Chairman, Members of the Committee, my name is Martin Soffer from the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. The proposed ordinance authorizes the striking and vacating of three minor un-needed streets and a right-of-way located in the Francisville Section of the North Philadelphia. The purpose of this ordinance is to help assemble this parcel for construction of the $5.5 million Francisville Seniors Development that will include 42 units of family and elderly housing, off-street parking, and a community center. Therefore, by action at its meeting on May 6, 1999, the Planning Commission recommends 990243 be approved. Thank you.
Thank you. Anyone else who wishes to testify? Please identify yourself for the record. 65 RESOLUTION 990243
My name is Steven Kauffman. I'm the Executive Director of Community Ventures. I just wanted to identify us as a nonprofit developer of low-income housing. These 42 units are being financed by funding from the CDBG block grant low-income housing tax credit. Our joint venture is with Francisville Community Development Corporation, which is the local community group. And these units will be kept affordable over the long term to low and moderate income families.
Vincent Morris from the Fifth Council District Office. Just here asking for a favorable decision. We've met with Mr. Kauffman and Francisville CDC and we are definitely in favor of the Francisville Seniors.
As a result of the development that you're speaking of and this bill, will any people not living in homes be displaced? 66 RESOLUTION 990243
This is Steven Kauffman again from Community Ventures. There is one household, they're renters living in a very deteriorated building.
Who are renters, they rent the premises. They're living in a single-standing building on a vacant block which is almost otherwise all vacate lots. The building is in very poor shape, and the Redevelopment Authority has acquired it and will be relocating them and providing them substantial benefits. Other than that, practically this entire area is vacant land.
My second question is, has there been community opposition expressed?
No, there's been absolutely none. There is great community support.
Vincent Morris again from the Fifth District. There has not been any community opposition.
Any other questions for these witness? 67 RESOLUTION 990305 Anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990305, an Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 120 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Carlisle Street from Oxford Street to Cecil B. Moore Avenue and by reserving and placing on the City Plan a right-of-way for drainage purposes, water main purposes, gas main purposes and public utility purposes within the lines of Carlisle Street being stricken from the City Plan and vacated under authority of this Ordinance, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee. My name is Paul Lonie, Survey Bureau Manager for the Department of Streets. The Streets Department would like to offer the following testimony of Bill No. 990305: This is not an Administration Ordinance, but an ordinance requested by Richard Goldstein of 68 RESOLUTION 990305 Hangley, Aronchick, Segal & Pudlin, Attorneys at Law. The purpose of this ordinance is to assemble the site for Jump Street by striking from City Plan Carlisle Street. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to Committee for favorable action.
The proposed ordinance 11 authorize the proposed striking and vacating of a minor un-needed street located in the north-central section of North Philadelphia. The purpose of this ordinance is to assist Grid Properties, Inc., to assemble the Jump Street USA development parcel for the construction of approximately 90,000 square foot, approximately $31 million to restore a movie complex with retail concessions and surface parking. Therefore, by action at its meeting on May 20, 1999, the Planning Commission recommends that Bill No. 990305 be approved. Thank you.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee. My name is 69 RESOLUTION 990305 Richard Goldstein of the law firm Hangley, Aronchick Segal & Pudlin. I'm appearing before the Committee this afternoon representing Grid Properties, Inc. Grid is a real estate investment company engaged in the development and operation of premiere intercity retail and entertainment facilities. This particular project Jump Street USA will extend from North Broad Street west to Carlisle Street and from Cecil B. Moore Avenue and south to Oxford. I have with me this afternoon John Bower of Bower, Lewis, Thrower (ph), the project architect. And I'd just like to briefly ask if Mr. Bower can just familiarize the committee with the site plan a and indicate the location of the proposed street striking and vacating.
I'm John Bower, partner of Bower, Lewis, Thrower Architects. The project extends along Broad Street from Oxford to Cecil B. Moore and extends back to Carlisle Street, which we're asking to be closed remain available for utilities. This will enable the project to have service access from the rear, access to the parking, and will eliminate the need to have a mid-block crossing of the sidewalk for cars coming off the 70 RESOLUTION 990305 parking area or coming out Carlisle street. This is important for a number of reasons. It will facilitate a clear organization of the site for service and for public access from the parking into the building complex. It will also mean that the development along Cecil B. Moore Avenue, which is being developed by various community groups for retail and entertainment, will have an uninterrupted sidewalk and the possibility of sidewalk cafes occurring in the area at the end of Carlisle Street where it abuts Cecil B. Moore.
