The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
Honoring and recognizing Eatible Delights Catering and its founder David Simms for their extraordinary contributions to the culinary arts and their unwavering commitment to community service. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips.
9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and recognizing Island Fritay for its outstanding contributions to the local culinary 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING and its commitment to excellence, community engagement and authenticity in Haitian Caribbean cuisine. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
Honoring and recognizing Paul Beale's Flowers for its remarkable 50-year history and its enduring impact on the community. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and recognizing Ron's Caribbean Cuisine for its significant contribution to the culinary landscape and its unwavering dedication to quality, community and authenticity. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and celebrating Dermatology Laser and Aesthetic Surgery and its owner Dr. Louis A. Brown, Jr. for their extraordinary contributions to the Rising Sun Avenue Business Corridor and the broader Philadelphia community. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion on the 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing the recent partnership between PhilaPort and Norwegian Cruise Line and celebrating the return of cruising in the city of Philadelphia. 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I enthusiastically move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing, honoring and celebrating Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated on the occasion of Zeta Day at City Hall. Introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution and look forward to welcoming the finer women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated to Philadelphia City Council chambers. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and enthusiastically seconded that the 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless to hold hearings on how setting affordable housing program eligibility according to the metric of regional Area Median Income, AMI, fails to reflect the true state of housing affordability needs of Philadelphians, how this leads to City housing programs not providing enough funding to those who need it most and how the 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING adoption of a more locally defined AMI can be utilized to create and sustain genuinely affordable housing across Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. I call for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and congratulating the Rex 6 Basketball Team for winning the 2024 Brotherly Love Basketball Championship. Introduced by Councilman Thomas for Council President Johnson.
The Chair enthusiastically recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Because I have to thank you, thank you, Council President. And I reluctantly move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and congratulating Preparatory Charter High School graduate Kahleah Copper on winning the Gold Medal in Women's Basketball during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas for Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution. 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings investigating the City's progress towards achieving its Vision Zero goals and examining 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING opportunities to increase safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. Clearly this was a hot topic discussion issue today, so I appreciate all of my colleagues taking this issue and making it a priority and I look forward to the conversation. So with that being said, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been enthusiastically moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. (Applause.)
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings to assess the current state of Philadelphia's preparations for the multitude of events being held across the City throughout 2026 as we celebrate America's 250th birthday and Philadelphia's central role in America's founding. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion on the 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
Thank you, Council President. This is an important topic, and I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and congratulating Joel Embiid on his gold medal finish in the 2024 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Olympic Games Basketball Final and for becoming the first player in Philadelphia 76ers franchise history to win a gold medal with Team USA. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. Congratulations to all of the Philadelphia folks who won a gold medal. And I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Public Safety and Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to investigate the effectiveness and potential expansion of mobile mental health units administered by the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and recognizing 6abc Philadelphia news anchor and reporter Rick Williams for his contributions to the impactful "Crimefighters" series introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and recognizing Drexel University alumnus Justin Best, who mastered the sport of rowing on the Schuylkill River at Boathouse Row in the 4th 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmanic District, for his contribution in securing the gold medal as one of four on the United States Olympic Rowing Team at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings investigating the rate of food waste and determining distribution options for excess food in the city of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings to investigate the ability and preparedness of critical City departments to possess a redundancy of records. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you again, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing September 10, 2024 as Suicide Prevention Day in the City of Philadelphia and affirming the need for suicide prevention awareness and robust mental health services. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Landau.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and recognizing Maia Weintraub for representing Philadelphia and the United States in the 2024 Summer Olympics and 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING winning a gold medal in team fencing. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Public Safety and Streets and Services to hold hearings to investigate the Philadelphia Police Department precinct policies and practices for approving and denying block party permits and exploring methods to increase block party permit applications. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Council Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings to investigate the policies, procedures and practices regarding the changing of the direction of streets as authorized by the Philadelphia Department of Streets. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Joint Committees on Public Safety and Legislative Oversight to hold hearings examining actions necessary to significantly reduce the Philadelphia prison population in an effort to permanently close Philadelphia's oldest and most 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING inhumane prison facility, the Detention Center. Introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to investigate the economic impact of the Philadelphia Water Department's implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure on the residents of the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Driscoll.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Special Committee on Kensington to hold public hearings to examine the current state of transportation infrastructure and services in the City of Philadelphia in response to the opioid crisis. Introduced by Councilmember Driscoll.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing September as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" and promoting the public awareness and research of childhood cancer in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution recognizing the prevalence of childhood abuse and the severe impacts it has on the 9/5/24 - STATED - 2ND READING children of Philadelphia, and affirming the City of Philadelphia's commitment to examining the effectiveness of City-funded programs that provide services for child welfare and safety. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
Council President, there are no more resolutions in my possession.
