For those of you concerned about AutoZone moving in to the "19th St. Theatre District", here's a letter from the mayor telling us what we can do. My question is why did the neighborhood group hang banners declaring the area a theatre and arts district if it is not zoned as such? While I am opposed to AutoZone, by law they are permitted to locate at the former Shanty, and unfortunately it is too late to change the zoning.To All Concerned:
Thank you for your interest and concern for the development of the 19th street corridor. I share your desire and passion to not see the former Shanty restaurant turned into an Auto Zone. This is an entirely inappropriate use of this site and will the destroy the character and integrity of this blossoming business district.
Over the course of the last several years the ownership of the property has changed several times, The property is now in the hands of a third party who is extremely anxious to sell the property to the first buyer, not necessarily to the most appropriate or compatible buyer for this neighborhood.
Over the course of the last month we have tried desperately to identify and recruit another restaurateur to this property. Such efforts have to date resulted in several tours of the location by potential restaurateurs but no offers have emerged to date. We continue to try to secure a new restaurant for this location and have mobilized the city's entire economic development team for this said purpose.
In regards to zoning. Auto Zone is currently before the zoning board for a sign variance. The city administration has written a letter in opposition to the variance. Unfortunately, our zoning and other laws currently permits such commercial uses on this site. We are working to modify our zoning ordinances, but under state law this property would be grand fathered under our old code. The bottom line is that if they want to go there, the City cannot legally stop an Auto Zone from occupying the former Shanty restaurant property.
While our options for denying this use is limited, you can help us by doing the following:
Contact Auto Zone corporate either by phone or email to voice your concern about placing an Auto Zone in this area and the need for such an entity to respect the neighbors and preserve the integrity and feel of the neighborhood. Below is contact information for the company.
· Primary Investor Relations Contact
Tel: 901.495.7185
Fax: 901.495.8374
Email: investor.relations@autozone.com
Specific Contacts
William C. Rhodes - Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Harry L. Goldsmith, Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
Lisa R. Kranc - Senior Vice President, Marketing
James A. Shea - Executive Vice President-Merchandising, Marketing and Supply Chain
Mailing Address for aforementioned individuals:
123 South Front Street
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Primary Corporate Telephone to reach aforementioned individuals:
Tel: (901) 495-6500
Fax: (901) 495.8374
2. Write a letter to the zoning hearing board and request they not approve the sign varience in order to keep the integrity of the neighborhood.
Send letters to:
Allentown Zoning Board
Bureau of Zoning, 4th Floor
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
3. Plan on attending the next hearing date is Monday, June 23, 2008. My understanding is that there will be no testimony heard, but your presence will speak volumes.
Thank you again for your interest and concern, by working together we will make Allentown a great place to live, work, play and SHOP.
Ed Pawlowski
Mayor
Thank you for your interest and concern for the development of the 19th street corridor. I share your desire and passion to not see the former Shanty restaurant turned into an Auto Zone. This is an entirely inappropriate use of this site and will the destroy the character and integrity of this blossoming business district.
Over the course of the last several years the ownership of the property has changed several times, The property is now in the hands of a third party who is extremely anxious to sell the property to the first buyer, not necessarily to the most appropriate or compatible buyer for this neighborhood.
Over the course of the last month we have tried desperately to identify and recruit another restaurateur to this property. Such efforts have to date resulted in several tours of the location by potential restaurateurs but no offers have emerged to date. We continue to try to secure a new restaurant for this location and have mobilized the city's entire economic development team for this said purpose.
In regards to zoning. Auto Zone is currently before the zoning board for a sign variance. The city administration has written a letter in opposition to the variance. Unfortunately, our zoning and other laws currently permits such commercial uses on this site. We are working to modify our zoning ordinances, but under state law this property would be grand fathered under our old code. The bottom line is that if they want to go there, the City cannot legally stop an Auto Zone from occupying the former Shanty restaurant property.
