ned): "Earlier today, as you've no doubt heard by now, my father, former Councilman William Michael Donovan, passed away after a long battle with cancer. I wanted to extend my thanks and the thanks of my family to this institution. My father always wanted to get involved in politics, and this body allowed him to truly find his voice as a politician. Serving on this Council was one of the highlights of my father's life, something he spoke of with great pride, as I am sure you all feel.

"I'm aware that there are many challenges facing Allentown, and that this group of men and women will make many decisions regarding those issues. I hope that in honor of my father's memory, you will remember his priorities as you look at these issues.

"My father stressed the community over the individual, and he made sure to treat the janitor the same as the CEO. He was adamant that the rights of the little guy must be protected in order to better society. When there are two options, take the one towards love and compassion. And always strive for a more inclusive, respectful and caring community.

"There are no groups more important than any other, and to solve the problems facing a city, engaging the entire community is important. But especially the under-represented and unappreciated voices. I thank you for all your service to the City, as my father served in the past. I hope to meet all of you one day."

Landfill Dumped Nearly $150k in Lower Saucon Council Race

I've been writing a lot about pay-to-play and old fashioned political corruptions in recent months. A bit of extortion here. A bit of bid-rigging there. Every now and then, an old-fashioned bribe.  Given the political corruption that has occurred in Allentown, few noticed what was going on in Lower Saucon Township, where one corporation attempted to buy an election, and very nearly succeeded.

IESI is the corporation that owns the Bethlehem Landfill, and it wants to expand. In order to do that, it needed a compliant Council. On October 23, I reported that the landfill had quietly dumped $95,600 into the Lower Saucon Township Council race, according to campaign finance reports on file at the Northampton County elections office. Its goal was to remove landfill opponents Priscilla M deLeon and David Willard, who were incumbent Council members. It was supporting incumbent Tom Maxfield and challenger Sandra Yerger.

On election eve, I told you the landfill had dumped another $28,700 into the race. The company reported its expenditures. All very legal.

This strategy succeeded in part and failed in part. Landfill opponent Dave Willard was narrowly defeated, but so was landfill proponent Tom Maxfield. Priscilla deLeon managed to hold on to her seat by defeating Maxfield by a scant five votes. Sandra yerger, who is supposed to be an environmentalist, was swept into office with the landfill's money.

According to an annual report that IESI just filed with the elections office, it spent another $21,596.67 after the election, on 11/30/15, for what it calls "individual employee services."

Adding it all up, IESI spent $146,796.67 to buy a local government. Legally.

Kane Joins Fed Ed in Using Campaign Funds to Pay Lawyers

Yesterday, I told you that Allentown mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski has used $80k in campaign funds to pay criminal defense lawu=yers representing him in a federal investigation into political corruption in Allentown. He's not alone. The Pittsburgh Tribune reports that AG Kathleen Kane has spent $310,000 in campaign funds to pay lawyers and PR firms representing her in connection with perjury charges filed against her.

Michael Donovan, RIP

Former Allentown City Council member W Michael Donovan passed away this morning after a lengthy illness. He was a champion of transparency and is one of the few elected officials I know who himself was an active blogger. More importantly, he was a good man, one of the best I've ever met. He is the person who first spoke of an urban growth regime in the Lehigh Valley. He always fought the good fight.

Do You Know Nuki?

If you do, Wilson Borough police would like to hear from you. Here's a report from Detective Jason Hillis.

On 02/01/2016 a concerned parent brought their 16 year old juvenile female daughter to the station to report a suspicious male. The juvenile female stated that she was walking home from school on the 1700 block of Filbert St. on 02/01/2016 when a tall black male with a mustache approached her. She stated that the male asked how she was doing and kept walking closer to her. She stated that the male kissed her hand and asked if he could walk her home and also took a bottle of liquor out of his pocket and started drinking it. The male introduced himself as “Nuki”. The juvenile female walked away from this male and walked into her residence without being followed. Anyone with information regarding this incident or similar incidents are asked to call Detective Jason Hillis 610.258.8542 or the Northampton County 911 Center 610.759.2200.

Darth Voter Spent $13.5K in Campaign Funds on Himself in 2015

I now call State Representative and Fed Ed lackey Mike Schlossberg is our very own Darth Voter for his recent decision to cast at least one vote for an absent fellow Democrat in a crucial budget matter, in complete violation of state house rules. In typical Fed Ed style, Darth Voter tried to blame his own moral lapse on "tea party extremists."

