‘The debate over regionalization the Delaware Valley has gone on for decades.
On one corner, you have the folks across the line wondering why northern Delaware does not take more of a welcoming approach to neighboring Philadelphia.
On the other, you have locals complaining about the often-dismissive attitudes of our neighbors.
Those of us in the media have long known about the six to 10 percent local news commercial TV rule, which is based on northern Delaware’s small chunk of the total population.
TV news coverage has actually increased beyond the six percent benchmark as NBC10 in particular amped up its coverage with Delawarean Tim Furlong, who also makes the rounds in a tricked-out Jeep with electronic equipment. 6 ABC has long operated a bureau in Wilmington.
On the other hand, chambers of commerce and other groups sometimes team up on joint issues. Also, the State of Delaware has underwritten additional SEPTA rail service, knowing that it needs to woo workers to its job sites.
The back and forth over regionalization or going our own way resurfaced last week with the decision that Amazon.com kept Philadelphia in the mix for its new HQ2, while leaving out northern Delaware.
Some said the selection of Philly was a win for Delaware, which would not have to cough up a bunch of tax incentives. Some Amazon jobs in Philadelphia would spill over into Delaware, due to the state’s lower housing and tax costs.
The effort also gave Delaware an updated inventory of site options should another company come calling.
A post in Technical.ly Delaware took note of U.S. Sen. Chris Coons making the case for a regional approach. Coons was right, but the effort to lure Amazon morphed into a matter of civic pride, with many low-odds states and cities making bids.
Philadelphia’s chances are, on paper, about 5 percent (I’d put it at 10 percent, due to a decent mass transit and regional rail system sought by Amazon).
The Washington, DC area may have the best odds with northern Virginia, D.C. and the Maryland suburbs still in the mix.
Meanwhile, other companies may look to piggyback on Amazon’s efforts as we learned when Apple said it too is looking for another corporate site.
Enjoy your day. as you get the last of the Amazon boxes in the recycling bin. Our newsletter returns tomorrow. – Doug Rainey, Publisher.