While our options for denying this use is limited, you can help us by doing the following:
Contact Auto Zone corporate either by phone or email to voice your concern about placing an Auto Zone in this area and the need for such an entity to respect the neighbors and preserve the integrity and feel of the neighborhood. Below is contact information for the company.
· Primary Investor Relations Contact
Tel: 901.495.7185
Fax: 901.495.8374
Email: investor.relations@autozone.com
Specific Contacts
William C. Rhodes - Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Harry L. Goldsmith, Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
Lisa R. Kranc - Senior Vice President, Marketing
James A. Shea - Executive Vice President-Merchandising, Marketing and Supply Chain
Mailing Address for aforementioned individuals:
123 South Front Street
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Primary Corporate Telephone to reach aforementioned individuals:
Tel: (901) 495-6500
Fax: (901) 495.8374
2. Write a letter to the zoning hearing board and request they not approve the sign varience in order to keep the integrity of the neighborhood.
Send letters to:
Allentown Zoning Board
Bureau of Zoning, 4th Floor
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
3. Plan on attending the next hearing date is Monday, June 23, 2008. My understanding is that there will be no testimony heard, but your presence will speak volumes.
Thank you again for your interest and concern, by working together we will make Allentown a great place to live, work, play and SHOP.
Ed Pawlowski
Mayor
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59 comments:
I had assumed there was some substance and thought-out organization behind those hard-to-read "Theatre District" banners.
Imagine if Bethlehem one day just made up and hung "Musikfest" banners everywhere ... but never applied any of the legwork and elbow grease required to make Musikfest into one of the most popular music and arts and food festivals in the country.
See how different Allentown and Bethlehem are?
What's the difference?
I believe it is > leadership.
... and banner design ability ...
The banners have nothing to do with the zoning, unfortunately. I wish they would do a major overhaul of the entire city zoning code, so we can prevent things like Auto Zone taking over nice restaurants and suburbanizing the area and prevent the fleabag Traylor Hotel from renting to long term tenants.
I think zoning is a big issue all over PA. So many old towns and cities have no legs to stand on when it comes to land use regulations. I think I'll write a letter to the zoning board in favor of denying the sign variance. I hope others do so, too. It's no use to complain to each other when we can go to the board that actually has a say. Sharpen those pencils!
If Pawlowski & Co. would put the "same effort" into the theatre district as it has Hamilton St., this wouldn't happen. And yes, I say effort loosely.
Sarina, I admire your passion for this.
Sarina,
It should not have gotten to the point that citizens have to take action. The city needs to be accountable here because the mayor has a large team of city development people who are paid to look out for the best interest of the community, and I question what happened here, if they dropped the ball or what?
That's not complaining. That's questioning leadership. I pay taxes.I've lived in the neighborhood over ten yrs. I'd like to know what's going on.
And the banners seem to be window dressing.
Didn't someone once suggest those banners are turd polish?
Unfortunately the city has not been proactive when it comes to zoning, so now we as citizens do have to take action.
The city has dropped the ball on zoning for decades, actually. That's why it's so easy for this Auto Zone thing to happen.
I used to live in historic downtown Jim Thorpe and can you believe they actually had NO ordinances to prevent people from dismantling the Victorian mansions or to prevent somthing like a chain drug store from altering the buildings to fit their corporate mold? I thought that was reckless.
I think these zoning things have been overlooked for years because for decades there really was no big development taking place in our ol' rust belt state. People were local and could be trusted not to screw their neighbors. It's time NOW (since we missed it ten years ago) for the city to update zoning.
Mrs. Dottie, I hope you tell the zoning board and the city economic development people how you feel. I wasn't saying not to complain. I was hoping to encourage people on this blog who are rightfully upset to take their opinions to the city so our leaders will be aware of what we expect. (Not that we should have to tell them, but that's another story...!)
BernO,
I believe i called the banners hanging over the rusty 15th St. Bridge "turd polishing." I think they are finally painting that bridge.
"The banners have nothing to do with the zoning, unfortunately."
