The Sign Man of Mahantongo Street

                 THE SIGN MAN OF MAHANTONGO STREET

While driving down Mahantongo Street along the eight hundred block I noticed a spark of defiance against the System.  I looked over at the rotting buildings that appear to ooze mold, filth and decay along this once proud and prestigious street…buildings that will eventually pull their neighbors buildings into its hideous web of no return.  Yes, I saw a spark of defiance against the System. 

Someone dared to place a large sign on the building with three words “Jail the Owner.”  The person who placed the sign probably did so out of despair; he or she finally realized that the System has no intention of enforcing its building codes, of helping those property owners nearby who still have antiquated habits of maintaining their real estate.  Some of the rot has been left untouched by the System for decades. 

The System generally tells a complainer that the slumlord cannot be identified or found. 

Pssst….here is a little secret:

Tax Map	68-35-0058.000
Parcel Address	800 MAHANTONGO STREET POTTSVILLE, PA 17901
School District	Pottsville Area
Municipality	Pottsville
Owner Name		Owner Address		Deed Bk/PG	Sale Date
ARRAKI RACHID		2252 FIRST AVE, APT 5D NEW YORK, NY 10029		2601/1454	7/25/2017

 So just ignore any answer like the following:

“Nope, can’t figure out who owns the limited liability company, now move along…we have more important priorities, like planning the next downtown beer party….Don’t you know we spent about $18 million on Union Station….Don’t you know that 147 plastic clings in the shapes of squares, circles and triangles were placed on the windows of the Thompson Building.”

So the rot, decay and mold will continue and the System will remain in power arranging periodic deals with quasi-governmental entities to rehabilitate a structure here and there.   In ten years, the Thompson Building will still remain a historic relic similar to the ruins of Pompeii.  The majority will not make waves against the System, the majority will continue to openly applaud the System.  They will behave like good sheep and avoid the downtown, but quietly worry that the falling façade may land on the heads of tourists mesmerized by the geometric window clings decorating the empty windows.

I would like to meet and thank the man (or woman) who placed the sign on 800 Mahantongo Street. I compare that person to the unidentified man at Tiananmen Square who on June 5, 1989 stood in front of the columns of tanks.  The Mahantongo Street sign is telling everyone who passes by that the System has failed…Blight is to be the norm.  There will be no code enforcement.  In a way the sign is also telling us that we have all been lied to.  The sign is announcing that there will be no revitalization.  The sign is telling us that there will be no renaissance.  The sign is telling us that the only millennials who will be coming to live in Pottsville will be those coming into the prison or the local crack houses.

Yes the Sign Man of Mahantongo is our Tank Man of Tianamen.  Sign Man is telling everyone to wake up and realize the System will not help you.  Sign Man is telling us to take grassroots action.  Follow Sign Man’s example. Put up signs on the slums and drug dens.  Take photographs and put them online.  Wake up the System and tell the System that we are mad as hell and we won’t take it anymore.  Tell the System that the $18 million spent of Union Station did not stop the rot and decay.  Take enforcing the code into your own hands.  File private complaints at the district justice office.  Tell the System and the plutocrats to take their geometric window clings and shove them where the sun don’t shine!

Owners of real estate can be easily identified by going to the Schuylkill County Parcel Locator on -line.  The names and addresses of the owners can be found there.  If the owner is a Pennsylvania Limited Liability Company or Corporation, then go the Pennsylvania Department of State website and put in the name of the entity, it will give you the address of the entity. You may need to send in a few dollars to get more information such as the name of the owner.  However, you can google that address. It may take a few minutes to accomplish what City Hall may tell you is impossible.  Take matters into your own hands and don’t listen to lame excuses anymore!  Remember the Sign Man of Mahantongo Street!!

                        “Jail the Owner”

CSI: Mahantongo Street

I read with amusement the Republican Herald article regarding the over-reaction of a few people to a falling bricks from two properties on Mahantongo Street in Pottsville –"La ville qui ne dort jamais mais se baigne de temps en temps."*

Apparently some busybody neighbor called the police trying to get these property owners in trouble. Why can’t people just mind their own business? Personally I enjoy the skankiness, grittiness and creepiness of parts of Mahantongo Street, but not necessarily in that order.

