.GROUNZERO NETWORK BLOG

Clearcut Favortism. They paid a dollar for the building, got 4.5 million in grants after that... Now they get another $360,000 in loans to bring in an undisclosed renter that they did'nt even have to disclose??? I also remember Mr. Han saying that several others minority merchants applied for this type of loan, and were rejected. You call it what you want, but anyone with eyes can see the BS. Even Mr Girudy and Mrs. Eichenwald questioned the fairness in the CEDC loan process. They also could not answer Mr Weiss Questions about the definition of blight, and if it even applies to Brew works condition. Im happy for the Brew Works, but I know New York Fashions couldnt have pulled this off without disclosing their renter to the public. More importantly I bet code enforcement would make sure all their I's are dotted and T's are crossed. However I see only certain people have to abide by your GUIDELINES. Must be nice to have friends downtown. The complete testimony for the Brew Ga...

Didn't Allentown already destroy two major department stores??? And since when do hockey fans and 80's hair metal shows equate to upscale customers and culture??? What is your paper's deal with DOLLAR Store clientele anyway??? Last time I checked they had an Aldi in the west end. Are those shoppers low lifes too who need their properties uprooted??? I see why your paper harldly ever puts minorities or downtown allentown in a good light. YOu want to systematically keep your SCARED surburban readers, who NEVER come here anyway a NEW playground, while justifying your Eminent EVILS. This is GENTRIFICATION at its best Mr. White. Maybe you can charm your loyal readers but some of US know what the deal is. It's funny most merchants I interviewed said that Blues event hurt their business because it lacked diversity in performers. Maybe if they also included music from the neighborhood it would have been a bigger turnout. However I see that you would rather scare your READERS i...

This clown doesnt write about real people. He'll bring attention to an overcharged couple in Bangor, Hazleton or wherever but ignore issues affecting thousands right here in Allentown. If he's supposed to be the watchdog, Who the heck is watching him? I RECENTLY tried bringing awareness of the mayor having all the petition flyers removed off Hamilton Street walls during the recent Lehigh Chamber Blues Fest last Saturday. I also tried to bring him up to speed about an online petition and physical petition that was also the target of police intimidation. The same reporter who said he is the Watchdog writing about consumer affairs & government abuse refused to do anything to champion our cause. I find it hard to believe that an overcharged couple in west bumble takes priority over the fate of Hamilton street and people being denied the right to protest. Mr Watchdog ultimately told me (consumer/reader)to, "shut up and let him talk." I agreed to listen until I realiz...