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West End ready for “Wearin’ o’ the GREEN”
Neighborhood serves as hub for St. Patrick’s festivities It’s commonly said that “everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.” And if you’re really in the mood to get your green on, there’s no better place than Allentown’s West End. Every year, it becomes “Shamrock Central,” with a massive traditional parade and other family-friendly festivities that unfold over the third weekend in March. “For decades, the typical image of St. Patrick’s Day was of heavy drinking and a guy in a green suit on March 17,” said John A. Chaya, president of the Allentown Saint Patrick’s Parade Committee, Inc. “But we wanted to change the community’s perception of Irish heritage, and show them that it involves sports, music, crafts, dancing and more.” And the group’s efforts have done just that. Let’s take a look at some of this year’s major events. Parade pub crawl fundraiser The sixth iteration of this annual event starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 14. “The first pub crawl really changed the dynamic,” Chaya said. “It helped us raise enough money to afford five or
Sean and Kimberly Gallagher, (above) 2014 King and Queen of the Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade. Greg and Roey Ebert are the 2015 King and Queen and will ride in the parade. The 2015 St. Patrick’s Parade will feature more than 100 marching units and nearly two dozen bands.
six pipe bands that year. The establishments get a good boost in business, too; last year, 1,800 people participated.” Each group of people starts at a particular pub, and moves along in a counter-clockwise fashion. The 2015 edition includes stops at Jack Callaghan’s Ale House, the Liberty
St. Tavern, Stooges, the Roost, Main Gate, the Shanty on 19th, Volpe’s sports bar, Roosevelt’s 21, and Greg’s West End Saloon. Free Irish Cultural Community Day Celebrate the riches of Irish culture during the 2nd annual
Irish Community Day on March 21 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Agri-Plex Annex -- hours of fun, that won’t cost you a nickel, and all of it family-friendly! It will be a lively mix of demonstrations, instructions, explanations and descriptions of the true Irish heritage. Come prepared to become part of the fun – audience participation is practically required! Scheduled performers include: n O’Grady-Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance n Pipe Major James Ruhf n Angela Faidley , painting an Irish themed mural n The Lehigh Valley Hurling Club (like field hockey…with an Irish twist!) n King Greg and Queen Roey Ebert n An Irish ceili demonstration – live musicians with singing and dancing n Alison Gillespie, fiddler And much more!
Coronation celebration Every St. Patrick’s parade needs a king and queen, so all are invited to salute Their Royal Majesties Greg and Roey Ebert at their coronation celebration on March 20. The 6 p.m. - midnight event takes place in the Allentown Fairgrounds Agri-Plex. Tickets for the 6 p.m. dinner are $15 per person/$5 for children (advance only); admission to the 7:30 p.m. coronation celebration is $15 per person in advance or $18 at the door. It’s open to the public, so come on out and celebrate the “royalty.” West End St. Patrick’s 5K race
The seventh annual West End St. Patrick’s 5K starts at
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“Wearin” o’ the GREEN” continued from page 1
12:15 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, in front of Muhlenberg’s Memorial Hall (24th and Liberty streets), and loops through a course along the parade route bounded by 19th and 25th streets and Liberty and Tilghman streets. Registered runners can pick up their materials at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmer’s Market on Friday, March 20, from 5 - 8 p.m., Saturday, March 21 at the Allentown AgriPlex from noon - 5 p.m. and starting at 11 a.m. at Muhlenberg College’s Seegers Union on race day. (No registration will be available after March 3.) There will be prizes for the top three male and female finishers in the open and masters (age 40+) divisions; in each 12 age groups, ranging from 0 to 65+; and in the “Pub Crawl Division” – racers who
Thousands of parade-goers line the streets and West End residents decorate their homes in preparation for the annual St. Patrick’s Parade.
also took part in the March 14 event. This year, runners who provide mobile phone numbers can opt to get their results texted immediately after they finish. Race proceeds benefit the West End Alliance.
The main event – the 58th annual parade The grand celebration of all things Irish – the Allentown St.