That completes our Calendar for today. Before we officially go into speeches, I want to acknowledge Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'm going to ask Councilman O'Neill -- I was going to ask Councilman O'Neill if he was wanting to make remarks as well. So I was going to speak on the passing of former Councilmember And so, over the summer we lost a great warrior and champion in Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller. And she was someone who was as authentic as you can possibly be. She was always true to herself, true to her community and true to the issues that were long before there was this notion of I would say progressivism. There were people like Donna Reed Miller who came from Dave Richardson, Brother Dave Richardson School of Politics, who like Hardy Williams and so many others were the fathers of independent Black politics in the City of Philadelphia. And so, when I heard that she had passed, I think most of us were really shocked because although we knew that there might have been some ailments, it was nothing that we thought, you know, having the expectation of losing her so soon. And so, I know that she worked with Councilman O'Neill as a colleague. She worked with Councilman Jones as a colleague. And she also worked with interns and staffers like Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada, Councilman Jeffrey Young, our Majority Leader Kathy Gilmore Richardson, other relationships like Jimmy Harrity, Councilmember Harrity and so many more, you know, a lot of relationships with the former Council Lady. So I was going to ask if we could have a moment of silence, a standing moment of silence in her honor for all of the hard work that she did and put into the City of Philadelphia and all that she gave for each and every one of us.
Thank you, Member Bass. Definitely will be missed. Are there any speeches on the part of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Thank you, President Johnson. And thank you to everyone who came out this morning, I guess afternoon, or tuned in to see your government in action today as we resume our legislative work here in the fall session. I personally am still going through my first year as a legislator, and something that I wasn't ready for was how the many hopes and dreams and visions and opinions that Philadelphians have work on me through the summer break. All the joy that is evoked by our everyday miracles, all the sorrow brought on by our everyday tragedies, it was all there. It was all coming to our phone lines. It was coming to my email box, came in letters. But this body wasn't in session and we couldn't act on it. Our systems do run on a calendar. I was clear about that, but life happens to all of us every day and is seen in all of the joys that we evoke and all the sorrow that we bring. The tension of the summer kind of focused me. It focused me forward to today and to these weeks ahead of us in a way that feels deeply spiritual, if I may, because it is spiritual. The people's needs are sacred. The people's needs are holy. And we as the to be in relationship, to be in deep discourse with all of you who are watching, listening, who are here. We have to be responsive. We have to be engaged. We have to be strategizing together toward that more perfect union, if you will. That is the spirit of democracy. And it feels like that spirit revives every four years when this idea of democracy starts to kind of clarify and feel real for so many. As it is on the outside, my prayer is that it may be so on the inside. May that animating spirit of democracy in this season rein in this chamber all season long because we have a lot of work to get through. We have a lot of plans and a lot of proposals. We have a lot on our hearts. Some of Some folks came mourning Christopher Cabrera, a pedestrian who was killed by a car accident in Kensington on the same terrible day in July when Dr. Barbara Friedes was killed by a drunk driver while riding her bike on Spruce Street, as was articulated today during public comment. People are basically begging us, y'all, to get out of our own way and to do what is feasible in their eyes to make our streets safer. I think that we are off to a strong start. I think all of us would agree, one, to grow upon as we move through this session for sure. Some of us came to the chamber today in a celebratory move. And I wish I could have joined the celebration in Wynnefield yesterday with the bold Sholom House. They are worthy of a round of applause for the work that they have done. Their action in their homes and in City Hall made a material difference. Instead of living under the boot of a slumlord, they communicated with their representatives to incite the purchase of their apartment building from PHA. And that's an example of what government can do when it heeds the calls of the people and when it comes together for action. This is I believe another testament to the power of organized tenants. This too is what democracy looks like, as we say in the streets, they showed it in the community. Some among us are thoroughly scared for the future of our communities, like our neighbors to some reports commissioned by the City, their worries appear to be well-founded after all.