Vincent Morris from the Fifth District Office. We are asking for favorable decision and that the rules be suspended.
As a result of the development that we're speaking of in this bill, will present occupants who will have to move?
Councilman Cohen, it's my understanding there are several, and I don't have a number of units that are used for dwelling in this 71 RESOLUTION 990305 area. Acquisition is being pursued at this time by the Redevelopment Authority, and relocation will be facilitated through the Redevelopment Authority. But I don't have any actual numbers that I can provide to you.
Is there anybody here from the Redevelopment Authority that can give us that information?
Has anybody here been in touch with the Redevelopment Authority?
Vincent Morris again from the Fifth District. I can provide that information to you, Councilman Cohen.
I can provide that information to you. I can contact the Redevelopment Authority. It's probably Michael Kuntz, to find out exactly how many people will need to be relocated.
Yes, with the consent of the Redevelopment Authority, they will provide to me --
No, I didn't mean 72 RESOLUTION 990305 with the consent of the Redevelopment Authority. I meant the consent of the people. Or is it that they're going to have to be subjected to some process to remove them from their homes?
Well, it's my understanding that there hasn't been any opposition at all to the development of Jump Street USA. So I would presume that the people who are asking to be relocated have some understanding of the process.
Can we have something other -- you know, I don't mean to be disrespectful, but it's important on matters like this if we have knowledge, and not someone's understanding. Can we get some information furnished to the Chairman of the Committee with respect to this situation?
And if there is action being contemplated with respect to people who are living in places that are going to be displaced some statement as to what action is intended to be taken with respect to them?
With regard to the relocation issues that were raised by Councilmember 73 RESOLUTION 990305 Cohen, are they residential properties, are they commercial or a combination of both? Does anyone know that?
It is my understanding that most of the properties are vacant. There were a mix of residential and commercial properties. Those properties that are occupied at the present time, I believe, may also be somewhat of a mix.
You know, this may be a fault of my profession, but it really doesn't help very much to say "it is my understanding that." What helps us is to get some facts so we know. Because later on -- again, I mean no disrespect to you, sir. But your understanding is not the same as the facts of the situation. Because later all you have to do is say, "I had the wrong understanding." We'd like to know what the facts are and take appropriate action with respect to the facts.
We will be happy to comply, Councilman Cohen, and will provide that.
And Mr. Morris who represents Councilmember Darrell Clarke will provide 74 RESOLUTION 990306 that information. I'm certain if there's any issues on relocation that the Councilperson -- now that there is a Councilperson that will be addressing those issues. Thank you. Anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990306, an Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No 120 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Sharswood Street from 22nd Street to Street; by striking from the 15 City Plan and vacating Harlan Street from 22nd 16 Street to 23rd Street, and by reserving and placing 17 on the City Plan a certain right-of-way for gas main 18 purposes, all under certain terms and conditions,. 19
Good afternoon, Mr. 20 Chairman. My name is Paul Lonie, Survey Bureau 21 Manager of the Department of Streets, and Streets 22 Department would like to offer the following 23 testimony on Bill No. 990306: This is not an Administration ordinance, but an ordinance requested by Mr. William McDowell, 75 RESOLUTION 990306 Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia. The purpose of the ordinance is to grant the legal authority to strike these streets to facilitate the development of the Sharswood Apartments. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action.
Good afternoon, Chairman and Members of the Committee. My name is Martin Soffer from the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. The proposed ordinance authorizes the striking and vacating of two minor un-needed streets located in the north-central section of North Philadelphia. The purpose of this ordinance is to facilitate the development of the Sharswood Apartment proposal and 8.6 million new rental unit development for low and moderate income families. Therefore, by action at its meeting on May 20, 1999, the Planning Commission recommends that Bill No. 990306 be approved. Thank you.
Vincent Morris again from -- let me, for record, set it straight. 76 RESOLUTION 990306 Councilman Darrell Clarke's office. We ask for a favorable decision and request that the rules be suspended.
Good afternoon. My name is Joel Silver. I'm the vice president for Michael's Development Corporation. We are the sponsor and are working with North Central Block Captains Association in partnership to develop this 70-unit townhouse project for the community.
Thank you. Any questions for these witnesses from the Committee?
Same as before; are there families living that are going to have to be moved?
Vincent Morris again from Councilman Clarke's office. No, sir, there's no 19 relocation.
Anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill. Thank you for your patience, gentlemen.