For those of you who missed the story, here it is with my analysis (thank you Republican Herald):

1. City police rushed to the 800 block of Mahantongo Street on Tuesday afternoon as a 6-by-4-foot section of a brick facade connecting two vacant row homes crumbled to the sidewalk.
Why were the police rushing? Did they think the bricks would make a quick get-away? Is it true they tasered a fallen brick and dusted for finger prints? Were Miranda warnings given to the bricks? So many questions, so few answers.

2.”… City Code Enforcement Officer Donald J. Chescavage said it was just the brick facade connecting addresses 802 and 804. City officials have been trying to get the property owners to repair those facades for a few months.
Fixing up a property to meet code requirements takes time - years and maybe decades in this economy. Some of us enjoy watching buildings decay and collapse along with neighboring property values. It is a cheap form of entertainment.

3. "When we saw there was a problem there a few months ago, we sent letters to both property owners telling them they better get together on this and work together…" Chescavage said.
Rumors are that the first letter was a valentine. A second valentine will be sent out next year but more stern. I also understand that the people who “noticed” problems ten years ago will be sent to re-education camps as problems only existed “for a few months.” The photographs on my website showing the tree growing out of the basement taken over the years have all been denounced as hoaxes and I am scheduled for summer re-education camp this July.

4. According to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator, 802 Mahantongo St. is owned by Gregory E. Wagner, 310 Highland Drive, Pottsville; and 804 Mahantongo St. is owned by Edward and Ethel Schappel, 801 Mahantongo St.
For too many years Mahantongo Street suffered from a prissy and stodgy image perpetrated upon the world by novelist John O’Hara. These property owners should be commended for helping the street shed this worn-out image.

5. Yellow police tape had been stretched across the fronts of both properties, prior to Tuesday's collapse.
What about twenty four hour police or shade tree commission protection for the tree growing from the basement?

6. A neighbor called the Schuylkill County Communications Center at 5:26 p.m. Tuesday, reporting a "building collapse," according to a supervisor at the communications center.
I always thought that filing a false police report is a criminal offense. I demand an immediate investigation of the person who called in the report and the book should be thrown at him or her (as well as a few façade bricks).

7. City police immediately sealed traffic access to the 700, 800 and 900 blocks of Mahantongo Street, and Chescavage and Dan Kelly, the city superintendent of streets, were called to evaluate the situation.
Evaluation? Just place a few pedestrians on the sidewalk and watch if they get hit on the head. If so, tell them to walk on the other side of the street. No problem. Maybe it will knock some sense into them.

8. Chescavage assured police the buildings would not collapse.
Thank God! Now we can all sleep well tonight.

9. …Chescavage and Kelly advised them to block the sidewalk in front of the properties with wooden horses.
Where do you expect these property owners who have now suffered the humiliation of having a false police report lodged against them and their names splashed in the newspaper to find “wooden horses”? Lakewood Park’s Carousel was sold decades ago and the wooden horse that once graced the window of Knapp’s Leather Goods went west years ago. Isn’t there some PADCO money available for the purchase of wooden horses and other assistance for these people?


10. Meanwhile, Chescavage said he's going to step up efforts to get the property owners to get to work on these properties. .................. The Valentine will be sent out earlier next year, much sterner.

*“The City that never sleeps but occasionally bathes”

polling results - we have a winner!

The "thing on Mahantongo Street" was declared to be a shade tree and will receive all of the perks that come with that designation as bestowed by the Pottsville Shade Tree Commission. *
Yes, the votes cast were underwhelming, but a certified tabulation by the Schuylkill County League of Women Voters In Crisis (a recent merger of two organization precipitated by the recent Commonwealth budget crisis).
Although not one vote was cast for “shade tree,” a plurality of the votes cast apparently determined the thing to be a “son of a beech.”

