Allentown Good News

19 Fun Facts About the 19th St District

2009-12-08T16:27:00.003-05:00

1. Urban planning initiatives are underway. A comprehensive streetscaping and land-use plan will be released in early 2010 and will be used a guideline for future development.

2. The West End and Fairgrounds area has received $1.5 million in RACP funds for streetscape improvements.

3. The Allentown Fair generates more traffic to the West End than Musikfest draws to downtown Bethlehem.

4. Several large employers are within distance. Lehigh Valley Hospital employs over 1000, while St. Luke's Hospital and Muhlenberg College employee 400 – 500.

5. The neighborhood is pedestrian and bicycle friendly.

6. There are 7 bars within the business district that are walkable.

7. There are 12 places to eat within walking distance, ranging from upscale restaurants like Henry’s Salt of the Sea to Chinese take-out.

8. Zoning is appropriate for mixed-use neighborhood development within this district.

9. There is an outstanding stock of quality and affordable housing, all within the $150,000 - $250,000 range that are filling up quickly with young families.

10. The West End is attracting the creative class. Many residents are professionals in marketing, computer programming, higher education and graphic design.

11. 19th Street is a center for the arts, including the Civic Theatre, Pines Dinner Theatre and Muhlenberg productions.

12. If you want to look good, this is the place to be! There are many salons, spas and 2 body art establishments within the district.

13. There are over 3,000 college students with disposable income living in the West End.

14. This area is easily accessible for those coming in from west and north via Tilghman and 19th St.

15. Fairgrounds Farmer Market attracts thousands of people weekly from Thursday – Sunday.

16. Events such as the Allentown Fair, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, St. Patrick’s 5K, Oktoberfest and various Muhlenberg events draw additional people to the neighborhood.

17. The 19th Street district has support from the City of Allentown and is identified as a strategic planning area in the city’s comprehensive plan.

18. The West End has momentum. Some of the movement over the last 3 months includes TTC Salon, West Side Diner and Pines Dinner Theatre

19. The area has support of neighbors, merchants and other stakeholders.

NEW GALLERY OPENING IN DOWNTOWN ALLENTOWN PROVIDES AN OPTION FOR PEOPLE TO SHOP LOCALLY FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS

2009-11-30T13:35:00.004-05:00

Allentown’s newest gallery and art emporium Art Mart, located at 813 W. Hamilton, opened on Black Friday (November 27th) just in time for the start of the holiday season!

The inaugural show – “Holiday Gifts” curated by Gregory Coates - features original artwork from photography and paintings to sculpture and glass, as well as handmade goods, like jewelry and handbags.

The Art Mart will have special hours during the city’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ninth and Hamilton from 4-7 p.m. December 3. The public is invited to step inside for some hot cocoa and peruse the goods offered by the area’s talented professional artists. The shop will maintain regular lunchtime hours from 11 am - 2 pm Wednesday through Friday, as well as evening hours from 5-8 on Friday and Saturday.

Art Mart was founded by local Chen Artists Group members Gregory Coates, Sarah Fulton, Matt Lewis and Diane Teti. The Art Mart project is a collaboration between volunteer artists and arts enthusiasts striving to showcase local art in downtown Allentown with the support of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Allentown Brew Works. Proceeds of all sales will be split between the artist and the Art Mart with the hopes of saving to find a permanent home on Hamilton Street.

This project is made possible by the generosity of the building's new owners, 809 West Hamilton Investors, LP. They readily agreed to let the group use the vacant retail storefront, across from the Allentown Brew Works, free of charge, following the path of the Arts on South initiative in Philadelphia.

AEDC Partners with SCORE to Provide Counseling for Allentown Small Businesses

2009-11-25T10:14:00.002-05:00

Last week, AEDC hosted their first Roundtable Series small business discussion at the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center , 905 Harrison Street, Allentown. The roundtable was well received with approximately 40 people attending, including representatives of incubator companies, minority companies, community development, enterprise zone companies, and focused driven entrepreneurs. Those companies/entrepreneurs that attended all sought advice on how to create a money-making business.

The roundtable discussion was led by the Lehigh Valley chapter of SCORE, a national association dedicated to helping small business owners form and grow their businesses. SCORE’s business consultants are all volunteers that are willing to share their knowledge and experiences to help entrepreneurs understand how to create a profitable business.

