Philadelphia: The Incredible Shrinking City?
City Sees Exodus of Citizens as Other Cities Grow

D. Michael Blackie
www.gtownradio.com

COMMENTARY  "If you build it, they will come." Yea, but will they stay? According to the latest Census Bureau figures--apparently not. Philadelphia made the national news and headlines today--and for once, not for our increasing crime rate, but for our decreasing population statistics. While cities like Boston and New York are experiencing a growth spurt Philadelphia seems to be the incredible shrinking city.

 

Great strides are being made by the Nutter administration to 'clean up' city government, and even to physically clean up the streets. The mayor sponsored and participated in a Spring city-wide clean up program in all neighborhoods that took literally tons of debris from the streets. His newest effort "Communities Working Together" in parts of North Philadelphia and Nicetown-Tioga is a concentrated program somewhat akin to the controversial NTI (Neighborhood Transformation Initiative) of the John Street administration. Nutter teamed up with neighbors to clean streets, identify vacant, dangerous and drug den properties to be targeted by his plan. Much has been accomplished. Yet, and still many are leaving, many are skeptical of the city's future.

 

A few years ago the city was called "The Next Great City" by National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The casinos are coming;even if they are re-sited. There's a great plan for the riverfront. Citizens had input to the city's plan for the future of all our neighborhoods. There are more cops on the streets--some areas are much safer. The new Comcast Center opened, and looms large in the city's ever changing skyline--still, they're bailing...by the boatload, evidently. My own landlord was online today looking at properties in Colorado--and Hawaii. He's considering 'disinvesting' in our city, selling his properties and pulling up stakes and packing his tent and following the advice of Aldous Huxley. ("Go west, young man").

 

At next Tuesday's City Planning Commission a newly re-worked plan for the American Commerce Center, 'the building with a 'twist' will be reconsidered. Governor Rendell comes to town Friday to sign HB-2167 which will benefit the city's tourism. Mayor Nutter will even give his blood for the city--seriously; the mayor will donate to the American Red Cross "Blood Drive" at the Municipal Services Building. But, apparently even a mayor willing bleed, sweat and toil...is cnot enough. Philadelphia is shrinking.

 

We can build taller buildings; promote tourism; work harder to decrease crime--in all the city--not just 'downtown'; give blood, sweat and tears for our city. But, until we change not only the skyline, but the attitude of the city, we will continue to see an exodus of our best and brightest.

 

Tourists come and spend some money. College-age young people come and get educated at our Univerities and leave to use their education and talents elsewhere. We can build casinos, race tracks and stadiums, while our kids go to crumbling schools in some of the city's worst neighborhoods. We can landscape beautiful scenic river trails from the Delaware to the Schuylkill Banks, we can build the world's tallest building--and call it the 'Commerce Center' but our local commerce will fail because even if we 'build it' and...they come--rest assured--they will leave again. And, with what impression?

 

I offer no simple cure. I have no panacaea, I'm doing my best to be optimistic about our great city. I'm impressed with our new Mayor--although not with everything he does. I am happy to see our new police commisioner actually patrol the streets and respond--in a very personal way--to citizen's complaints. I think a great deal of work has been done--and there are many more problems to be addressed. Real Estate taxes, values and business privilege taxes and GUNS still haunt our city. While we fight those poltergeists, how do we stop the flow of would-be taxpayers and citizens from our city?

 

I don't have the answer. Do you? THINK ABOUT IT! What's your 'pet-peeve'? What are you really steamed about? What, you're happy here? Tell us about that. What do you love about Philadelphia? If you could promote our city--what would you say?

 

If we build it, they will come. How can we get them to stay?

 

D M B

South Philadelphia, 19145

COPYRIGHT 07/10/2008 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Gtownradio, it's staff, or management. The author is entirely responsible for the accuracy and content of this commentary.
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