“A beech is a shade tree!” ruled the League of Women Voters In Crisis, "so a son of beech must also be a shade tree." Although there was apparent confusion over how trees reproduce.

Pottsville’s betting parlors were in a frenzy after the decision was announced; as the odds-on winner was projected to be “Its part of the recent Skankification project.”

“Election fraud!” was echoed through out the county, even in Frackville which has no trees. “What is this, Afghanistan Tehran or Luzerne County!”
Some argued that it was the butterfly ballot which made it difficult for many to determine that a vote for the European beech was a vote for “shade tree.”
“No one voted for shade tree. How on earth can a vote for a beech tree be tabulated as a vote for a shade tree?
"This is a sign or evidence of widespread rigging."
"The Rest Haven votes were not counted as the patients did not know how to turn on the computers."

"The write-in votes for bamboo cast on etch-a-sketches, and not computers, were thrown out."

Apparently two votes were cast for “Venus fly trap” causing the outrage over election irregularities to escalate. Many argued that these votes were cast due to the so-called “dimple vote” – the voter was not pressing hard enough on one of the other options and fingers slipped onto the “son of a beech tree” selection. The two who voted for Venus fly trap were also compared to those who voted for Ralph Nader in the 2000 presidential election - wasting a vote on a spoiler with no chance of winning.
The Schuylkill Haven Call editorialized that “fraud was so pervasive that nearly a quarter of all votes should be thrown out. Mammy Trout has admitted to voting at least three times. How could anyone think that the 800 block of Mahantongo Streer is harboring a Venus fly trap large enough to devour a dog, an innocent child or even the typically-sized man that frequents Renninger's Market on a Sunday morning in order to purchase his sticky buns?”
Some complained that many of those who cast a vote were probably under the influence and their votes should not count. All fingers pointed to Mammy Trout.

To them I say “this is America and the vote of a drunk is just as important as the vote of someone sober.”

Just remember; there were not “many” votes to begin with, only eleven.
Despite this controversy, “the thing on Mahantongo Street” will be sworn in officially as a protected street shade tree on January 20th in a pompous ceremony featuring the City Code Enforcement Office, a handful of Vulcans, the Tree Commission and the Third Brigade Band (playing “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Around the Old Beech Tree”), a large group of tourists visiting Yuengling Brewery, street people, and a few dogs. Until the dedication, the "shade-tree elect" will recieve round-the-clock protection from Pottsville's finest street crossing guards.

There will be no run-off election! Na da! The Schuylkill County League of Women Voters In Crisis will now focus its attention on the upcoming Jury Commissioner race which is too close to call.

*perks include Miracle-Grow and water

Shade Tree or Weed?

Pottsville’s street trees are now showing off their majestic autumn colors!

I took a few photographs around town and this is my favorite. Someone argued with me over whether it is a street tree or not. He said it was a weed…a tall two story weed. I disagreed. I told him there is a weed ordinance in the city that prohibits weeds from being more than one story tall. Another passerby chimed in and told me that whatever it is, it was planted during a city Skankification project and therefore it is to be revered. If I wanted to, I was told I could take a leaf and show it to Porcupine Pat who could determine the species. I am now confused, so I will go out on a limb and leaf it up to you, the readers. let's see what the poplar vote tells us. Oakey-dokey.

What the heck is that thing growing on the 800 block of Mahantongo Street? VOTE ON THE POLL FOUND TO THE RIGHT OF THE BLOG. No dangling chads please! Read the voting instructions prior to casting your vote.

Here is the city ordinance prohibiting weeds from growing more than one story tall:

It shall be the duty of every person who shall hold title in any capacity to or have possession of or be responsible for the management or upkeep of any land or lot of ground upon which any noxious weeds, as herein defined, may be growing in excess of one story in height to cut or destroy the same and also to prevent such weeds from flowering or going to seed and the seed of the same from ripening.