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Patrick’s Parade – kicks off at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. Longtime Allentonians may remember when the parade began at the Fairgrounds and ended in center city. But while it still starts at the Fairgrounds, its current route loops north from 19th and Liberty Sts., west on Tilghman, south on 25th, and east on Liberty. A spectacular massed band exhibition featuring all the parades pipe bands, starts at 1 p.m. on 19th Street. “The West End is really thriving, and the spectator turnout for our parade is incredible. Our marchers head toward the crowd, not away from it, and seeing and hearing all those people really gives them a lift,” Chaya said. In fact, thousands of spectators flock to watch the marchers, and “porch parties” and wildly decorated homefronts are new traditions. Of course, prizes for the best-decorated house and best party might have a little something to do with it! In past years, the spectacle has been populated with tartanclad pipe bands, scouting organizations, cheerleaders, scholastic marching bands, the Lehigh University Hobo Band, floats, a kazoo band, race cars and antique vehicles. Afterward, each pipe band assembles at an assigned pub and continues playing. “It’s a great boost for the merchants, the bands and the customers,” Chaya added. And while the emphasis is on fun, there’s a serious note, too. “We collect non-perishable food at many of our events, and donate it to the Second Harvest food bank. It’s our way of remembering
Ireland’s great famine in the 1840s, which impelled many Irish to come to America,” he said. There are many other activities on the parade committee’s slate, including an official flag raising, a parade breakfast and a special Mass. For additional information, ticket orders and the latest updates, visit allentownstpatricksday parade.com n
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West End Alliance, Inc. 3140B Tilghman Street PMB #124, Allentown, PA 18104 PUBLICATION STAFF Editor —Michael Drabenstott Writer —Fred Jerant Designer —Publication Design, Inc. ••• West End Living is published quarterly by the West End Alliance, Inc. to promote the West End Theatre District. ••• ADVERTISING For advertising information, contact Joe Schaefer, (610) 439-8448 x226 or joes@allentownappliance.com ••• EDITORIAL Editorial suggestions or comments? Contact Michael Drabenstott at michael@drabenstott.com
Neighborhood n
News Digest n
Enjoy fun, history, art, more this spring with West End area neighborhood groups Neighborhood groups around the West End Theatre District are doing great things to make their neighborhoods – and the entire city – more livable and enjoyable. Please support their events and get involved. n The West Watch Neighborhood Group focuses on crime prevention. Its next meeting is slated for Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the West End Youth Center; the meeting topic is home security. The group will also meet on Tuesday, June 9. More: thewestwatch.wordpress.com n The Rose Garden Neighborhood Association, which supports Allentown’s historic Malcolm W. Gross Rose Garden through volunteer works, will host its annual picnic on Sunday, May 17, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rose Garden Pavilion #2. It will be an afternoon of food, fun, live music, and chatting with neighbors. For updates, visit www.rosegarden-na.org. n The Muhlenberg Area Community Watch’s meeting dates for the upcoming quarter are March 11, April 8, and May 13 at Christ E.C. Church at 22nd and Tilghman streets. gretchenkrasley@aol.com n The West Park Civic Association’s calendar is absolutely packed! (More: www.westpark-ca.org) • Saturday, March 28: History Expo 2015 at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 W. Walnut St. 10 AM - 4 PM • Saturday, April 18: West Park’s annual Earth Day neighborhood clean-up, 9 AM - noon • Saturday, April 25: 2nd annual Allentown Cherry Blossom Festival, Cedar Creek Parkway/Cedar Beach 10 AM - 5 PM • Sunday, May 31: “Music and Brunch in the Park”, 11 AM to 1 PM. Enjoy an al fresco meal in West Park while listening to singer/songwriter Nina Scarcia. To reserve a “Music and Brunch” table: marwpca@verizon.net For information on other events: 610-434-0657. n
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A West End FavoriteA great menu with specials. Something for everyone, 7 days a week. ••• DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS FROM SOUPS, SALADS, SANDWICHES, SEAFOOD, ITALIAN, MEAT, CHICKEN AND VEGETARIAN.
