Things about Philly that don't really need to change (Philadelphia: neighborhoods, universities)

[Antdawg1]

As we all know and read hear Philly is going through alot of changes. New projects, buildings, revitalization and more. But what are some things you think are already cool and don't really need to change. Like it would be ashame if .......changed about Philly.

[pman]

the narrow streets and the occasional departure from it (passyunk sq, fishtown, francisville, etc). the human scale of it even though it's big.

[Cnote11]

Yes, that is one of the things I love most about Philly! It would be a shame if they had too large of a departure from that, pman.

[john_starks]

the people (mostly)

[mancat100]

People actually "live" here, meaning most people I meet now will still be here ten years from now. Less transient than many places. It helps in maintaining strong long-lasting friendships as well as having lots of friendly acquaintances that you've known for years and run into frequently.

[bryson662001]

The only thing I can think of that couldn't be improved is the historical stuff that makes this place special and different from everyplace else. How many US cities have an Independence Hall and a Liberty Bell and a Christ Church and a Ben Franklin?

[Duderino]

Philly has a very strong local and independent vibe that would be quite a shame to lose.

This is a conundrum, because we all want Phllly to be more livable and revitalized in neighborhoods across the city. However, as it makes its comeback, it may become a victim of its own success by becoming more sterilized, generic and too chain-oriented. This has become a common criticism in cities like New York, San Francisco and DC.

The city needs to strike a delicate balance between new development and businesses and its localized, independent roots that care much more about quality over superficial value.

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by Duderino

Philly has a very strong local and independent vibe that would be quite a shame to lose.

This is a conundrum, because we all want Phllly to be more livable and revitalized in neighborhoods across the city. However, as it makes its comeback, it may become a victim of its own success by becoming more sterilized, generic and too chain-oriented. This has become a common criticism in cities like New York, San Francisco and DC.

The city needs to strike a delicate balance between new development and businesses and its localized, independent roots that care much more about quality over superficial value.

Agreed, well said.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by Duderino

Philly has a very strong local and independent vibe that would be quite a shame to lose.

This is a conundrum, because we all want Phllly to be more livable and revitalized in neighborhoods across the city. However, as it makes its comeback, it may become a victim of its own success by becoming more sterilized, generic and too chain-oriented. This has become a common criticism in cities like New York, San Francisco and DC.

The city needs to strike a delicate balance between new development and businesses and its localized, independent roots that care much more about quality over superficial value.

The city had a plan for Society Hill. They should convene a panel of historians & architects, &, working with colleges & universities, come up with a plan fot the whole city. That doesn't mean that they can't deviate if a company wants to come into an area, and as the economy changes, but there should be a rudimentary plan.

[rotodome]

^^ Just curious, but how do you see that as different from what the Philadelphia City Planning Commision is and does?
It's not like no one's making plans..