To all who still read this blog,
Over the course of the past few months, I have been unable to update this blog. I am now a full time student at Kutztown University--studying Professional Writing. I have also come by a job. These factors have made my life increasingly busy, and my posts increasingly lackluster. Because of this, I have decided to end my current blog. As I looked over my posts, I noticed that the blog had too many ideas and goals. It was unfocused. To amend this, I have decided to start over. I am going to be writing a new blog. When I have it up and running, I will provide a link to it here. Until that time, I thank all of you for reading my posts and hope you continue to do so as I begin my next blog. It was a good run, and I learned a lot. This blog truly gave me opportunities I would have never come by otherwise. For that I am grateful.
Sincerely,
Bryan Kleiner
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Open Forum with Mayor Pawlowski
I just posted the event to the official Allentown From the Ground Up blog, but I thought I'd reiterate it here.
This Wednesday evening, our group will be holding an open forum with Mayor Pawlowski. If you've read my blog in the past, you will know that I had a similar event a few months ago. This is the same deal. The mayor will give a brief introduction, and then open the floor for questions. This event is open to all people. If you have a concern or question for the mayor, I'd suggest coming out and voicing your opinion. I will stress that this event is not our group endorsing Mayor Pawlowski for mayor. As a group, we'd like to remain neutral. Rather, this is an attempt to give people an opportunity to speak with their mayor and find out what is going on. Come out and come with some questions. See you there.
When: Wednesday August 12th 6:00 p.m
Where: Mayor Pawlowski's campaign headquarters.
This Wednesday evening, our group will be holding an open forum with Mayor Pawlowski. If you've read my blog in the past, you will know that I had a similar event a few months ago. This is the same deal. The mayor will give a brief introduction, and then open the floor for questions. This event is open to all people. If you have a concern or question for the mayor, I'd suggest coming out and voicing your opinion. I will stress that this event is not our group endorsing Mayor Pawlowski for mayor. As a group, we'd like to remain neutral. Rather, this is an attempt to give people an opportunity to speak with their mayor and find out what is going on. Come out and come with some questions. See you there.
When: Wednesday August 12th 6:00 p.m
Where: Mayor Pawlowski's campaign headquarters.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
West End Alliance Meeting: Write-up
This evening a group of about 50 citizens and business owners gathered in civic's 514 location to hear, see, and comment on the planned urban renewal of the 19th street area.
As the meeting began, a few announcements were presented. They included the opening of a dinner theater in the area, the announcement that the West End diner should be open by the end of this month, the vacant space that is Salvatore's will have a new restaurateur in the coming months, and that the TC salon will be open by early 2010. These were great announcements to hear. Progress is going on in our area with the continued support of the community.
After this the firm of Derck and Edsen (forgive my spelling) took the stage. They presented a comprehensive streetscaping plan for the area. The plan includes fixing the sidewalks and adding brick portions for a more pleasant aesthetic. Pushing the fence of the fairgrounds on liberty street back 8 to 10 feet in order to provide a green area. Placing trees around the neighborhoods and hedges to make the area more pleasing. Also included is the idea of personalized streetlights with banners. These banners would say something to the effect of 'West End Theater District'. If the plan goes through, the fairgrounds chain link fence will be replaced with a more appealing bar style fence. The entrances to the fairgrounds will also be revamped. These plans should be finalized in the coming months. Afterward, the fun process of finding money for the plans occurs.
In my opinion, I thought the plans looked fantastic. From what I saw, the overall feeling that would be evoked from these changes is what I believe the West End Area needs. New streetlights, more greenery, and more accessible walking paths will make people want to wander through the area. As more people come, more businesses will be interested in setting up shop. The salon is planning to have a restaurant with outdoor seating. More outdoor seating gives the area a better look and feel. I really hope these plans come to fruition. They are the much needed change our area desires.
The most important and crucial aspect to these plans being finalized is community involvement. Without a strong voice, these plans could easily fall to the wayside. In the coming months we may need to rally support at city council meetings and other events. I look to the West End community to take action. This area has so much untapped potential. It is our job as the citizens of this potentially great area to make it great. Keep up to date with the West End Alliance, either through this blog or check out our facebook page. We need your support to make this happen.