They're probably responsible for the annual report his campaign just filed concerning his campaign finances. He raised $55,800 in an off-election year, thanks to the Lehigh Valley urban growth regime and the trade unions they employ to build the Flats at Oh So So Do So Pa. His contributors are a Who's Who of the FBI Subpoena list, from Ramzi Haddad ($1,000) to Matthew McTish ($1,000).

That's no surprise. But what I find disgusting is the $13,500 he managed to spend on himself in a City in which the average per capita income is just $17,000. So disgusting that I have sent an email complaining about it to the State and Lehigh County Elections Bureau. My email is below.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The purpose of this email is to make you aware of reporting violations in the 2015 annual report just filed by Friends of Mike Schlossberg at Filer ID No. 20120115. This report was filed with both the Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation as well as the Lehigh County elections office, as candidate Schlossberg is a resident of Lehigh.

Pennsylvania has a campaign finance reporting law that enables the public to determine who is financing elections and how candidates are spending the money donated to their campaigns. In essence, this enables the public to follow the money. But that becomes impossible when the candidate fails to explain how the money is spent.

Pennsylvania's Campaign Finance Law specifically provides, at 25 P.S. § 3246 (b), that each campaign finance report "shall" contain the following information: "Each and every expenditure, the date made, the full name and address of the person to whom made and the purpose for which such expenditure was made."

The 2015 annual report just filed by Friends of Mike Schlossberg fails to provide that information. Instead, it is replete with numerous instances in which Schlossberg periodically reimburses himself for expenditures, without any reference to the expenditure, date made, name and address of the person to whom the expenditure is made or its purpose.

To be specific, Friends of Mike Schlossberg list the following "reimbursements" to candidate Mike Schlossberg: $520.86 on 2/6/15; $372.27 on 3/2/15: $1,867.00 on 3/31/15; $144.98 on 4/2/15; $1,402.05 on 5/5/15: $658.50 on 5/7/15; $23.00 on 5/21/15; $635.40 on 6/1/15; $4,517.80 on 7/2/15 (fundraiser mentioned); $787.88 on 8/29/15; $735.74 on 9/27/15: $94.88 on 9/30/15 (mileage); $606.82 on 10/25/15; $97.75 on 11/3/15 (mileage); $735.00 on 11/28/15; and $396.09 on 12/30/15.

During 2015, Schlossberg has managed to use campaign funds to pay himself $13,596.02 with absolutely no explanation of what the money was used for, who was paid or when. This totally defeats the purpose of the Campaign Finance Reporting Law, and I am requesting that you exercise your supervisory authority and direct Friends of Mike Schlossberg to amend this report and indicate precisely the nature of the expenses for which Schlossberg seeks reimbursement.

In addition to being illegal, this report is unconscionable. Schlossberg has managed to stick $13,596.02 in campaign funds into his own pocket in a city in which the per capita income is just $17,000.

Thank you for your kind attention to this matter. I can be reached at the above email address or 610-xxx-xxxx.

Late NorCo Election Reports

According to the elections office, campaign finance reports from the following candidates are late: Phil Bernard (Bethlehem Township); Jim Edinger (Easton); Frank Pintabone (Easton School District): Jeff Warren (Easton) and Sal Panto (Easton). If those reports were mailed on or before January 30, no fine will be assessed. In Frank's case, I think he ran unopposed and raised no money. Panto had no opponent either.

Donchez Annual Report Reveals No Martin Tower Contributors

Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez, unlike NorCo Exec John Brown, did use his incumbency to rake in $32,500 during the last year.His annual report, filed Monday, reveals that he started the year with $92,000. He is sitting on a $120,000 warchest in a fairly obvious indication that he'll be seeking a second term when the time comes.  

His contributors include most of the crony capitalists who are willing to pay incumbents. People like banker Scott Fainor and Luke Cunningham ($1,000). But interestingly, he accepted no money from Martin Tower developers Lew Ronca or Norton Herrick. The only CRIZ developer who contributed was Dennis Benner ($1,000).  

Donchez' report also includes page after page of small donations from people who actually live in Bethlehem, from $50 to $250.

