Study: Reading Could Bounce Back

At one point in Reading's history, the city laid claim to being the "Outlet Capital of the World."

Now, a new study by Alvernia University shows that Reading has the potential to bounce back on the map.

Since last spring, Susan McDonald and two other researchers have gone out into the community to interview residents, social workers, teachers, juvenile probation officers, and nurses about what it means to live in a city labeled as "distressed."

On Friday, the group gathered at Alvernia to discuss the research findings.

"A lot of people are very proud of the city of Reading, feel that this negative labeling has really impacted people who probably want to invest or come into the city," said McDonald.

Meghan McGlone, one of the researchers, said Reading is often portrayed in a negative light. But with its recent findings, the study shows the area has a lot of potential.

"People need to be more willing to come in and explore," said McGlone. "There's the Sovereign Center, there's the arts, there's the Berks Ballet."

Earlier this week, Reading was thrust into the national spotlight by NBC News, not because of the city's crime rate, but how a once-thriving blue collar area is now a thing of the past.

According to the on-going research study, almost 35 percent of the city's population lives below the poverty level. There's also been a 10 percent increase in the number of people using the Salvation Army's food bank.

Maggie Hansen, who works for Berks Visiting Nurses, said the research highlights the area's problems.

"No jobs, no money, poor people," said Hansen. "If you bring industry back into the city, you're going to have finances, you're going to have insurance coverage, you're going to have better self esteem of the individuals."

As the research reveals, fear prevents people from coming into the city. Take away the fear, researchers said you may rediscover Reading the way it used to be.