In a report published yesterday by The Morning Call's fearless road warrior, Dan Hartzell, LANTA makes clear it has no intention of restoring eliminated bus stops along Hamilton Street. Board member Steve Schmitt insensitively scoffs at merchants who have lost business. "They wanted something to complain about, basically." Board member-Jenn Mann employee-city council wannabe Pete Schweyer disingenuously claims that business has picked up at the 100 block of Seventh. Finally, Mayor Ed Pawlowski keeps repeating the same "It's not a city issue" mantra his administration has been chanting at me and Lázaro Fuentes.All three statements are demonstrably false. Merchants have suffered. There is no business increase at the 100 block of Seventh Street. And the removal of these stops is very much a city issue - it's part of a discriminatory gentrification aimed at keeping the riff raff away from the coveted Butz Corporate Center, PPL Building and Plaza and Allentown Brew Works. All three buildings just happen to be located between Seventh and Tenth Streets, exactly where the buses no longer run.
It is a city issue.
The concept of a new transportation hub in downtown Allentown extends back to 2001, and went into design phase in early 2005. In October 2005, when Governor Rendell forked over $1.25 million for the intermodal project, it was "to help revitalize the downtown, making it more attractive to private businesses investment and boosting the quality of life for residents." In October 2006, as this new center was being built, Mayor Pawlowski bragged that it was an "important link in efforts to revitalize the Allentown downtown area."
From Pawlowski himself, we know this is a city issue. These changes were made to help renew Allentown. And according to an anonymous comment by a person who claims to be a Butz Corporate Center tenant, a leasing agent told him in October 2006 that all the "riff raff" will be off Hamilton. "Indeed, it is part of the deal to capitulate to the big biz folks being lobbied to move into the downtown. No taxes for years. Christmas lights in front of their building, exclusively."
Further evidence that Allentown is currying favor with the business bigwigs can be found in this year's "Dancing in the Streets Octoberfest," a Friday afternoon block party along the 800 block of Hamilton Street, at the front door stop of downtown Allentown's corporate giants. People will eat German food and dance under the noses of thirty-eight suffering Malaysian, Korean, Indian, Arab and Guyanese merchants.
They may as well be dancing on their graves.
But business has picked up elsewhere, hasn't it?
One of LANTA's board members, Peter Schweyer, wears a number of other hats. He's also a legislative aide to state rep. Jenn Mann. Remember her? She's the sweetheart who miraculously secured a $10,000 grant for Parkland's ice hockey program, a real worthy cause. And guess what? Peter is running for Allentown city council. He must be very busy, too, because he just hates waiting in the "intense volume of traffic on Hamilton Street." Naturally, he loves the elimination of bus stops on and near Hamilton Street. If that results in "loss of business suffered by a few companies located between 7th and 8th Streets," that's fine with him. Besides, according to Schweyer, business has really picked up on the 100 block of Seventh Street.
That's my point. The intention is to steer the smaller, and minority-owned businesses, away from the aristocrats on Hamilton. Moreover, you don't justify the destruction of existing minority-owned businesses, by claiming that some business somewhere else will profit. Finally, Schweyer's claim is simply unbelievable. According to Michael Molovinsky, "There is only 1 store in that block, one half block away and on the other side, on the far corner of Turner st. That block is the worst in Allentown, 95% vacant."
In an email late last night, Schweyer tells me, "Your argument that LANTA and the City of Allentown are somehow advocating the destruction of minority owned businesses is not only spurious, but laughable and frankly quite bizarre."
I'm not laughing. Regardless of intent, that's certainly what has happened. I don't see how any other conclusion is possible. And it may very well be intentional. Elimination of these stops will certainly remove the "riff raff" near the Butz Corporate Center, PPL Building and Plaza and Allentown Brew Works.
Minority-owned businesses just like to complain.
The prize for most insensitive statement concerning this discriminatory gentrification, clearly goes to LANTA board member Steve Schmitt. He claims people like Jenny Lim are just looking for a reason to complain.
He should talk to her. I did. She speaks in a soft, unassuming and accented voice. But don't let that fool you. She is also coldly logical, knows she's been wronged and is trying desperately to save her business.
Jenny Chen Lim, manager of the House of Chen restaurant at 732 W. Hamilton, is the driving force behind the thirty-eight merchants who have petitioned Allentown and LANTA to reconsider their removal of bus stops between 7th and 10th Streets. A second, and similar, petition, has been signed by 1,800 bus passengers. She tells me her business is down about 30%. Could be worse. The Dollar Store next to her has lost 75% of its customers. It can't last much longer.
