ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- The New Liberty Pharmacy in Allentown is where former Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski's fresh start begins.

Since being released from federal prison, Pawlowski has been on work release, driving five days a week up from Philadelphia to do marketing for pharmacy owner Thayilparampil John.

"I am a strong believer, and I always give people a second chance," said John.

Pawlowski says he's focused on making the most of that second chance.

"I'm focused on the future. You know, I'm focused on rebuilding my relationships with my wife, my kids, reconnecting with all the friends who have been so supportive for me throughout these years, and trying to make a positive impact in the community wherever I can," said Pawlowski.

In 2018, Pawlowski was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his part in a pay-to-play scheme while serving as Allentown mayor.

Former Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski sentenced to 15 years

He served seven and a half years.

'The best is yet to come': Former Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski released from prison Thursday

Before he went in, his efforts to revitalize Allentown's Hamilton Street had just begun to blossom.

"I am absolutely amazed how many buildings have gone up," said Pawlowski.

We took him downtown to show him how things have changed since he was incarcerated.

"It's incredibly surreal to see all this, to see all the new development that is happening, how we planned it out, how it all came to fruition it really takes my breath away. I am amazed. I look down the block, I see apartments in this direction, I see new buildings in this direction; it's beyond anything that I could even describe," said Pawlowski. "I love the artwork, I love the feel, I love the vibe, it's a whole new downtown. It's a whole new city, and to know I was a small part of that is really humbling."

Pawlowski says because he has a pending appeal, he can't talk about his case.

But he says prison definitely changed him.

He says he's focused on the things that really matters.

"I love this community, I love the city, and whatever I can do to be a positive impact, to be a positive influence, I'm going to do my best to make a difference," said Pawlowski.

While Pawlowski is out of prison, he's still under the supervision of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and must return to Philadelphia every day after he finishes work.

He says he hopes to be transferred to Allentown on supervised release, and move back into his family's home sometime around Christmas.