Are we a town or a city? This unofficial debate has gone on for years now and it's time for you to sound off on the topic. Today, I would like to open the discussion on whether we should consider ourselves a town or a city, and why?
Let's be clear what we are debating. Town vs city, not borough vs municipality. Most of our residents call Norristown a borough without hesitation as well as some of our elected officials. However, our state charter has had us as a municipality for some time now. So we're not here to debate that, it's proven we are a municipality...but we'll forever be a borough. Agree to disagree!
We're here to discuss the reputation of being a town vs a city. Both sides have their benefits so there are no wrong answers to the debate...just stay positive.
Typically, towns have a "close-nit" feel to them and a sense of home. You can't drive through town without someone beeping or shouting your name to say hi. You also know everything going on in Norristown and where ALL the best places in town are. Is this Norristown?
Or are we a city? Typically larger in population and you only know the people in your neighborhood. There are so many events happening in town you can't possibly keep up with. A city typically moves at a faster pace.
So I will leave the rest up to you: Do you think of us as a town or a city? Would you like for us to be identified as a town or city? Explain your reason on why you feel Norristown is a city or town. Talk about what you enjoy about your choice on how you define Norristown. Once again, there are no wrong answers! Depending on where you live, you may think completely different. The decision is up to you.
I look forward to your positive comments. Comments will be moderated and removed if necessary.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Town vs City
Filled Under
Norristown
Town Hall Debate
About Unknown
Shae Ashe was born and raised in Norristown, PA and the founder of the Norristown Project. He is a graduate of Norristown Area High School and Norfolk State University.
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6 comments:
Your definition of "city" is very narrow. If Norristown wants to be taken seriously, increase its clout and stand up to the county and to the developers and landlords that take advantage of our lack of leadership, it must become a city. It's a first step toward reclaiming Norristown for its residents instead of for special interests.
Thank you for your input! I left narrow definitions of both to allow others to define city and town in their own words.
If Norristown wants to become a city, it needs to double its population and annex East and West Norritons. Cities in PA, even the small ones, tend to have more than 70,000 residents and are larger that 10 square miles. Calling ourselves a city when we're so small would only make us look, well, desperate. What makes Norristown a town for me is that it's small enough that I've gotten to know most of it. I've been on nearly every street. If someone asks me directions to anywhere in Norristown, I think I can get the person there. I'm always meeting people I know, all over town. Perhaps the clincher for me is that I have an old comfortable relationship with Norristown--it always will be home. I see it for what it is at heart and I LIKE what it is. Sure, there are lots of things we could improve, and yes, we need strong leadership, but I don't want to remake it into something else simply to impress outsiders. Being ourselves, and insisting that outsiders allow us to be ourselves is more important. If we evolve into a city, fine, but why rush it?
Awesome point! Cities sometimes aren't defined by their size, but how the residents view it as well. Parker, PA is the "smallest city in the US" with only 840 residents and 1.1 square miles. Norristown swallows that!
Pennsylvania has less than a dozen cities with a population of 70,000 or more. Lancaster is a city. Harrisburg is a city. Altoona is a city. Johnstown is a city. Why not Norristown?
Cities sometimes aren't defined by their size, but how the residents view it as well. Parker, PA once had a population of 20,000 and is now the "smallest city in the US" with only 840 residents and 1.1 square miles. Norristown swallows that!
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