Bill No. 990308, an Ordinance authorizing the vacating of Walker Street, from Pearson Avenue to a dead-end approximately 108 feet northeast of Pearson Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee. My name is Paul Lonie, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets. The Streets Department offer the following testimony of Bill No. 990308: This is not an Administration Ordinance, but an ordinance requested by Ms. Elaine Kochanski, Post Office Box 353, Feasterville, PA. The purpose of this ordinance is to vacate Walker Street northeast of Pearson Avenue. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action.
Mr. Chairman and Members of 78 RESOLUTION 990308 the Committee. My name is Martin Soffer from the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. The proposed ordinance authorize the vacating of an un-needed paper street located in the Torresdale Section of Northeast Philadelphia. The purpose of this ordinance is to remove a legal encumbrance of this street from a party-at-interest property. Therefore, by action at its meeting on May 20, 1999, the Planning Commission recommends that Bill No. 990308 be approved thank you.
Thank you. Any questions for this witness? Councilmember Cohen.
What is this bill 16 about? What does it mean? I read the technical language to the bill, I have no idea what you're talking about.
There's a paper street next to this lady's house. She wants to get rid of it. Her parents were there. They tried to sell it; it didn't work. They're trying to get rid of the street to basically raise the value of their home. It's just to expand their side yard. There's nothing there. It's a paper street. It never went 79 RESOLUTION 990314 through, and they're just trying to get rid of it.
Any other questions? Anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? Hearing none, I ask the clerk the read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990314, an Ordinance granting permission to Steve Miller, owner of the newsstand located on the northeast corner or Juniper and Market Streets, to construct, use and maintain an electrical conduit and service line and a fiber optic conduit and telephone service line in and under Juniper and Market Streets for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to his newsstand, under certain terms and conditions.
I apologize. I didn't realize you had that one bill or I would have had you up.
That's okay I enjoyed the whole process anyway. Mr. Chairman, I'm here to testify on Bill 990314, an ordinance entitled, an Ordinance 80 RESOLUTION 990314 granting permission to Steve Miller, owner of the newsstand located on the northeast corner or Juniper and Market Streets, to construct, use and maintain an electrical conduit and service line and a fiber optic conduit and telephone service line in and under Juniper and Market Streets for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to his newsstand, under certain terms and conditions. The installation of electrical and fiber optic lines provides the capability for conducting lottery sales. In our judgment, the proper configuration for lottery sales at a newsstand is on that side of the stand whereby patrons can be safely and orderly cued longitudinally with the sidewalk and away from the crosswalk thereby not further reducing the available walkway for pedestrian travel. Inasmuch as the current configuration of this newsstand accommodate sales only at the front, the Department of Streets is opposed to the passage of this ordinance.
Thank you for your testimony. A question from Councilmember Rizzo. 81 RESOLUTION 990314
I believe this is the first time or possibly the first time that I've caught it that we're now introducing language fiber optic conduit. Could you tell me -- normally when we get these, we hear telephone and electric. I don't recollect fiber optic conduit. What technology are they introducing? Because most lottery sales are able to conduct their activity with a telephone line and an electric line. And what are they -- what's the fiber optic?
I believe that there's only two means of electrifying a newsstand for lottery sales. You need the electrical for the power and then you need the phone for the transmission, and I believe that's what the fiber optic is for. I don't know if --
I think that's just a supportive statement. I don't think there's a separate use, in my opinion.
I'll look that up for 82 RESOLUTION 990314 you, certainly.
Tell me if I'm wrong. Does this represent a change of the Streets Department?
With respect to granting permission to newsstand operators. Don't you traditional reject them? Here, I gather you are apparently supporting it, except you think it's on the wrong side or something?
The newsstand is already existing, and what we're saying, given that the newsstand is there and now you want to augment its operation by putting in lottery sales, and when you have a large number of folks cueing up at the front of stand, it really does reduce the sidewalks that we have here. So what we're saying is, please put it on the side if you can work that into the design, this way it can facilitate the traffic.
Then would you then 83 RESOLUTION 990314 approve it if they did it?
Will that changes stand apply in the future or just does it just apply in this one case?
