MOVING ALLENTOWN FORWARD: 2014 A YEAR IN REVIEW

Last year proved to be quite the year for progress here in the City of Allentown, from the revitalization of the downtown area to the start of construction of the American Parkway Bridge, Allentown saw a year of moving forward like no other.

“What a year,” said Mayor Pawlowski.  “We saw the creation of Allentown 4.0 before our very eyes.  The most exciting part is this is just the beginning.  Allentown 4.0 continues this year, and I can’t wait to see what our city looks like at the end of next year.  What a great time to be in Allentown.”

The most significant achievement was the opening of the new PPL Arena, with a concert by legendary rock band the Eagles in September.  The City celebrated with the “Rise Together Allentown” arts and cultural community celebration the weekend after the concert.  The Philadelphia Phantoms played their first regular season game in October to a sell-out, capacity crowd.  The first building to open in the Arena complex was One City Center on Hamilton Street, which houses the Lehigh Valley Health Network Sports Medicine and Fitness Center.

Two City Center opened shortly afterward across the street from the arena complex, becoming the headquarters for National Penn Bancshares, with other tenants filling it to capacity.  The year also saw the construction of Center City Three on the old Colonial Theater site, and City Center Four, which will house STRATA Flats,which will have 170 luxury apartment units.

Last year, the city booked its first convention for the now-open Marriott Renaissance Hotel when the Pennsylvania Municipal Leagues Annual Convention comes to town in June.

The revitalization of downtown has resulted in over $1 Billion in development, hundreds of jobs for local construction workers, and when completed, bring thousands of permanent jobs and new downtown residents as well.  It is also expected to attract over a million visitors a year who will dine, shop and attend events at the new arena, making center city Allentown a prime destination once again.

The City made it easier to find a job by launching TweetMyJobs, a new online jobs platform that revolutionizes job recruitment by offering an easy and user-friendly online tool to find employment by combining mobile technology and social media.  Allentown also announced a new six-year, $3.3 million initiative aimed at revitalizing the remainder of Center City and surrounding area.

Speaking of dining, several new restaurants opened in the city last year.  The seventh Street Corridor, from Tilghman to Hamilton, saw many diverse ethnic eateries open, too many to mention.  Hamilton Street saw the opening of Crust, Chickie’s and Pete’s, Tim Horton’s Coffee and Donut shop, Roar Social House, Tony Luke’s, Johnny’s Bagels, and the Hamilton Kitchen.  We also received the news that Shula’s Steakhouse will relocate from Center Valley to the first floor of the STRAT Flats at Four City Center building this year, and more new, exciting dining choices are soon to follow as well.

Last year also saw the re-opening of a bigger and better Youell’s Oyster house, which was burned to the ground in a devastating fire, and the return of the Shanty to 19^th Street.  Several new stores have opened around the City as well, including the upscale New York Fashion clothing store on Seventh Street near Tilghman.  Shopping and dining became easier with the introduction of the AMP (Allentown Merchant Payment) gift card, which can be used in many businesses in the greater downtown area.

The City saw many other major highlights besides economic development.  Public Safety was increased with addition of more police officers and security cameras.  The Emergency Operations Center re-opened with over $15,000 in renovations and enhancements.  The renovated East Side Fire Station on Irving Street also re-opened with a three-bay, two-story building that can accommodate up to eight firefighters and two paramedics.   The Allentown Fire Department also received a $365,000 grant to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatuses.

The City also saw the implementation of Text to 911, a service for those who are unable to speak to seek emergency help from the Emergency Operations Center.

The Quality of life for residents of Allentown were improved with the opening of a new warming shelter inside Alliance Hall at 6^th and Chew for those seeking shelter from the cold weather.

In June of 2014, Mayor Pawlowski was invited by First Lady Michelle Obama to the White House to join her in announcing the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness.  He joined other mayors from across the country to pledge to work together to end this growing problem.

The City of Allentown will open the Lehigh Valley’s first Community Center for the LGBT Community.  The Bradbury-Sullivan Community Center will be located at 1021 W. Turner St.

The Inaugural Cops Meet Block Basketball Tournament was held with police officers and young adults playing side by side to further enhance the positive relationship between the two groups.

The City of Allentown was recognized for its premier park system with the designated a Playful City USA for the 6^th consecutive year, and the City purchased a portable Skate Park which can be quickly assembled for block parties and community events.