Donchez' most likely opponent,City Council President Willie Reynolds, raised no money after the primary. His campaign fund has nearly $30,000.

Brown Starts Auditor General Race With $810

As Northampton County Executive, John Brown is in a good position to collect a lot of campaign dough. I expected to see vendors and employees trip over themselves to give him money this year, especially since he plans to run for state auditor general. But according to his 2015 annual report, he had a campaign treasury of just $810 as of the end of the year.

The only contribution he accepted, $3,000, was a loan from himself. He used that and funds on hand to pay political consultant Gary Birks $3,500.

Since his campaign treasury is so low, it seems clear that Brown's race for state auditor general is something he takes lightly. But I am happy and encouraged to see an elected incumbent of the County's highest office refuse to participate in the pay-to-play game so common among other politicians. .

Feds Hit Lehigh County With Subpoena For Records

The FBI has expanded its inquiry pay-to-play into Lehigh County, and is seeking records between the County and tax farmer Northeast Revenue. I will update this post later, but want to include a memo that has been sent by the Solicitor's office to county employees. Lehigh County was apparently subpoenaed yesterday.

Lehigh County Employee Document Retention Letter

Fed Ed Spends $80k in Campaign Funds For Criminal Defense

Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski's latest state campaign finance disclosure has been filed filed, and it shows he has used campaign contributions to pay for his legal defense in a federal racketeering investigation that appears to be aimed directly at him. It shows he has so far spent over $80,000, during the second half of last year.

You can see this report online, thanks to an Allentown ordinance requiring City candidates to file their reports with the City Clerk as well as the elections office.  

The report shows that Pawlowski started the Summer with nearly $180,000, thanks to contributions from crony capitalists who were even willing to feed his desire to be Governor. But the contributions suddenly came to a stop when the feds raided Allentown City Hall in early July.

Fed Ed paid prominent criminal defense lawyer Jack McMahon $20,000 on September 3. He also paid Washington, DC law firm Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice $20,000 on July 20 and $40,000 on September 22.

He finished the year with $83,000 left in a campaign fund turned defense fund.

Based on his current spending, the well should be dry by June or July.

Lawyer Asks State to Crush CRIZ

Bethlehem's decision to rezone the 52-acre Martin Tower development has already resulted in a land use appeal. Distinguished land use and zoning attorney Marc Kaplin, who maintains a practice in Blue Bell, filed it on behalf of Hotel Bethlehem, Donegal Square, the Taylor Family Gas Station and residents Rocco and Electra D'Amato, Steven and Barbara Diamond, Clint and Sonia Walker, Deni Thurman-Eyer and Robert Romeril. But that's not all. Last week, he sent a letter to state officials, asking that the CRIZ designation for Martin Tower be withdrawn  because the City, in effect, pulled a bait and switch. It told state officials that the tower was the cornerstone of its attempt to make adapative re-use of steel buildings. But once it received the designation, it adoopted an ordinance authorizing the developer to demolish it.

Developer Lew Ronca has 52 CRIZ acres, with nothing left over to help the Boyd Theater, downtown development and even the new FED EX Ground facility.

Kaplan's letter, which is addressed to Governor Tom Wolf and other, is below.

In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awarded a CRIZ designation to the City of Bethlehem under the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone Act (“Act”).  The CRIZ designation allows specific properties within the City of Bethlehem (“CRIZ Properties”) to be redeveloped using state income and sales tax to fund the cost of development.  The cornerstone of the Commonwealth’s CRIZ designation for the CRIZ Properties was the preservation and adaptive re-use of the historic Martin Tower building on the 52 acre Martin Tower property.

On December 15, 2015, Bethlehem City Council adopted Bill No. 38-2015 as an Ordinance amending the Bethlehem Zoning Ordinance (“Zoning Amendment”).  The Zoning Amendment now allows for the demolition of the historic Martin Tower building. It also dramatically increased from 50,000 square feet to 380,000 square feet the amount of new retail/restaurant/entertainment square footage permitted on the property.  The Zoning Amendment effectively allows for the creation of a new destination retail “downtown” area on the outskirts of the City of Bethlehem which will detrimentally impact the continued revitalization of the existing historic Downtown area of Bethlehem (“Downtown”).