In addition to these businesses, Lim stressed that many elderly and low-income passengers have been hurt by this change. "An elderly woman just can't carry bags that far."
When I spoke to Jenny yesterday. I wanted to know how Allentown and LANTA have reacted to her petitions, which were presented on September 27. No one has contacted her. She called LANTA's operations manager, but he's ignored her. So has the city. In fact, the city has told Bibi Hazra, who operates the Loco Dollar Store to quit calling. They don't want to hear it, and keep telling her it's a transportation issue.
A Ray of Hope on Friday
Lim, despite her courage and determination, is no activist. She's just a restaurant manager, trying to make an honest living. Fortunately, Congregations United for Neighborhood Action (CUNA) has offered to help. There will be a meeting on Friday, 6 PM, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 36 South Eighth Street, Allentown, PA. I intend to be there. These folks have many ways to get the attention of LANTA and the city. City council candidates like Schweyer, who spout off without even meeting these people, should pay the price in November. In fact, all council candidates should be polled for their position on this issue.
54 comments:
Looks like Lee Butz disagrees with you. The Morning Call published his letter this morning about how he walks around downtown everyday for years and it is the garden of eden. I wonder if trumpets sound every time he steps out of his office at 840 Hamilton to warn the riff raff of his presence, so they can kneel as he passes.
So things in downtown A-town are friendly and peaceful, day and night. It makes good business sense for Butz to utter this obvious falsehood bc he's trying to attract business to his Butz corporate center. I hope the next toime he goes for a stroll, he stops in at BiBi's Doillar Store or talks to Joyce Lim at House of Chen. He is a member of the Lehigh Valley Partnership. In their view, A-town is the key to everything. They may even be right. But they will fail and just plunge A-town deeper into its current quagmire if they start discriminating against different businesses. A thriving downtown needs a little bit of everything.
honestly bernie I stopped reading after the dancing on their graves comment. I have such a distaste for your grandstanding over the last few days on this issue that I think I am going to take a break from reading these blogs for a while. I would urge you to get some perspective as you continue on posting on this issue, which is an important one.
LOLV,
The very idea of dancing along the same block of businesses that are going under, while refusing to do a damn thing about their siituation, is morally repugnant to me. They may as well be dancing on their graves.
The city and LANTA have refused to even acknowledge the problem, and we are to just our heads and say, "How Sad?"
I've got my perspective, and I'm fairly consistent. We exist to help others. LANTA and A-town have both acted outrageously. And there are too many in A-town who either condone, or turn a blind eye, to this obvious discrimination.
You are completely welcome to tell me I'm grandstanding or have lost my perspective, but I have to write about what I think is important. I could not do it any other way. And this is an extremely important issue.
LOLV, I have a great respect for you and your writing (even though we have never debated anything – that I can remember, at least), but I think this is a fine post by Bernie. He's out there (or working from his basement dungeon telephone and computer) actually communicating with both sides involved in this situation, which is more than anyone else is doing.
Additionally, the business owners can't spend the majority of their days arguing it up with LANTA and the city because they do have businesses to run. I'm sure any public attention they can get is welcomed.
I'm not sure how much of this situation is actually related to ethnicity, but the initial point at hand – the bus stops – is being completely ignored by those who should care the most. This issue needs more public attention and response. I don't see how LANTA and the city can duck this forever.
Bernie: As a consumer of Lanta and downtown businessman, balance is in order. I share many of your underlying sentiments; however, let's examine certain issues.
1) The idea of moving traffic off Hamilton--is a freaking canard. Buses go to 9th street. stop. and resume on 7th street. So the cabal stating "we want better traffic flow" is painfully disengenuous. We still have buses on hamilton just not in front of PPL, Butz, Breworks and the new mexican place in the Robert Stern designed PPL (sold to a private group) HQ. The plan was to remove bus peeps from the central redevelopment zone. Another personal example: I visited the Farr's Lofts and the leasing agent proudly stated the "bus people" will no longer be allowed on south 8th street.
2) Consumers---the people likely to visit Lee for a tour of Butzville do not shop at Dollar stores, the myriad sneaker stories or go to the wonderful House of Chen (great dumplings they have and if Mike is cooking on saturdays--u should just ask that he make u something). The demographic for breworks, johnny manana is not a LANTA demographic. And remember the Mayor has constructed 6M into the vivability of that one place.
