Though David Brooks's New York Times op-ed column, commenting on the changing perceptions of urban safety and crime among Baby Boomers raised in 1960's and 1970's, focuses mainly on New York's Upper West Side his idea is applicable to Philadelphia as well. Brooks discusses the crime waves along 84th street and the impacts on the generation raised during this civic turmoil. As this generation grew older, they left the city for the suburbs with no plans of return. Today the Upper West Side is a thriving and safe community as the younger generation chooses to remain and raise their families in the city. The same is true in various neighborhoods in Philadelphia, eg. Northern Liberties, Fishtown, Powelton Village, etc. While crime and poverty still dominate areas in the north and west, there is constant improvement. Similar to the Upper West Side, young professionals, artists, musicians, etc. are staying in the city instead of establishing in the suburbs. Throughout Philadelphia it is apparent that these residents along with more young kids leaving the suburbs, are revitalizing communities and culture, making the city better for everyone.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/18/opinion/18brooks.html?ref=opinion
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