West End GREAT PLACES AWARD
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Stroll through the West End Theatre District on any given day and it’s easy to understand why it’s the envy of many other neighborhoods. You’ll find thriving businesses, pleasant neighbors, Muhlenberg College, the Fairgrounds, Civic Theatre, restaurants, clothing stores, salons and more – all within a few minutes’ walk. Last November, we also gained official recognition of the terrific quality of life in our neighborhood. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association (PA APA) -- a nonprofit, non-partisan organization for the promotion of planning, and for professional planners and planning officials in
the Commonwealth – named it as a “Great Neighborhood” in 2014, the first year of its “Great Places in Pennsylvania” program. A “Great Neighborhood” showcases an area’s historical/ cultural diversity, fosters economic opportunity, promotes community involvement, demonstrates connectivity, and is a hub of activity for residents and visitors. (Hard to argue with that!) As PA APA put it, “Culturally rich, business friendly, and ethnically diverse, the West End Theatre District is a leading Allentown neighborhood and a destination for residents, visitors, college students, entrepreneurs, and artisans.” According to Pam Shellenberger,
Accolades keep coming! The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission honored the District twice during the LVPC’s inaugural Lehigh Valley Awards event in October 2014. Using the criteria of originality and innovation; compatibility with other planning efforts, (specifically the “Comprehensive Plan “The Lehigh Valley...2030); effectiveness and results; engagement with varied and competing interests; and transferability of project concepts, judges recognized the 19th Street streetscape project (including the new fence and entrance gates at the Fairgrounds) in its Transportation category and the 19th St. bioretention planters in the Environmental category. n 4 WEST END LIVING www.westendlivingmag.com
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• Residential & CommeRCial landsCaping • • landsCape maintenanCe • • patios & WalkWays • • landsCape plantings • • HaRdsCaping • • Handyman seRviCes & ConstRuCtion •
Providing a Personal Touch for all the West End Theatre District’s Landscaping Needs Have you ever noticed the elephant at the top of Civic Theatre’s façade? It’s an exquisite expression of the neighborhood’s art deco motif.
AICP, York County Planning Commission and Chair of the Great Places Initiative, a statewide panel of eight judges reviewed 27 nominations in the “Great Neighborhoods” and “Great Public Spaces” categories. “The city has made considerable investment into the West End
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Theatre District’s streetscaping and infrastructure,” said Mayor Ed Pawlowski. “This neighborhood is the city’s western gateway. It is attractive, appealing and pedestrian friendly and very deserving of the PA APA recognition.” n
The “Great Neighborhoods” designation recognizes the West End Theatre District’s mix of commercial and residential spaces -- a true traditional neighborhood.
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Planters add color to District; planting areas help contain runoff The West End Theatre District enjoys splashes of color nearly year ‘round from the dozens of free-standing flower pots and a pair of inset planters. Several dozen black powdercoated planters dot the area around 19th Street. The West End Alliance invests nearly $6,000 each year to put flowers in the planters, keep them watered and weeded, and maintain the planting areas around the new trees that were planted in conjunction with the recent streetscaping project. “We took on the responsibility for the planters and landscaping to make sure there’s consistency throughout the neighborhood and to relieve the merchants and property owners of the need to maintain them,” said Scott
Smith, West End Alliance vice president and a member of the organization’s Beautification Committee. “The flowers and plantings will look great all year. And we make sure to have seasonal arrangements for the holidays and cold winter months.” In addition, the greenery of larger planting areas – near the Allen St. Market and Deli and Paint and Party -- do more than contrast the straight lines of nearby buildings. They’re designed to hold an amazing amount of water, thus reducing the impact of neighborhood flooding around the commercial district. The most severe recent incident was in August 2013. An intense 40-minute downpour trapped people in their homes, floated cars away, and dislodged dumpsters. The basement of Blink Optical Boutique took on 2-1/2 feet of water. At first glance, the attractive structures seem pretty typical –
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The 2013 streetscaping project included dozens of planters and large planting areas. The planting areas just west of 19th and Allen streets are designed to prevent water runoff during heavy rains.