Anyone wishes to testify? Anyone else for or against the bill? Hearing this concludes the public hearing on the Committee of Streets and Services. We will now move into our public meeting. - - - 84 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC MEETING COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES - - - Wednesday, June 3, 1999 - - - Public Meeting conducted by the Committee on Streets and Services, held in Room 401, City Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the above date, to consider action on the following: BILLS 990138, 990140, 990141, 990142, 990149, 990150, 990161, 990200, 990201, 990224, 990243, 990305, 990306, 990308, 990312, 990314, 990332, 990333. - - - PRESENT: COUNCILMAN FRANK DI CICCO, Chairman COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO - - - 85 PUBLIC MEETING
I congratulate the Chairman of this Committee if he helped to effectuate a change of policy by the Streets Department.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cohen for a motion on Bill No. 990138.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 990138 be reported out with a favorable recommendation and with the request for suspension of rules to permit first reading. (Duly seconded.)
It has been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 990138 be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and also recommendation for suspension of rules. All those in favor of the bill signify by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. The bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cohen for a motion on Bill No. 990140.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 990140 be reported out with a favorable recommendation and with the request for 86 PUBLIC MEETING suspension of rules to permit first reading at the next Council meeting. (Duly seconded.)
It has been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 990140 be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The Bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cohen for a motion on Bill No. 990141.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 990141 be reported out with a favorable recommendation and with the request for suspension of rules to permit first reading at the next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It has been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 990141 be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and that the Rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor of the bill signify 87 PUBLIC MEETING by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cohen for a motion on Bill No. 990142.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 990142 be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and with the request for suspension of Rules to permit first reading at the next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It has been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 990142 be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and that the Rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor of the bill signify by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cohen for a motion on Bill No. 990243.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 990243 be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and with the request 88 PUBLIC MEETING for suspension of rules to permit first reading at the next session of City Counsel. (Duly seconded.)
It has been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 990243 be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and that the Rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor of the bill signify by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The Bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cohen for a motion on Bill No. 990305.
Mr. Chairman, I move Bill 990305 be reported out with a favorable recommendation and with the request of suspension of Rules to permit first reading at the next session of City Council.
It has been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 990305 be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and that the Rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor of the bill signify by saying aye. 89 PUBLIC MEETING Those opposed say nay. The Bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cohen for a motion on Bill No. 990306.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 990306 be reported out with a favorable recommendation and with the request for suspension of rules to permit first reading at the next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It has been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 990306 be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and that the Rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor of the bill signify by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The Bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cohen for a motion on Bill No. 990308.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 990308 be reported out with a favorable recommendation and with the request for suspension of Rules to permit first reading at the 90 PUBLIC MEETING next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It has been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 990308 be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and that the Rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor of the bill signify by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The Bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cohen for a motion on the amendments to Bill No. 990312.
May I ask the Chair to have Councilman Mariano or Councilman Rizzo make that motion because I'm going to vote against the Bill.
Bill No. 990312, I make a motion that the amendments to that bill be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been properly moved and seconded that the amendments to Bill No. 24 990312 be approved. All those in favor of the amendment 91 PUBLIC MEETING signify by say aye. Those opposed signify by saying nay. The motion for the amendment has been approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rizzo for a motion on Bill 990312 as amended.
I make a motion that Bill No. 990312, as amended, be reported out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation and that rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading at the next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
It has been properly second that Bill No. 990312, as amended, be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspend. All those in a favor signify by saying aye. Those oppose?
For reasons stated during the course of the hearing. 92 PUBLIC MEETING
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cohen for a motion on Bill No. 990314.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 990314 be reported out with a favorable recommendation with the request for suspension of rules to permit first reading at the next session of City Council.
It has properly moved and seconded that Bill 990314 be reported out with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor of the bill signify by saying aye. Those opposed say nay. The Bill is approved.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cohen for an amendment to Bill No. 19 990332.
I move that Bill 21 990332 be amended in so that Section 1, Line, 2 the very last word will be changed from the present reading of southeast changed to southwest. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor of a 93 PUBLIC MEETING motion to amend signify by saying eye. Those opposed? The motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cohen for a motion on Bill No.990332, as amended.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 990332, as amended, be reported out with a favorable recommendation and with the request for suspension of rules to permit first reading at the next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It has properly moved and seconded that Bill 9903332, as amended, be reported with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor of the bill signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The Bill is approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cohen for a motion on Bill No. 990333.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 990333 be reported out with a favorable recommendation and with the request for 94 PUBLIC MEETING suspension of rules to permit first reading at the next session of City Council. (Duly seconded.)
It has properly moved and seconded that Bill 990333 be reported with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor of the bill signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The Bill is approved. This concludes the public meeting on the Committee on Streets and Services. And I thank my members for being patient and hanging in there today. (Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.) - - - 95 C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of June 3, 1999, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public