Pew survey reveals opinions on quality of life in Philly

A new survey by the Pew Charitable Trusts examines Philadelphians’ opinions on quality of life in their city. In this, the second of a two part study on the issue, citizens weighed in on what they think are assets to the city, as well as what problems need to be addressed. WHYY’s Shai Ben-Yaacov reports.

A new survey by the Pew Charitable Trusts examines Philadelphians’ opinions on quality of life in their city.  In this, the second of a two part study on the issue, citizens weighed in on what they think are assets to the city, as well as what problems need to be addressed. WHYY’s Shai Ben-Yaacov reports.

Transcript:
Forty-five percent of the 1,600 people polled last month say crime is their number one complaint about life in Philadelphia. The next item on the list was dirty streets and trash with only 8 percent.

Nearly two thirds of respondents said taxes in the city are too high.  But overall that issue isn’t a big one. Larry Eichel is Project Director for Pew’s Philadelphia Research Initiative.

Eichel: “When you ask people about what’s the thing they like least about the city, or why they might leave the city, taxes are rarely mentioned.”

The poll also shows residents are critical of public schools, with just a third saying they’re performing well. But half of all respondents said the schools will get better.

More information:
Read the complete results of the poll here.

Listen:
Click on the play button below or right click on this link and choose “Save Link As” to download. [audio: reports20090225poll.mp3]