The main facilitator was Peter Seymour, who successfully owned and operated a car dealership. Peter focused on five main agenda items; marketing, expense control, managing growth, financial analysis, and cash management. Peter’s presentation spurred discussions in regards to technical financial understanding and questions that were synonymous with challenges that the companies faced.

In order to capitalize on SCORE’s services, AEDC will provide a satellite office in the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center. AEDC and SCORE will continue to partner and host roundtable discussions. Please be on the lookout for the next Roundtable Series on the Bridgeworks webpage (www.thebridgeworks.com). It is expected that the next meeting will take place in early spring. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact Lewis Edwards, Director of Enterprise Development ledwards@thebridgeworks.com (610) 770-1015.

The Most Wonderful Time of Year

2009-11-19T09:33:00.002-05:00

It’s that time of year again! The holiday season is rapidly approaching! Are you ready?

How’s this for a glimpse at the magic of the season: performers from A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker grace the stages at beautiful historical theatres, trains chug throughout the transportation museum, numerous musicians play the tunes of familiar holiday carols and spectacular displays transform a city park into a magnificent wonderland filled with brilliant lights? Art institutions offer unique gifts at their special seasonal shops, historical locations display relics of Christmases past and act out skits which remind the audience of yesteryear also calling visitors to the city.

To me, the holidays are the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your family and friends, enjoying both the spirit of the season and company of loved ones. As you start to plan your family outings and holiday events, we hope that you will take part in the array of activities that are taking place this holiday season in the City of Allentown.

In addition to the holiday traditions like the Lehigh Valley Christmas at Symphony Hall, Civic Theatre’s A Christmas Carol and Pip the Mouse at the Liberty Bell Shrine Museum, you’ll have to check out the holiday show at our newest entertainment venue – the Pines Dinner Theatre (located in the Fairgrounds). You can also visit the City Of Allentown to find lots of great treasures from the Holiday Store at the Allentown Art Museum and the new Art Mart. Not only will you be crossing everyone off your list, you’ll be shopping locally, supporting Allentown’s emerging artist community, and avoiding the crowds at the mall!

The city’s Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony will take place from 4pm-7pm on Thursday, December 3 in the Pocket Park in the 800 block of Hamilton Street. This year’s celebration includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, Pip the Mouse, Nutcracker and Clara, free horse-drawn carriage rides, an elf parade, live stage performances, strolling entertainers, arts and crafts, face painting, and ice carving demonstrations. The Elf Parade is sure to be one of the highlights of this event. Children are invited to dress like elves and get their faces painted with those recognizable rosy red cheeks before being led on a parade by Mrs. Claus. The Italian American Band will provide strolling entertainment. Stage performances are scheduled by Civic Theatre of Allentown, O’Grady Quinlan School of Irish Dance and Lehigh Valley Charter School for the Performing Arts. All entertainment is free!

Allentown’s 14th annual Lights in the Parkway celebration will brighten Lehigh Parkway beginning Friday, December 11. This year patrons can enjoy the thousands of twinkling lights and accompanying music at a reduced price or while seated as a passenger in a horse-drawn carriage (new for this year!). After a journey through the spectacular displays, visitors can stop by the Gift Barn which hosts vendors selling everything from candies to handmade treasures. Visit with Santa every Thursday-Sunday and the whole week leading up to Christmas. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $5 at City Hall and at all area Wegmans and will be available soon. $1 off coupons can be printed out from http://www.lightsintheparkway.com/

Please go to the City’s Holiday Website for a complete listing Holiday Happenings. As always, visit the Events Calendar for up to date information on daily activities.

SEASONS GREETINGS!!!

Great Things Happening on 19th St

2009-11-17T15:30:00.003-05:00

Have you seen the transformation that is taking place on the 19th St Corridor?

In addition to trendy boutiques and businesses moving in, the city has recieved a $30,000 planning grant to support greening, infrastructure and other inititatives in that area.

If you haven't visited first hand, click here to see the WFMZ story.

AEDC Hosting Small Business Roundtable

2009-11-10T10:53:00.002-05:00

AEDC is hosting a Roundtable Series small business discussion on Thursday, November 19, 2009 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center , 905 Harrison Street, Allentown PA, 18103.

