City leaders pushed back on the narrative that Center City is a dangerous place after Wawa cited safety concerns when it announced Thursday thatMayor Jim Kenney downplayed the closures, saying he doesn’t “think it’s a bad omen at all,” noting that Center City has become increasingly busy as Philadelphia’s economy recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
Wawa’s decision to close the Center City locations comes after Starbucks in July announced the closure of its store at 10th and Chestnut Streets, along with 15 other stores elsewhere in the country. The coffee giant also cited public safety concerns as a factor in its decision, as well as several other urban stores across the country.
said he is concerned “that the ongoing violence and sense of lawlessness right now could likely result in a business of any size to consider their future role and position in our city.” Philadelphians who shop at or work near the two Wawas that are closing said the debate over crime in Center City is less important than the loss of a store that played a major role in their lives. For them, Wawa’s decision to pull out of downtown felt like a betrayal.
Krasner is killing Philadelphia.
MaxMMarin sbcmw There's no place safe in Philly any more. It's ashame regarding Starbucks and wawa. Residents need to keep unruly children in check* educate young parents, they still need guidance.
MaxMMarin sbcmw Go into any drugstore, target, convenience store, clothing store, etc and not find someone stealing during your trip. The vast majority of these crimes go un reported. Squilla’s bag ban has kicked off an increased era of shoplifting.
MaxMMarin sbcmw I agree crime may be down. But those who manage the perception— mayor, AG, community advocates do everything they can to foster the wrong image — always fighting for the rights of the offenders. And the businesses themselves who’ve adopted policies of not prosecuting.
MaxMMarin sbcmw It’s true. That’s why they are cutting their losses by closing. As will a lot of other chains.
MaxMMarin sbcmw I call bullsh*t.
I would challenge PPDCommish PhillyMayor or DA_LarryKrasner to work a night shift at any one of these businesses so they can see just how 'safe' it is for the workers and customers
Yea, they’re just closing for no reason Record murder and assault rate is “safe” 😂
Hahaha bullshit