Rendell: Rampage can upset delicate population balance

Few topics are nearer to Gov. Rendell's heart than the rebirth of Center City, and yesterday he said incidents like Tuesday's teen rampage along Market Street can upset the delicate formula that attracts people downtown or drives them away.

As mayor from 1992 to 2000, Rendell was credited with bringing central Philadelphia into the modern era. As governor, he has been a friend to Center City. Yesterday, he marveled that luxury condos there have recently sold for as much as $7 million.

He cited a study that he claimed said more people now live in the city's business core than in any city except for New York.

"That's nothing short of incredible," Rendell said, "but that's fragile, and it can go backward."

He made the comments after an unrelated news conference yesterday.

On Tuesday, 150 high schoolers assembled in the Gallery, spilled out onto Market Street, and caused havoc inside and outside the Macy's store and across the City Hall courtyard. Fifteen teens were arrested and a 14-year-old boy was injured.

In December, holiday shoppers were assaulted by a smaller mob of teens who had been turned away from the Gallery.

Rendell said he had to combat similar incidents, and the damage they do to public perception, when he was mayor.

"It's bad," he said, "and we can't let it go on."

Rendell said he had full faith in Mayor Nutter to address the problem. "Mayor Nutter gets it," he said.

A vibrant Center City provides jobs for the neighborhoods, he said. "Center City is the job engine; it's also the tax engine, and we've got to fight to keep it in good shape."