The Roundtable Series will be presented by members of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of SCORE. Facilitators will lead a discussion about the various issues that affect businesses. If time permits, SCORE will provide counseling services at the end of the session to address specific needs. Business owners should feel free to speak with the Facilitators in order to gain information about how one may receive one on one mentoring advice from SCORE Counselors.

SCORE is the premier free and confidential business mentoring and advice service in the United States . SCORE “Counselors to America ’s Small Business” is a nonprofit association with 364 offices across the country. For 45 years, SCORE’s 12,400 working and retired business professionals have volunteered to help entrepreneurs who are just getting started or those looking for answers on growing or managing an existing business. The Lehigh Valley Chapter maintains almost 50 retired and in-business professional mentors who are eager to help a new generation of entrepreneurs.

We are encouraging you to participate in this event. Please reply no later than Friday, November 13, to Marsha Cox, mcox@thebridgeworks.com or 610-770-1015, with your RSVP.

Made in Brazil Opens in Downtown Holiday Inn

2009-11-03T22:06:00.003-05:00

If you like the idea of an all you can eat menu featuring a wide variety of seasoned and grilled meats, then you should plan a visit to Made in Brazil, located in the Holiday Inn at 9th and Hamilton Streets in center city Allentown.

Having opened today, this Brazilian steak house is a welcome addition to Allentown's downtown restaurant choices. In the traditional Brazilian style, people keep coming over to your table with large skewers of grilled meat to tempt you. Even though today was their first day, about 80% of their tables were full.

We brought our extended family. Everyone (from parents to teenagers to kids) left pleased. Our table sampled filet minon, skirt steak, pork sausages and lamb. The salmon I ordered had an incredible mango sauce, and the salad bar was interesting and varied.

Open for lunch and dinner, this is one place you should experience.

Low-interest Small Business Loans available for Energy Efficiency Projects

2009-10-30T10:40:00.002-04:00

The City of Allentown has received received approval of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) of $1,038,800, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It is intended to assist cities, counties and states to develop and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects which will 1) reduce fossil fuel emissions, 2) reduce the total energy use of the municipality, 3) improve energy efficiency in transportation, building and other sectors and 4) create and retain jobs.

All departments of the City of Allentown will receive assistance as part of the grant. Improvements include installing efficient lighting in public buildings, improving fuel efficiency in the diesel-powered fleet with fuel catalysts, deployment of solar-powered trash compactors on city streets, master-planning for park facilities and improving bicycling infrastructure by installing shared lane markings (SLM) and bike racks throughout the city.

Of particular interest to Allentown's business community is a buydown of interest rates on loans from the Sustainable Energy Fund. These loans are available to businesses and non-profits to realize economically viable energy efficiency projects. Loans up to $750,000 are available, and as part of the City of Allentown's EECBG plan, the first $25,000 of those loans will carry at 1.5% to 3.99% over 5 years. For more information, visit the Sustainable Energy Fund's web site at www.thesef.org

In Allentown's Enterprise Zone, these efficiency loans can be supplemented by Enterprise Zone Loans. Learn more about the Enterprise Zone at www.allentownedc.com

Homeownership Project in Old Allentown is Underway!

2009-10-20T15:07:00.002-04:00

The former Hess Employee Parking Deck, located at 826 W. Turner St, has been an “eye-sore” for people living and working in Downtown Allentown. This week Pennrose Properties began the demolition of the parking deck, marking the start of a homeownership project in one of Allentown’s historic neighborhoods.

As part of this homeownership initiative, Pennrose will renovate 18 existing rowhomes throughout the Old Allentown district, 17 of which will be de-conversions to single family homes and all that will be owner occupied, and construct 22 new dwelling units where the parking deck once stood. There will be a total of 8 units, a combination of 4 new construction and 4 rehabs, which will be priced affordably to meet the needs of low to moderate income families.

Pennrose will be completing this project in two phases. Phase 1, which is now underway, includes the demolition of the parking deck and the rehab of 12 existing homes. Pennrose will be closing on the first 12 rehabs by November and will immediately begin renovations on 6 of them. Once the first 6 homes are sold, Pennrose will begin the rehabs of another 6. The second phase, consisting of the construction of the 22 new units and the remaining 6 rehabs, is expected to start directly following the completion of Phase 1.

