Road restrictions and major delays were caused by former President Donald Trump’s event at the PPL Center on Tuesday night, which led to a public confrontation between the Trump campaign and Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk. Unexpected street closures caused by the event caused uncertainty for locals, commuters, and businesses in the downtown area.
The Mayor himself had to get down onto the streets to defend his state from Trump’s rally. However, he has had to face mockery for his choice of protest outfit.
When Trump’s team asked for roadway access to move equipment close to the PPL Center on Monday night, roads were first restricted. Mayor Tuerk of Allentown voiced his displeasure, pointing to the campaign’s lack of preparation, adding, “They never provided a plan for that piece of equipment.” At 5 p.m. on Monday, the Seventh and Hamilton Streets restriction was removed after roughly 20 minutes. Later in the evening, though, highways were once more blocked, which increased the anxiety and confusion surrounding the rally’s preparations.
Businesses and organizations in the area prepared for a busy Tuesday. To lessen traffic on the streets, several companies, including those close to the event site, had employees work remotely. An employee downtown named Samantha Fedele declared, “We’re going to work from home.” Citing “an abundance of caution,” the Allentown School District also made the decision to close its schools.
