May 3, 2007 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

Northwest leaders share concerns for 8th district

The Local asked leaders of several area civic and business organizations what they felt were the most important issues facing the next Mayor. Below are the responses of three leaders who answered this question.

John Levities, past president, Chestnut Hill Business Improvement District

1. First, BID does not endorse any candidate; however, we are listening for messages from candidates that are going to help improve the business climate in Chestnut Hill. Business privilege taxes should be lowered as an incentive for landlords and businesses to come to Philadelphia and remain here

2. Crime continues to be a problem — not that our problems here are extraordinary, but the ones here need to be addressed.

3. The biggest issue would be increased capital investment in the city’s infrastructure. The BID applies for grants for street lighting and road repair. We see people today working on the cobblestones – that sort of work needs to be funded because it impacts businesses and residences equally. But the leadership and funding should be coming from City Hall. We need well-lighted streets without potholes that have appropriate signage and crosswalks because a pleasant and safe shopping environment benefits everyone and makes Chestnut Hill an attractive place to live, visit and do business.

Laura Sienna, executive director, West Mt. Airy Neighbors

1. The problems facing us here in the northwest are the same, for the most part, as those facing the rest of the city: crime, schools, declining or static tax base.

2. Specific problems for our community are: (a) intense pressure on commercial corridors now and in the next few years, brought on by infrastructure improvements planned for Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill, and problems with landlords in Chestnut Hill (many, many Mt. Airy people use Chestnut Hill to shop); (b) sustained underfunding of key departments in city government, such as Licenses and Inspections, which are thus unable to keep on top of a whole range of issues, such as people building illegally, etc.; and (c) the lack of a creative, dynamic relationship between community leaders and the police, which could help make crime prevention more effective.

3. There are extremely positive things going on as well, and I want to be sure I focus on them: (a) the booming little commercial corridor around Weavers Way Coop — how could we replicate that around the community? (b) the continued positive working relationship between key organizations in Mt. Airy, particularly between East and West Mt. Airy Neighbors, which makes so much positive action possible; (c) the rise of block groups such as Corners and Porches, Carpenter’s Woods Town Watch and Pelham Town Watch, where leadership is moving things forward at a scale that can be appreciated by every resident.

Lynn Fields Harris, executive director, Center in the Park

1. There will be well over 330,000 persons 55 and over living in our city by 2015. The vast majority of our city’s older adults wish to remain in their own homes and communities. What kinds of support will the next administration provide that will maximize the time older adults may live independently in their homes and continue making contributions to their communities, including increased support for community senior centers?

2. What fresh ideas would the new administration implement to make Philadelphia a more senior-friendly city?

3. Growing numbers of seniors are experiencing mental health, drug and alcohol problems. As the number of seniors grows, so will these problems increase for both seniors and the family members who care for them. What steps would you take to address this issue?