I represent some of the merchants and residents within the existing Downtown who have worked steadfastly over the past 16 years to restore and revitalize the existing Downtown.   If the Martin Towner property is permitted to be turned into a new “downtown” using taxpayer dollars, the merchants in the existing Downtown will not be able to effectively compete for retail and office tenants, and customers will be drawn out of the existing Downtown to the new “downtown”, which will lead to the blight of the existing Downtown area.  All of the significant past efforts to revitalize the existing Downtown will be for naught. 

My clients object to the use of their taxpayer dollars to subsidize the redevelopment of the Martin Tower property in a manner that does not comply with the original intent of the Commonwealth’s CRIZ award to the City of Bethlehem, nor the Act and guidelines promulgated thereunder.  The development of the Martin Tower property in the manner permitted by the new Zoning Amendment violates the CRIZ award made by the Commonwealth.  The City of Bethlehem was awarded the CRIZ based on an application (“CRIZ Application”) submitted by the Bethlehem Revitalization and Improvement Authority (“Authority”).  The CRIZ Application was based on eleven (11) specifically identified projects, including the Martin Tower property redevelopment being the feature property with the largest acreage in the Bethlehem proposal.  With regard to the Martin Tower property, the CRIZ Application represented that:

•           The vacant 52-acre Martin Tower campus sits as a landmark and gateway to historic Bethlehem.  The owner/developer intends to redevelop the 21-story tower as a mixed-use facility and develop the surrounding acreage with office, retail, commercial and residential uses resulting in one of the Lehigh Valley region’s premier commercial and residential destinations.  Martin Tower is another example of Bethlehem’s efforts to create its future from the vestiges of Bethlehem Steel’s past.

•           Located in close proximity to the region’s main transportation artery, Route 22, this project is ideally situated and will be readily marketable for the intended uses.  Representing a $175 million investment in the City, Martin Tower will provide an excellent opportunity to promote a live-work environment.  This “smart growth” approach to redevelopment is a cornerstone of Bethlehem’s CRIZ Plan and one that has helped the City earn the reputation as a community that executes on opportunities and generates positive results for itself and the region.

The CRIZ Application also represented that the intended uses of the Martin Tower property complied with current zoning and already had a Master Plan approved.  The Master Plan approval referred to was a Master Plan approved by Bethlehem City Council in 2007 which proposed the preservation of the Martin Tower building and retrofitting it with 266 condominium units, the construction of only 13,000 square feet of “neighborhood retail” shopping space south of Martin Tower, and the construction of 552 townhouses on vacant parking lots and otherwise unused land east of Martin Tower and west of Burnside Plantation.  As represented in the CRIZ Application, the development on the Martin Tower property would have brought many new residents to the downtown area and added to the retail and restaurant revival in the existing Downtown area.  A copy of the 2007 approved Master Plan for the Martin Tower building was attached to the CRIZ Application.

Development of the Martin Tower property with 380,000 square feet of new retail/restaurant/entertainment square footage instead of the primarily residential development represented in the CRIZ Application, represents a dramatic change to permit a “destination retail center” and constitutes a “bait and switch” which violates the basis of the CRIZ award, and also violates the purposes of the CRIZ Act and the guidelines promulgated thereunder.  The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Governor’s Office of Budget are tasked with administration of the CRIZ Program and have issued guidelines to administer the CRIZ Program (“CRIZ Guidelines”).  As stated in the CRIZ Guidelines, one of the primary purposes of the Act is “to provide opportunity to spur new growth in cities that have struggled to attract development, helping to revive downtowns and create jobs for the residents in the regions.”  Rather than help to revive the existing Downtown area within Bethlehem, the Zoning Amendment will decimate the existing Downtown and diminish the property values and quality of life of the residents and businesses in the Downtown area.

Section IV of the CRIZ Guidelines specifically states that:

E.  If the zone plan is amended or modified in a significant manner after the zone is approved and during the term of the zone, the contracting authority must inform DCED, the Office of the Budget and the Revenue Department in writing with a detailed explanation of the amendment or modification.  DCED, the Office of the Budget and the Revenue Department may ask for additional information.

Therefore, since the Zoning Amendment adopted by the City of Bethlehem now allows for the demolition of the Martin Tower building and significantly alters the development permitted on the Martin Tower Property as represented in the CRIZ Application, the City and/or the Authority is required to notify DCED, the Office of the Budget and the Revenue Department in writing of the amendment of its CRIZ plan and to obtain new CRIZ approval for such significant changes.