3)100 Block of 7th Street--business has increased?!!!! Are you kidding? Where-the 7/11? the cuchifrito? There are no businesses in that small area anymore. 7th street deli is boarded up as are most of the stores around there. The most dangerous, drug infested part of allentown is 7-11 and the block anchored by a bar in its middle between 7 and 8th along linden.
4)The transit center--let's face it-it was very much needed and far too late in coming thanks to King Greco. It is clean and has seats which u cant say for many lanta stops. Oh and they actually have schedules posted, unlike most Lanta stops.
Conclusion: The transit center is a major gain. Butz etc investing in downtown is very positive. The p.r and explanation of hamilton traffic as a reason to end routes is false. Either keep the stop at the LCCC (by house of Chen) or take off all bus routes from Hamilton.
I see no reason to believe the status quo will be altered.
what is wrong with cleaning up allentown's main street? the proliferation of gangsta stores has led to the image problem of allentown. if some stores fall by the wayside so be it.if the stores offer merchandise that people want they will survive. if they offer junk,like most do now, they go under. the owners must adapt to the marketplace [the american way],not hope for some government entity to bail them out. i work downtown. i have seen the steady decline.i will not go downtown at night. it is now time to incline. it can't get any worse!!!
I'm not too familiar with the area, but isn't it be a good thing to have Octoberfest near some of those ethnically diverse merchants? Perhaps some of the people who are attending Octoberfest would be made aware of (and subsequently shop at) some of those shops and restaurants.
Also, it's unclear to me how the LANTA decision was made. Is this something that is done separately from city council? Was this something done without warning? I think I understand the problem, but not the background information.
AJ,
Like you, I also like LOLV's writing style. She thinks I've been going over the top and grandstanding, etc. I don't. I do feel passionately about this issue. The propaganda from Team Pawlowski is disturbing. Claiming that these suffering businesses just want something to complain about is over the top to me. Claiming that business has increased in the 100 block of 7th is just plain false. Refusing to address what clearly is a city issue is obviously bad government. I think it's important to draw attention to all of this. I usually keep my nose out of A-town, but the injustice of this whole situation really bothers me.
LOLV is certainly welcome to state her opinion and she may even be right. But I also appreciate your kind words.
Anon 10:05, I find myself in total agreement with you.
LVHW,
1) A party is always a good idea, eh? But in this case, after closing off bus traffic, from the three blocks where Butz & PPL are located, a "Dancing in the Streets" party will be held under the very noses of 38 merchants who were adversely impacted. I feel, perhaps wrongly, that this is a slap across their faces. I think these ignored businesses deserve a little more attention than they've received.
2) LANTA is a government-created authority. It must abide by the Sunshine Act and is subject to right to know requests. There was plenty of public notice about the new intermodal, which is probably a good thing. But like you, I don't know and tend to doubt whether the administrative decision to alter some bus stops requires notice and hearing. I know that LANTA, when it makes moves like this, always checks with city officials.
Anon 10:15,
Bibi's Dollar Store is a gangsta' store? And the House of Chen, is that a Tong hangout?
The American way, which you so proudly promote, requires government to keep its nose out of the business world. But here, the government is constantly sticking its nose in business decisions. Some businesses get KOZ classifications and free tax breaks. A Dunkin Donuts will be publicly sunsidized, as was the ABW. But for other businesses, bus routes are removed.
Bernie: You should take Lee Butz at his word in the MC and let him tour you through Hamilton street. See if he is brave enough to walk on linden from 8th to 7th where the new bus stop is....and explain why bus routes were eliminated on those sections of Hamilton deemed "special" by the powers that be. That would be a hoot!
Afterwhich have lunch at the House of Chen and let Jenny speak with him. He would be impressed if he is brave enough to enter such a "riff raff" establishment!
Anon 10:48,
I'll give Lee a call. Maybe he'll help save his business neighbors.
I remeber Jenn Mann for running Republican like TV ads in a negative series that hurt her and helped the republican.
You all recall the Drunk on a Hog series of ads.
Bernie,
I really am serious about taking a break but here is my more articulate response about the dancing in the streets events (all of which I've attended, thus far, and none of which you have so far as I know).
The great success of these events thus far has been the mixed crowd. The "bus people", the yuppies from PPL & Butz, the Lehigh County and Allentown City workers, the lawyers and white collars from the surrounding downtown offices, the residents who live in the neighborhood, and the kids who go to school down the street all come around.