[Amended 6-12-2006 by Ord. No. 734]
Noxious weeds include burdock, chicory, crabgrass, garlic or wild onion, goldenrod, horse nettle, milkweed, morning glory, mullen, perennial thistle (including Canada, Russian, sow, bull and other thistles), poison ivy, quack grass, ragweed, sumac, wild carrot, wild lettuce, wild mustard, wild parsnip and wild snapdragon, and all other weeds and growths not herein specifically mentioned.

Pottsville Palette Police

What? Am I reading the newspaper correctly? A few people squawked about loud colors being used within the city limits. Long known for its breathtaking swatch of grays and neutrals, Pottsville now wants to protect this image. It wants to prevent the city from being infiltrated by garish pigmentations. Does it refer only to those new colors such as soylent green, you don't look bluish, your just plain yellow, and jaundice? Will it mean that Nativity will have to change its school colors from green & gold to mauve and tan? You know that there are some bright colors that are popular with Hispanics and that could lead to problems with the city. I suggest that Kelly green be banned along with any of the tropical colors just to play it safe. We don't want to be accused of color profiling.

A few years ago the city began mandating that sidewalks be made of concrete, brick or stone. That upset some people who wanted to either make their sidewalks out of beer caps, gravel. crushed iced tea cartons or asphalt. I sided with the city as sidewalks should have some uniformity as they are a public thoroughfare over private property. I just think that roads should be roads and sidewalks should be sidewalks.
Also, while I respect the opinion that we should be proud of our coal heritage, I disagreed with those who want sidewalks to resemble anthracite mine paths. Even a well known restaurant downtown painted over its asphalt sidewalk with a color resembling pizza dough when asked politely by city officials. That is what I call cooperation and Pottsville Pride. Now at least it no longer can be confused with the street when I park my SUV to run in a get my pepperoni pie.

The city is now taking things further and suggesting a Pottsville Palette Police in order to regulate colors. Does this mean that our code enforcement officers will be sent away to art classes to be certified in the variety and uses of hues, tones, tints and shades? Don’t be surprised to see your code enforcement officer wearing a black beret soon. God bless them. I hated art class, except the one day the nude models showed up.
Many years ago the city decided that the statues on Garfield Square should be painted. No one even complained; but sure enough, tax dollars were being spent painting the statues. It was so long ago I can’t remember what the soldiers on the square were being painted to resemble. But with so much paint on their faces, I doubt that the soldier would have been allowed to enlist in the military, even with a “don’t ask, don’t tell policy” in effect. Luckily enough people rose up to protest and protect our heritage. The city backed down before they could get their paint brushes on old Henry Clay up on his pedestal.

With so many buildings in need of repair the city should be grateful that any color paint is being used. However, if the city wants to start regulating colors on buildings, then maybe they could start with that mysterious building on Laurel Boulevard just west of the court house. I have a picture up for you to look at. The building is not painted yet. Probably the owner is waiting for a decision from the code enforcement office.

It would be a great place to put in practice what one learns in art class.

Looking at the building one’s eyes are drawn to the shiny blue plastic roof. The cool, calming effect of this blue roof soothes me as I drive up Laurel Boulevard. This blue, plastic rooftop conveys a sense of confidence; the blue of the plastic rooftop symbolizes the sky, the ocean, sleep and twilight. The blue of the plastic rooftop also conveys a deep religious message to me, as blue is the color of the Virgin Mary. Yes, this blue, plastic roof was given apparent code enforcement office approval. Yes, there is something comforting about that little, humble building on Laurel Boulevard with its blue plastic roof. But it needs to be completed with a coat of fresh paint.

The daunting task for our newly created Palette Police is to coordinate the blue rooftop with a color on the outer unpainted outer walls.

While I never attended Penn State, I would suggest a flat white.

The unique architecture of Pottsville

In the summer of 2007 a controversy erupted over the removal of a mural that was located across the street from this building on Laurel Boulevard. The mural was thought to be an eyesore.

“We’re trying to promote a positive atmosphere for our residents and our city,” Housing Authority Director Shields was recently quoted when asked about the mural depicting old Minersville Street that was painted over on Laurel Boulevard.

