FBI Seizes Allentown City Hall Documents

NBC10 Philadelphia
Allentown Mayor Suspends Senate Campaign Amid Federal Probe

I haven't been ignoring this news. Rather hesitated a few days to digest this and craft a response. So here's my thoughts.

(1) There was some doubt a few days ago whether this was a federal or state probe. According to NBC10's report it's federal This probe goes beyond Pennsylvania and any possible influence (damage control) that might come out of Harrisburg over the investigation. That's a big deal.

(2) None of us have any idea where this may lead. This didn't stop people jumping all over the mayor trashing him like the internet is prone to do. I think the point most people are missing is how the possible fallout could affect each and everyone living within Allentown. Reemphasizing; we don't know where this is headed but if it should come down affecting the NIZ we all may be screwed. You see the entire NIZ's success is predicated on it's ability to deliver cheap rents. Lawyers fees, possible financial penalties or anything else for that matter resulting in increases to those rents will undermine then entire project. If severe enough the whole project could fall like a house of cards.

(3) Ill leave it up to others to further speculate how it could ripple affect each and everyone's taxes if the worse should happen.

(4) Of further consideration is how it could impact real estate home values in Allentown. Few home buyers would be interested moving into a city that suddenly could find itself strapped for cash. Bad news for sellers which most certainly would lower a home's value on the real estate market.

(5) It's possible this unwanted attention might put the brakes on some of the planned future development at Riverfront.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Way too many people are quick to unleash evil thoughts on those who are directly affected in this investigation. In some cases wanting them to get prosecuted. The problem with that is if they get hit with fines or legal charges all of us get whacked in one way or another. Let us not be too quick to judge or wish them ill will. If they fail, we all fail whether we played a part or not. If their money goes south so does some of ours along with it.

Anyone who reads this blog knows I've been against this use of taxpayer money for the NIZ from the beginning. However, we're now so far into this mess there's nothing more I want then to wish for it to be a success. Failure is not an option at this point. The last thing I want to see is a bunch of empty buildings generating zero revenue not being able to pay back what the taxpayers have invested.

Like it or not we're all on this train together. So whether I agree or disagree with the project I'm forced to wish them all well. Yes even the mayor despite his tactics even if I don't think he or they may deserve it.