20 Ways to Make Philadelphia the Best Damn City in America

The city’s identity got lost somewhere  —  even to its own people. Meanwhile, other cities weren’t waiting around for us to figure us out, and we lost market share in business, residents and students, too. That started to change with Rouse, Rendell, Rimel, Ridge and others who said, “Enough is enough  —  this is bad for business, and unjustified besides.” But how do we build on that momentum? I think one simple possessive pronoun has the power: Our.

A few years ago, I was in my original hometown of Chicago on business, and as my cab passed the Art Institute, the driver said, “I hope while you’re in town you have time to visit our Art Institute.” He didn’t say “the Art Institute.” He said “our Art Institute.” Clearly, he was proud of his city and wanted to share it. So could we all start saying “our”? Our schools. Our parks. Our libraries.

This is a great city. This is our great city. 
 
6. TEAR DOWN THE GALLERY.

We’re open to a more eco-friendly approach, but starting over may be our best option to jump-start the rejuvenation of Market East (see ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition). When building began in the ’70s, the Gallery was intended to rival suburban-style malls. Now we’re stuck with an outdated, inward-facing structure that’s a streetscape tragedy. Brand-new development could offer a healthier retail mix and a hotel (which we’ll need when the Convention Center is fully booked), and lure the big department stores to town.

7. BRING MEDICAL TOURISTS HERE.

When you’re the name of the game in pediatric oncology, you can reverse a trend: CHOP is marketing itself worldwide to bring medical tourists here. The hospital is promoting its services in Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, South America and the Caribbean. There’s no reason all our great medical institutions can’t do the same. (An improved airport would help the cause  —  see Idea #8.)

8. STOP WAITING IN LINE AT THE AIRPORT.

You live, say, in Newtown. Or in Voorhees. Or in Pottstown. If you want to fly anywhere, you come to Philly. But imagine if the airports in Allentown, Atlantic City and Harrisburg actually had robust rosters of flights to cities you’re likely to fly to. Imagine taking an easier drive away from Philly, to small airports with plenty of parking, short lines and timely departures.

Delaware County legislator (and Congressional candidate) Bryan Lentz has been hammering away at that idea for three years. He wants to create a regional airport authority, so that underutilized smaller airports can handle a lot of the flights  —  currently about half a million  —  out of Philly. That number  —  prepare to shudder  —  could hit 750,000 by 2035.