I have the luxury of having been a firm public opinion on this issue early on which is that our basketball franchise I believe would be better served and would be a better neighbor, if you will, by continuing the search for the ideal location here in the beloved city of Philadelphia to build their arena, but we need to be credible. We need to be open. We need to be honest when we have that discussion, not for show, not for words, but so that the people can actually witness self-government working for them. We deserve, they deserve an honest conversation. Some of our constituents are not part of the conversation at all, if we're being honest. feel disenfranchised or disillusioned or because they actually are disenfranchised and the only way they can talk to us is if we go to them. This summer we went up State Road to talk to a number of our incarcerated constituents. What's abundantly clear is that we have to end the crisis in our jails where Philadelphians are getting their rights violated on a daily basis. And I call them Philadelphians because that's what they are. They are Philadelphians and they are having their rights violated for a variety of reasons. And that's why it's my first action of this session calling for a hearing on decarceration, getting people out of jail who do not need to be there. Ten years into this some of them may feel a bit repetitive for us to have those sorts of hearings, but these are hard conversations. That's our job. That's what we have to do. It's our work. That's life in a thoroughly democratic republic, where we don't just see voting twice a year as the full breath of other people's engagement, but we engage this way too. It's essential that we feel and know that as much as we love Philadelphia, that Philadelphia is a city that loves us back. I'm honored to say that aspirationaltermed phrase that's guiding our office came straight from Cameron Morris, who is a wonderful young man and senior at Roman Catholic who interned in my office this past summer. Philadelphia, a city that loves you back. municipality that won't just hear your voice, but empower it, that it can match your dreams with the resources to realize your dreams. That's the Philly that I imagine. That's the Philly that I believe for. That's the Philly that I pray for as I pray for this Council, as I pray for our Mayor, as I pray for our constituents. And whether you pray or whether you don't pray, I hope that you too can imagine with us in this chamber, can believe in a beloved community and believe in what that One Philly might actually look like with us in the City Council, to do it with your neighbor and do it in the honest, quiet recesses of your own time. I pray that this belief drives us forward and I pray that it does it together. Thank you. God bless you. I look forward to
You're welcome. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jim Harrity.
Good afternoon, colleagues. Good afternoon, Council President. Man, I woke up today feeling blessed. I got up real early and was able to watch the sun come up. And the way it was hitting with the clouds, the rays were actually visible coming out and it just made my whole day. And then I come into Council today and I look up and there's my mentor, my spiritual advisor, my brother Imam Abdul-Aleem up there giving our prayer invocation today. And it just made me reminisce. You know, we all -- a from the Convention. And a lot of you that were there, you know I didn't really have much fun at the Convention. I spent most of the time acting as a staffer again and trying to make everybody happy, and we were able to do that. And I actually gave my pass away every day to somebody else to go see. And finally on the last day my brother was a little upset with me because I had taken care of so many people and I was so irritated that I wasn't even going to go Thursday night. And it's funny how God works. He beat me up a little bit and gave me his page pass, which gives you access to everything. And I went over and actually sat down and I was still not feeling right. And then I look up and who was standing there but Abdul-Aleem. And I was like, you what, this is God. Putting people in place when you need it, when you need to hear something. And I needed to hear his message. And it was very good. And, you know, I'd be remiss if I didn't -- my wife Marnie is here in the audience today. So she works for the Mayor and all that, but what most people don't know is that Abdul-Aleem actually married us Islamically a few years back because he is my brother. He pulled us aside one night at a dinner and had a little service for us right there in the restaurant while everybody was eating. It was a very loving gesture and his words were very kind. And I'll never forget that. So for me today was a great day, coming in to our first new Council session, feeling the energy of my colleagues. I mean, we have am so honored to work with all these people in City Council here. I do believe that they really do have the people in mind just like I have the people in mind every day when I come to work. So I just want to thank you all and I look forward to having more fantastic days here at City Council. So thank you, everyone.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. There are a lot of adjectives to describe what people are feeling today. I want to use the one that the Vice-President uses, joy and gratitude. I'm joyful and grateful for the Mayor's commitment to do 30,000 affordable luxury houses. Starting yesterday, there, colleague and President, where that promise made is a promise being kept for the people of Brith Sholom. (Applause.)