The idea that this event is a slap in the face to the downtown merchants is really only furthering the US vs THEM mentality which is unnecessary and counterproductive.
The business district has been failing for over a decade. House of Chen may still have been turning a profit and keeping their doors open, but the few businesses that were able to succeed on Hamilton Street does not make for a healthy downtown, regardless of the demographic of their customers. Allentown's success hinges on its ability to accommodate the varying groups who live, work, and play in the city.
When Damien remarked that there are "growing pains" to be had, he made an insensitive comment that flies in the face of an integrated community. Pushing out the "thems" so that "we" can have our make believe urban paradise is a recipe for certain failure, not to mention the inherent racism and classism implied by suggesting that the solution to Allentown's problems is well-off white people.
I actually do think that bus traffic should not go down Hamilton Boulevard. Not just from 7th to 10th, but from 4th to 12th streets. I am not in favor of the dreaded "pedestrian mall" idea, but reducing traffic on Hamilton Boulevard to create a more pedestrian-friendly commercial stretch will go a long way towards improving downtown. This means using parking lots and garages off of Hamilton, and lighting and improving the alleyways for use as pedestrian connectors between the lots and the businesses, and it means. I also believe that integrating the cross streets and Linden Street into the redevelopment is essential to the success of downtown's revitalization, and one way to work towards this is to redirect pedestrian, bus, and car traffic.
Furthermore, although its a shame our public transportation system is so crappy that the only people who use it are those who can not afford to drive (because, in fact, it costs more to ride the bus than it does to fill a car with gas to get from Allentown to Bethlehem. And it take twice as long. And the buses don't run into the evenings. And they don't go anywhere except shopping malls.), having people standing on corners for a half hour waiting for the bus doesn't help anything. It may provide a SMALL HANDFUL of businesses with some extra customers, but it creates problems with litter and pedestrian congestion, not to mention the fact that the people waiting for the bus have to stand or sit on the corner for a half an hour in the rain, cold, snow, etc.... waiting for the bus. On top of that, as much as I hate to admit it, image goes a long way towards perception, and the image of a half dozen people standing on the corner at any given hour with nowhere to go does not do a whole to improve the perception of downtown. A transit station is a huge and necessary improvement.
I sympathize with businesses who are suffering, and I think the city DOES have a responsibility to try to help them, and I'm very discouraged by the indifference of all parties. But I don't think that the solution HAS TO BE moving the bus routes back. I've said this a dozen times in the last year, but the old way is broken. Allentown did not get to be in such dire straits over the last twenty years because of how successful everything was. As important as small businesses are to the health of an urban economy (and anyone who has ever read my blog knows how strongly I feel about supporting small businesses), they can not carry the success of an entire downtown, as EVIDENCED by the decline of Hamilton Street and the surrounding neighborhood.
That nut job Molovinsky wrote the other day that Allentown residents have learned to be hawks to the government over the years (um, which obviously isn't that true or we wouldn't be waist deep in shit), and its important to call attention to the issues as you have been, but I honestly feel that your approach is negative and detrimental to the process of changing. Instead of whining, attacking and accusing, try looking for a solution. T
he people, the media, the businesses and the city need to be reaching out to each other to work together. As bloggers, I would like to think that we have some ability to encourage positive change, rather than just complaining.
LOLV: you obviously come from a concerned, informed perspective. However, you agree either eliminate all stops on Hamilton to effecuate a more pedestrian zone?
The issue has been the blatant and dishonest answer given by officials who avoid the obvious: selective stops were eliminated to accomodate new "desirable" businesses. You cannot have city employees putting up christmas lights for Butz and let those who have been long term tenants go dark!
Indeed, the House of Chen and its predecessor (a family friend) have been on Hamilton since 1969! Now, because they r not politically active their concerns are disregarded? Please!
Eliminate all bus traffic or give the students, shoppers, seniors and working folk a stop at LCCC.
LOLV,
1) Not that it's particularly relevant to anything, but I did attend the first "dancing in the streets" event. I even brought my grandson.
2) As you correctly observe, the city does have a responsibility to help these suffering businesses. You note that the city, media and businesses need to be reaching out to each other. And that is precisely my point, too. That's why I'm blogging about it. Instead of reaching out, the city and Lanta are sweeping these folks under a rug. And that's why I'm blogging.
