Voters feel strongly that their neighborhoods have been neglected, yet at the same time they ascribe a high degree of importance to economic development and the promotion of tourism. Those voters were nearly unanimous in saying too much emphasis had been placed on center city. In the current debate over where to site the new baseball stadium, the Pulse Poll found voters supporting a South Philadelphia site over a center city location. Many Philadelphia residents still do not feel safe in their own neighborhoods. Concerns over personal safety cross racial lines.
Drugs continue to be a problem in many Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Fifty-seven percent cited drugs as a problem in their neighborhood. Despite concerns over crime and personal safety, Philadelphia voters gave high marks to the city s police department. Sixty-five percent of those polled said the Philadelphia Police Department is on the right track when it comes to combating crime in their neighborhood. Philadelphians place the blame on the city s tax rates when asked what factor is most responsible for the out-migration of businesses from the city. Twenty-two percent felt property taxes should be reduced.