Allentown also received a boost to its fiscal health.  The City saw no tax increase for the 10^th straight year, and a stronger fiscal position than is has been in decades thanks to the success of the water and sewer lease.  Allentown also saw a $280, 000 recycling performance grant, awarding the city for keeping the streets clean through an aggressive and efficient recycling program.

Mayor Pawlowski received several honors during the year:  He was appointed to the US Conference of Mayors Advisory Board; received the Distinguished Service Award from the Pennsylvania Municipal League; recognized by the National League of Cities (NLC) for the completion of several health and wellness goals for Let’s Move!  Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC).

Finally, the City received national attention when Allentown’s own Andre Reed, a Dieruff High School graduate, was finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

To say that last year was significant in Allentown’s history is an understatement.  The progress that was made is just the start.  We all look forward to what this year will bring, with the completion of the American Parkway Bridge and the beginning of the Waterfront Development.  Here’s to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2015.

 

NEW WHEELS FOR THE BIKE UNIT: LEHIGH VALLEY ELECTRICIANS LOCAL 375 DONATES THREE NEW BICYCLES

The Bicycle Patrol Unit of the Allentown Police Department recently received a generous donation of three brand new, top-of-the-line bicycles from the Lehigh Valley Electricians Local 375, members of the Lehigh Valley Building and Construction Trades Council.  The bikes, worth $4,500,were presented during a news conference in City Council Chambers inside Allentown City Hall.  Each completely outfitted bike costs approximately $1,500 and feature 29 speeds.

“We’ve heard so many good things about the bicycle cops downtown before and after events at the PPL Arena” said Dave Reichard, President of Lehigh Valley Electricians Local 375, which is based in Allentown.  “People feel safe with them there.  We are so grateful that we can do this for the Police Department and the City of Allentown.  Our members benefited from the jobs that were created by all of the construction downtown, so it is our way of giving something back to the City.”

Mayor Pawlowski said, “The IBEW has been a great community partner. The city gratefully accepts the donation to help the department increase public safety.”

The money for the bikes came through the membership dues for those who work in the union.  This is one of the many community service projects that members of the Lehigh Valley Building Trades perform throughout the year across the entire Lehigh Valley region.

Paul Anthony Jr., Business Manager for Local 375, stated that this supports the partnership between the business community and the Police Department.  “The Bike Patrol officers were always around during construction of the arena, and they have changed the perception that downtown Allentown in now safe again for visitors.  We’re happy to give back and support these officers.  They do a tremendous job, and we appreciate what they do, especially on cold days like today.”

According to Assistant Police Chief Mike Morris, the city has approximately 40 officers who are certified by the International Police Mountain Bike Association.  He said 17 bicycles have been donated to the city over the last 12 months.  He also stated that the bikes allow officers to get into places that patrol cars can’t and they make officers more accessible to the people in the community.

“These bikes are designed to take a beating,” said Bike Officer Scott Magill.  “The Tires are made for an urban environment and the disc brakes are designed for all weather.”

The new Trek model bikes will be put into service immediately.

 

GOING EVEN GREENER: ALLENTOWN RECEIVES $250,00 RECYCLING GRANT

A Trommel Screener

The City of Allentown, already recognized nationally for the success of its recycling program, received an added boost when the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) recently announced that it was awarding Allentown with a $250,000 Recycling grant.  The funds will be used for a yard waste trommel screener which will be utilized at the Yard Waste Site, as well as for the purchase of a paper shredding system at the Recycling Drop Off Center.

“We’re thrilled to receive this grant from the state DEP,” said Mayor Pawlowski.  “The trommel screener will increase the speed and efficiency of the grinding process, while we will be providing our residents with a real need with the paper shredding system.  We’re proud of our recycling program here in Allentown, and this grant will help us to expand our recycling program.”

At the Yard Waste Site, where City residents can drop off their yard waste, branches, tree trimmings and shrubs are ground up by a tub grinder.  The Trommel Screener is used to separate large wood chips that are used for mulch from the finer debris.  This tool can produce up to 150 cubic yards of screened yard waste material per hour.

The mulch is used in Allentown parks, flower beds and gardens.  It is also available for free to Allentown residents, who can load it themselves, or for a pre-paid fee of $12 a bucket load, can have it loaded for them into their vehicles.

