Hi everyone,
Real quick, I just wanted to let you all know that the full Facade Program application is now available on the internet. Just click on the above link to access it.
Thanks to David Novak, Borough Councilman in Coopersburg, for putting the application up!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Op-Ed
Hi everyone,
The Morning Call was kind enough to print an op-ed that I wrote on the improving state of our local cities. Click here to read it or scroll down. Thanks to the Morning Call for publishing my piece and for their continued support of urban revitalization!
-------------
Lehigh Valley Town Square
Modern cities are changing, and the change is for the better
By Michael Schlossberg
August 27, 2008
How many of you have stories that sound something like this: You grew up in a city. The streets were safe, the schools were first-rate and people looked after each other. But somewhere along the way, things changed. Your favorite hang-outs were knocked down and nothing was ever rebuilt. The school district declined. You became afraid to walk the streets at night. Wanting better for your children, you moved to a suburban community.
Does this sound familiar? But, our urban centers have changed.
Consider crime. In Allentown, thanks to additional police officers and better technology, violent crime has dropped dramatically -- about 25 percent in the past two years. This is not to say that the city's crime problems are fixed, but the city is absolutely moving in the right direction. In Bethlehem, many violent crimes dropped 11 percent in the past year. Meanwhile, our boroughs, places like Macungie, Nazareth and Emmaus, have virtually no serious crimes. Some haven't seen a murder in decades.
What about taxes? Suburban areas may have lower taxes, but not for long. Taxes were kept low there by rapid development. But as the economy slows, development slows with it. A great example is Bethlehem Township. For the first time in 15 years, it may have to raise taxes, possibly by 10 percent. The tax disparity between urban and suburban communities will not exist for much longer.
The benefits to urban areas are innumerable. Residents have access to full-time and professional police and fire protection, as well as nearby medical facilities. Everything is closer together; residents don't have to drive everywhere or they don't have to go far. Urban residents have access to mass transit. Allentown has one of the best parks systems in the state. Boroughs like Macungie (which has three parks within one square mile) offer recreational opportunities that are within walking distance for virtually every residents. And, with parks, playgrounds, schools, clubs and other kids, urban living creates an place that allows children to be with each other, as opposed to playing video games.
Our urban cores also have a sense of community that suburban communities can never hope to duplicate. Urban areas are a hotbed for political activism and neighborhood involvement. They are also the home of other organizations, everything from garden and book clubs to community facilities that are the home for dozens of local sports teams. These groups often make dramatic improvements to their hometown.
Americans of all races and socioeconomic sectors are moving back into cities. Statistics show that the rate of wealthy residents leaving cities is rapidly slowing and in many cases, richer people are finally moving back into cities. This does not mean the end of the diversity in urban centers, far from it. What it means is that large portions of the populace have realized that urban environments are not places to fear, but are places to thrive. Places where you can raise a family.
Proof of this renaissance can be seen by just reading the news. It is virtually impossible to do so now without hearing a story about activism dedicated towards improving our urban cores. Be it the Hamilton Street Visioning, Seventh Street Revitalization, North by Northwest in Bethlehem, Greater Easton Development Partnership, Borough Business Revitalization Program or other groups, governments and citizens alike realize that the key is a long-term revitalization effort.
I'm not saying all cities and boroughs are paradise. There is still much work to be done. But cities are on the rise because neighbors have learned that they do not have to sit back and let their homes be lost to crime and neglect. Indeed, that is the worst thing they can do. For urban communities to come back, they require community leadership and an active citizenry. Thankfully, in the Lehigh Valley, we have no shortage of either quality.
Michael Schlossberg is a borough business revitalization coordinator for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at MikeS@lehighvalleychamber.org.
The Morning Call was kind enough to print an op-ed that I wrote on the improving state of our local cities. Click here to read it or scroll down. Thanks to the Morning Call for publishing my piece and for their continued support of urban revitalization!
-------------
Lehigh Valley Town Square
Modern cities are changing, and the change is for the better
By Michael Schlossberg
August 27, 2008
How many of you have stories that sound something like this: You grew up in a city. The streets were safe, the schools were first-rate and people looked after each other. But somewhere along the way, things changed. Your favorite hang-outs were knocked down and nothing was ever rebuilt. The school district declined. You became afraid to walk the streets at night. Wanting better for your children, you moved to a suburban community.
Does this sound familiar? But, our urban centers have changed.
Consider crime. In Allentown, thanks to additional police officers and better technology, violent crime has dropped dramatically -- about 25 percent in the past two years. This is not to say that the city's crime problems are fixed, but the city is absolutely moving in the right direction. In Bethlehem, many violent crimes dropped 11 percent in the past year. Meanwhile, our boroughs, places like Macungie, Nazareth and Emmaus, have virtually no serious crimes. Some haven't seen a murder in decades.
