Resolution 020134

..Title Calling on all developers to honor the obligations of Philadelphia's "Percent for Art" programs when building in the City. ..Body WHEREAS, The City has a number of programs that encourage or require developers to dedicate a portion of their project towards art; and WHEREAS, The Redevelopment Authority has a model program entitled, "Percent for Art" which requires developers to dedicate one percent of their construction costs towards public art; and WHEREAS, The "Percent for Art" program has been in existence since 1959 and much of the beauty of Philadelphia can be directly attributed to this program which has been emulated throughout the country and the world; and WHEREAS, This program has fulfilled an important public service for Philadelphia citizens in exchange for public assistance in their projects; and WHEREAS, The "Percent for Art" program has beautified Philadelphia and improved citizens' quality of life, and brought character, vitality and history to so many Philadelphia spaces; and WHEREAS, Public art created through the program has encouraged dialogue, provided landmarks for visitors, created a sense of place and inspired Philadelphians to take pride in their City; and WHEREAS, "Percent for Art" programs in Philadelphia have been the inspiration for many similar programs across the country; and WHEREAS, It has been reported that a developer is currently attempting to obtain an exemption from the RDA's Percent for Art Program; and WHEREAS, By allowing an exemption for one developer, the door is opened for other developers to request an exemption that could potentially cripple the program; and WHEREAS, While this City Council appreciates the efforts to build new developments within the City, we are strong in our desire to see the integrity of the RDA Percent for Art Program as well as all Percent for Art Programs kept intact; now therefore RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, That the City Council calls on all developers to honor the obligations of Philadelphia's "Percent for Art" programs when building in the City. ..End