The Street Lamps on 19th
I hear often of plans for street lamps to be placed on 19th street. I first heard of this years ago while I was employed at Anylise’s Hava Java. If my memory serves me correctly, the street lamps were one of the main goals of what was the fledgling Revitalization committee. It is to my understanding that these street lights are coming soon and that goal has been met.
19th street has changed a lot in the past few years. Blink Optical has established a thriving day time business and has set a good example for future entrepreneurship on 19th street. I recently had an eye exam there and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in need of one. There is a new jewelry store and a designer hand bag store to complement Blink; and both have sustainable day time followings. Nancy has remained steadfast on the corner and continues to operate her day time business.
I drive down that street each night as I come home from work. The day time businesses are closed. The once illustrious Hava Java is usually empty. The Shanty is shut down. Civic Theater’s marquee lights only brighten the footsteps of theater patrons as they head to their cars. At night, 19th street is populated by ghosts.
So, what will the street lamps do when they finally arrive?
There are no sustainable businesses open that cater to a night time crowd on 19th street any longer save the Theater; but with no place to go after seeing a movie or play, people leave. The wonderful and vital day time businesses do not have night hours. There are no Blues being played at The Shanty. There is no night scene to revitalize because nothing exists after hours on 19th street.
I hope that sometime in the future some businesses open somewhere on the street that do offer night time hours and encourage more people to stay once their entertainment has ended at the Theater. For now, the Hava Java deteriorates and the street grows quieter after every sunset.
I suppose the street lights will shine on what 19th street needs the most now.
It needs life at night.
19th street has changed a lot in the past few years. Blink Optical has established a thriving day time business and has set a good example for future entrepreneurship on 19th street. I recently had an eye exam there and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in need of one. There is a new jewelry store and a designer hand bag store to complement Blink; and both have sustainable day time followings. Nancy has remained steadfast on the corner and continues to operate her day time business.
I drive down that street each night as I come home from work. The day time businesses are closed. The once illustrious Hava Java is usually empty. The Shanty is shut down. Civic Theater’s marquee lights only brighten the footsteps of theater patrons as they head to their cars. At night, 19th street is populated by ghosts.
So, what will the street lamps do when they finally arrive?
There are no sustainable businesses open that cater to a night time crowd on 19th street any longer save the Theater; but with no place to go after seeing a movie or play, people leave. The wonderful and vital day time businesses do not have night hours. There are no Blues being played at The Shanty. There is no night scene to revitalize because nothing exists after hours on 19th street.
I hope that sometime in the future some businesses open somewhere on the street that do offer night time hours and encourage more people to stay once their entertainment has ended at the Theater. For now, the Hava Java deteriorates and the street grows quieter after every sunset.
I suppose the street lights will shine on what 19th street needs the most now.
It needs life at night.
Labels: Allentown
posted by Andrew Kleiner at
4:43 PM
4 Comments:
I wonder if street lamps will bring people there at night, or if they'll just be lighting up empty sidewalks. I've been at the Hava Java late at night many times, and it's eerie once the marquee shuts off - the only light comes from the gas station and the internally-lit Lafayette Bank sign.
I do miss the Shanty. And the Saylor's Diner.
I don't think street lights are going to bring anyone out if there is no where to go to. Unless of course, people want to go hang out to see street lights.
Another Nerv Center location anyone? haha
That wouldn't be terrible I suppose, especially paired with a classy billiards joint or something in that ilk.
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