What about taxes? Suburban areas may have lower taxes, but not for long. Taxes were kept low there by rapid development. But as the economy slows, development slows with it. A great example is Bethlehem Township. For the first time in 15 years, it may have to raise taxes, possibly by 10 percent. The tax disparity between urban and suburban communities will not exist for much longer.
The benefits to urban areas are innumerable. Residents have access to full-time and professional police and fire protection, as well as nearby medical facilities. Everything is closer together; residents don't have to drive everywhere or they don't have to go far. Urban residents have access to mass transit. Allentown has one of the best parks systems in the state. Boroughs like Macungie (which has three parks within one square mile) offer recreational opportunities that are within walking distance for virtually every residents. And, with parks, playgrounds, schools, clubs and other kids, urban living creates an place that allows children to be with each other, as opposed to playing video games.
Our urban cores also have a sense of community that suburban communities can never hope to duplicate. Urban areas are a hotbed for political activism and neighborhood involvement. They are also the home of other organizations, everything from garden and book clubs to community facilities that are the home for dozens of local sports teams. These groups often make dramatic improvements to their hometown.
Americans of all races and socioeconomic sectors are moving back into cities. Statistics show that the rate of wealthy residents leaving cities is rapidly slowing and in many cases, richer people are finally moving back into cities. This does not mean the end of the diversity in urban centers, far from it. What it means is that large portions of the populace have realized that urban environments are not places to fear, but are places to thrive. Places where you can raise a family.
Proof of this renaissance can be seen by just reading the news. It is virtually impossible to do so now without hearing a story about activism dedicated towards improving our urban cores. Be it the Hamilton Street Visioning, Seventh Street Revitalization, North by Northwest in Bethlehem, Greater Easton Development Partnership, Borough Business Revitalization Program or other groups, governments and citizens alike realize that the key is a long-term revitalization effort.
I'm not saying all cities and boroughs are paradise. There is still much work to be done. But cities are on the rise because neighbors have learned that they do not have to sit back and let their homes be lost to crime and neglect. Indeed, that is the worst thing they can do. For urban communities to come back, they require community leadership and an active citizenry. Thankfully, in the Lehigh Valley, we have no shortage of either quality.
Michael Schlossberg is a borough business revitalization coordinator for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at MikeS@lehighvalleychamber.org.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Stay Warm PA
There are few items that put as much of a drain on someone's personal budget as much as fuel - be it for heating your home or driving your car. As I've said countless times in the past, I truly believe that energy conservation and urban revitalization are two thigns which go hand in hand.
Accordingly, I was pointed to this website by our friends at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. It is called Stay Warm PA. From the front page of the website:
We want Pennsylvanians to stay warm this winter and we are working to make sure that those who are most vulnerable and need our help have the resources they need to cope with the cold months and days ahead.
Home heating is a significant expense. We want consumers to know what resources and assistance are available - whether to help pay home heating bills or for weatherizing home. This Web site will help people learn where to turn when they need help.
My goal is to make sure all Pennsylvanians are warm and safe and are prepared for the months to come. This site is one way we’re doing just that.
Edward G. Rendell, Governor
Accordingly, I was pointed to this website by our friends at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. It is called Stay Warm PA. From the front page of the website:
We want Pennsylvanians to stay warm this winter and we are working to make sure that those who are most vulnerable and need our help have the resources they need to cope with the cold months and days ahead.
Home heating is a significant expense. We want consumers to know what resources and assistance are available - whether to help pay home heating bills or for weatherizing home. This Web site will help people learn where to turn when they need help.
My goal is to make sure all Pennsylvanians are warm and safe and are prepared for the months to come. This site is one way we’re doing just that.
Edward G. Rendell, Governor
Monday, August 18, 2008
Facade Program Update
Hi everyone,
Well, for Alburtis, Coopersburg, Hellertown and Macungie, I have the latest information on our Facade Program. Right now, for those who received the Design Assistance, we will be holding meetings on August 26 and 28 to review the architectural renderings. Anyone who wants revisions will get them no more than two weeks after the meeting. At these meetings, we will also be giving out the formal application and all of the related information.
We have also set a deadline for this portion of the Facade Program: October 14. The allocations will be made shortly after that.
UPDATE: I now have the dates and other information for the other five participating communities. They are:
Bangor: Final application due date is 10/15.
Bath: September 30.
Catasauqua & North Catasauqua: Late October.
Wilson: The Facade Workshop will be on 9/30.