Once completed, this project will have significantly reduced the blight in one of Allentown’s most desirable neighborhoods, improving the quality of life for its residents and businesses. Pennrose has been diligently working with the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Allentown (RACA), the Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), the County of Lehigh and the Old Allentown Preservation Association (OAPA) to make this project a shared success. RACA has already acquired 14 of the properties to be rehabbed and is in the process of gaining site control over the remaining 4. The County of Lehigh has also been an important partner and has provided funding for the demolition of the parking deck. AEDC will assist Pennrose throughout the projects development and will serve as the primary contact between Pennrose and the community by coordinating public meetings, developing and implementing a marketing strategy and identifying funding sources for neighborhood beautification.

Free Energy Saving Ideas & Freebies

2009-10-15T23:38:00.003-04:00

Allentown is thinking green!

This weekend at the Allentown Energy Expo on Saturday, October 17th you can learn energy saving ideas, hear about NEW low interest loans for homeowners and small businesses and pick up a few free energy saving freebies.

And, the event, being held at the Allentown Brew Works from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. is free.

2009-10-15T21:57:00.005-04:00

Oct

Nov

Dec

Word Wednesdays at The Allentown Brew Works every 2nd Wednesday in Silk Lounge

Okay, the spoken word art form may not be for everyone. However, I heard that there was a poetry slam happening monthly in downtown Allentown and was curious to check it out.

Last night I had the distinct pleasure to experience it for myself, in the lower level of the Allentown Brew Works in the Silk Lounge.

About 40 people, a little drumming, a variety of readings, a digital art display and one really beautiful original ballad sung by a woman who strummed a pink guitar.

It was a supportive environment for the kind of creativity that can move mountains...or transform communities.

Touted as, "A hot spot for sweet lines to flow, touch, provoke and arouse.

Join us in SILK Lounge…

Poets, writers, musicians, the inspired and the inspirational come together for Word Wednesdays, every second Wednesday at 7:30pm."

They’d love to include your poetic, literal, or lyrical talents in this evening of Words on Wednesdays.

For more information call or e-mail the hosts Kari Holmes at CommunityRP@mail.com and 610-433-7777 or Yodi Duane Vaden at daven27@hotmail.com."

The next two Word Wednesdays will be November 11 and December 9th. It's different every time depending upon who shows up to share. Warning: this is high octane art -- the kind you didn't know was accessible at the local Lehigh Valley level...not your high school English teacher's stuff. I didn't know that there were this many talented writers in our midst.

Word Wednesday. It's certainly worth checking out.

Downtown Allentown at Dusk

2009-09-27T17:37:00.002-04:00

I ran into a neighbor of mine last week outside of our apartment building, and we were talking about things we like about Allentown.

He grabbed his phone and showed me this picture he had recently taken.

We live in the shadow of an architectural treasure and Lehigh Valley icon, the PPL tower.

With a picture like this, it's hard to take it for granted.

You can see it from all directions in the region. It's been in movies where it has doubled sometimes as the Empire State Building. It has been home to some falcons (who we hope come back).

Fifteen thousand people work downtown. If they, hurry home before dusk, though, they miss the beauty and the majesty of breathtaking views of the PPL tower at dusk.

Neighbor, thanks for the picture.

New Race Simulator at the Lehigh Valley Grand Prix!

2009-09-24T11:48:00.011-04:00

If you're looking for something new to do to meet your need for speed, check out the Lehigh Valley Grand Prix at 649 S. 10th Street in Allentown.

Tomorrow (9/25/09) a new race simulator will be delivered!

This simulator is like nothing you have seen before!

This is the ultimate hardcore experience for the racing enthusiast!

Laugh in the face of those unrealistic arcade games.

Forget the two dimensional experience of your game console and get ready for a real racing experience that puts you in the center of the action.

For more information: www.lehighvalleygrandprix.com

Or call: (610) 432-7223all 1.610.432.RACE to reserve a session or book it for an event!

Mark Your Calendars for 10/3 for Old Allentown's House Tour

2009-09-22T20:44:00.005-04:00

The PA Dutch have a polite word for the kind of curious person who likes to take a walk at dusk so they can see how their neighbors have decorated the insides of their houses.