I had assumed there was some sort of "Theatre District Association," i.e., some sort of organized (for the good of the city) 19th street merchants + Allentown City Government, you know, like the alliance that has brought us the improvements downtown, e.g., new PPL Plaza, Butz Building, Allentown Brew Works, etc.
Somehow I can't see PPL, Butz, or Brew Works in any zoning situations that would require them to write letters of protest to Auto Zone world headquarters ...
Good call on the 15th St. Bridge! I hate that thing.
Dont' speak too fast, Bill. If the locals scare Auto Zone out of 19th St. it could very well move downtown! Ewww. I don't want it in my neighborhood either.
RE:"I was hoping to encourage people on this blog who are rightfully upset to take their opinions to the city so our leaders will be aware of what we expect."
I understand, and appreciate your interest and enthusiasm! But the Shanty sat for over 2 yrs. while this administration was supposed to be overseeing it, the mayor was former development dir.
"The Shanty sat for over 2 yrs."
... vacant, as has Saylor's right up the street. Both properties and their stellar, blue-chip locations and reputations as icons for decades just makes ya scratch your head at the unpredictability of Allentown PA. How in the heck could these 2 properties sit vacant for over 2 years? What's wrong with this picture?
The bottom line? The Mayor and his army of well paid staff gave lip service to the kool-aid drinkers in this area and then did absolutely nothing to prevent this type of use in the district. A zoning amendment could have been adopted easily.
The Saylor's location would appear to be great for an existing local family restaurant biz to grab and add as a NEW location, how about ...
* The 19th Street Trivet
* Charcoal Drive-In (people miss the original)
* Yocco's Tilghman Street
* The Brass Rail West
* Louie's 19th & Tilghman
* Mario's 19th & Tilghman
* HamFam North
* The NEW Saylor's Family Restaurant
Wait. I should be getting $87K a year to think this stuff up ... no it's okay, I'll do it for FREE because I LOVE my HOMETOWN ...
Anon 2:01
I did not know that a zoning amendment could have been easily adopted. I wonder if city council was aware of this.
As a matter of fact, the proper zoning does exist for this building, it just a happens to be that and a Autozone can move in because they are moving into an existing structure. The signs the are proposing are non-compliant and it is likely that they will walk away if they do not get the sign because the the building will not be identifiable as an Autozone from Tilghman St.
Funny no one saw you at the meeting last week. It is a shame, you seem to know pretty much.
Bill,
I love your list of ideas for the Saylor's and Shanty properties. How about an Arts Cafe with good affordable food (Mrs. Dottie's sandwiches maybe?), occasional performances by local musicians,rotation of local art on the walls, movie nights...
Let me just whip out a check for $1 zillion!!!
Ahh, the frustrations of dreaming without any cash.
"Bill, I love your list of ideas for the Saylor's and Shanty properties."
Thanks, Sarina. I always thought The Shanty would be perfect for Allentown's version of Philadelphia's World Cafe Live, at least the upstairs aspect of WCL which is a music venue (at that means "with an actual permanent stage") catering to an 18-65 audience (depending on who's performing, natch) with casual seating for 200 or so and real interesting cuisine and drinks. Dancing, sure, go ahead there's room. There's nothing like this anywhere in the Lehigh Walley ...
"Ahh, the frustrations of dreaming without any cash."
We need to get more local big wigs who made (or, ahem, inherited) their fortunes here to invest their dough in local ventures other than banks. We need some robber barons to loosen up and be okay with getting a reasonable return on some of their dough instead of keeping it under the mattress and waiting for the next uber high-yield return op scam to come along. I hope I'm not being too wishy-washy about this ...
Agreed!
Sarina and Bill,
If only we could find an investor interested in the idea of a live music/food venue similar to World Cafe Live. I really think it would take off.
Dottie,
One thought for you-Sherman Street and the truck terminal. It was Ed Pawlowski’s zoning director who wrote the wide open “storage” variance for this disaster. Clearly the ineptitude still continues. Electing someone purely on political affiliation carries some real risk.