As the meeting began, a few announcements were presented. They included the opening of a dinner theater in the area, the announcement that the West End diner should be open by the end of this month, the vacant space that is Salvatore's will have a new restaurateur in the coming months, and that the TC salon will be open by early 2010. These were great announcements to hear. Progress is going on in our area with the continued support of the community.
After this the firm of Derck and Edsen (forgive my spelling) took the stage. They presented a comprehensive streetscaping plan for the area. The plan includes fixing the sidewalks and adding brick portions for a more pleasant aesthetic. Pushing the fence of the fairgrounds on liberty street back 8 to 10 feet in order to provide a green area. Placing trees around the neighborhoods and hedges to make the area more pleasing. Also included is the idea of personalized streetlights with banners. These banners would say something to the effect of 'West End Theater District'. If the plan goes through, the fairgrounds chain link fence will be replaced with a more appealing bar style fence. The entrances to the fairgrounds will also be revamped. These plans should be finalized in the coming months. Afterward, the fun process of finding money for the plans occurs.
In my opinion, I thought the plans looked fantastic. From what I saw, the overall feeling that would be evoked from these changes is what I believe the West End Area needs. New streetlights, more greenery, and more accessible walking paths will make people want to wander through the area. As more people come, more businesses will be interested in setting up shop. The salon is planning to have a restaurant with outdoor seating. More outdoor seating gives the area a better look and feel. I really hope these plans come to fruition. They are the much needed change our area desires.
The most important and crucial aspect to these plans being finalized is community involvement. Without a strong voice, these plans could easily fall to the wayside. In the coming months we may need to rally support at city council meetings and other events. I look to the West End community to take action. This area has so much untapped potential. It is our job as the citizens of this potentially great area to make it great. Keep up to date with the West End Alliance, either through this blog or check out our facebook page. We need your support to make this happen.
Monday, July 27, 2009
West End Alliance Public Meeting
On Tuesday August 4th at 6:30 p.m The West End Alliance will be hosting a public meeting for all concerned citizens. The meeting will focus on the current streetscaping planned for the West End area. This is your choice to see what is happening, and voice your opinion on the matter. I suggest everyone who has any interest in the future of our city attend. This meeting is the mark of true progress being made in our area. After the presentation by the urban planners, there will be time allotted for questions and answers. Come out and see whats going on.
Tuesday August 4th
6:30 p.m.
Theatre 514
If you have any questions regarding the event feel free to drop a comment and I will be glad to answer. Hope to see you all there.
Tuesday August 4th
6:30 p.m.
Theatre 514
If you have any questions regarding the event feel free to drop a comment and I will be glad to answer. Hope to see you all there.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Coming Back
I've taken a much needed sabbatical from blogging. My life decided to change on me, and I put down the laptop for awhile to answer its call. Now that things are smoothing out, I've decided to come back. I'm going to write up a little list of things that have piqued my interest to try and bring myself up to speed.
-I've been working with the West End Alliance in setting up this year's Oktoberfest. I've also helped the Alliance set up a facebook page. I really think this organization can do a lot for our West End. I'll post more on that later.
-The new diner opening up at the corner of 19th and Tilghman is fantastic. 19th street needs more late night spots besides bars. This diner is one of the best things to happen to the street in a long time. I look forward to its opening.
-The trail network that is planned for the city seems to be a fantastic idea. I know that many will complain about money or jobs or any sort of drivel that comes to mind with such an expansive plan, but it is a welcome addition in my opinion. I love biking through the city parks. The ability to bike one trail through the entire park system is fantastic. In my opinion, it seems logical.
-The last item I will put on this list is something that I've been paying a lot of attention to. My brother, Andrew, writes a blog entitled Remember. He's been going around to all of the parks in Allentown and documenting his experiences. From this, he's been in contact with those who run the various parks departments, and those who have strong disagreements with the parks departments. I've seen a lot of the local parks because of him, and I have to say that Allentown has the single most beautiful expanse of park land I've ever seen in a major city. I feel that the ongoing restoration of these parks should be the top priority of any parks departments.