3) Did you know that 38 merchants have signed that petition? Did you know that the city has actually told the Dollar Store to quit bothering them? Did you know that LANTA's operations manager has refused to return the calls placed by Jennie Lim? Did you know that Schweyer's remarks about increased business on the 100 block of Seventh Street are demonstrably false? Did you know the history of the intermodal or that it has been planned since at least 2001? Did you know that on Friday night, the CUNA will sponsor a meeting for Lim and her fellow merchants?
That's what blogging is about, my friend. We do have a role, and it extends way beyond complaining. Today's blog contains several observations that are factually accurate and relevant to this crisis, and you just won't find them elsewhere right now.
4) I don't present this situation with an us v. them mentality. The city and LANTA have done that all by themselves by ignoring these hard-working people, many of whom are minorities. Several people in the blogging world have added fuel to this fire. I don't deny I'm outraged.
5) As far as riding the bus is concerned, I am a frequent LANTA passenger, especially when I am healthy. Now that I'm not, I do not ride as much but hope to see that change soon. I like the convenience and the reduction of toxic emissions and it gives me an excuse to talk to people.
6) As far as your solution goes, I don't really know. But the important thing is to reach out to these businesses. You've noted that yourself. And that's the whole point of my blog. Those folks are real people, not the riff raff that leasing agents seem to think. They need to be treated fairly.
bernie, the anon 10:05 comment mentions the 7-11, scene of numerous shootings. in the barren landscape of that block i forgot about that store. i have just returned from that block where i interviewed the merchants, and there are also two other small business's which i overlooked. i will soon add an update to my blog with the new information, which does not change the substance or premise, just a few details. i realize you linked to my blog as an acknowledgment of my efforts on this topic, which i appreciate, and i apologize for any inaccuracies.
The All-American City still has the option of Eminent Domain at its disposal, thanks to the do-gooder wing of the US Supremes (which was a godsend to wealthy developers and the politicians they own).
The current process seems to be a slow-drip, de facto version of Eminent Domain. Either way, federal law backs tossing whomever local politicians deem "undesirable" in favor of what those same politicians deem "economic development."
I love delicious irony, especially when social engineers are hoisted by their own petard. When the hard-working and innocent are victims of the irony, however, it leaves a rather bad taste.
Not to get off topic, but eminent domain should be used on the Americus if that wretched philly dude doesnt pay his bills. That building could truly be a linchpin for a revitalized downtown Allentown.
A school; office condos; a grand meeting place--all are better than the white empty elephant which currently exists.
Perhaps it is in the cards as the bus routes still stop on 6th and Hamilton!
Btw, 7-11 is suppose to be a CVS and the Hondo's bar aka crack central will be removed soon or face eminent domain proceedings as the block between 7th and 8th on linden is the most dangerous block in allentown.
lolv, it's hard for me to fight with 23 year old girls. frankly you and some of your associates have alot of nerve calling me nutjob, etc.- thats why i think of you as a posse. i said the opposite, that we have not been diligence enough with our elected officials. Hamilton street currently is actually quite successful, the family dollar store, rainbow jeans, and others are(were) doing well and were also providing jobs. i spend alot of time on hamilton st. as i said before i do not believe the soccer moms are coming back to shop, but why don't you and the others on your blog move away from 19 th st. and go downtown, there still are vacancies at the farr lofts, cityline lofts, and other subsidized projects. dancing in the street is a joke, one night three times a year, the suburbanites get funky and come downtown.
MM, I can't afford to live in those apartments. However, I am hoping that maybe by the time Allentown finishes converting some of the homes in the historic district back to single family properties I may be ready to become a homeowner.
oh also, I will probably continue thinking of you as a nut job until you stop posting like one, but I did admit on my blog today that I don't think you are actually an insane person I just think your perspective is extremely radical!
Is all this fuss about only 3 blocks on Hamilton street? Please correct me if I am wrong.
No, This fuss is about 38 mercahnts, mostly minorities, who claim their business now suffers. It's also about 1,800 bus passengers, many of them elderly, who can't carry bags for six blocks.
It's also about a city and a tranisit authority who won't even acknowledge their complaints.
River: it is also about power and the abuse of it. Why can certain merchants/businesses receive special treatment--3 blocks "riff raff" free; tax breaks; and christmas lights--while every other merchant is literally kept in the dark because they do not have political power.
The House of Chen has been there since 1978 and Mr. Chen worked for the preceding Chineese restaurant owner since 1969 and yet they are left out of the loop.
