Resolution 090193

..Title Authorizing the Committee on Public Property to hold public hearings to explore creating an independent and non-partisan commission to create a detailed inventory of public property and make non-binding recommendations for the potential closures of City buildings. ..Body WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia owns over 12,500 properties between the Department of Public Property, the Redevelopment Authority and the Philadelphia Housing management Corporation; and WHEREAS, It has become fiscally unfeasible to ensure that each building is adequately maintained and updated to required safety standards and codes; and WHEREAS, There are concerns that the current conditions of certain properties endanger the occupants and impede on their space and ability to operate in full capacity. However, these concerns have not been substantiated by a comprehensive review or analysis; and WHEREAS, The commission would consist of board representing various qualifications including, but not limited to, engineering, public safety, education, health and facility maintenance. The commission would also consist of representatives of Philadelphia community groups; and WHEREAS, The independent and non-partisan commission would evaluate each piece of public property provide the City with a detailed inventory. From these evaluation and inventory, the commission could make non-binding recommendations for potential closures of City buildings; and WHEREAS, Any recommendation to close a public building would be based on the condition of the property and take into consideration the closure's impact on the surrounding community, as well as any economic or environmental impact; and WHEREAS, The Commission would hold public hearings for the purpose of community feedback on various public buildings, their uses and their impact on the community; and WHEREAS, From those recommendations, City officials could discuss the coordination and consolidation of programs and services into buildings to maximize space and conserve resources; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That City Council's Committee on Public Property is hereby authorized to hold public hearings to explore creating an independent and non-partisan commission to create a detailed inventory of public property and make non-binding recommendations for the potential closures of City buildings. ..End