Since the development of the Martin Tower property in accordance with the City of Bethlehem’s new Zoning Amendment is not in accordance with the CRIZ Guidelines or the CRIZ Application, my clients respectfully request that the CRIZ award for the Martin Tower 52 acre parcel be revoked at this time and that the City of Bethlehem be permitted to designate other properties for CRIZ redevelopment that will not undercut its core Downtown revitalization and existing businesses.  Please acknowledge receipt of this correspondence and advise action to be taken in light of this new information provided herein.  

Very truly yours,

Marc B. Kaplin

Why Council Had Exec Session Before Controller Appointment

Solicitor Susan Wild

Before Allentown City Council voted unanimously to appoint one of their own - Council member Jeff Glazier - as the City's new Controller last night, they went into executive session. This was actually at the request of Solicitor Susan Wild. When they returned, President Ray O'Connell stated the backroom meeting was "to discuss the provisions of the Home Rule Charter, which relates to the interim appointment of the City Controller."

The Sunshine Act exists to promote open government. The legislation specifically provides that "secrecy in public affairs undermines the faith of the public in government and the public's effectiveness in fulfilling its role in a democratic society." Council should be very reticent to meet behind closed doors, especially when appointing a successor to an official who was forced to resign as a result of political corruption.

Under the open meetings law, Council can only meet in the back room (1) to discuss an employment matter; (2) for collective bargaining; (3) to consider the purchase or lease of real estate; (4) to consult with their attorney on a legal matter that involves an "identifiable complaint;" and (5) for privileged matters.

Looking at each of these, you might think this is a personnel matter, but you'd be wrong. If Council were hiring a new Clerk, they could meet in executive session, but not to fill a vacancy in an elected office.

Susan Wild previously previously explained her interpretation of the Home Rule Charter during an open meeting. I believe it's dead wrong, and that a person from either party could be appointed to this vacancy since no one was ever in the Controller's office. But Council has an obligation to listen to their lawyer, not a bottom-feeding blogger. Since she's already discussed this publicly once, why did she request an executive session?

I believe she wanted to make Council aware that her opinion could be challenged in court. There is an "identifiable complaint" in that Steve Ramos or some other Republican could challenge this appointment in court. Because there is a possibility of litigation, she was correct to seek an executive session.

She is doing her job.

Whether I agree or disagree with her on this or that, I must say Susan Wild has been a breath of very fresh air in Allentown. She was put into a nearly impossible situation, and has reacted with integrity and honor. People with my history tend to bring the profession down, but someone like Wild can rescue a democracy in peril.

So some lawyers are good guys. Even if they're not guys.

Allentown Issuing Tax Certs Again

On Thursday, I told you that Allentown stopped issuing tax certificates on January 14. Those certifications are essential in real estate matters. Without them, settlements must be delayed and the City is deprived of real estate transfer taxes. I suspected this hold was related to Northeast Revenue, which collects taxes for both the City and Lehigh County.

Workers in the Treasurer's Office had no idea why they were unable to issue certification, and the City spokesperson ignored a phone call seeking an explanation.

Sometime Friday, Allentown began issuing tax certs once again. According to The Morning Call, the hold up occurred because the Northeast Revenue contract is in jeopardy. Embattled Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski already executed an extension, and claims the City is stuck, while Council wants out.

Most municipal contracts have 30-day termination clauses.

The Real State of the Shitty in Allentown

There were actually two State of the Shitty addresses delivered this weekend. The first was delivered by Fed Ed. The second came in the form of a rambling Morning Call op-ed. That was delivered by Alan Jennings, who is essentially the propaganda minister for the urban growth regime that's really in control in Allentown. I'll tell you about them and close with a more realistic view of the Queen City.

Fed Ed's State of the Shitty (WFMZ-TV69 Video - Part One and Part Two)

Allentown's Constitution, its Home Rule Charter, requires the Mayor to report every January, to both the City Council and the public, on "the financial and general condition of the City." Over the years, this mandate has been perverted into a gala event. This year, like last year, those who wished to hear Fed Ed's pearls of wisdom would have to pay for the privilege  It was thirty bucks a pop for a chicken lunch in the fifth floor ballroom at the $250 per night Renaissance Hotel.

