One is a wealthy, well-kept area of the city, boasting a strong and diverse retail environment and housing prices that make me realize why I'm doomed to life in a one-bedroom walk-up.
The other is a neighborhood which many think has its best days behind it. A neighborhood in which vacant buildings and empty lots depress the value of the homes around them and crime is a fact of life.
Perhaps coincidentally, both were featured in today's Inquirer. I don't know about you, but after reading both stories, I feel much better about the second place. Just goes to show you what a community can accomplish with dedicated, selfless individuals and smart, targeted government investments. In the case of Chestnut Hill, you see what a community considers to be a major problem when they're not faced with the intense poverty, degradation and crime that other parts of the city struggle with. I can't blame them though. History shows just how easy it is for a neighborhood to lose its luster and end up with those vacant buildings and empty lots.
Comments (2)
The partnetship with Beneficial Savings Bank also demonstrates one of the ways in which the city can and should maximize its investment.
Posted by Dave | October 23, 2006 11:15 PM
Not every neighborhood in the City is struggling, in fact, many are not. Chestnut Hill's residents and their issues need to be afforded the same level of respect and concern that other, less fortunate neighborhoods are given. The City needs their middle class, upper middle class, and rich residents. They pay taxes, and they expect some value for their contribution.
Posted by Philly Phantom | October 24, 2006 8:56 AM