an assortment of small trees and grasses, surrounded by decorative fencing. Go beneath the threeinch-deep mulch, though, and you’ll find a specially blended soil mix that encourages excess water to be stored within it and, when infiltration is possible, to percolate through it. Below that is a washedstone gravel bed feeding a sixinch-diameter perforated pipe that acts as a reservoir, providing additional storage for storm water runoff and if ever needed, a means of draining the facility. These biorentention planters are designed to handle the first inch of rainfall that flows from both the building and the nearby 18-space
parking lot. That amount is the typical goal for cities that have master plans for reducing urban runoff. A single inch might not sound like very much, but in this case, one-inch of runoff from the two properties was estimated at 2,990 gallons of water. Fortunately, the planters’ capacity is around 3,300 gallons – providing a nice little cushion in case of a real deluge. It’s a fairly simple concept – but the planters earned official recognition, in the environmental category, from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission during its Lehigh Valley Awards ceremony last October. n SPRING 2015 www.westendlivingmag.com
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ALL PhotoS by Marco Calderon
What is the West End Alliance? The West End of Allentown is unlike other parts of the city. Its 5,000+ residents live side-byside with more than 120 small businesses, Muhlenberg College, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Phoebe Ministries, a high school, an elementary school, several churches and more. Let’s face it, there are many towns that lack what we have in our own backyard. Many of those organizations have similar goals, but would probably pursue them independently – if not for the presence of the West End Alliance (WEA). “Our mission is to get all of these diverse elements working together for the betterment of the neighborhood,” said WEA president Joe Schaefer, owner of Allentown Appliance. “There are many different ‘fabrics’ in the West End, and the Alliance is the thread that holds them all together.” Schaefer is quick to point out that the Alliance is concerned with the viability of the entire West End – not just the West End Theatre District, which is bound by 17th and 22nd streets to the east and west and Liberty and Washington streets to the south and north. (It’s
a common misconception, he said). You can trace the genesis of WEA to 2004. Muhlenberg President Randy Helm wanted to offer his students a sort of home-awayfrom-home, and he thought the 19th Street neighborhood’s mix of residences and businesses could be a perfect place for them to congregate. Although the business community was supportive, there was no formal organizational structure and the concept eventually faded. But some residents and business owners fanned the ember of the idea and the WEA reignited in 2008. “The name fits perfectly,” Schaefer said, “because the group is truly an alliance of its many parts.” The first president of the WEA was Michael Drabenstott, managing partner of ad agency Lehigh Mining & Navigation (formerly Spark) and a long-time
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resident of the West End. During his six-year tenure, the WEA became a 501(c)(3) non-profit group, and became an organizer of the West End St. Patrick’s 5K Run, West End Oktoberfest and other events. And it’s the voice of the West End with the City of Allentown, Discover Lehigh Valley, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and other civic and business organizations. The Faces of WEA Its current volunteer board of directors includes: Joe Schaefer (President), Allentown Appliance Scott Smith (Vice President), TDS Technologies Bill McGlinn (Secretary), Muhlenberg College Holly Edinger (Treasurer), Sacred Heart Hospital and resident Anne Giglio, Silver Shears
Susan Linski, Susan Bella Jewelry Melissa Pavlack, Pavlack Law Offices, P. C. Richard Perose, Timothy Richard Jewelry Ray Thierrin, School of Rock Sharon Glassman, Civic Theatre of Allentown Sarah Rodriguez, Wells Fargo Bank Stephen Rohrbach, F. A. Rohrbach, Inc., and resident Michael Drabenstott (Past President), Lehigh Mining & Navigation, and resident The group supports itself through various fundraising activities (there are no membership dues), and relies on a throng of dedicated volunteers for its day-to-day operations, even at the executive level. “Our only paid employee is a part-time intern from Muhlenberg,” Schaefer said. “We’re always looking for ways to advance our mission,” Schaefer concluded. “It calls on us to create a welcoming mecca for residents, college students, entrepreneurs, and artisans,’ and the best way to do that is to continue our support of everyone in the West End.” Stay on top of what’s happening by visiting westendtheatredistrict. com (you can share your e-mail for periodic neighborhood updates) or “like” the Alliance on Facebook facebook.com/westendalliance. n
Third Fridays
bring art, music, fun to West End Theatre District The third Friday of each month just got more interesting. The West End Alliance – in conjunction with Civic Theatre and Blink Optical – will be hosting Third Friday events from April through October this year to give neighbors and visitors the chance to visit the District and enjoy art, entertainment, shopping and food. The WEA will be organizing a different musical act each month to perform on the sidewalk across from Civic Theatre of Allentown from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We are also aiming to have food trucks on 19th Street in addition to the
wonderful restaurants already in the neighborhood. Theatre 514 and Blink Optical will be open with exhibitions featuring talented local artists at their respective locations. After the music stops at 7:30, take your pick of a movie at Civic, the weekly open mic at Hava Java (8 p.m.) , or a drink or dessert at one of our local establishments. “We want to bring people together where they can enjoy art, music and the company of their friends and neighbors,” said West End Alliance President Joe Schaefer. “We encourage people to come out every third Friday and add to the energy of the neighborhood.” n Families can enjoy food, music and art at our monthly Third Friday events starting in April. Photo by Marco Calderon
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Upgrades at Theatre 514 deliver blockbuster experience
AFTER
For the past 10 years, Lehigh Valley cinephiles, seeking something more than the typical crash-bang-boom of Hollywood mega-budget movies, have flocked to Theatre514, an offshoot of Civic Theatre’s main operations, It’s a haven for independent films, such as “Birdman,” “Chef,” and “The Imitation Game.” And just as an oasis offers comfort to desert wanderers, last year’s major overhaul of Theatre514 now provides a more-welcoming atmosphere for moviegoers, thanks to improved seating space, guest amenities, and technical capabilities. When Civic acquired the space in 2004, it was intended as a “black box:” a simple space that offers plenty of flexibility in use.
