Cannon's fired

Read about local opposition to the apartment conversion planned for the once (and future?) Cannon's space here and here.

Mom...can I get a tattoo?

OK...it didn't really go like that but Matthew Tuerk of Allentown Economic Development Corp fame pointed out one of downtown's newest and in this one man's opinion hippest new spots - Art N Soul Studios, 516 W. Hamilton St (610-433-4850) http://www.art-n-soulstudios.com/. Yes Virginia Hamilton Street does have a Gallery space! Couple that with a tattoo studio and we're really not in Kansas anymore.

Art N Soul Studios just recently had it's soft opening on Jan 21st and is currently holding "Punk's Dead" by J. Smith - an exhibit displaying the late legends of Punk Rock including Sid Vicious, Joey Ramone, Wendy O Williams, and many others.

Stop in and check out the gallery- they are open Monday-Saturdays and Sundays by appointment - I've included some pics below:

City announces restaurant promotion

The city has announced a worthwhile downtown restaurant promotion, "Dinner at 8." The deal is that you can get 20 percent off at two dinner entrees at any of eight different local restaurants:

Bay Leaf

GEO Spirits and Cuisine at the Crowne Plaza

Johnny Mañana’s

the Allentown Brew Works

the Federal GrillLoBaido’s

Bellissimo Ristorante

ACI Halal and Turkish Restaurant

You can find the location and some links to these restaurants at the growing wiki-based Google map that Matt Tuerk of AEDC has set up.

Quality of life contacts on 7th Street site

We've added a few different ways to keep the most useful city phone numbers with you when you're out and about--to report graffiti or litter or those mysterious swinging sneakers that hang from the occasional power line. The new quality of life page includes:

a simple list

a bundle of vCards to download for your phone

an iPhone-optimized webpage

and printable wallet cards

Follow the link....

UPDATE: Bernie O'Hare, the Valley's best blogger, reminds me that I should disclose that my wife is director of Allentown's Redevelopment Authority. Thanks Bernie.

"Implementing Better Models for Development in the Lehigh Valley"

From Renew Lehigh Valley:
Mark your calendar for an important and informative community program!

On Thursday, January 24, Ed McMahon - a Senior Fellow at the Urban Land Institute - will give a presentation on “Implementing Better Models for Development in the Lehigh Valley.” The program runs from 6:30 - 8:30 P.M. at Allentown’s Symphony Hall. (Please see the attached flyer for program details and contact information.)

The sprawling development that is devouring our open space, increasing traffic congestion and handicapping efforts to revitalize our cities and boroughs is fostered by flawed land-use management practices. The development model that has been the norm in the Lehigh Valley perpetuates this detrimental pattern of development.

Improving land-use practices requires a concerted effort in each of our regions 62 municipalities. Although the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) provides guidance for municipalities and can incorporate smart growth measures into its comprehensive plan for the Lehigh Valley, land-use decisions are ultimately up to each municipality. If municipality chooses to ignore the LVPC’s comprehensive, that is their prerogative. Changes in land-use practices must occur at the municipal level.

The responsibility for implementing better models for development in the Lehigh Valley rests on our municipal leaders. This program will better inform you on the changes needed so you can let your local leaders know that you want action.

The program is being hosted by Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, The Conservation Fund and the Wildlands Conservancy.

Please join us on January 24, and be sure to pass this along to anyone who might be interested in attending.

Best regards,
Kevin


Kevin Conrad
Campaign Coordinator
Renew Lehigh Valley
1337 East Fifth Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Office: 484.893.1060
Fax: 610.691.6582
kconrad@renewlv.org

A Rose By Any Other Name...

Things are coming up Roses on 7th street...literally!!! But why stop there when we can have tulips and orchids and houseplants and and...the list goes on and on! Seventh Street Development Committee is thrilled to announce our newest business grand opening - Paradise Floral Designs. Brothers Anthony and Jose are recent additions to the area, New York trained and bring not only quality designed floral arrangements but a sweet disposition ensuring the highest customer service - add to this the charming shop they have established and we've hit another home run!
I brought a bouquet as a birthday present to brunch this weekend and the positive comments were endless...here's a sneak peak at some of their arrangements!

Please stop in at 345 N 7th street and welcome them to our neighborhood.

Paradise Floral Designs is the 3rd business to open during our Main Street program initiative and is indicative of the ongoing Renaissance in Allentown.

Enjoy...Pete from 7th

Hey Mon...

There's new good eats on 7th Street as of last Sunday...the Seventh Street Development Committee is proud to announce the grand opening of Nixx's Jamaican & Soul Food Restaurant, 130 N 7th.
With delicious entrees like Curry Shrimp and Rice, BBQ Chicken with Macaroni and Cheese and Collards not to mention Breakfast specials (yes there's grits) we are thrilled to have Nicole and husband Richie as our newest 7th street merchants!

This is the second business to open during our Main Street program's tenure and we are in the planning stages of this restaurant's facade.

Nicole is currently doing take out only and hopes to add a dining room in the near future...if you are in the mood for some good comfort food during the winter, please stop in and try her cooking...(I had the chicken and mac and cheese and it was yummy!)