Community plagued by violence in South Philadelphia, soda tax possible

A string of violence has a South Philadelphia community on edge, after two teens were shot in Grays Ferry Sunday night.

Monday afternoon, a possible robbery lead to more violence in the neighborhood.

Now, residents are turning to city leaders for help.

Mayor Kenney was among those involved in a community meeting Monday in a packed house at Vare Recreation Center in South Philadelphia.

The conversation was intense, as feelings were fresh, just one day after two teens were shot. Hours later police were responding to another shooting, and all three were in the Grays Ferry neighborhood.

"If we get the kids off the street and off the corner after school and at night we're gonna stem a lot of problems," Mayor Jim Kenney explained.

Organizers say Mayor Jim Kenney asked to attend the event, in light of the gun violence over the last 24 hours.

He says he's working on a solution.

Mayor

"On Thursday, I'm going to introduce a budget that is going to ask for $300 million borrowing to refurbish every rec center, library and park in the city," the Mayor announced.

Part of that budget could include a new soda tax as high as three cents per ounce.

Other solutions were discussed after the media was asked to leave. Tysheen Ortiz says progress was made.

"I believe it's the beginning of a good start," Ortiz said," This is what the meeting is about, to figure out how to pull together as community."