It is a big deal since it speaks to the kind of revitalization Allentown will have. And I am not against tax breaks, gentrification and new intermodal stops, just a little fairness for the long enduring merchants and my fellow "riff raff"
LOLV: btw because some of us have to stand on street corners in rain, snow and freezing weather is no rationale to remove stops. Furthermore, we can still stand on Hamilton street if we go to 6th, 5th and 4th on Hamilton. Is that also an undesirable look for the city? A very bizarre statement from a seemingly well-informed person
Bernie, do you know what type of notice the merchants got from LANTA? Were they given the chance (invitation) to attend the meetings to discuss the change, or were they just told 'this is how things are.' If so, when were they notified? Did the merchants complain (before the changes were implemented) and if so, how did LANTA respond?
From all I have read here, I get the impression that the merchants were comletely blindsided. I guess I am naive and thought these type of things were discussed at city council as part of the planning process.
sorry I left a bad typo there
the point was that a transportation center is a necessary improvement to the downtown bus system.
I don't agree with the way the buses have been re-routed, but I thought they were badly routed in the first place so I don't think fixing the problem by putting it back the way it was is an acceptable solution.
So what is your solution? It seems citizens like you could make a difference. I have suggested remove all stops or bring back the LCCC stop and perhaps eliminate the one in between the church and county bldg; another is in front of the federal courthouse (5th and hamilton) and another in front of the Hotel Plaza (4th and Ham)...do u see a pattern here????
It was your uncharitable comments regarding "On top of that, as much as I hate to admit it, image goes a long way towards perception, and the image of a half dozen people standing on the corner at any given hour with nowhere to go does not do a whole to improve the perception of downtown" which I find troubling...few short steps to the leasing agents!
We do have somewhere to go...iti is called home but we take the bus.
The five and six hundred blocks of N.7th st.(far away from new lantaland) are more successful now with a hispanic business community than they have been since the malls changed retail business in the 1960's. Hamilton Street is(or at least was until the lanta changes) more successful than it has been in many years. BUT, these are poor people buying cheap items. When middle class and upper class drive by and see this, to them its failure. Its good to be Butz, its good to get KOZ, its good to get the county(visitors bureau) and chamber to rent your space, but lets not delude ourselves that Brooks Brothers is coming to hamilton St. Lanta could easily do both, continue their stops on Hamilton and also swing by the new terminal.
LVHW,
Yours is a very important question, and it cuts to the heart of a lot of the issues here. My impression is that both mercahnts and most bus riders were blind-sided. I will be certain to ask your question when i see them tomorrow night.
In a case like this, where what happens has a significant impact on property rights and business interests, specific notice should have been provided.
anon 2:29, its a bad image to have people standing on the corner waiting for anything in the middle of the business day in the downtown business district. The leasing agents are POS who think that if a person of color is standing on the corner it must be because we want to rob someone. My issue is not with who is on the corner, but with the perception that there is nothing to do in downtown other than stand on a corner and wait for a bus to take you the hell out of there. and that's what it looks like if you see a dozen people waiting around for a half hour for a bus to come.
I am not a transportation planner so I don't think I'm really qualified to suggest the best solution to the transit map, but in a utopia of fantastic bus service it looks something like:
local stops every 3-4 blocks with the buses using union, walnut, linden, and turner streets to travel east/west and the numbered streets to go between those. no express stops along that corridor other than a stop at the transit station, and possibly down at the long-distance-bus station on American Plaza. express service (smart express service. not that crap that they started that went along rt 22.) would go a long way to improving the user friendliness of LANTA and encouraging more walking around the neighborhood. I would love to see the buses leave hamilton and really spread out along the other streets reaching into more neighborhoods - i.e. go north up 10th street to Chew and then go west to the farmer's market, hospital, high school and muhlenberg college. Another bus could go up 8th street to Washington and go east into the neighborhood in the northeast corner of downtown. etc.... if I ever decide to take some time off from my job and I don't use that time to go out of town, I might just sit down with census data and a LANTA map and try to redraw it, but like I said, I'm not a transportation planner, so I don't know enough to consider my ideas "the solution."
If you people really wanted to help the poor you would be advocating more frequent service to suburban industrial and business parks. That is where it is lacking.
There are plenty of bus stops all over Allentown, including Hamilton St. Only one stop has been "eliminated" on Hamilton, between 7th & 8th. The ones on 8th and 9th still exist they are just not transfer points anymore.
