ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A group of young Allentown boxers soon will escape the “nightmare” of their current gym and move to a bigger and better space.
Allentown Zoning Hearing Board on Monday approved a special exception for Lehigh Valley Pound 4 Pound Boxing to open a new gym in part of the building at the southeast corner of Walnut and Fulton streets.
Paul Pinnock said he founded the organization eight years ago to “keep at-risk kids off the streets” by offering them an alternative.
Kids "need something to believe in, someone who believes in them and a place to believe in."Paul Pinnock, Lehigh Valley P4P Boxing founder
Boxing is just “a tool” to give kids what they need, Pinnock said.
“They need something to believe in, someone who believes in them and a place to believe in,” Pinnock said. “That’s why this place is so important.”
The nonprofit is forced to limit hours at its current space and kids haven’t had access to a bathroom since a new landlord recently took over its property, Pinnock told zoning officials.
He said the landlord “slowly sabotaged” the gym and “blames the kids for everything” that happens at the property.
“It’s been a nightmare,” he said.
Pinnock said he promised his boxers he would find a better place for them to train amid “difficulties with the landlord.”
Boxing breeds self-belief: Founder
Pinnock started training kids in boxing in 2011 and has been certified by USA Boxing since launching his nonprofit.
He said training in martial arts “saved” him in high school and helped him achieve perfect attendance
“Boxing kind of fits a little niche” that catches some “kids [who] may fall through the cracks."Paul Pinnock, Lehigh Valley P4P Boxing founder
“Boxing kind of fits a little niche” that catches some “kids [who] may fall through the cracks,” Pinnock said.
Lehigh Valley P4P Boxing has produced many successful fighters, Pinnock said.
“But the purpose is not for these kids to compete;” it’s for them to learn essential skills, he said.
Training teaches consistency, which breeds self-belief; that helps young boxers in other parts of their lives, Pinnock said.
'Doggy day care" denied
Camp Bow Wow owner Bobby Ludwig was not as successful in his bid to open a “doggy day care” in downtown Allentown.
Zoning officials denied his proposal by a 3-0 vote, upholding city employees’ determination that it is a kennel and therefore not allowed.
Ludwig and his attorney argued the day care would not offer overnight boarding for dogs and should instead be considered under the regulations for a personal-services business.
But Ludwig could yet open a doggy day care at 627 Hamilton St. A proposed rewrite of Allentown’s zoning code would permit that use at that property.
If that rewrite passes as proposed, Ludwig’s plans would not face any scrutiny from Allentown Zoning Hearing Board.