Well, that sums things up rather concisely. I have many things to let people know, and I hope that my posting becomes the habit it once was. Until than, go take a walk.
-I've been working with the West End Alliance in setting up this year's Oktoberfest. I've also helped the Alliance set up a facebook page. I really think this organization can do a lot for our West End. I'll post more on that later.
-The new diner opening up at the corner of 19th and Tilghman is fantastic. 19th street needs more late night spots besides bars. This diner is one of the best things to happen to the street in a long time. I look forward to its opening.
-The trail network that is planned for the city seems to be a fantastic idea. I know that many will complain about money or jobs or any sort of drivel that comes to mind with such an expansive plan, but it is a welcome addition in my opinion. I love biking through the city parks. The ability to bike one trail through the entire park system is fantastic. In my opinion, it seems logical.
-The last item I will put on this list is something that I've been paying a lot of attention to. My brother, Andrew, writes a blog entitled Remember. He's been going around to all of the parks in Allentown and documenting his experiences. From this, he's been in contact with those who run the various parks departments, and those who have strong disagreements with the parks departments. I've seen a lot of the local parks because of him, and I have to say that Allentown has the single most beautiful expanse of park land I've ever seen in a major city. I feel that the ongoing restoration of these parks should be the top priority of any parks departments.
Well, that sums things up rather concisely. I have many things to let people know, and I hope that my posting becomes the habit it once was. Until than, go take a walk.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Allentown: From The Ground Up
Some of you may have noticed my lack in updating this blog. I assure you I'm not giving up. Instead, I've been working with two other individuals in creating a group to spur interest in Allentown. That group is called; Allentown: From The Ground Up.
A few weeks ago, I was sitting at home with fellow bloggers Katie Bee and my brother, Andre Kleiner. We discussed how often people speak and never act. As we spoke these words, we realized that our own blogs could easily fall into that trap. In order to combat the apathy we see from so many, we decided to do something about it. After discussing the creation of an organization, Allentown: From The Ground Up took life.
Our group has several initiatives. Our goal is to show the young citizens of Allentown that our city is a place to spend time. It is a city worth our time. We plan to have various meet-ups in local destinations to spread the word on Allentown. We will also organize clean-ups of local areas that have fallen to the wayside. One example is the Allentown Park system. I spend at least five hours a week walking through the parks. As I walk, I see litter and debris scattered about. As a group, we want to assemble volunteers to go to these parks and clean up the mess. As a whole, we want to spread the word about Allentown's promise and, at the same time, clean up the mess we see in it.
Our group has a blog. You can find it here" Allentown: From The Ground Up.
We are also on Facebook here; From The Ground Up.
We are also on Twitter here; A-Town Ground
We are young. We are motivated. We will work to change the perception of Allentown so many hold. Read our blog and lend a hand.
Mayor Pawlowski Speaks the Truth
Some of those familiar with the West End area may have been a bit shocked reading the paper this morning. It appears that AutoZone is finally getting its location in the area. The shock many residents must feel comes from the fact that we, the citizens, fought to get AutoZone out of our area. Now, the Morning Call reports that, "the city gave preliminary approval to AutoZone's plans to open a store at the former Ruhe Pontiac dealership at Tilghman and 15th streets."
Are we really back to this again? I can't help but feel a sharp sense of disappointment. Putting an AutoZone in the area is a waste of space. I'm not even going to get into why, because we've already done that. The citizens of the West End have already booted AutoZone out of the Shanty's old location. Now, they move a little down the street. God help us.
What really impressed me about this article was what Mayor Pawlowski said. Where most would believe this move to be a decent compromise, Pawlowski stood in opposition. He said, "I don't know why we need another auto store of this type in that vicinity; however the owners of AutoZone feel differently." I commend the mayor for this statement. He didn't bow down and say something to the effect of, "This is a way that both the west end and AutoZone can compromise on a location." No, he questioned their motives. He understands that the West End is an area in need of businesses that foster a culture and make the area a destination. For that I give him credit and feel confident in his ability to lead.
So now we have the AutoZone on 19th street. God help us. When will this end?
Source: The Morning Call
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