A bigger Philly

Did you hear? According to the latest census data, Philadelphia actually GREW last year - to 1,540,351. This is pretty exciting, and more than just symbolic. The city has been losing population since the 1950 census, when it had just over 2 million folks primed for the news that there would soon be some modest ranchers going up in a place called Levittown. It seems that a more accurate count of people living in prisons, nursing homes and college dorms led to a boost after the city challenged initial 2008 estimates.

Granted, the crappy economy may be helping the numbers as prospects aren't looking any better outside the city than in, but the main driver has to be the success of Center City and gentrification of areas like Fishtown. Folks in Chestnut Hill (where I used to live) should not be smug: the population there has been stable for decades. It's the urban pioneers and those staying put in less wealthy areas who improve Philly's prospects and tax base.

Anyway, the story inspired this comment, posted on philly.com by "BigCH":

Glad the prison population tipped us over 1.5 M. Way to go, guys! Extra jello at lunch tomorrow!

First time one of those reader posts, usually so offensive or moronic, has made me laugh.