That headline, taken from the New York Times, is a little grandiose, but the new police force does seem to be making a dent.
new police in Camden
new police in Camden
"Camden Turns Around with New Police Force"
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So if trends continue Camden and Atlantic City will 'switch places'?
Maybe it's time for Rutgers to open a campus in 'America's Playground' :)
Maybe it's time for Rutgers to open a campus in 'America's Playground' :)
I've often wondered if Camden could be "turned around" like some of the North NJ cities. It really is in a great location, if you think about it. If the surrounding area wasn't so dangerous, I have to think people would love to live near the Camden waterfront.
I am not sure there is any room on the water front itself for residential development, thanks to the Susquehanna center and Aquarium. The one existing upscale development is the Victor, but I don't have the impression that's taken off at all. We keep hoping this will change, but I've been around for over 30 years, and there really hasn't been much movement for the better.
Philly's waterfront needs better public transportation and more green spaces and less strip malls. Has anything been with that derelict ship yet? I think it's across from the IKEA...
I don't have exact figures handy but consider the history of the Camden police.
- In 2005 the state takes control of the Camden police.
- In 2011, due to budget constraints nearly half of the police force is laid off.
- As a result -- surprise, surprise -- crime rates increase.
- In 2012, in a move designed to break the police union, the Camden City police force is disolved and the new Camden County police force takes over. This move is strongly supported by Gov. Christie and George Norcross.
- The county police then dramatically increase the number of officers in the city.
- And -- you guessed it -- crime rates decrease.
The end result is that the Governor and Norcross have more influence over the Camden police and all involved get to self-congratulate over this manipulated "success." And to be forgotten is that the citizens of Camden were left with insufficient police for over a year.
This post was edited on 9/4 6:48 PM by jdm1979
- In 2005 the state takes control of the Camden police.
- In 2011, due to budget constraints nearly half of the police force is laid off.
- As a result -- surprise, surprise -- crime rates increase.
- In 2012, in a move designed to break the police union, the Camden City police force is disolved and the new Camden County police force takes over. This move is strongly supported by Gov. Christie and George Norcross.
- The county police then dramatically increase the number of officers in the city.
- And -- you guessed it -- crime rates decrease.
The end result is that the Governor and Norcross have more influence over the Camden police and all involved get to self-congratulate over this manipulated "success." And to be forgotten is that the citizens of Camden were left with insufficient police for over a year.
This post was edited on 9/4 6:48 PM by jdm1979
The ship is the SS United States, and it's docked in South Philly just across Delaware Ave, err, Columbus Blvd, from IKEA.
It was built, with government help, as an ocean liner that could be converted to troop transport if necessary. It holds the record for the fastest eastbound transatlantic ship in regular passenger service.
Funds are currently being raised to save the United States from the scrapyard. It is thought that if the ship is saved and repurposed it will most likely wind up in NYC.
In the meantime, it makes for an interesting view from the IKEA cafeteria.
It was built, with government help, as an ocean liner that could be converted to troop transport if necessary. It holds the record for the fastest eastbound transatlantic ship in regular passenger service.
Funds are currently being raised to save the United States from the scrapyard. It is thought that if the ship is saved and repurposed it will most likely wind up in NYC.
In the meantime, it makes for an interesting view from the IKEA cafeteria.
Thanks for reminding me of this history. FWIW, it is my impression that, even before 2011, the Camden police force was not considered effective. So I think there's more to this than union-busting..
Philly screwed up by building I95 along the waterfront. Cut the city off from the river.
There is an on going plan Master to develop/refurbish the waterfront/piers into public spaces.
The Race Street Pier has been completed (right below the Ben Franklin)
The Washington Avenue Pier just opened a few weeks ago
And there are plans to develop Pier 68 right by the IKEA/USS ship
There has also been talks to build a massive public space over I95 around Penn's Landing.
Philly Riverfront Master Plan
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