269 units being renovated by PHA. Thank you, Mr. President, and thank the Board of Directors and the Chief Operating Officer over at PHA for rescuing those people. Thank you, Mr. President and colleagues, for what I learned from the Chair of Housing who went through this and texted me and said, I got your back, I'll show you how, but she did not tell me how much pressure that was. When those people look you in the face when they came into this Council and said, you're our last and only hope, and we looked back at them and said, we got your back. That day yesterday could different prayers. We could have been trying to find homes for them, to go to shelters, people in the fourth quarter of their life that were veterans and people with disabilities. When we did the tour, President, my colleagues showed up, Members Brooks, Nina Ahmad, Rue Landau, O'Rourke and most importantly Driscoll because he's not At-large, he represents a district. None of those people at Brith Sholom can vote for you, but you took that tour. And when we took the tour and walked in front of a unit, Mr. President, that had crime tape on it, the lady had been dead for three days. No wellness check. Nobody checking on her. No family. Kathy, you've been up there. You donned your Wonder had power failures. Thank you. But it meant a lot to me. Called you first when we got the word that PHA settled on that because you did not have an obligation to be there, Mr. President, but he showed up and I am forever grateful. On all that I love, yesterday was the most fulfilling day of being a public servant Councilmember. I've been on the top of the parade at the World Series, got hit in the head with Bud Light. That was fun. But this was the job. This is why we run. This is why we serve. I want to focus a little bit on yesterday talking to people and I remember that tour. And there was one veteran who invited us into the house. And when I tell you the conditions he lived in, he oven because it was caked with debris, grease, things like that. Definitely a fire hazard. I asked him, I looked around, I said, well, where do you sleep? He pointed at an EZ chair. But I said, there's a bed right there. He said, sir, that's full of bed bugs. He served our country. He did not deserve to be in the fourth quarter of his life and live like that. You guys came to the rescue. The Mayor put up $8 million towards the $23 million PHA did to save them. I won't say what I want to say because the President will have something to say coming along, but I will say this: If you think -- the owners, the prior owners of that building -- you're going to walk away into sunset with 23 million of our dollars after those people, what you did in other cities to those people? They not like us. They not like us. And finally, I want to tell you that those people were grateful. You saw them. They were grateful that we -- promise made promise kept. And I am proud to serve with you because what yesterday represented is why we ran. So thank you very much. Keep up the good work and may we be -the price we pay for the space we occupy is service. Thank you, Mr President. (Applause.)