They call it being a "Wunnerfitz." The rest of us call it being a nosey neighbor.

Whatever you call it, there is a little bit of a Wunnerfitz in all of us. And, the best place in the area to indulge your curiosity about how people have decorated their houses is the Old Allentown House Tour on October 3rd.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this is the time when people come from far and wide to ooh and aah at the classy downtown Allentown homes.

Even if you take the tour every year, I guarantee you will still be amazed at these house interiors.

Whether you are curious about those people you've heard about who live comfortable lives in historic townhouses and walk to work, or you've admired the facades of these properties, but wondered what they are like inside, now is your chance to have all of your questions answered.

The tickets are cheaper if you buy them in advance. Call 610-740-9919. Or, go to their website at oldallentown@enter.net

Brazilian Steakhouse to Open in Allentown

2009-09-16T20:35:00.002-04:00

Made in Brazil, the latest restaurant from the owners of Rios Brazilian Steakhouse in Nazareth, will be opening soon in downtown Allentown.

At a press conference today, the owners talked about their excitement for their new restaurant to be located in the first floor of the Holiday Inn at 9th and Hamilton Streets. They expect to open by October 31st or sooner.

Welcome to Allentown!

Big Bike Race to Take Place in Downtown Allentown 9-11

2009-08-17T22:07:00.015-04:00

You won't want to miss this.

Mark your calendar for Sept. 11th for the Univest Grand Prix. The team time trials taking place in Allentown for this important bike race is a big deal, and we would be smart to make arrangements to be there.

By the way, it's free.

The first of three days of bicycle racing is scheduled to kick off in Allentown, then head to communities south of here, Souderton and Doylestown.

When and where exactly is this happening?

In the Lehigh Valley, the race will be in Center City Allentown, basically over an extended lunch hour starting at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, September 11th.

So, we're inviting all of Allentown and the Lehigh Valley to find an place on the course to cheer on the cyclists. The killer hill on Jefferson Street (our cars don't even like climbing this hill), is sure to be a point of interest.

I've got it in my mind how the neighborhoods of NYC come out to support the people who run in the NYC Marathon.

“The Univest Grand Prix has traditionally served as a gateway to the highest levels of the professional racing world for young riders from around the world. When we see our ‘graduates’ performing in the Tour de France, from Tom Boonen (2nd as an amateur in 1999) to Will Frischkorn whose first-ever pro win was at the Univest, we remain certain the event is moving in the right direction,“ John Eustice, the race organizer said.

Here's the insider's strategy...

1) You're going to want to be here. If you don't either take a vacation day or schedule the middle part of the day as a personal day, you are likely to regret it.

2) If you are driving to Allentown, find parking downtown (the Guggenheim-like parking garage at 8th and Linden would be my pick), otherwise, take the LANTA bus, walk over, or BIKE to the race.

3) Find something to eat (call ahead to pick up take out from the Allentown Brew Works or another downtown restaurant).

4) Then, find a good location along the route. 9th and Hamilton will be the center of things.

5) Stand back, enjoy your lunch and watch the cyclists go by...and by...and by.

The course is shorter than the last bike race, so there will be less waiting and more action. The last time a big bike race came to Allentown, many admitted that they needed to learn more about the sport of cycling. Guess what? This time we have a little time to study up, learn who's who and what's what.

Background: the Allentown stage -- which will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- serves as the opening round of the three-day race weekend in eastern Pennsylvania. Teams will compete over two laps of a tough and technical 3.8 mile loop that takes them through Allentown’s Center City commercial district, its scenic residential neighborhoods and nationally renowned park system. The racers then must negotiate a short and steep uphill chicane before a final, 500-meter sprint to the line.

WFMZ Channel 69, Allentown, and Universal Sports will broadcast the Allentown and Souderton races live from start to finish and Comcast SportsNet will also provide regional post-event coverage.

But, you will want to say you were actually here! The Allentown races will feature a jumbo television at the finish line to allow spectators to follow the action throughout the course and you'll be sure not to miss anything.

For more information visit www.univestgrandprix.com.

Allentown Run Amuck: Zany Race To Take Place in Allentown

2009-08-15T17:18:00.004-04:00

The next "Allentown Run Amuck" race takes place tomorrow at 10 a.m. That's Sunday, August 16th.

