Citizen blogger Susan Zalenski of West Philadelphia attended Citizen Convention issues sessions based on: What she knows best, what she thinks about most, and what she takes for granted. She writes:
When it comes to Philadelphia, “Great Expectations” is something most residents probably lack. We’ve learned to lower the bar and deal with. But why shouldn’t we expect more from our civic leaders and our city government? How can we make Philadelphia a Great American City?
Great Expectations has put forth the agenda to make Philadelphia great.
Mayor-elect Michael Nutter warmed up the crowd with a heartfelt speech about Philadelphia, the Great Expectations agenda and a promise to focus on doing instead of dreaming about doing. How can we improve our city? Why DO we choose live here? And better yet what, can we citizens do? The day was an opportunity to open up to ideas and think about how our civic leaders and institutions can initiate and manage the change than needs to happen. The agenda has been drafted – now it’s time to fine-tune, modify, review and elaborate – what do you LIKE about the agenda, what could be different and how will YOU make a difference?
There were a dozen core issues up for discussion. Each person was encouraged to attend three sessions during the day. Choosing only three topics wasn’t an easy task, but I went with what I knew best, what I think about the most, and something I take for granted.
What I Know Best: Transportation
Myself and a group of other engaged citizens/SEPTA warriors gathered for a moderated discussion on the transportation issues that affect Philadelphia with the #1 priority going to something basic, but very important: SEPTA Customer Service.
Generally, the group wanted to see MORE. More locations to purchase tokens would be a good start. A more streamlined process – consider single-ticket access from PATCO to the Regional Rail Line. SMART Cards (transportation debit cards) like our neighbor New York City could make that a reality. More frequent trolleys and trains after 10 p.m. to encourage the night-owls. And let’s not forget cleaner stations and more well-marked depots. The group said yes to more signage and more information – let’s help residents and out-of-towners navigate the system, which can be very confusing.
Great ideas for those who use actually use public transportation. The group also confirmed that they wanted the city to encourage the use of public transportation services, rather than driving. How about our civic leaders set an example and use public transportation themselves? The group discussed incentives that could be helpful; for example, more corporate subsidy for public transportation. Or how about we make 95 a toll road?
There was a final shout out for our own “Big Dig” (bury I-95 within the Philadelphia city limits). This issue was not discussed amongst the group but it was on the agenda!
What I Think About Most: Neighborhoods
I live in a Philadelphia neighborhood that has a vibrant, active and vocal constituency. I think about my neighborhood all the time – how I can make it better, how can I be of support and most important, where should I go eat tonight?
My small break-out group consisted of people from different Philadelphia neighborhoods – East Falls, Tacony, Roxborough and Washington Square West. With me as a West Philly representative – we were a model neighborhood discussion group.
We seemed a bit perplexed about what turned out to be the main topic – tax abatement and how to not push out low-income residents by supporting affordable housing. We were not opposed to that concept, but we assumed the agenda would focus on special city services groups, business development and so forth.
The group supported tax-abatements but narrowed in on who should receive exactly what type of benefit. Graduated tax-abatements for small-business owners. Tax-abatements for owner-occupied properties. We also supported increasing money for the Housing Trust Fund in order to rehab vacant properties.
What I Take For Granted: Arts and Culture
Who could argue that Philadelphia should not support its arts and culture community? All agreed that Philadelphia needs to reinstitute the Office of Arts and Culture. So most of the discussion focused on ideas to promote arts and culture awareness.
We discussed getting younger and “old-younger” people involved in arts – mentoring programs, more discounts and promotions. Much time was spent tossing around ideas and also discussing what exists right now. This is part of the issue – some of these things are already out there and available – but people do not know they exist nor where to look.
We also discussed how “arts and culture” can include more than the non-profit sector – let’s consider support for our film and arts festivals (think Philadelphia Film Festival, First Person Festival, the Philadelphia Craft Show), art galleries (First Fridays, Second Thursdays). I’d like to throw in concerts – everything from Chamber Music to big concerts at the Wachovia Center.
I was pleased to meet and talk to so many concerned citizens. In the near future, when I am using my SMART Card on SEPTA to visit a new art gallery in one of Philadelphia’s historic neighborhoods, I will think back to the Great Expectations Citizens Convention and the changes it inspired.
Comments (1)
One of the biggest problems Philadelphia has is TOO MANY low income residents.
Retaining them is why we are in the current situation.
Posted by Zur | December 6, 2007 12:47 PM
Posted on December 6, 2007 12:47