You're welcome. Good job. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. And good afternoon, colleagues and City Hall and at home. I am so excited to be back here completing the people's work. In the first six months of our term, this Council has already taken major steps to put City Hall to work for our neighborhoods, but there is much more to do. I've spent much of my summer continuing to work diligently to solve our housing crisis. In Philadelphia and across the country, Americans have made it clear that bringing housing costs down must be a government priority. I'm glad that candidates for office at the highest level have started talking about affordable housing with the seriousness the issue deserves. Because in every neighborhood across our city, we hear the same story, housing costs have skyrocketed and income just percent of the households I represent earn less than $30,000 annually, including many seniors and people with disabilities. These constituents need our help the most, but for too long the City has failed to give them enough support for them to access safe, accessible and affordable housing. One of the main causes of this shortcoming is regional Area Median Income, commonly referred to as AMI. Every level of government uses AMI as a benchmark for affordable housing programs. This makes sense on paper, but the truth is that our AMI does not accurately represent Philadelphia. The federal government calculates our AMI by combining Philly's median income with the median incomes of the 10 other area, but Philly has a higher proportion of low-income residents than the collar counties do. Meaning, our Area Median Income is significantly inflated. Our region's Area Median Income is just over $114,000 annually, but the typical Philadelphia household earns only half of that. This means that when we build so-called affordable housing for residents earning 60, 80, 100 and 120 percent of AMI, it is still too expensive for the hundreds of thousands of residents who need affordable housing the most. We will never solve our housing crisis until government stops hiding behind a statistic that we know does not represent our reality here in Philadelphia. That's why the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development hold a hearing on how setting affordable housing program eligibility according to AMI fails to reflect our city's true affordable housing needs, how this leads to City housing programs not providing enough funding to those who need it most and how the adoption of a more locally defined AMI can be utilized to create and sustain genuinely affordable housing across the city of Philadelphia. I look forward to this discussion and seeing what changes need to be made to the Code to make our affordable housing programs more effective and more equitable too. I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who came here today to advocate for safer bike lanes and traffic calming. Like many of you, I'm still Dr. Barbara Friedes, a beloved member of the 3rd Council District's CHOP community as well as our other neighbors taken from us too soon by traffic violence. Traffic violence is real violence and it is preventable. We can and must do more to make sure every Philadelphian is safe as they travel about our city no matter how they get around. It is important to remember that working-class Black and Brown communities like those I represent experience a disproportionate share of traffic violence.
And as the Chair of the Committee on the Environment, I have not lost sight of the fact that biking is one of the cheapest and most sustainable ways to travel. Every neighborhood deserves safe streets. That's why priority to introduce road diets on major thoroughfares in my Council District, including Market Street, Chestnut Street, Walnut Street and Cobbs Creek Parkway as well as other neighborhood thoroughfares like 48th Street. Under the Council President's leadership, I look forward to working with the biking community, neighbors and my Council colleagues to ramp up this work. The legislation introduced by the Council President today, which I proudly introduced on his behalf as well as the hearing planned by Councilmembers Thomas and Landau is just a start. And I look forward to the work ahead. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I just want to thank my colleagues for passing two resolutions authorizing hearings today. One being reviewing of the block party permit policies, right. As I was going out throughout North Philadelphia all summer traveling through communities, one major thing popped up in a lot of blocks in my District, is that they are not able to have block parties because their permits are continuously denied by the police department for "safety reasons". But for me I think that allowing these blocks to unite at a block party can help enhance that community spirit and can make a community actually safer because folks feel like they're more engaged as a part of their forward to holding that hearing to discuss those procedures on how the police department operates when it comes to block party permits. Also, grateful again for passing the resolution authorizing a hearing to talk about the policies of the Streets Department when it comes to changing street directions here in the city of Philadelphia. Before I even got elected, this issue was on my table with some matters in the Logan Square section. So I want to give the community the opportunity to put their opinions before us to talk about how these street direction changes affect their quality of life. So I'm looking forward to holding that hearing in the Committee on Streets and Services. I want to thank my today that are important to me as well. Councilman Phillips, thank you for introducing the resolution honoring David Simms. Before he was a 9th District resident, he was a prominent member of North Philadelphia on Ridge Avenue where every year he put on a Christmas show for those residents, so it is dearly missed. So thank you so much for honoring David Simms. Council President, Councilmember Thomas, thank you for honoring Kahleah Copper, a North Philadelphia resident with Norf with an "f". Before she went to Prep Charter, she was a proud student at Girard College from Grades 1 through 10, but sometimes your talents outgrow your environment so she had to go to Prep Charter to hone in on her Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson, my mother-in-law has that cruise line on her refrigerator so she's waiting for that. So there are a lot of Philadelphians talking about that cruise, so it's very important that we promote that as well because there are a lot of folks who are anxiously waiting to aboard that cruise here in our city. And, Councilmember Thomas, I went to Dobbins on Tuesday to talk to some high school students. And one of the main things they mentioned to me is that their food is trash, right, so that's why it's in the trash, right, because it's trash. So we have to talk about why we are feeding our children food that they deem not edible, that they don't like. So we have to talk about why there's excess District. And, Councilmember Gauthier, I got a call yesterday from a constituent who receives $985 a month for SSI and is paying $600 a month to rent a room at 17th and Dauphin, right. That is the conditions of our residents in the city of Philadelphia. So when you talk about affordable housing, affordable to who is the question. And so, we have to make sure that we are putting forth policies that really get to the issue that we're trying to solve, right, because putting put forth housing that cost $300,000 is not going to solve our affordable housing crisis here in the city of Philadelphia. So I look forward to working with you all on trying to figure out what is that good sweet spot for affordable housing here in the city of Philadelphia.