Just proving that people in Allentown still have a sense of humor, some local creative-types have created a race like none other.

Called "Allentown Run Amuck," runners are instructed to show up at the appointed time and place in the costume of their choosing to find out the destination of their run. The general distance of the race is 3 miles.

There is no predetermined race course, hence the name. This means that a working understanding of the street grid of Allentown is a distinct advantage, although last month runners helped each other and no one got lost. This, even though one runner came all the way from England.

Last month during the inaugural "Allentown Run Amuck" race, one man ran in a speedo swimming suit. Another showed up in a tutu. Another painted his face. You get the idea.

I will never forget the looks on the faces of the people of the first ward as these zany runners ran through the streets of their neighborhood.

If you're game, meet tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. (Sunday) at PPL Plaza at 9th and Hamilton in costume, if possible. There are prizes.

Even if you're not a runner or someone who likes to run in funny getup, it will be worth the effort to roll out of bed and experience this uniquely Allentown event.

Mark Your Calendars -- Great Allentown Fair Opens Sept. 1

2009-08-15T16:54:00.006-04:00

Everyone has a favorite part of the Great Allentown Fair. What's yours?

There's so much happening there, that I can only scratch the surface. You have the name entertainment (this year it's Kelly Clarkson and Jeff Dunham to name a few), fancy chickens, cows with beautiful eyes and the clown who will guess your weight or age. There are also apple pie and other cooking competitions.

My favorite, though, is the Midway at night, with smell of funnel cake, all of those carnival rides whirling and flashing, and opportunities to have my guy test his pitching arm knocking down bowling pins to win me an oversized stuffed animal or something else I really don't need.

You'll want to mark your calendars to make sure you don't miss the incredible slice of Americana happening right here in Allentown the first week of September.

Oh, and it's a Great Allentown Fair tradition that the first day, the fair is free! That's good news! For more information on things like how to get tickets or participate in one of the cooking contests: www.allentownfairpa.org

FAIR ADMISSION

Persons 12 & over $6.00.
Under age 12 ALWAYS FREE.
Senior Citizens (65+ with ID) ONLY $4 after 2 PM on Wednesday, September 2.

Special admission promotions are:

Everyone FREE on Tuesday, September 1.
Everyone FREE Noon to 2 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – September 2, 3, 4.

Advance Fair Admission Tickets only $4 when purchased at Fair box office before September 2. May be used for Fair admission when regular $6 admission is charged. Show tickets include Fair admission when purchased in advance of show dates.

FAIR HOURS

Tuesday, September 1 – 5 PM – 11 PM
Wednesday, September 2 through Sunday, September 6 – Noon – 11PM
Labor Day Monday, September 7 – Noon – 10 PM

Nana's Cafe Opens on Hamilton St.

2009-08-14T18:27:00.004-04:00

If you are someone who works downtown, a student at the downtown campus of LCCC, or someone who passes through downtown Allentown on the way to somewhere else, a local sandwich shop has just opened that is likely to make you very happy.

Nana's Cafe at 722 Hamilton Street just opened this week. Nana, pictured here, works with her daughter to make you a meal that will please. And, they are very friendly.

Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day but Sunday, they can help you start your day with coffee and an egg sandwich on the go or something more substantial (did someone say "pancakes?") for breakfast.

For lunch today I ordered the humus pita with chopped greens, avocado, olives, tomatoes and cucumbers with hummus in a fresh pita. It was great! Really fresh and tasty.

I left with some perfectly prepared rice pudding to go for my husband (How do I know? I had to taste it.)

You'll also find wraps, salads and sandwiches...with a smile. Try it out.

New Planters at 5th and Hamilton

2009-08-14T17:57:00.010-04:00

Do you have a pet peeve?

One of mine is empty planters or planters that grow weeds or have dead plants in them.

The condition of the planters in front of the Federal Court House used to bother me. Then, I made a few phone calls.

Today, a crew was out transforming a wasteland into an oasis, making this corner of our city a place of which we can be proud.

Do you like "before" and "after" pictures?

Here is documentation of the change. You can clearly figure out which are the "before."

It's a little thing, but it's a big thing.

Gum Being Cleaned from Hamilton St. Sidewalk

2009-08-03T21:21:00.005-04:00

I used to think of my mother as the "gum police."

