GreatExpectations2007 - Greater Northeast REPORT ON CITIZENS FORUM

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Date: Jan. 9, 2007

Location: Holy Family University

Citizens attending: 50 participants, from neighborhoods throughout the Northeast and lower Bucks County.

Inquirer observer: Cynthia Henry, Editorial Board

Check out reports from the dialogues:

Group One: Led by moderators Jean di Sabatino and Steven Newman.

Group Two: Led by moderators Louise Giugliano and Alan Sharavsky.

Group Three: Led by moderators Chris Satullo and Fatima Hafiz.

Participants in each group were first asked to describe one hope or one fear as the city enters its election year. Then each group did an exercise that asked participants to imagine they were giving a good friend’s family advice on whether to move to Philadelphia.

What would be the pros and cons of that move?
What forces and factors underlie those pros and cons?
What steps could the city and region take to strengthen those pros or weaken those cons?

For a full description of the exercise, see http://go.philly.com/friendsdilemma

Observer's Notes:

Cynthia Henry

Editorial Board

"I'm impressed by the people over there. I never thought about the city that way before.”

“When I go home tonight, I’m going to say, ‘You know what? I really like this city.’”

Group One at Holy Family consisted of a dozen people willing to listen and learn from one another. They’re also eager to hear what other neighborhoods in the city have to say and asked about the Web links for future forum reports.

One of their most interesting explorations started as a “pro” about the city – the abundance of arts and culture – then ventured into possible shortcomings, which they listed as not enough publicity, lack of access for the disabled, transportation, and affordability.

Similarly, they weighed the pros and cons of tax abatements for riverfront development, particularly in Tacony. Some participants were concerned that new development was leaving current residents behind.

The group attributed many of the city’s strengths, especially in medical and university education, to its colonial roots. Participants, especially those who travel for their jobs, hoped the new mayor would improve Philadelphia’s national reputation. The group agreed that Philadelphia too often pleasantly surprises visitors. They want everyone to know what a great city this is.

Other concerns about the city included public school quality, gun violence, and the city wage tax.

Other attributes included racial and ethnic diversity; mass transit; location between New York and Washington; housing affordability, and employment opportunity.