note, this Saturday I'm partnering with the Spring Garden Civic Association to bring the First Annual Sunflower Festival. We will be on the 1700 block through 1900 block of Fairmount Avenue from 12:00 to 7:00. It's also sponsored by WXPN who's presenting the Headliner Stella Ruze. So if you're out this weekend, please enjoy the Sunflower Festival on Fairmount Avenue. And lastly, Mr. President, today we heard a lot of testimony from the public about protecting lives and preventable tragedies, right. So I want to talk about some preventable tragedies that occur here in the city of Philadelphia and, that is, the tragedy of gun violence, right. As of September 2nd, there were 165 fatal shootings here in the city of Philadelphia and 605 talk about victims of crime, there are only -- so 71 percent of those gun violence cases do not have a court case associated with that. So 71 percent of those cases are just out there just living freely floating in the world with no end in sight for those victims to have justice, right, as we talk about justice for victims. And 80 percent of those victims are Black. So let's continue to talk about those preventable tragedies that we have in our city, the preventable tragedy of gun violence because it is only the Black community in urban areas who experience gun violence at the rate that we experience it. So let's continue to talk about those preventable tragedies as we work to make our city safer, cleaner, greener and all that other good you, Mr. President.
You're welcome, sir. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. It is a pleasure to be back and ready to do the people's work. We actually never stopped, continued to work through the summer. I just wanted to speak about a few things that I introduced today. Over the summer my office has continued working on electric vehicle policy to address climate crisis. As elected officials and City Councilmembers, we have a crucial role to play in addressing climate crisis and protecting our future, and it is critical that we infrastructure and support vulnerable communities, promote climate equity and enhance emergency preparedness and advocate for stronger legislation. To that end, today we introduced a bill adding enforcement provisions for L&I to the bill we passed in June. This bill establishes a more concrete pathway for the City to oversee the maintenance of electric vehicle chargers, something that is already governed by federal laws for people who get the NEVI money but is not codified in Philadelphia. We are also working on legislation to expand the accessibility and the democratization of EV charging and EV adoption. We can't have all these chargers just in Center City. If we are going to want to end our footprint, the goals of 2030 to be met, we cannot be in these gas-guzzling cars. So I look forward to continuing to work with OTIS and the Department of Planning and Development to really have a strategic view of how we are transforming Philadelphia to be at the forefront of addressing climate change and using our adoption of EV as a mode to do that. I also wanted to talk on two resolutions I introduced today focused on the well-being of our youth. And I just want to point out the irony of these two resolutions juxtaposed together. One was about the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and really about honoring the extraordinary courage of children battling childhood cancer, their families and friends who care for them through every journey and the Philadelphia's hospitals, medical centers, research labs and organizations that are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for these children and their families. Well, next to that we also introduced a resolution recognizing the prevalence of childhood abuse and the severe impacts it has on children. We are taking care of our children on their cancer journey and yet we have a whole host of children who are not being taken care of. A society is judged on how well our children are doing and we are not doing so well. An estimated 1 in 10 children in Philadelphia experiences some form of abuse or neglect before the age of 18. How is that child prepared to face the world? Child abuse has devastating impacts on a child's physical, with long-lasting consequences for our city's children's, families and communities. Research has shown that victims of childhood abuse are nine times more likely to be engaged in criminal activities, are more likely to perpetuate cycles of violence. They are in this perpetual cycle that they can't get out of. And raising awareness of childhood abuse is a critical step towards prevention and intervention, ensuring that every child in Philadelphia has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, supportive and stable environment. So I implore all of us to focus on the children of the city and make sure we are meeting their needs and all the resources we have from our different departments are actually effective in addressing this issue. So I look forward to working with all of you in this coming session.
