Downtown Allentown looks a world different than it did less than a decade ago.

When former City Hall reporter Emily Opilo started at The Morning Call 7 years ago, the PPL arena was a giant hole in the ground.

Has the more than $1 billion of investment and decade of redevelopment made a difference in people's perceptions of Allentown and their desire to spend time downtown?

The Morning Call conducted a scientific poll on the matter with Muhlenberg College, and The Morning Call Academy students unscientifically polled people on their lunch hour on Hamilton Street to find out.

The Morning Call Podcast is a production of The Morning Call in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Kayla Dwyer is the host and producer.