“We are very pleased to be able to improve the services and programs we provide to our residents and businesses as a result of these PA DEP grants,” said Manager of the Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste, Ann Saurman.  “The trommel screener allows us to make various grades of mulch and soon we will be able to add on-site paper shredding services for residents and businesses.”

Allentown’s Yard Waste Site is located at 1401 Oxford Drive.  Visit www.allentownpa.gov for hours of operation and mulch loading services.  Allentown conducts curbside yard waste collection from April through Thanksgiving week.

The city’s recycling program has won awards from the Pennsylvania DEP, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Recycling Coalition, the Solid Waste Association of North America, the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania, the Keystone Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America and the Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association.

For more information on recycling programs in the city, call the Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste at 610-437-8729, or visit the bureau website at www.allentownrecycles.org.

 

A NEW SOLICITOR FOR THE CITY: COUNCIL CONFIRMS SUSAN ELLIS WILD

The City of Allentown found a replacement for retiring City Solicitor Jerry Snyder when City Council overwhelmingly confirmed Susan Ellis Wild.  Mayor Pawlowski nominated Wild to replace Snyder, who retired on January 2^nd after serving more than seven years at the post.

“Susan is one of the most respected and experienced attorneys in the City, and we’re lucky to have her on board,” said Mayor Pawlowski.  “Jerry Snyder has done an outstanding job as City Solicitor, and they were pretty big shoes to fill, but I’m confident that Susan will be an excellent Solicitor for the City of Allentown.”

Wild brings an impressive resume to the job.  She earned her law degree from George Washington University Law School.  She is a partner at Gross McGinley, one of the most respected firms in Allentown.  She specialized in municipal law, litigation and medical malpractice.  She is past president of the Bar Association of Lehigh County, and was selected as one of the top 50 Lawyers in Pennsylvania in 2013.  She was also selected to be included on the list of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for five consecutive years, from 2010 to 2014.

 

AFD Receives A New Chief: Kudlak Retires, Laubach Promoted

Mayor Ed Pawlowski recently announced that Fire Chief Bob Kudlak has decided to retire, and Deputy Chief of Operations Lee T. Laubach Jr. is being promoted to interim Fire Chief.

Kudlak will retire on February 2^nd, and has served as interim Chief since January, 2014.

“In his six years at or near the top of this department as Deputy Chief of Operations and then as interim chief, Bob was an effective leader,” said Pawlowski. “He earned the respect of the men who fought alongside him and those who served under his command. The department will miss his direction.”

Kudlak joined the department in 1986. Throughout his career, he has received multiple promotions, and his success has been recognized by the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, U.S Congress, and the U.S Senate.

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Allentown for 28½ years as a firefighter and ultimately the department’s chief officer,” Kudlak said. “I thank Mayor Pawlowski for the opportunity to serve in an administrative capacity over the final quarter of my tenure. The men of this department are some of the most dedicated in the business and I wish them all a rewarding and safe career.”

“I have always been impressed by the dedication Chief Kudlak brought to the table in the daily fulfillment of his duties,” said Pawlowski. “He was the recipient of many awards and citations. They are extensive evidence of the commitment he made to the job.”

Kudlak became a second-generation fire fighter when he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps, after Robert Sr. retired in 1996 after serving the city of Allentown for 27 years.

Pawlowski also announced that Deputy Chief of Operations and Emergency Management Coordinator Lee T. Laubach Jr. would be promoted to Interim Chief. For the past year, Laubach has served as Deputy Chief, and is a 21-year veteran of the department.

Pawlowski said, “Lee has done an outstanding job as the Deputy Chief and as the city’s Emergency Management Coordinator. I know he will make an outstanding chief. He has the confidence of the administration, the fire department and the community.”

Laubach joined the department in 1993, receiving multiple promotions and achievements throughout his career with the department. He was promoted to Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention in September 2010, in addition to being named Fire Fighter of the year for the department that same year.

 

 

BUILDING A BETTER COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE: BUSINESSES TO FUND CENTER CITY INITIATIVE

The City of Allentown, the Community Action Development Corporation of Allentown, eight funding partners including several local banks, foundations and residents recently announced the approval of a new six-year, $3.3 million initiative aimed at revitalizing the remainder of Center City Allentown.

The Community Action Development Corporation of Allentown has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to provide an 80% credit on business taxes paid to the Commonwealth under the Neighborhood Partnership Program.  Through a series of meetings which included input from the public, the City has developed a plan on how communities can be improved through the initiative.