Well, for Alburtis, Coopersburg, Hellertown and Macungie, I have the latest information on our Facade Program. Right now, for those who received the Design Assistance, we will be holding meetings on August 26 and 28 to review the architectural renderings. Anyone who wants revisions will get them no more than two weeks after the meeting. At these meetings, we will also be giving out the formal application and all of the related information.
We have also set a deadline for this portion of the Facade Program: October 14. The allocations will be made shortly after that.
UPDATE: I now have the dates and other information for the other five participating communities. They are:
Bangor: Final application due date is 10/15.
Bath: September 30.
Catasauqua & North Catasauqua: Late October.
Wilson: The Facade Workshop will be on 9/30.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Two Great Articles
Two great articles for you today, brought to my attention by our friends at the Pennsylvania Downtown Center.
The first, titled "Eight is Enough," discusses the eight good aspects that all good downtowns should have, highlighting the experience of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The article notes some of the cornerstones of urban revitalization, like ensuring a mix of uses and marketing cities towards the appropriate demographics.
The second article, "Trading Places," discusses the recent switch in the demographics of our cities. In traditional American cities, the more affluent lived on the cities outskirts while the poorer were relegated to the inner city. In the past thirty years, however, many cities have seen a switch in this demographic trend. The article goes on to discuss the reasons why. It's a long one, but definitely worth reading.
The first, titled "Eight is Enough," discusses the eight good aspects that all good downtowns should have, highlighting the experience of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The article notes some of the cornerstones of urban revitalization, like ensuring a mix of uses and marketing cities towards the appropriate demographics.
The second article, "Trading Places," discusses the recent switch in the demographics of our cities. In traditional American cities, the more affluent lived on the cities outskirts while the poorer were relegated to the inner city. In the past thirty years, however, many cities have seen a switch in this demographic trend. The article goes on to discuss the reasons why. It's a long one, but definitely worth reading.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Plans for the Year
We've just finalized our Strategic Plan for the year, and I wanted to share with you all the results. Below is a list of our planned activities for 6/2008 - 6/2009. Keep in mind this is just initatives that we are undertaking at a program-wide level and that this is certainly NOT the only things we will be doing this year. Comments, as always, are very much appreciated!
Design:
- Complete the 2007 Facade Program
- Complete the 2008 Facade Program
- Complete a parking inventory in interested communities.
- Complete property inventories.
Organizational
- Complete visioning/strategic planning in all communities.
- Develop a budget in each community.
- Assemble a volunteer orientation packet.
- Complete bylaws in all interested communities.
Promotional
- Assemble a residential welcome packet.
- Hold at least one fundraising/promotional event in each community.
- Continue to add content to the BBRP website.
Economic Restructuring
- Complete "Working with the Borough" guide in every community.
- Complete zip code survey.
- Meet with real estate agents/developers and discuss our program/available properties.
- Produce a Business Enhancement Brochure in conjunction with the SBDC.
- Assemble a business recruitment packet.
Design:
- Complete the 2007 Facade Program
- Complete the 2008 Facade Program
- Complete a parking inventory in interested communities.
- Complete property inventories.
Organizational
- Complete visioning/strategic planning in all communities.
- Develop a budget in each community.
- Assemble a volunteer orientation packet.
- Complete bylaws in all interested communities.
Promotional
- Assemble a residential welcome packet.
- Hold at least one fundraising/promotional event in each community.
- Continue to add content to the BBRP website.
Economic Restructuring
- Complete "Working with the Borough" guide in every community.
- Complete zip code survey.
- Meet with real estate agents/developers and discuss our program/available properties.
- Produce a Business Enhancement Brochure in conjunction with the SBDC.
- Assemble a business recruitment packet.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Small businesses in America
In the course of doing some research for a project, I came across some really interesting statistics.
All to often, we hear about how small businesses are dying in America. There is no doubt that small businesses are facing a particularly difficult time. Between big box stores & malls, rising fuel costs, increasing inflation and plummeting consumer confidence, small businesses are in difficult shape. Some people even ask why they are worth saving.
That answer is easy. According to statistics provided by the United States Census Bureau, there are over four million small businesses (firms that employee under 19 employees) in the United States. These firms provided over twenty million jobs and have an estimated payroll of nearly two trillion dollars annually.
Small businesses are VITAL to the continued development of the American economy, and our political and community leaders must do everything they can do ensure that small businesses can continue to thrive in these changing times.
All to often, we hear about how small businesses are dying in America. There is no doubt that small businesses are facing a particularly difficult time. Between big box stores & malls, rising fuel costs, increasing inflation and plummeting consumer confidence, small businesses are in difficult shape. Some people even ask why they are worth saving.