Computer SaleS, ServiCeS, upgradeS, maintenanCe managed it ServiCeS video SurveillanCe SaleS & ServiCe network deSign & network Support SyStem SeCurity deSign & deployment h o S t e d e x C h a n g e • a n t i v i r u S • a n t i m a lwa r e d ata B a C k u p a n d d i S a S t e r r e C o v e r y phone SyStem SaleS & ServiCe 1728 West Allen Street 610.351.4994 10 WEST END LIVING www.westendlivingmag.com
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BEFORE
And that was in line with Civic’s original plans – to use it for screening indie films, mounting smaller, more intimate stage shows, and for scenery/prop construction, as well as production storage. But you can’t stop evolution. “When we acquired and opened Theatre514 nearly 10 years ago, we could not have imagined how important the facility would be to Civic’s day-to-day operations,” said Michael Traupman, managing director. “The space has allowed us to greatly expand our film programming, add art exhibitions and provide much needed space for our Civic Theatre School.” The addition of risers and 60 seats turned that simple box into a more-or-less-constant home for movie screenings. With a small upgrade in 2013, Theatre514 turned its lobby into a gallery space, with rotating exhibitions featuring the work of local and regional artists, and added digital projection capability to the screening room. But the biggest changes at Theatre514 took place in late 2014, when the theater was shuttered for a two-week re-imagining. And the results are astounding. n All-new steel-reinforced risers offer solid anchors for the
92 custom-made seats, complete with cup holders, in the “Continental” arrangement – which eliminates a center aisle, but increases space between rows of seats. (And the folding chairs are gone!) n The risers also provide better “rise” and “pitch” – factors that affect a viewer’s line-of-sight n The movie screen is now centered relative to the seating. n Reconfigured lighting adds to the overall ambience while providing additional safety. Aesthetics haven’t been overlooked, either. The original black is offset by pops and splashes of bright red – such as the acoustical wall panels – stainlesssteel railings with cable-wire trims, LED wall sconces, and other features. Future plans include an upgrade to the theatre’s exterior. “We want people both to be excited about this facility and the artistry contained within,” Traupman says. “This building means a lot to the West End Theatre District. We hope we can find a way to give it a façade worthy of its calling.” More info: civictheatre.com. Box office: 610-432-8943 n
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New music school ready to rock the West End Theatre District Many of us took music lessons in our childhood – endless hours of exercises, repetition and solitary practice – often playing music we didn’t even like! But the School of Rock – which re-opened in early February at its new location on N. 19th St. behind the Shanty on 19th – takes a different approach. Of course, private instruction in guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards and drums is provided. “In our program, kids first learn how to play songs, but they also learn music theory, how songs are built, how to use changes in tempo and dynamics,” said co-owner Ray Thierren. The students also learn to cope with the challenges of playing in a group. “You can’t really call yourself a player unless you’re on-stage, executing what you’ve learned,” he said. That’s why an important part of the curriculum is playing in ad hoc bands, made up of students of varying ability. In group settings, players often need to adjust their accustomed tempos to match other players, or blend varying approaches to the material – quite different from solo practicing. The
need to carry your own weight also encourages students to stick with practicing. And Ray and his co-owner wife, Sue, view the social aspect of School of Rock as a special type of development. “When you walk in, you’re immediately seen as a fellow musician; your personality, clothes, or where you’re from doesn’t matter so much,” he said. The program also fosters a sense of leadership and mentorship in more-advanced players; they’re encouraged to offer advice and tips to the less-skilled. It offers a taste of reality, as well. A flashy guitarist in one group might not be the big fish when playing in a different band. School of Rock offers an afterschool, tuition-based program. (There are limited funds for scholarships.) And packages range from “Lessons +”, for those learning mainly for fun, to the more-serious Rock 101, to “Performance Group,” in which players get ready to blast out
tunes by Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, Aerosmith and other artists. Thierren added that when he decided to move the school from Union Blvd., he had looked all
around the Valley. “We selected our new location specifically in a place that has a community-based feel. In the West End Theatre District, we have a good mix of
businesses, retail, and residences a block away, in addition to the great cultural institutions like the Farmer’s Market and Civic Theatre,” he said.