The Center City Initiative has commitments from eight companies over the next six years: Air Products and Chemicals, National Penn Bancshares and PPL have committed $100,000 per year while Alvin H. Butz, Inc., City Center Lehigh Valley, Susquehanna Bank, TD Bank and Wells Fargo have each committed $50,000.

“The ultimate test of a successful city is the quality of life the city’s residents’ experience,” said Mayor Ed Pawlowski. “We have work to do, there is little doubt, but we have assembled an amazing team of talented people who, with some creativity and financial support, are quite capable of completing Allentown’s resurgence.”

A steering committee, co-chaired by Seventh Street Attorney Rebecca Torres and Don Bernhard, who directs a coalition of business leaders and charitable foundations, will guide the project.  There are seven committees made up of over 100 people working on implementing the plan, which include: Physical Enhancements, Housing, Economic Development and Employment, Education, Public Safety, Marketing, and Arts and Culture.

Some important goals of the initiative include changing the negative perception of safety downtown, encouraging residents to purchase homes or start a business, become more active in civic affairs in the City, and encourage people to visit downtown for entertainment, recreation, arts and culture.  The initiative will cover the area bounded by the Jordan Creek, 12^th Street, MLK Drive, and Tilghman Street, which includes Jordan Heights, the Seventh Street Corridor, the Old Allentown and Old Fairgrounds Historic Districts, and the Hamilton District.

The groups behind the initiative hope to accomplish the following results for the designated area:  increased residential property values; reduced crime; reduced housing vacancy; low commercial vacancy rate; increased incomes; decreased unemployment; fewer substandard housing conditions; increased quality of life; increased private investment; more community engagement; and an expanded real estate tax base.

 

MORE DOWNTOWN DINING CHOICES: SHULA’S MOVING TO 7TH AND LINDEN

Fans of Shula’s Steakhouse will no longer have to trek to the Promenade Shops in Saucon Valley this summer to enjoy their favorite Restaurant.  Shula’s recently announced that they will be relocating to the ground floor of Strata Flats, the luxury apartment building currently being constructed on 7^th Street across from the PPL Arena and Allentown Arts Walk.

Started by Hall of Fame Football Coach Don Shula, the 8,600 square-foot dining space becomes the first tenant of Four Center City, also known as Strata Flats, which will house over 250 residents.  Four City Center is the newest addition to City Center Investments Corporation’s series of downtown buildings built within the Neighborhood Improvement Zone.  All 65 employees at the current location will relocate to downtown Allentown.

“It is not every day you get a national chain moving into your downtown that is as good as Shula’s,” Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski said. “It is definitely not every day they move from the Promenade Shops and open up in downtown Allentown.”

The restaurant will feature an extensive wrap around patio for outdoor dining in the warmer weather, an upscale dining room and bar, and valet parking for the convenience of patrons.  Shula’s management expects to draw from future tenants of Strata Flats, surrounding office workers, those attending events at PPL Arena as well as guests of the soon-to-open Marriott Renaissance Hotel.  They also expect current diners to visit the downtown location, where they will be able to discover the many dining options also available.

Local Shula’s owner Kostas Kalogeropoulos thinks it’s the perfect time to relocate the restaurant, having floated ideas for revitalizing downtown since Mayor Roy Afflerbach’s Administration.  Having seen the development that has already occurred, he pitched the idea to David Shula, President of the Steak House chain, who had heard about what was happening downtown on National Public Radio, before visiting here to see for himself.  “No brainer, let’s make it happen,” Shula said.

IT LOOKS A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS: LIGHTS IN THE PARKWAY RETURNS

Allentown’s favorite holiday tradition has returned as Lights In The Parkway is once again delighting kids of all ages.  The excursion of over a mile through one of Allentown’s most beautiful parks, the Lehigh Parkway, features larger-than-life displays, tunnels and familiar holiday scenes.  Families can enjoy the spectacular light show, featuring thousands of brilliant lights, in the comfort of their own cars. Dazzling new animated displays are now part of this winter wonderland, set to music that you can listen to on your car radio.  “Lights” returns for its 19^th season this year.

“This will get any Grinch into the holiday spirit,” said Mayor Pawlowski.   “There are several new displays this year, and it truly is an awesome sight for kids.  If you haven’t visited, ‘Lights In The Parkway,’ do it this year and make it a holiday tradition, like so many across the Valley do.  You’ll not be disappointed.”