That answer is easy. According to statistics provided by the United States Census Bureau, there are over four million small businesses (firms that employee under 19 employees) in the United States. These firms provided over twenty million jobs and have an estimated payroll of nearly two trillion dollars annually.
Small businesses are VITAL to the continued development of the American economy, and our political and community leaders must do everything they can do ensure that small businesses can continue to thrive in these changing times.
America's Fastest Dying Cities
As an urban revitalization coordinator, I always try to act as a cheerleader for cities. I don't do this because of my job, I do this because it is what I truly feel. Cities and urban revitalization are two things I care deeply about and I will do whatever I can, both within my job and outside of it, to try to promote them both.
That being said, we have to be realistic about the challenges that we face. A report on forbes.com perfectly illustrates that challenges. The report is called "America's Fastest-Dying Cities" and the title basically explains the article. These cities are marked by decreasing population, rampant unemployment and stagnant economies. Four of those cities are in Ohio - two are in Michigan. This is a pretty good illustration of the challenge that urban areas face. And it's not just limited to the rust belt. The report goes on to note that some of the most thriving cities, such as Miami, Las Vegas and Phoenix (which recently passed Philadelphia in population growth) have seen massive declines in their housing value - sometimes by as much as 30%.
There's no doubt that there are huge challenges for those who care about urban revitalization. But history has proven that a coordinated, long-term, private-public partnership can revive even the most dying city. I'll be curious to see what sort of efforts these cities are putting (or will shortly be putting) into urban revitalization.
That being said, we have to be realistic about the challenges that we face. A report on forbes.com perfectly illustrates that challenges. The report is called "America's Fastest-Dying Cities" and the title basically explains the article. These cities are marked by decreasing population, rampant unemployment and stagnant economies. Four of those cities are in Ohio - two are in Michigan. This is a pretty good illustration of the challenge that urban areas face. And it's not just limited to the rust belt. The report goes on to note that some of the most thriving cities, such as Miami, Las Vegas and Phoenix (which recently passed Philadelphia in population growth) have seen massive declines in their housing value - sometimes by as much as 30%.
There's no doubt that there are huge challenges for those who care about urban revitalization. But history has proven that a coordinated, long-term, private-public partnership can revive even the most dying city. I'll be curious to see what sort of efforts these cities are putting (or will shortly be putting) into urban revitalization.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Preserving Open Space
During my job interview for this position, the first question I was asked was why I wanted this job. My answer was that I firmly believed in open space protection and that land use changes were needed through the Commonwealth. However, I also believed that the public and private sector had to do more than limit land development, they had to make more livable communities. It was that belief that first made me interested in urban revitalization.
An article in the Morning Call somewhat touches on the connection between land use preservation and urban revitalization. The article discusses Upper Saucon's efforts to preserve open space. To do so, Upper Saucon is encouraging developers (and potentially changing ordinances) to encourage a more clustered form of development. The proposal works like this: developers promise to preserve half of the land they are developing. As a result, Upper Saucon lets developers increase the density of the properties that they will build. There is something in this proposal for everyone: developers get more houses (and thus make more of a profit) while more open space is protected.
According to the article, 32 communities throughout the state have this type of land use protection. 14 of them are local.
For more information on this type of zoning and a variety of other tools that can be used to protect open space, visit the National Land Trust's website.
An article in the Morning Call somewhat touches on the connection between land use preservation and urban revitalization. The article discusses Upper Saucon's efforts to preserve open space. To do so, Upper Saucon is encouraging developers (and potentially changing ordinances) to encourage a more clustered form of development. The proposal works like this: developers promise to preserve half of the land they are developing. As a result, Upper Saucon lets developers increase the density of the properties that they will build. There is something in this proposal for everyone: developers get more houses (and thus make more of a profit) while more open space is protected.
According to the article, 32 communities throughout the state have this type of land use protection. 14 of them are local.
For more information on this type of zoning and a variety of other tools that can be used to protect open space, visit the National Land Trust's website.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
LVMS in the Morning Call
Hi to our regular and new readers,
Thanks to the Morning Call for publicizing a blog entry I made last week on fuel prices and urban revitalization.
For those of you who are new and interested about this blog and the program behind it, click here to read about our program and here to read about some of our accomplishments.
Any questions, do NOT hesitate to contact me at MikeS@lehighvalleychamber.org.
Thanks to the Morning Call for publicizing a blog entry I made last week on fuel prices and urban revitalization.
For those of you who are new and interested about this blog and the program behind it, click here to read about our program and here to read about some of our accomplishments.
Any questions, do NOT hesitate to contact me at MikeS@lehighvalleychamber.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)