School of Rock – Allentown is located at 613 N. 19th St. For information, call 610-434ROCK (7625) or visit allentown. schoolofrock.com n
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Major Phoebe renovation complements look of neighborhood Phoebe’s Allentown campus at 1925 Turner St. has long dominated that block. Given its mission of providing health care, housing, and support services for older adults, one could expect it to have a rather institutional appearance. Instead, the organization has taken considerable pains to complement the rest of the neighborhood. Its carefully tended flowerbeds, well-groomed shrubbery and conveniently placed benches project an air of friendliness and warmth. It’s also in the midst of a long-term, multi-million-dollar renovation project. Community
relations specialist Trina JohnsonBrady gave us a quick recap. Located at the western end of the Allentown health care center,
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Phoebe’s Trexler Wing is getting a significant facelift to match the look of its east wing, which was renovated in 2013. The brick
surface is being replaced with high-quality stone vinyl and stucco. “It will have more of a ‘town-house’ look,” Johnson-Brady
said, “so it will blend better with the residential neighborhood.” Other exterior improvements include peaked roofs, decorative metalwork, new windows and enhancements to the entrance and outdoor living spaces. But the most extensive changes are taking place inside. A central air conditioning system will eliminate the need for windowmounted units. The three-floor wing will eventually have 144 beds (about a 10 percent increase), for use by short-term and longterm rehab residents. Johnson-Brady said each floor will have a central nursing station, and multiple “team stations” will let nurses get medical supplies more efficiently. Additional bathing rooms in each section will offer more privacy and easier access for residents. The wing’s first floor will have a dedicated rehab gym; corresponding spaces on the other floors will house serving kitchens and meeting facilities. Johnson-Brady said the project is expected to be finished in about two more years. And there are ongoing improvements at the Terrace at Phoebe Allentown, its upscale community. A thorough
renovation of the second floor – and of about a dozen apartments on the first floor – is already finished. As additional apartments open up, they’ll get extensive upgrades: n New flooring, countertops/ backsplashes and stainless steel appliances in the kitchens n New flooring, vanities and lighting in the bathrooms n Upgraded lighting and new wooden baseboards throughout Johnson-Brady added that the facility had lacked an outdoor area for family picnics or other events. But a recently installed patio area has changed that. The space offers a 740-square-foot patio to seat 4050 people, attractive lighting, an access ramp, a cooking grill, and plenty of greenery for a mix of sunny and shady spots. “Phoebe offers a number of housing and care options for individuals. Best of all, they’re integrated into our West End neighborhood,” said Joe Schaefer, president of the West End Alliance. “The recent renovations were approached with the spirit, aesthetics and function of neighborhood living. We’re thankful to have Phoebe as an important part of the West End.” n
Upgrades to Phoebe’s facilities have made the buildings more home-like and complement the rest of the neighborhood. A new patio was installed for residents of the Terrace at Phoebe Allentown in August 2014. SPRING 2015 www.westendlivingmag.com
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Important Allentown Phone Numbers Got a question? Complaint? Safety concern? Just pick up the phone! Ambulance: 9-1-1 Animal Control: 610-437-7535 City Information Desk: 610 439-5999 Photo by Marco Calderon
Code Enforcement: 610 437-7661 Code Enforcement - Rental Licensing: 610 437-7694. Community Problems (neighbor disputes): 610 437-7773 Crime Prevention Unit: 610 437-7719 Emergency Medical Services (non-emergency): 610 437-7751 Emergency Medical Services (paramedics): 610 437-7531 Fire: 9-1-1 Graffiti Busters: 610 437-8729 Graffiti in Progress: 9-1-1 Housing Compliance/Inspections: 610 437-7697 Leaf Pickup: 610 437-7638 Mayor Ed Pawlowski: 610-437-7546 Noise Complaints: 610-437-7751 Police Calls (emergency): 9-1-1 Police Calls (non-emergency): 610 437-7751 Police - Vice Unit: 610-437-7726 Rental Unit Inspections: 610 437-7695 Sewer Back-up: 610 437 7639 Sewer Emergencies (after hours): 610 437-7751 State Representative Michael Schlossberg: 610 821-5577, 610 437-8729 Street Lights: 610-437-7735 SWEEP (Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste): 610-437-8729 Vacant Property Issues: 610-437-7694 Zoning: 610 437-7630 Zoning Violations: 610-437-4360
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