Scott Armstrong
“The city has dropped the ball on zoning for decades, actually. That's why it's so easy for this Auto Zone thing to happen.”
Speaking as someone who fought many fights before this board I will write that at least before the zoning board wasn’t packed will clueless patronage appointees looking to burnish their résumés as it is now.
See the truth with your own two eyes!
Scott Armstrong
Scott,
according to the city's website, the Zoning Hearing "board was established in the administrative code of City Council, where the Mayor appoints members with City Council's advice and consent."
That's all I could find. No website for info.
Where the heck is Geoff Brace on this issue?? He commented yesterday on mom's home cookin. He's recently been appointed to the ZH board. He should know what's going on.
Dottie,
City Hall might as well hang out a sign reading "no independent thinker's need apply". Being picked to serve this administration requires a willingness to be a team player/follow orders/keep your mouth shut.
Scott Armstrong
"If only we could find an investor interested in the idea of a live music/food venue similar to World Cafe Live. I really think it would take off."
People from Allentown travel to (great) places like The Sellersville Theatre and The Tin Angel (in Philly) for music + dining, I'm sure they'd love doing that here, I know I would ...
" ... catering to an 18-65 audience (depending on who's performing, natch)"
I meant to say 18-65+ ...
with the bulk of the biz targeted 25-54+, like World Cafe Live, Sellersville Theatre, Tin Angel, etc.
Scott,
RE:"City Hall might as well hang out a sign reading "no independent thinker's need apply".
I think elected/and appointed officials have a duty to question leadership, and act in the best interest of the community they serve. They should also have experience at getting things done since they get paid quite well.
BV,
Your ideas make a lot of sense, I don't understand where these theatre district visionaries are headed. THe area has always had a variety of shops for a variety of people. It should not ALL be upscale shopping. It needs a happening nightspot.
"THe area has always had a variety of shops for a variety of people. It should not ALL be upscale shopping."
I agree (and can you make me a sandwich?), what I always loved about that "Theatre District" pocket of commerce is the amazing variety: jewelry stores, paint store, appliance store, several great eateries, theatre 1, theatre 2, several banks, day care, fueling station, car dealer, tattoo parlor, tailor shop, lawyers, doctors, vintage clothing, and I'm sure I'm forgetting many others, all within walking distance.
Dottie,
You stated this “I think elected/and appointed officials have a duty to question leadership, and act in the best interest of the community they serve.”
Have you seen any of this from those who serve in this administration or any of the city’s boards or commissions?
Scott Armstrong
"If the locals scare Auto Zone out of 19th St. it could very well move downtown!"
There's plenty of unrented/vacant space available in the Butz Building at 9th & Hamilton ...
Scott,
I would say Donovan and D'Amore. I am not familiar with all the boards and commissions and there are so many of them. I'd like to go to council meetings,but I have a young child and a husband who works late, so it's hard for me.
Oh, how about Bob Smith School Board Director.
Or is that board not included?
Anon,
THe Butz building!! That's too funny.
Scott, I would say Donovan, D'Amore, and Guridy.
When I approached Allentown City Council for help recently regarding an issue I have with the "leadership" of a county official and what appears to to be favoritism and collusion with The Morning Call, Guridy, D'Amore, and especially Donovan stepped up and stood up to the powers that be. They weren't able to effect any change. At least not yet. But they tried. And this involved sticking their necks out. And if you know the county official I'm referring to, you'll respect the neck risk these three incurred on my behalf. I know I respect it.
Conversely, I was shocked that these 3 Allentown City Councilors totally ignored me (I couldn't find an e-mail address on City Councilor David Howells) and never even acknowledged receipt of any of the numerous e-mails I sent them ...
* Tony Phillips
* Jeanette Eichenwald
* Peter Schweyer
So in my book, re: Allentown City Council, 3 have guts, 3 are gutless (and heartless), and one is To Be Determined.
