Fundraiser. The word conjures up a number of images–running a 5K for Philly’s mural arts program, attending a gala to benefit fallen officers, donating large sums of money to the SPCA (ok, that’s just Chase Utley).
But judging from the failure of well, all of the above, it seems our efforts have fallen by the wayside. Have we stopped caring? No. We’ve been donating our hard-earned money to an unlikely place: the offices of the PPA.
It’s no secret that Philly is in a bit of a hole. The hospitability industry is hot on the heels of a shitty second quarter and prepping for an even worse third, a whopping ten percent of urbanites are unemployed, and (perhaps most alarmingly) our city crime rates have gotten so high that "crime mapping" sites are competing for a share of our increasingly paranoid attention.
Have no fear, Philly. The PPA is here. After months of throwing caution to the wind and meeting the city’s demands with little to no avail, the PPA has kicked their meter maniacs into overdrive and are employing tactics that rival even the openly corrupt PGW (sorry guys, the jig is up).
Our paychecks go directly to the PPA. We haven’t eaten (well) in weeks. But before we move any further, let’s look at the facts.
2.5 fill-ups of regular gasoline at Sunoco on Ridge Ave.
Philly’s fleet of commuters have limited options when it comes to transportation. We’ve got SEPTA, whose either A) on the verge of a strike or B) dangerous, the subway, which really only helps if you’re already in the city (or armed and looking for a brawl), and our own cars which, though we subject them to dings and dents, we love.
Unfortunately, our freedom as car drivers is (at least right now) very, very bleak. With 25 cents earning you a mere 8 minutes (and dimes, nickels and pennies giving you nothing at all), it’s not hard to see why the PPA is making bank. Even if you’re one of the savvy urbanites who buys a Smart Card (another PPA ploy–see sidebar), you still run the risk of being ticketed.
The process of finding a spot, feeding the meter and remembering where/when you parked is deceptively complicated. One false move could land you a $36 ticket or, if you’re one of the unlucky ones, a tear-filled argument with a one-armed man wielding a tow truck and a rather starling disregard for human decency.
Suffice it to say, the PPA’s workers aren’t necessarily to blame. The city’s plan of attack seems more like a last ditch effort rather than a structured plan, or at the very least, a clearly outlined budget that addresses both the city’s needs and the well-being of those living in it.
When we're not browsing Reddit or preparing TPS reports, the
Aroundphilly.com staff likes to bring you freshly-sliced internets for
your viewing pleasure. If you have an idea for an article or really awesome
photos of Nabi, send us an email at editorial@aycmedia.com.
Did you love this post? Share it with your friends.
Fundraiser. The word conjures up a number of images–running a 5K for Philly’s mural arts program, attending a gala to benefit fallen officers, donating large sums of money to the SPCA (ok, that’s just Chase Utley).
.jpg)
