The University of Pensylvannia has invested millions of dollars into West Philadelphia, but the "Neighhbors Against McPenntrification" aren't happy about it.
The University of Pennslyvania "is the largest employer in Philadelphia and has a $3 billion budget, the same as the city." Out of "enlightened self-interest," i.e. in order to boost the image of its surrounding neighborhood in order to improve its own image, Penn has built a multi-million dollar school, "increased the number of street lights and hired more university police officers to increase safety [in West Philadelphia]. The university also added trees and signage along the sidewalk and streets." Penn also "created a program called the Neighborhood Housing Preservation Fund" to encourage homeownership in the area, and implemented a "Buy West Philadelphia" program, in which "the university purchases all of its goods, such as catering services, from local stores," dumping millions of dollars into the local economy. A win-win situation for university and neighborhood, or just another case of gentrification? Guess what the "Neighhbors Against McPenntrification" think.
Thanks to David Gest
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