Greetings:
Last week I had a conversation with a member of city staff about the potential AutoZone disaster. The individual had already taken steps to research and help to disseminate information about AutoZone corporate leaders. While I knew that AutoZone was considering the site, I was unaware that the process had gone so far. I'll take responsibiltiy for not knowing. Looking back, I could have done more, and I apologize.
I am in the process of preparing a letter to AutoZone expressing my opposition to their decision.
In my experience with situations like this, popular dissent aimed at the company has great power. We should take every opportunity to let the company know our displeasure.
On the zoning issue, I agree that we have rules that are old and inappropriate for a modern economy or city. There are efforts to make changes, but as with any governmental action, steps are glacial. As a newcomer to council, it becomes evident very quickly that orchestrating change is not easy, nor fast. One thing I do know is that screaming or criticizing does not help. Patience and understanding produce deeper and longer lasting results.
Complaints about independent thinking fascinate me. What does it mean to be independent? What does it mean when one party disagrees with another? What is being rational all about? Is it even possible to be totally objective or rational?
I turn 55 tomorrow, and I did not spend those years working to be a "yes man." At the same time it is impossible to ignore whatever events have occured to produce a personality or ideology. We all have different approaches to life. For me, I continue to live by the following:
If we have cooperative individuals working with good information and willing to maintain mutual respect, then we are likely to make appropriate decisions that work for the common good.
Keep the pressure on the city for better zoning in the long run and on AutoZone to change its corporate mind.
Best regards,
Michael Donovan
I'm an alternate member of the ZHB meaning that I only make decisions when one of the three members are unable to attend (seems to be every other month?). Since the ZHB is a quasi-judicial body (meaning there is a presumption of a fair hearing for the applicant and the community) I cannot speak to the specific case. If I were to speak to the matter at hand, my credibility to act would be compromised and either the applicant or the community (objectors or supporters) could challenge my partiality before the ZHB. This could create contentions in future appeals before the county court of common pleas that my decisions were not kosher and that somebody (community or applicant) didn't get a fair hearing. I cannot subject the ZHB, community or anybody else to those challenges. It is not appropriate or responsible and could cost the city precious tax dollars.
What I will encourage people to do is come to the meeting to express their concerns. In the only other meeting that I have been fortunate to cast votes on decisions, I have listened very carefully to objectors and supporters but pay particular attention to what the community is saying.
Speaking to the matter of zoning, I can tell you very emphatically that PA's Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), which dictates municipal planning and zoning powers, is terribly antiquated. As a matter of public policy, it was written by special interests and is guarded very carefully by special interests. They make a ton of money off of the status quo. It restricts terribly (as Sarina as pointed out) what municipalities can do to keep their community character in tact. Even with this policy problem in place, however, if I am required (by state law) to vote on this matter, I will be required to determine whether or not the land use variance:
-would alleviate an economic hardship (cannot created by the applicant)
-would harm the character of the community or damage the community in any other way
-could accomodate an unique building
The purpose of the hearing is for me to listen to the facts, ask questions and issue a decision. Only then (if I sit in on the hearing) will I be able to make a decision.
I apologize if it seems like a cop out when I provide this commentary, but I do take the responsibility very seriously. Email me (gsbrace@hotmail.com) if you have any further questions about the ZHB process. At the risk of sounding like a nerd, I really do enjoy the process.
Sun Jun 15, 12:20:00 AM 2008
Mr. Brace; We are so impressed by your wealth of knowledge regarding zoning issues. Did you learn this at the PA Democratic Party Leadership course Ed Pawlowski sent you too? Can you profoundly expostulate some more on how ZHB appointments in Allentown are handed out as political favors?
Hello anonymous 10:24am today.
Mr. Brace is a dedicated, intelligent professional. He is a fine choice for the zoning board. While I'm sure that you might be in the camp that anyone who disagrees with you is not an independent thinker, I can assure you that Mr. Brace is.