Lights In The Parkway is open until Sunday, December 28^th, every day except Christmas Day, from 5:30 pm to 10 pm.

Admission is $12 per car, and $22 per commercial van, minibus and limo. A $2.00 off coupon is available at www.lightsintheparkway.com. Cash or check only is accepted at the ticket booth, although cash is preferred.  Advanced sale discount tickets for $10 and $20 are available at Wegman’s Stores in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, At Allentown City Hall, and all locations of Allentown Federal Credit union.

Lights in the Parkway has entered a new era with the commitment to use energy-efficient LED lights in all new displays and to begin converting all existing displays to LED. LED lights use 85% less energy than traditional bulbs and last about four times longer.

After enjoying the light display, don’t forget to stop by the Gift Barn at the end of the route, which features a large selection of one-of-a-king decorations, ornaments and holiday collectibles for everyone on your holiday shopping list.  Hot Chocolate, popcorn, cookies and other refreshments are available inside the Gift Barn.  Santa will be available for pictures in the Gift Barn Thursday through Sunday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm through December 23^rd.  Credit Cards are accepted in the Gift Barn.

Special thanks to Jason Hertz, City of Allentown’s Parks Department Supervisor and his crew for all their hard work in creating this magical display.

Lights in the Parkway is sponsored by Allentown Federal Credit Union, Butz Construction, Service Electric Cable TV, 100.7 LEV and CAT Country 96, Run Lehigh Valley, Boyle Construction, The Morning Call, iHeart Media, Waste Management, 69 News and WFMZ.com, Viamedia, Rileighs Outdoor Décor, Yocco’s The Hotdog King and Lehighvalleylive.com powered by The Express-Times.

SEASONS GREETINGS: HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

This will be our last Pawlowski Press of the year.  Mayor Ed Pawlowski would like to pass on the following message:

“As we enter this holiday season, I hope everyone appreciates what they have in their lives.  Here in Allentown, we have done remarkable work in revitalizing our downtown.  We saw the Eagles open the PPL Arena and the first puck drop for our new hockey team, the Philadelphia Phantoms.  I have called this version of our City “Allentown 4.0,” and this is just the beginning.  I’d like to thank every single person who helped plan, design, and build all the new structures downtown, and the residents and small business owners who believed in our vision and who put up with all the distractions during construction.

We have made tremendous progress this year, but this is just the beginning.  Next year will see the opening of our new downtown Marriott Renaissance Hotel, the opening of the American Parkway Bridge, and the start of construction along our waterfront.  The prospect of a great 2015 is shining bright like a beacon drawing people back to Allentown once again to live, work and play.  Next year will also be a prosperous one for our Commonwealth, with Governor Tom Wolf taking the reigns and leading our state back on the road to prosperity.

During this holiday season, let’s remember those less fortunate who need shelter, food, clothing, and toys for their children.  Please remember that this is the season of giving, and your kindness could mean all the difference to someone in need.

I wish all of you a wonderful and safe holiday season and the happiest of new years, from my family to yours. “

MORE MONEY IN YOUR POCKET: NO TAX INCREASE FOR 10th STRAIGHT YEAR IN 2015 BUDGET

Mayor Pawlowski recently submitted his 2015 budget to City Council for approval.  The highlights include no property tax increase for the tenth straight year, and a decrease in the Earned Income Tax for non-residents who work in Allentown.

The Mayor started his budget presentation by summarizing how far Allentown has moved forward in the last few years.

“We’ve truly captured lightning in a bottle,” said the Mayor about the revitalization that has occurred in the downtown area.  “We are probably one of the only Cities in the state to achieve 10 straight years of a budget with no tax increase.  We have been adding police officers and cameras to increase the safety of our residents.   This year we are going increase our public safety technology by purchasing cameras for all police cars and body cameras for our officers, which will improve efficiency and lower our liability.  We now have more cameras on the street than Pittsburgh has.” Pawlowski noted that Allentown was again successful in securing a federal grant which will allow the City to hire five additional police officers by the end of the year.

The Mayor has also included infrastructure upgrades in the budget, including $3 million to upgrade all the city streetlights with new LED technology, which will save $200,000 to $300,000 a year in energy costs.  Other improvements include $3 million to improve several City pools, including Cedar Beach and Mack, and $2.5 million for street repairs.