Philadelphia is My Home

14
Jul

Philly as a Shining Example?

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, History, Just Ranting, World News

I read a very upsetting article the other day.  I won’t go into the details so as to not upset anyone who prefers not to ruin their day.  Suffice to say, it was a horrible crime, the details of which will make you sick and enrage you beyond words. 

What I will talk about is the setting where this crime took place, Dunbar Villiage in Florida.  As the article states, the residents there call this place “hell”.  To call it one of those “housing projects” that is failing miserably is the most benign thing you can say about this place.  There were over 700 calls to the police in this past year, according to the article.  Drugs being dealt in the open, bullet proof street lamps, gated entrance (to keep the criminals out or in, I wonder?)  All of these things have got to scream to someone with half a brain, “Hey! This isn’t working!”

Reading about this terrible place which many people are forced to call home reminded me of Philadelphia’s old “projects”.  Tall high rises where people were packed like sardines and made to feel like animals, often causing them to act like animals. It wasn’t working.  And when something doesn’t work, you tear it down and start over. NO MATTER WHAT THE COST! We are talking about people’s lives, here. Real people. Our fellow Americans.

Someone’s head is buried way too deep in the sand of those lovely Florida beaches.  I don’t understand how such trecherous situations can still be in existence, yet alone continually be ignored as a breeding ground for crime. 

I remember when they imploded the old Washington Avenue projects, I was there. I got up early in the morning to see that disaster go down.  It was the end of an era.  Now, in its place is a community of homes where kids are playing in the backyards and neighbors talk to each other on their front steps.  Casually, without fear.  Furthermore, surrounding this area are houses being restored and businesses setting up camp on the street corners. 

I think the powers that be down in Florida should come visit Philly and take a look at what amazing results can do to the spirit, when you build structures that people want to call home. It stems from pride. People want to feel good about where they live, and in returen they protect that feeling, nurture their homes, help promote their communities and stand up for themselves.

Granted, I am not an expert on public housing or economic plight.  Perhaps I am the one with my head in the sand after all.  Who knows. Perhaps I am the one making more out of the new homes on Washington Avenue than they deserve.  After all, its only been 10 years.

Or, perhaps someone from Florida should come visit our city, take note of the changes we made, then tell me if I am wrong.