She insisted that if one MUST chew gum, that they should chew with their mouth closed and dispose of it discretely by spitting it into a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash. As a teenager, I thought she was such a joy killer.

From the look of the splotches of gum on the sidewalks on either side of Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown, it appears that there are quite a few people who were never taught proper gum disposal etiquette.

When I walk down Hamilton Street, I find myself wishing more people had a mother like mine.

Fortunately, Girls at Work has now begun the process of removing gum from the sidewalks. In my book, clean sidewalks are cause for celebration.

In general, where ever you walk in the City of Allentown, let's encourage appropriate gum disposal.

And, now when you see a cleaned stretch of sidewalk on Hamilton Street, let's follow one of Mom's famous sayings: "Now that it's clean, let's keep it that way."

New Allentown Restaurant Announced for Butz Building

2009-07-29T18:39:00.002-04:00

Big announcement today for the Butz Corporate Center and downtown Allentown.

Greg Butz, President and CEO of Alvin H. Butz, Inc. announced that a new restaurant is coming to town.

George Meireles, owner and operator of Easton's River Grille, Ocean and Valenca will be opening a new, as yet unnamed restaurant. This is a great space and a great restauranteur!

Welcome to Allentown, George!

Click here for the Morning Call article and video.

Good News In Allentown

2009-07-23T06:14:00.007-04:00

The good news from Allentown has been coming fast and steady over the last couple of weeks. And, since the mainstream media has been covering it, do I really need to?

For the record, the Americus Hotel is in the hands of new investors, the nearby Colonial Theatre site is being marketed by the Allentown Redevelopment Authority under an RFP (with proposals due back to them 8/17) and 809 Hamilton has been purchased with the new owners planning a facade renovation. Additionally, Rite Aid moved back to Hamilton Street, there is an important bike race coming to Allentown and the Lehigh Valley Health Network will be moving 1,ooo employees into the Mack Truck building. And, Allentown is the top choice for a hockey arena.

On the lighter side, on Monday nights people have been enjoying dancing around the newly restored fountain in West Park for free tango lessons with roses clenched in their teeth (thank you to Phoebe Florists who donated the flowers), the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber Foundation has been bringing great musical acts to PPL Plaza on Thursday nights under Jammin' on the Plaza (but, sadly, cancelled tonight because of the threat of rain), the Plaza Growers Market is making people happy a thousand different ways (from great music to fabulous local veggies, to Balasian delights, to the most amazing honey, coffee and cup cakes).

People ask me: "Is it really happening? Is Allentown really turning around?" I say, "YES! Come be a part of it!" Local economies are built one dollar at a time. Hint: even if the economy has got you down, Allentown's family-run, ethnic restaurants are extremely easy on your wallet.

Fountain in West Park Restored, Operational and Beautiful

2009-07-12T11:39:00.008-04:00

I snapped this picture on Friday night when the Municipal Band was performing in the West Park Band Shell in Allentown.

Having noticed the new paint job the fountain recently received, I'd been wondering when the water would begin flowing. Wonder no more...everything is on and operational.

And, beautiful, I might add. Stunningly, breath-takingly beautiful.

A big thank you to those who were behind the restoration of this fountain.

Bike Night in Allentown Tonight

2009-07-10T09:45:00.007-04:00

Join the newly formed BikeAllentown and the Lehigh Wheelmen Association with your family to their monthly EASY bicycle ride and ice cream social.

Allentown is working on ways to make itself more bicycle-friendly. This bike ride is a fun way to engage in that conversation and brainstorming, get a some exercise, see the city and make a few friends.

This fun, easy paced ride through Allentown, leaves at 7 p.m. second Fridays from the Ritz BBQ (at the eastern side of the Allentown Farmers Market in the Allentown Fairgrounds at 17th and Chew).

These rides will take place monthly, so it's July 10th, August 14th and September 11th.

Remember, it's 9 easy miles, ending with ice cream at the Ritz.

The rules to follow so that everyone has a good time:

Children must wear helmets. Adults should wear helmets. Riders are to obey all traffic rules. Tail lights are recommended. Please arrive by 6:45 p.m. If there is heavy rain, the ride will be canceled.

For more information: bikeallentown@gmail.com or www.lehighwheelmen.org