One of things that I have found so interesting about my new role is how partisan people can be (both sides!). Partisanship does no one any good. It ends up ignoring creative options. It causes hard feelings. It excludes people from being involved, and most important, it represents immense disrespect for someone who simply might possess different beliefs.
I will support Mr. Brace in his role because I know he is thoughtful and diligent. He would not make a decision has not received his careful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael Donovan
"Partisanship does no one any good." How gracious of you, Mr Donovan, to write such sentiment. It is, however, a bit tardy; too many of us have been dragged through the mud by the Democrat partisans in this city for merely being involded. Where was your concern then?
Allentown is your(Democrat) city now. As such, it has not become a pretty sight or a pleasant place to call home these past eight years.
We who aren't part of the controlling party here still have to write to rail against the new partisan machine that is ruining the city. You are a part of this machine, Mr Donovan; you were elected merely because you are.
I hope you (the Democrats) have a candidate to run against Pawlowski next spring in the primary. Otherwise, the city is doomed.
Scott Armstrong
Hello Mr. Armstrong:
If you read my post, you saw that there are problems on both sides with partisanship.
I always enjoy your posts because they are so friendly, constructive, and obviously intent on discussing issues from a broad perspective. Clearly, you are upset with city policies over the years (especially, that of the last and current administration). Just as clearly, you lump every member of the democratic party in with any mistakes made in the past or even now.
If there is one pet peeve that I have, it is the process of sterotyping. Lumping everyone into a category is simply not an attractive way of doing things.
I certainly will make mistakes in my life. But one that I will not make is assuming people will act a certain way just because they are a member of a certain category. For a variety of reasons, I am a member of the democratic party. For just as many reaons, I can say that I am not a member of the republican or libertarian party. That does not make me or you bad people. It is simply how we might classify ourselves. The sad part is that further subdivisions are often difficult to see, or impossible to telegraph to others.
I would hope that you would seek the good in people and not just assume someone is a .... (I'll let you fill in whatever word you would like) simply because they are of a certain color, political party, geographical heritage, or even disagree with you.
Oh, since you are willing to attribute all of our problems in Allentown to members of the Democratic party, I wonder how many might say that many of nation's problems are possibly, just possibly attributed to the other party? I won't say that because it is not my practice to make such broad, sweeping comments.
Solving problems is a mutual process. I'm not always happy with the political process that I see. However, I will not, I stress, I will not, stop working to include people of all backgrounds solving our problems.
Sincerely, and with best regards,
Michael Donovan
Mr. Donovan, Mr. Brace choose to address the public as an expert on this issue. I simply thought that the public deserved to know of Mr. Brace's political connections to the Mayor. It's relevent. No charges of partisanship.
Keep in mind, that partisanship is what got you into office over far more qualified candidates such as Charlie Theil, Kim Beitler and others.
"If there is one pet peeve that I have, it is the process of sterotyping. Lumping everyone into a category is simply not an attractive way of doing things."
Then the "Hold every Republican accoutable" signs that were put up by the local Democrats on the election day when you won office must have been very upsetting to you.
"I would hope that you would seek the good in people and not just assume someone is a .... (I'll let you fill in whatever word you would like) simply because they are of a certain color, political party, geographical heritage, or even disagree with you."
Gee I was hoping the same of you.
"Solving problems is a mutual process. I'm not always happy with the political process that I see. However, I will not, I stress, I will not, stop working to include people of all backgrounds solving our problems."
Been there done that right here in Allentown. That was before the Democrat machine took over. Teamwork now means towing the party line.
Best regards
Scott Armstrong
The Saylor's location would appear to be great for an existing local family restaurant biz to grab and add as a NEW location, how about ...
* The 19th Street Trivet
* Charcoal Drive-In (people miss the original)
* Yocco's Tilghman Street
* The Brass Rail West
* Louie's 19th & Tilghman
* Mario's 19th & Tilghman
* HamFam North
* The NEW Saylor's Family Restaurant
I always thought The Shanty would be perfect for Allentown's version of Philadelphia's World Cafe Live, at least the upstairs aspect of WCL which is a music venue (at that means "with an actual permanent stage") catering to an 18-65 audience (depending on who's performing, natch) with casual seating for 200 or so and real interesting cuisine and drinks. Dancing, sure, go ahead there's room. There's nothing like this anywhere in the Lehigh Walley ...