Mammy Trout was upset about that decision, comparing it to the Taliban's destruction of the buddhist statues in Afghanistan. I thought she was all wet, and I heartily agree with all attempts to eliminate the city’s tainted past. It's the 21st century now and great things are happening all around us. Pottsville is bustling with building activity. Look for yourself; there is a brand spankin’ new parking lot across from the old Moose Building, now the home of the Legacy Bank or whatever name the bank goes by now. I can't keep up with those bank mergers.
Up on Laurel Boulevard there is a building that was constructed a year or two ago that has architects from around the world trying to copy its design. It is the main reason that the old mural just had to come down, as the mural was too distracting.
One local architect was asked to comment on the structure and what it represents to the community. He responded that, “This is the most exuberant art deco building in the city today. The immense use of sky blue plastic on the roof presents a vibrant and sharp image among the many other buildings that line Laurel Boulevard and the historic courthouse area. Equally impressive, however, is the interior which is not open to the public”. He praised the project as a "simple idea, strongly pulled together. It is Pottsville Pride at its best.”

I am still at a loss as to the purpose of the building. Does a family live inside? I keep wondering. Although it received a building permit, no one at the code enforcement office even seems to know the name of this whimsical building, yet alone its purpose. All I know is that it certainly must bring delight to the Housing Authority apartment residents living across the street no longer subjected to looking at the mural. If you are still unaware of the location, the building sits just west of the house with the steep front yard that is covered with stone, which can only be described as a beautiful zen rock garden that the Japanese refer to as "karesansui."
Many are unaware of the presence of this humble wooden structure photographed above, as for years drivers were distracted by the mural of Old Minersville Street. The building appears at times to be an urban mirage. It is a sophisticated gem erected with little fanfare and, as far as I know, no government subsidies. Certainly it is a nice transition from historical to modern, a celebration of both spare materials and the city’s character. After spending a few moments at the site, I feel like yelling out at the top of my lungs, “I love you, Pottsville!” Just one glimpse of the building gives me a much-needed lift, a great relief from those silly murals that clutter Pottsville’s streetscape.

Whoever erected this building is, without a doubt, a genius who combined the old and the new with playful sophistication. I compare the architect to Ayn Rand's Howard Roark, the brilliant idealist who neither pandered to the masses nor compromised his vision. An aesthetic eye is apparent in every intricate detail of this masterpiece. Look carefully at the photographs and now envision yourself entering the stone and dirt courtyard to the left of the building, walking in on a path made of simple planks of wood, stunned by the simplicity of the design. A hip, sky blue plastic top flows down into the earthen piazza as it is was some cosmic carpet from the heavens bringing Zeus himself down to Laurel Boulevard to mingle with you and the other mortals that dwell in the fabled city of Pottsville.
On a closer inspection you will find no windows and only one small door! Yes, it is one of the most ecologically advanced buildings in the city. Hats off to the visionary Planning Commission for allowing such an experimental, yet charming, structure to be built; saving the city enough oil to deep fry thousands of funnel cakes at the American Way Fair every year. Al Gore himself would be as proud of this building as he would of the funnel cakes.
Standing in the front of the building one first takes note of the new “Keep Out” signage next to the green art design. Again, it is certainly a blend of the modern with the primitive, Neanderthal-like cave designs that are found in the caves of our most early ancestors.
I am sure that this architect will have his or her detractors, some saying that it reminds them of the slums outside of Rio, but who can argue with the local materials used– plastic from the old Port Carbon Mirawall factory, tar paper, rusted nails and a spectacular collage of wood. Yes, look closely and the wood that is used does not match. It is a palate of wooden shades, a mix of oak, ginko, chestnut, sycamore, pine and so many other woods, in one grand celebration of the trees of northeast Pennsylvania. The architect is truly a wood nymph and whenever I hear a detractor criticize, I simply yell out three words, “Give us more!”

Eat your heart out Orwigsburg.