As a matter of fact, several routes now travel down Turner St to the new Transit Center instead of Hamilton. This brings expanded service right to the door step of residents of one of Allentown poorest areas. These routes include the heavily traveled "A" route. Do we want to go back on that?
I don't think you need to come up with THE answer, but do think Pawlowski and LANTA should have met with the merchants by now. That's the problem. And for all the talk of image, look what image Pawlowski is presenting to the minority population.
what did these"merchants"
think they were building at 6th and linden? are they uneducated that they can't read the paper,then watch the boob tube. it has been well documented what was going to happen. why no foresight? why no planning? why not move to north 7th street?
I knew what was comming,and i don't own a business in the downtown. take some intiative. be daring, plan ahead. don't cry woe is me. i would imagine most stores rent and not own store fronts, it should be an easy move go to where the customers are just like the big boys who moved to the burbs they went to where their clientele went. if you have good product,you will survive. the house of chen survived the tearing up of the sidewalks a few years back. they will survive this.the product is good.
Bernie: take voter registration forms from Lehigh County to the Friday meeting. It is the only real power the people have.
Dismissing the merchants and others is not a solution. Nor is the status quo. Embarrassing Butz into allowing a stop on the corner by LCCC maybe.
Anon 6:25, I consider myself more well read on local matters than most people, and I vaguely knew about the new intermodal. I certainly knew nothing about the changed bus routes. I suspect most of these merchants had no notice, either.
Before a government starts damaging contractual obligations, it should give those affected notice and an opportunity to be heard. In fact, we fought a revolutonary war for the right to due process.
I wonder what LCCC thinks? The stop everyone is crying about is in front of their building.
I doubt they want it back.
Isn't is somewhat ironic that everyone on these blogs that are against these changes live outside of the city (Bernie, MM, CC etc.) and everyone that is ok with them live inside the city (mostly).
Hmmmm
Anon 7:00,
I gave Butz a call late today. I was bot allowed to speak to him, but was allowed to leave a message. And I laid it out and suggested that it would be in his best interest to help these folks. I will also grab some voter registration forms and hand them out. I'll bring them to Sunday's football game, too. A number of those parents use the LANTA bus.
Anon 8:41, That's one of those statements that means absolutely nothing. Most of those opposed to this change live or work in A-town. There were 1,800 signatures on a petition. Most of the comments here condemn the changed bus routes. One of them is from a person who works in A-town and rides LANTA.
Anon 8:37, LCCC must do what their benefactors tell them to do. And just who do you think they are?
Chen's real problem is an increase in competition. Now there are other places to get beer at lunch and the Chinese food joint on 10th and Hamilton is cleaner. I respect the house of Chen as a long-time Allentown family business. It deserves some respect. However, it is the same as others on Hamilton Street. They have become complacent about business and have made no upgrades since 1975. House of Chen is grimy. It is a diamond in the rough. The bar and concept could be a very cool place to hang out if it was invested in. I would love to see them get a low interest loan and attract new customers... and lure the old customers back up the 100 yards from the bus stop to the restaurant. It is really not that far! For god sakes do you really think people who are not lazy car-addicts who live in town and take the bus think that the block and a half is far to walk!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?
Furthermore, any business, including Louie’s, who does not change and improve their food and interior deserve to go. These are the businesses that have gotten run down and make downtown look unattractive. There are several good new businesses that appeal to the local residents- not just Mr. Butz. The woman’s shoe store in the 900 block, mish mash, NY Urban, Rainbow, Indian store in the 800 block, Sunlight Café (great food!)- they are diverse, interesting and interested in having a successful business- and investing in that success. Shame on Jateez, Tuckers, and House of Chen for sitting by and rotting for so long. I am embarrassed for them and by them.
Anon 10:40, This is not just House of Chen. This is not just the Dollar Store. 38 merchants have complained about a loss of revenue, including some of those you compliment. The bus re-routing has thrown off the typical pedestrian traffic between 7th and 10th.
anon 6;25, many of these merchants own their buildings and pay real estate taxes, which is more than can be said about the wave of new koz's who are being catered to at the expense of the older merchants.. i believe the 38 merchants will survive because market forces prevail, its just a shame they must be put through this ordeal by this administration
anon 10:40, both jateez and tucker do large internet sales. tucker has been there over 50 years, how hip do you expect a yarn shop to look? the wicker store has one of the largest selections in the country, 3 floors and delivers all over.