Thanks to everyone for commenting, sorry, we lost internet access yesterday so I could not check my blog.
Geoff, I am glad you decided to explain your position here at my blog, I appreciate that. You do seem to have a good educational background, and an interest in community, and enthusiasm. I think it's great that you live downtown. I can understand how some may question your experience since you are only 27. You say you are no expert on zoning, and I think most citizens aren't either, so it would help if you could simplify a little and try to communicate on their level. Sometimes we just need the bottom line. But I always appreciate your POV and that's why I called you out. Thanks.
Scott, I can understand your frustration after so many years of dedication to the community.As a democrat I question the "patronage positions" and partisanship of the dem. party in A-town. In local elections I vote for the candidate, and not the party. I think we need more r's in city govt. to keep things balanced. I voted for Schware, and some R's for council too. Thanks for participating in this discussion.
Michael DOnovan,
I always appreciate your input here. I try my best to keep things civil at my blog, and I understand the importance of that.
I know you go out of your way to help the citizens,listen to all sides, and I appreciate that.
In regards to this issue, I don't think things should have gotten to the point where citizens have to take action. Isn't this why we elect leaders, to keep an eye on these things, or to appoint people who will? To look out for the best interest of the community? There seems to be some highly paid people working for the city who seem kinda clueless. Maybe they should spend less time at meetings and more time getting out into the community. That's just how it looks to me when a hotspot, and highly desirable location like the Shanty sits vacant for over two years deteriorating from water damage and neglect. Sorry to be so critical or to cast blame, but I care about my neighborhood and I think these people who dropped the ball should be held accountable.
I am doing my part to be part of the solution by starting an artist group, patronizing the downtown, and by reaching out to city people to get involved too, and by having this forum for discussion, and I don't get paid for this. I would expect more from people who are paid to improve the city. Actions speak louder than words. I think the people who comment at my blog, and your blog have come up with some pretty good ideas for improving the city. Not all of us can make it to the visioning meetings, council meetings or zoning meetings, or parking authority meetings because of family obligations or work. I hope you can speak for us and address our concerns at your meetings.
THanks to all :D
Dottie, glad to help in clarification as needed. I'll be mindful of the need to help boil things down a bit. Always feel free to email (gsbrace@hotmail.com) or call (484-639-1860).
As far as experience, I know plenty of people who have been doing work for 30 years who are quite ineffective.
I'd really appreciate it if someone from The City would address my Saylor's and Shanty site usage ideas (before you steal them), thanks ...
Here's the site that indicates Geoffrey Brace as a 2007 fellow of the PA State Democratic Party leadership training. Could there be two active Democrat Geoffrey Brace's in Pennsylvania?
http://www.progressleaders.org/states/pennsylvania/pafellowship_07.htm
Dottie,
If the Democrats were doing even a reasonable job running the city I wouldn’t be concerned. However the reality is they aren’t, they aren’t even close to adequate. The damage they have inflicted on this city in eight short years is frankly shocking. They have placed burdens on future residents who aren’t even born yet; many of us who witnessed the shameful deals that have been struck by these two Democrat administrations will be long gone before the ramifications are cycled through.
I can pack my bags and get out any time, but does the silencing of my voice solve Allentown’s problems?
Scott Armstrong
Mrs. Dottie:
Thank you for the kinds words. However, I will note that it does get frustrating that workable ideas or serious concerns take too much time to get through the system. I wish that I could do better, and with time, I will.
I do bring the ideas I hear to the various meetings that include my colleagues.
Unfortunately, I cannot "order" city staff to do things. I can only request. And getting legislation through is a slow process.