We continue to work on our maternal mortality issue, working on legislation to address implicit bias in the treatment of pregnant women and birthing people, particularly those of color who face so much, so many impediments for a safe journey to give birth. And this directly ties into our issues of our children and how well they're taken care of. So I look forward to working with all of you and thank you very much for my time.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. back, everyone. I'm deeply honored to reconvene today and recommit ourselves to the well-being, safety and fairness of every Philadelphian. I hope everyone had a great summer. I too was out in neighborhoods throughout the city and loved being on the ground with people, hearing their ideas and their concerns for our city. I wanted to take a moment to note, to just talk to Councilman Jones for a second about how incredible yesterday was as well at Brith Sholom. As a lifelong housing justice advocate, I've been in hundreds of units throughout the city of Philadelphia and without a doubt it is heartbreaking to watch the conditions in which people have to live, especially when they're paying money to a landlord to provide them what should be a safe, is nothing more fulfilling than finally providing people with what they deserve for literally habitable safe housing with some people that is just basic justice, but it's also just basic morality of something that would do so. I was so glad to be there to celebrate that day with you. You and your staff did such incredible work and can't wait especially with the Chair of my Housing Commission -- I mean, my Housing Committee to do so much more this session. But I wanted to just to take a note to say congratulations to all of our Olympians who were honored, including Maia Weintraub who won the golden fencing. Clearly Philadelphia is growing some great Olympians. And today I was honored to champion myself reflect our collective responsibility to build a city where every resident can thrive. I'm excited to serve as the primary co-sponsor on the resolution of Councilman Thomas authorizing legislative oversight to hold hearings on the progress of Vision Zero's goals. As Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee, Councilmember Thomas and I, along with Councilmember Nic O'Rourke and others in the chamber are acutely aware that Vision Zero is not just a policy, it's a commitment, to ensuring that our streets are safe for all who use them, whether they're cyclists, pedestrians or drivers. Too many lives have been lost or altered forever due to preventable traffic violence. This hearing will provide a much-needed hear the voices of experts and community members. Our goal is to create a vision of Philadelphia so that no one regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, where they reside or any other variable has to fear for their safety on our roads. I look forward to those hearings. I also introduced a bill on Council President's behalf and also my resolution that addressed the urgent issue my office has heard so much about from constituents, rising properly tax assessments across our city. As a housing rights lawyer, I am well-versed on how rising property values have placed an increasing burden on our residents, particularly long-term residents in or near gentrifying neighborhoods. That is why I introduced a bill to extend the deadline for first level review 18th. I am strongly urging also the Board of Revision of Taxes to extend the timeline for filing formal appeals for Tax Year 2025 until March 31st of that year. The current deadline of October 7th does not provide adequate time for our residents to initially pursue a first level review and then make a formal appeal to respond to their increased assessment. When so many of our neighbors are already struggling to make ends meet, fairness and equity must be at the forefront of our tax policies.
This extension will ensure that all Philadelphians have the opportunity to appeal their assessments and seek relief whenever it's needed. Finally, I introduced a resolution to declare September 10, 2024 a Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day in our city. health crisis that touches every community and the United States is currently undergoing the highest suicide rate in nearly 80 years. By declaring this day, we join the national effort during Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month to shine a light on this critical issue. Suicide unfortunately is especially felt in the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers and one attempts suicide every -- can't do it -- one attempts suicide every 45 seconds in the United States. We must work together to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, educate our community about the warning signs of suicide and ensure that everyone has access to the support and is our duty to stand with those who are struggling and offer hope. Finally, I'd like to give a huge shout-out to my colleague Minority Leader Kendra Brooks for moving forward on the Reproductive Freedom Task Force. This is such a crucial issue as our rights and freedoms are sadly on the line. Each of these initiatives reflects our shared values of safety, fairness and compassion. As we move forward, let us remember that our work here has the power to change lives for the better. I look forward to working with all of you to make these goals more a reality for people of Philadelphia. Thank you.