Anon 10:40pm --u are so wrong I dont know where to begin. The House of Chen is not grimy u moron. I could live without the smoke at the bar-true. If you visit the chineese place at 10th and hamilton or between 6th and 5th--u will see them very empty in comparison to Chen.
Furthermore, given 30 years+ presence in the city paying taxes (they own the building) your response to their plight is short sighted.
This issue is about whether or not a public private entity can dictate who survives and who does not.
I am betting Chen survives long after Manana and brew works ....
Getting in a bit late here folks. I think it boils down to what will be a successful solution to the downtown area. Personally, I think downtowns should serve city residents, and attract others outside the city to spend their money. There is no question that this area of the city needs lower-end retail, dollar stores and convenience shops to serve people that live there, but they should not be the primary tenants downtown. As a semi-frequent visitor to the downtown area for business, I can attest to the traffic back-log created by the buses. The downtown hub now streamlined the route, and is still very close to the businesses that are fighting the new route. I would argue that if their business of that high quality, as many of you suggest House of Chen for example is, than it will survive. One of you mentioned elderly riders who are unable to make the longer walk. I agree with you that this is a direct detrimental effect for them, and the businesses they frequent, which by my guess would be convenience stores. In the end though, I really don't think this has anything to do with trying to kill minority businesses. Diverse businesses, regardless of their owners backgrounds, are key to the revitalization of downtowns and I think all parties involved recognize that.
the 100 block of 7th is actually seeing an increase in business. To say that it's completely empty is false. There is cuchifrito which has great latin food - alex the owner is a great guy and has stated that his business has gone through the roof and wants to make an investment in the building/improving the storefront. The hardware store next to the transportation center has also just done their storefront and mentioned they never expected business to increase so much. There is the Mexican Grocery store across the street, the party supply and gifts place, a pizza shop/italian restaurant opening, a jamaican place opening as well as a corner convenience store. The parking structure also has 2 retail spaces that people are clamoring to get into - all quality new businesses. The impact for a spot on 7th that could use a shot in the arm seems to be significant. The vacancies on this section of 7th seem to be that the buildings vacant are all owned by joe clark - a problem plaguing this section of 7th.
I think that's great. I have nothing against the new transportation center and am happy for 7th Street. But LAMTA also needs to restore some of its service to Hamilton St merchants, too.
I relocated to Allentown from south jersey and have lived here for the past five and half years. I am of puertorican/italian decent. I have seen the city change for the better. I relied on cabs and LANTA as a means of travel. I know first hand how stressful and sometimes embrassing public transporation can be. Unless you live in Centy city philly or New york city, a car is a must in the Lehigh Valley. Pure self determination and a willingness to succeed put me back on a good financial start. It would have been great at the time for a transportation center. It was a pain in the &*%$^ wasting time transfering from one bus just to catch other to go only 15 mins down the road to catch yet another. UGH!! I appreciate having an almost new car, a home, my dog, a job that allows me to travel, and a life with some lesisure I would have never been able to afford this lifestyle just 2 years ago! I live near downtown where the new heart beat is the a changing Hamilton blvd strip with new shops, restaurants, and hopefully more cafes, and small business owned stores and galleries like downtown bethlehem. I am a proud Democrat and believe EVERYONE race,sex,orientation,national status,or income level can make it! Beware of the Dark Side (of politics) where a spin is made to encourage racism! As for the minority owned small business along hamilton street, I believe there was a 3 year time period for the business to take the initiative to renovate or move. With all business small and large you have to be willing to taylor to a wide range of customers in the event of change economic climent and find solutions to attract new customers. Its a balance every major city goes through. Not everyone will be happy with change! Republican, Democrat, or Independant. I wasnt happy when I heard of a friend of mine a few years back being forced to close his store and relocate because of a change in the zoning law. Its a reality every small business owner fears; losing there base clientel or being forced to close. All the business today along Hamilton blvd were well aware of the change that was going to happen 3 years in advance. Now its time to move on and wish everyone good luck for the future Allentown that needs change to attract good jobs, good homes, and a stable and growing economy which is the financial backbone of the city! It would be great to see an Carribean Restaurant next to the Allentown brew works. Or an Urban Clothing store next to an upscale Bridal shop. A corner cafe right on 8th and Hamiton next to a Puertorican arts and culture shop. Now that is the Future of Downtown Allentown! like a building block each business is its own unique cell but every business works as ONE DOWNTOWN!
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