I counted somewhere around 80 people at this event. But the actual paid attendance was just 56, far less than the 296 people who paid last year. The only elected official I saw was Lehigh County Exec Tom Muller. Not one member of City Council attended. Even people who work for the City made excuses not to be there, including the police chief (he was checking his sock drawer) and one other deputy chief (root canal). Local pols like Mike "Darth Voter" Schlossberg  and Pete Schweyer were busy getting pointers on ghost voting.  Jenn Mann was no doubt trying to score Superbowl tickets. Crony capitalists J.B. Reilly, Tony Iannelli, Lee Butz, union bosses and Bob Bennett were nowhere to be found. Alan Jennings, who controls the Lehigh Valley poverty industry, was also absent. But he was no doubt excused, as you'll see below.

His Goner's audience consisted mostly of rotarians, preachers and a few vultures like me, who were thinking it would be just like the FBI to come in and arrest him in the middle of his speech.

I saw no FBI agents, but noticed that a few of the waiters were speaking into flower arrangements. Downstairs, in the hotel lobby, Allentown good government activists Robert Trotner, Lou Shupe and a few others mounted a protest of some sort.

According to an unscientific poll on this blog, 94 percent of 150 participants believe that Fed Ed is going down, sooner or later. Sources tell me his lawyers are meeting with the feds this very week.

This was my first time inside a Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) building. Even from the fifth floor, there is a commanding view of the sea of decay surrounding this tiny, but $1 billion, oasis of splendor. A Potemkin Village with a sub-par minor league hockey team acting as its draw.

Fed Ed is actually the first person I saw when I finally found the fifth floor. I asked him when he is going to resign, but he walked right by me and into a nearby can, pretending not to hear. Next I bumped into a nervous Christine Bauder, who put together this event. I assured her that I'd be good. I don't like to disrupt speeches.

When I made it inside the ballroom, the first person to greet me was none other than Lisa "Lady MacBeth" Pawlowski. She has solved Allentown's homeless problem, by the way. Less than a year ago, she was misinforming people that I "get paid every time someone opens his blog. So every click is a win for him. Controversy means more money for him. So folks, if you support your mayor, don't ever read Bernie's blog. Make a statement by cutting into his income."

That's actually complete nonsense. I make no money blogging. Not everyone is as money hungry as she or her husband have been.

Lady McBeth never mentioned her insult, but was quick to introduce me to her daughter. She dragged both of their children to this State of the Shitty, which by itself has to be some form of child abuse. One friend tells me this was her way of taking a dig at me, and that her implied message was, "Look what you're doing to our children!"

If this is so, it failed. For the sake of their children, Fed Ed needs to resign.

Fed Ed, as most news accounts have already told you, failed to address the biggest problem facing Allentown - him. An investigation into political corruption has paralyzed the City. He avoided all mention of the elephant in the room, choosing instead to talk about the "cool factor." He joked a bit about the snow, but failed to address why he failed to call a snow emergency. This made it difficult for plow trucks to get through along snow emergency routes. While taking the media to task for not writing enough about the money saved by the water lease, he never explained how many trucks and personnel were shifted into the Lehigh County Authority and were hence unavailable to deal with the storm.

He bragged about a 30% drop in crime since becoming Mayor, although he failed to recognize that many people have simply stopped reporting.. He never addressing the crime going on at City Hall, in which three officials have been charged, along with an entrepreneur. He talked about purchasing additional cameras to reduce crime, but never discussed why he sweeping his offices for electronic bugs and purchased burner phones. Those seem more like the actions of a drug lord or Mafia don than the Mayor of Pennsylvania's third largest city.

But he is counting trees. This year, Fed Ed plans to nail down eactly how many trees there are in Allentown. So there you have it.

Embattled as he is, His Goner is playing the religion card heavily. The Moody Bible Institute grad made sure that lots of preachers came, and made sure to thank them. Among those he single out for applause was the Lehigh Conference of Church's Jack Felch, who "streeted"  about 30 homeless men into 31" of snow last week.

The audience applauded, save for one person.

Me. I booed.

He finished his speech with a slick upbeat video portraying Allentown (and no doubt Fed Ed) as a "comeback kid" made possible by the Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ).

Alan Jennings' State of the Shitty.

