ALLENTOWN, Pa. – For the second year in a row the old PPL Tower sits dark this holiday season.
“Not very seasonal, to be honest with you. I mean, they should probably do something.”
The tree and candle were once a 12-story symbol of the season. Now, residents say the skyline feels different.
“I got to say, it’s pretty depressing. The Lehigh Valley is known for its Christmas spirit,” Easton resident Amber says. “And look at Bethlehem. Look at Easton. Allentown needs to step up its game.”
Renovations to the tower include turning the upper floors into apartments, and either commercial tenants or more apartments for the north building. Developers say that means the old lighting system can’t be used.
Lehigh Valley resident, Brendan Jordan, says, “They paying good money. So, everybody don’t want lights outside they jawn. Like if it was South Street, they would have went ham. But this is Hamilton.”
Last year, developers said they were exploring new ways to honor the tradition, but Lehigh Valley residents say they’re still waiting.
“I want to actually celebrate here in Allentown. But I feel like Allentown is slacking on the Christmas decorations,” Andrew from Bethlehem says.
The holiday lights date back to the 1930s. But this first Friday of December, the city’s iconic building is once again without its glow; leaving many hoping the tradition will eventually find its way back.
“They had the little Christmas trees. Every time it was a different color, they put it up there,” Jordan added. “But you know. Yeah, they’ll get back to it.”