Nutter has new plans for Philadelphia

By Eric Donovan
Senior Staff Writer
January 23, 2008

Just two weeks into his first term as Philadelphia’s mayor, Michael Nutter is already at work on changes he vowed to make at his Jan. 7 inauguration. In his address, Nutter focused on reducing the crime and murder rates in Philadelphia and bringing the city back to a state of economic prosperity.

“This truly is a unique moment in the history of this great city because we can choose our own destiny,” Nutter began, setting the tone for the rest of his speech.

Among his suggestions for a “new Philadelphia” was a call to action for the citizens of the city, which involves people helping in any way they can. This includes duties such as volunteering for a homeless shelter and simply saying hello to someone on the street. Each, he said, was something he believes is vital to the well-being of the city and “to send forth your tiny ripple of hope.”

However, Nutter made it clear that while the citizens have a duty to their city, he also vowed to be instrumental in the changes being made in Philadelphia. One such change was his appointment of Charles Ramsey as police commissioner. In his address, Nutter debuted a new program that will be run by the Philadelphia Police Department.

Nutter said the police will begin to identify crime emergency zones in places where police enforcement is needed most, and those areas will get temporary relief. He cited this program as being quite effective in most cities and relayed that this is only a short-term action for a long-term goal. What Nutter deemed communal respect as a key component in striving toward a long-term goal of peace.

Although much of his speech tackled direct action against the crime wave of Philadelphia, he also brought up other points including the economy of the city, which in turn would also help decrease the crime rate.

“Whether it be economic development, job creation, arts and culture or transportation, we should work together to identify areas where we can generate mutual benefit through cooperation,” Nutter said. He indicated that this plan would prevent people from turning to criminal life.

“I am committed to protecting the civil rights of every Philadelphian, but the right that we need to protect above all is the right of every person in this city to not get shot,” said Nutter.

While a majority of his inaugural address had to do with reducing the crime rate in Philadelphia, Nutter’s actions in recent days have been to make the city better in other ways.

Nutter appointed five people to his revamped Zoning Board Jan. 18. Those appointed were new Chair of the Board Susan O.W. Jaffe, Lynette Brown-Sow, Anthony Lewis Jr., Joseph M. Manko and Carol Tinari. After much strife over former Mayor John Street’s Zoning Board, Nutter decided to make a major overhaul on the board, as he found many problems with it.

The Zoning Board mainly deals with city planning and has two subdivisions, the Planning Commission and the Zoning Code Commission. Each is preparing plans for the city, with the PC developing its first major plan of action in 50 years, while the ZCC is currently making major changes to its zoning codes, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

While much is being done in the way of change in Philadelphia, Nutter is currently making the rounds throughout the city to promote his peace and respect ideas. In recent weeks, Nutter has visited his alma mater, St. Joseph’s Prep, as well as various local businesses and establishments. This is all part of his plan to create a sense of community and respect among the people of Philadelphia.

To end his inaugural speech, Nutter had this to say: “Today, we begin the renaissance of a great American city.”

donovane1@lasalle.edu