Hello all,

Firstly, thank you all for supporting this petition to see more evening and weekend hours at the Downtown Allentown Market! I personally miss being able to stop by after work for a quick bite at Zahras, go play bingo with my friends on a Thursday, or grabbing something before a Phantoms game. As a downtown resident, it is sad to be unable to patronize a business with so much potential.

Please continue sharing with your friends, family, and colleagues to gather support for this initiative. The more people supporting this, the more likely we will be able to convince the operators how important more hours is. While change is not guaranteed, it is always important to try!

We've recently sent the following email to the City Center Group team to relay our desire for more hours at the Market. We hope this will start a dialogue between the DAM management and the community. We will update you if we hear back. Thank you again, and let's continue making Downtown Allentown a vibrant place!

- Craig

---

Dear Ms. Colon and Ms. Bradley:

We write to you to kindly consider re-evaluating the operating hours of the Downtown Allentown Market. 

As you are aware, in March 2024, the Market announced drastic changes to its operating hours, eliminating all weekend and evening service. This was a major blow to our Downtown community. Residents lost a gathering hub for events like bingo and music, as well as great food options that aren't easily found Downtown. Entrepreneurs and start-up restauranters, who used the Market as an incubator for starting their dream of opening a food stall, now lost a viable option, as the operating hours are not conducive to several vendors' needs.

Additionally, the vibrancy of dining options for visitors and event attendees has decreased without the Market. Those attending a Phantoms game or a concert usually stopped at the Market for a bite to eat; it was a major hit for PPL Center visitors, walking past it from the ArtsWalk Garage. Those in town for a conference or just staying at a hotel could experience a variety of local chefs and enjoy a quaint taste of Allentown by checking out the market. Now, there are limited options available; outside of Blended, Sports and Social, and maybe Bru Daddy, there seems to be almost no options available before a game, concert, or event.

I am not alone in this sentiment. A petition has been circulated with over 150 signatures, consisting of Downtown residents, sports fans, and other patrons who wish to see more hours at the market. While we recognize the original business plan for office workers has shifted since the pandemic, there is still a growing demand from local residents and event goers to see the Market utilized in the evening and on the weekends. 

We strongly implore you and the City Center Group team to explore the potential of at least a few Friday and Saturday evening hours for events. While a full return of the Market's previous hours may not be feasible at the current time, several additional hours, especially for events and happy hours, may be a positive solution.

We hope you will take our comments into consideration and engage in a constructive dialogue with the Downtown Allentown community to help revitalize this amazing space. We would like nothing more than to be partners in the vibrancy of Downtown living, working, and visiting, and we will continue to support the efforts of City Center Group to provide opportunities to the city.

Sincerely,
The Undersigned Supporters of The Petition