Matt Blanchard, writer of this week's "The Challenges Ahead" piece on zoning and the future shape of the city, will be in this space at noon Monday to respond to your questions on the topic. Read the article at http://www.greatexpectations07.com/node/239. Then, go ahead and leave your questions and ideas in the comments area now, and he'll reply.
Thanks for your questions.
I am logging off to go on assignment.
If you come in late, just post a question and I will try to answer it later.
To read my Sunday Inquirer piece on the topic, go to http://www.greatexpectations07.com.
-- Tom Ferrick
Editorial writer Russell Cooke will be on the blog at 12:30 Oct. 25 to answer reader questions about the region's rich arts and culture scene.
Read his story "Protect region’s rich culture with stable, assured funding" in today's Inquirer along with his "Ideas from elsewhere."
Leave your questions in the comments area, and Russell will respond.
Based on what residents said at the Great Expectations community forums earlier this year, many of them fear rising property values will lead to rising property taxes that might drive them out their homes.
These are one of the typical fears that arise when new housing and new home buyers show up in a neighborhood, raising fear of gentrification. The influx of yuppies and empty nesters into Center City and University City, and nearby neighborhoods is generally described as a boon to the city, but it's been causing anxiety and fears in some quarters.
Chris Satullo takes a look at why in "Helping residents in area's of flux," (http://www.greatexpectations07.com/node/267). He also offers "Ideas from Elsewhere," (http://www.greatexpectations07.com/node/268) providing a look at cities that set an example Philadelphia could follow.
What do you think? Leave your ideas and questions for Chris in the comments area of this post. He'll be online from noon to 1 p.m. today to respond.
In this chapter of The Challenges Ahead series, Tom Ferrick Jr. talks about transportation.
In "A lot is riding on SEPTA cash," he writes:
"SEPTA's annual budget process resembles a predictable melodrama, where every turn in plot is telegraphed in big, bold letters.
The agency WARNS it does not have adequate funds and THREATENS fare increases and/or budget cuts. The state legislature reacts ANGRILY, alleging WASTE AND MISMANAGEMENT. The mayor INSISTS the agency maintain its current level of service or face DIRE CONSEQUENCES."
Hi, I am here to respond to any comments. I will be at the desk from noon until 1 p.m.
Let me begin by posting some email responses I got to today's piece. I am not including the names of the writer because I did not ask them permission to use their emails.
Click to read them....
Continue reading "Tom Ferrick Jr. answers questions on mass transit" »
A huge challenge for Philadelphia's future: "Not enough Philadelphians go to college. And not enough bright kids from elsewhere stay after getting diplomas," says Inquirer columnist Chris Satullo. Read the latest entry in The Challenges Ahead series: "More college grads are needed to spur an 'eds and meds' economy," along with "Ideas from elsewhere."
Satullo will be here on the blog from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 2 to answer reader questions about "eds and meds" in Philadelphia and to talk about how the city could better retain its graduates.
Leave your questions or thoughts in the comments area.
I'm here and ready to hear what you have to say -- Chris Satullo
After many months of politicking, and many millions in political spending, Philadelphia has its mayor-elect: Michael Nutter.
Even though that result has been 100 percent predictable for more than five months, Tuesday made if official - and that's a notable milestone.
Political junkies were bored by the fall election; they thought the May Democratic primary was the interesting part.
But for people who care about issues, who live the issues at rowhouse level, the really interesting, the really important, the really exciting part begins right now. The part where the people they elected get a chance to work on addressing the city's ills and realizing its promise. To all but the political junkie, that's what really matters.
For the citizens who have given their time, their ideas and their passion to this Great Expectations project, Nutter's election is a hopeful moment.
Great Expectations is a civic engagement project brought to you by The Inquirer and the University of Pennsylvania. Check out the Great Expectations Web site.
Chris Satullo is an Inquirer columnist and former editor of The Inquirer's Editorial Page. He was a founder of the Great Expectations project, which focuses on civic engagement and the issues in Philadelphia's 2007 mayoral race.
Tom Ferrick, a former Inquirer reporter, worked on the Great Expectations project throughout 2007 and into 2008.Other members of the Editorial Board will be weighing in on the blog, as will Harris Sokoloff and Jodie Chester Lowe, members of the Great Expectations team.
This page contains an archive of all entries posted to Great Expectations in the The Challenges Ahead category. They are listed from oldest to newest.
Taxes & Budget is the previous category.
Tom Ferrick Jr. is the next category.
Many more can be found on the main index page or by looking through the archives.