Alan Jennings is Executive Director of CACLV, which effectively puts him in control of the poverty industry created by LBJ's War on Poverty. His organization has established many worthwhile programs, from Head Start to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Jennings likes to think of himself as the spokesperson for those who have no voice. But what he has really become is a shill for the wealthy. He is the Propaganda Minister of the urban growth regime.

Like a priest in the old Catholic Church before Martin Luther came along, Jennings sells plenary indulgences to the wealthy in exchange for a few table scraps tossed his way. These days, they're called tax credits. In a Morning Call op-ed, Jennings delivers his State of the Shitty.

Blessing the NIZ, Jennings goes on to say, "We can never overstate the heroic work being done by our mayor and his administration, state Sen. Pat Browne, J.B. Reilly of City Center Investment Corp., Sy Traub and the board of directors of the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority and many others."

Heroic?

It takes no courage (much less, heroism) to spend someone else's money. When we start believing that those who spend the public's monies are "heroes," we are dead as a productive society.

I once portrayed Jennings in a pimp costume since he's been called the poverty pimp. But the reality is that he is more like a prostitute who sells himself out to the wealthy and praises them and their agendas in exchange for a few dollars here and there. He is a night-time walker dropped off on Hamilton while Fed Ed and J.B. Reilly circle the block until their trap is full.

Jennings continues to bless the NIZ, while taking an unnecessary shot at those who live in the suburbs in what increasingly appears to be a War on the Suburbs as opposed to a War on Poverty.

"Just about everyone has benefited: The tax base is on the mend, blight is being eliminated, jobs are being created. Fears about the whole effort being a disaster for the poached suburbs have not materialized. And, yes, people have gotten rich. You see, that's what happens when a market is robust. The best community development program is a viable market and, while we need our neighbors in the suburbs to stop cowering in their cul de sacs and come downtown to further strengthen its viability, we are on the right track."

To be clear, the whole effort has been a disaster, but not just for the poached suburbs. It's been a disaster in Bethlehem and in Allentown itself because the NIZ provides tax breaks for local businesses who move there. Jennings' offices are in South Bethlehem. If he looked out his window, he'd see the enormous difficulties the Benners and Perrucci are having in developing 900 new beds. Or the fact that, other than the Social Still, not a single CRIZ project has had shovel meet dirt. But facts are stubborn things.

Jennings wants a little affordable housing in exchange for his cheerleading. Do the math, Alan. Let's suppose 10,000 housing units in Allentown need serious rehab. Let's say, modestly, the cost of the average rehab is $25,000. That's $250 million! Where will that come from, Alan? From JB? Joe Topper? The Butzes? Mark Jaindl? Yeah, right. Oh, and where do the current tenants go after the rehab and the higher, unaffordable rent kicks in? Macungie? Emmaus?

The one thing that neither Jennings or Fed Ed bothers to address is Allentown's failing schools.

The Real State of the Shitty

Gentrification in Allentown is doomed to fail for the same reason it failed in the '70s, when two bona-fide historic districts were in in full on development mode - Old Allentown and Old Fairgrounds. The problem was and remains the Allentown School District (ASD). Once the brave pioneers - who weren't gay or lesbian couples - had kids, they realized those kids had to be educated in the ASD or a struggling Allentown Diocese school system, which was consolidating and closing schools. So they sold their restored historic houses, moved out of their restored historic apartments and left the once promising neighborhoods to the growing influx of transient "new residents" who were poorer, less educated and didn't care about the ASD or taking care of their property for that matter.

Many of the larger single family houses were converted to more multi-family housing - blame the City Zoning Hearing Board for that and the City administration for not stopping it - and the inexorable cycle of neighborhood decline got seriously worse. Meanwhile, back on Hamilton Street, the City focus continued to be on the downtown. "Forget the neighborhoods surrounding the Downtown," the experts scream. "If we don't save or improve Hamilton Street, the town is lost," they yell.

The opposite was and is true.

Allentown ignored its neighborhoods and the school district problems get so large that they became almost impossible to solve. So the City created KOZ property after KOZ property, investing massive amounts of State (RACP and DCED money) and Federal funds in one failed plan after another until Pat Browne and J. B. Reilly came up with the mother of all subsidies, the NIZ! Again, the focus was on Hamilton Street, not the neighborhoods and of course, here we go again.

For a few old-timers, it's "deja vu all over again." Only worse.