Allentown was right to keep monument downtown

I would like to commend the City of Allentown for keeping the Soldiers and Sailors Monument where it currently stands. Last week, the city announced, with only two days’ notice, that they were holding public discussions about the monument, at Seventh Street in downtown Allentown, with everything on the table. Many were worried that the historic monument, which was constructed in 1889 to honor the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteers in the Civil War, was in jeopardy. Instead, the city reaffirmed its commitment to the monument and welcomed suggestions about how to incorporate this area to greater use in the city. It would be helpful if the city held additional meetings on potential uses going forward, rather than only arrive at a decision after one public meeting. By preserving its past and incorporating the public, Allentown will be able to find ways to use its resources well into the future.

Timothy Smith

Allentown