All I can say is that I am trying to push some policy actions through. I knew that when I accepted the residents' choice for council, I would not please everyone. I just have to do the best I can, which is what I try to do.
Sincerely,
Michael Donovan
here is the 411 on the shanty it is in bad shape. it needs a new roof. there are leaks. i know of at least 2 investors who looked into the place and walked[quickly] away. just because there is a structure standing does not mean it is a viable one. tear it down.
the cheerleaders of the "theatre district" [D Brown etal] didn't do the leg work where is the president of muhlenberg--another cheerleader. this was and is a classic example of turd polishing the toxic waste dump allentown has become!
“Solidifying and Communicating Progressive Values”-This seems rather thinly veiled don’t you think?
I invite every reader of this blog to visit this site for themselves.
Scott Armstrong
so Scott, What you are saying is that Republicans are against progress? I know a whole bunch of them who would be really upset to hear that.
The Saylor's location would appear to be great for an existing local family restaurant biz to grab and add as a NEW location, how about ...
* The 19th Street Trivet
* Charcoal Drive-In (people miss the original)
* Yocco's Tilghman Street
* The Brass Rail West
* Louie's 19th & Tilghman
* Mario's 19th & Tilghman
* HamFam North
* The NEW Saylor's Family Restaurant
I always thought The Shanty would be perfect for Allentown's version of Philadelphia's World Cafe Live, at least the upstairs aspect of WCL which is a music venue (at that means "with an actual permanent stage") catering to an 18-65 audience (depending on who's performing, natch) with casual seating for 200 or so and real interesting cuisine and drinks. Dancing, sure, go ahead there's room. There's nothing like this anywhere in the Lehigh Walley ...
Look out Lehigh Valley- Wow! What a come back.
Scott Armstrong
Bill,
The only problem with all of your good ideas is the fact that no businessperson has shown an interest in using this site for anything but auto-parts retail. This fact seems to have been forgotten in the entire hubbub.
I too would be disappointed to see this restaurant location turn into a glaring retail outlet, but I have been disappointed for over two years now while I watched the property remain for sale with no interested buyers. We need to understand our city will not attract real investment until these same people have some confidence in the city’s future. Now ask yourself, is that likely anytime soon?
Scott Armstrong
Mr. Brace, Here's a list of the trainers and guests that I recognized from the "non-partisan" CPL web site:
Chaka Fattah, Allyson Schwartz, Joe Hoeffel, Michael Nutter, Dwight Evans, Daylin Leach, Mike Veon (PA Legislatures most non-repentant midnight pay raise grabber thrown out by the voters), Peter Schweyer and Sam Bennett.
I'm sure this wing of the Democratic Party is called "non-partisan" and "non-profit" for the all the right political reasons.
By going on public web sites with your elitst, pompous lectures, and not disclosing your political ties to Pawlowski, you lose credibility.
Of the people you listed, I've only sat in on workshops with Schwartz and Nutter... and Sam Katz (you know, the Republican who almost beat that sad excuse for a mayor John Street). I'll add Barry Kauffman of Common Cause to the list of trainers. You see, I know Republicans who are progressive minded and Democrats who are not.
And don't even get me started on the General Assembly. I'm not a fan of very many of the people in the land of midnight payraises, especially Veon. Harrisburg is better without him as a state rep and would be even better with a few more gone from the equation.
Again, your inability to see the truth and your quantum leap to connect the people you listed to Ed Pawlowski (and me to Pawlowski) continues to boggle the mind. But seeing as you have not once signed your name, I will guess that you have a bit of a partisan agenda to cash in on. I am, however, extremely grateful for your lectures. I clearly should have stuck to the question that Mrs. Dottie asked about zoning and ignored partisan shrills who accuse others of partisanship.
Sir or ma'am, good night. You are a waste of my time and that of the other good people who care enough about their community to comment.
Dottie,
I found the exchange very informative, I'm sure many others did as well.
Scott Armstrong
Scott,
It was very informative, and thanks for participating.
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