Thank you, Rue. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. Good afternoon, Philadelphia, especially good afternoon to the residents of the 9th District. I just want to come before you very briefly and note today we have a very special organization near and dear to my heart and also to the heart of many people who have been impacted by it. When I was 14 years old, I set out to figure out how I was going to be this civil rights activist leader and people would ask me, Anthony, how do you plan to make money? I just said, I just don't want to -- I'm not worried about money, I just want to lead and find a way to make a difference. And I just had this like 1960s view of the world. And I met a person named 2003 through a conference that I went to that changed my life, where we founded an organization called Youth Action. And there were individuals like Jordan Harris, who was my brother and mentor, who helped me organize this or put this organization together as well as Janine Lewis and a whole bunch of people, four of the people who helped put this together. And Youth Action is still around today and they're training young people to be leaders. Today one of the interns in the office, Shania Davis, is an alum of Youth Action and we had lunch yesterday. And she said that Youth Action has really exposed her to the importance of community service, which is why she wanted to intern in our office. And it's ingrained in her because she spent decade, over a decade actually, in our program. And that program is still existent today because of alums and people who care. Today we have our Executive Director of Youth Action Kiyana Neil who's here today. If she can stand. Kiyana is proud -(Applause.)
-- to continue the legacy of teaching students from middle school and high school the importance of civic engagement. So if you're interested in getting your middle school or high school students involved with service, visit www.youthactionteam.org. They've been serving for over 20 years. And a good chunk of those years I was there. And I'm just thankful that we have passed the baton to someone like Kiyana to continue Youth Action for all that you've done. I also want to briefly say something about Steven Moultrie. Steven Moultrie was a member of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. and unfortunately, he had an untimely death due to a motor vehicle accident this summer. I briefly met Steven. And what I will tell you about him is that he seemed like a really good guy, and our Majority Leader Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson knew him well as well as our husband because they are frat and sorority brothers and sisters. And one of the things I would tell you, I don't know what it was about that death, but it really messed me up. And I've told several people this story over the summer. I said, Steven, that could have been me, right. It could have been anyone, right. Decent people accident happens. And I've been hearing for many months now about the individuals for Vision Zero and other folks about motor vehicle deaths. There has to be something that we're going to do to really change the trajectory of this city when it comes to vehicle deaths. Because if it's not Steven, it could be someone else the next day. So we have to find a way to drive carefully. So I'm looking forward to working with our Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas on this issue as we continue to look to create transparency in our city when it comes to this issue. And it's very serious for me now. And lastly, this morning I wanted to tell you that the reason why we recognized all of these been keen about the City cracking down on nuisance businesses and the quality-of-life issues that impact us daily. And I fundamentally believe that we're in the business of improving the lives of addressing businesses like stopand-gos, gas stations, serial nuisance businesses. And that's why it gives me great joy to call attention and bring the light to several businesses in the 9th District who have distinguished themselves as good corporate citizens and neighbors. So today I pause to recognize a diverse range of industries, 11 businesses who I call the good guys. And they are the ones who do great and honest business and they provide highquality products and work and they simply get it. business, they take responsibility for their community and I'm so proud of it. So I just want to quickly recognize the businesses again. Ron's Caribbean Cuisine in Northeast; Hawkins Funeral Home in East Oak Lane; Cathryn's Cake in West Oak Lane, Mt. Airy; Dr. Brown Dermatology in the Lawncrest, Northeast area; Island Fritay in Olney; Buccann in the Bhurlome, Castor Gardens, Oxford Circle area; Tio Pepe in Oxford Circle, Northeast; Brown's Linen in Mt. Airy; Bally's Pizzeria in Mt. Airy; Eatible Delights in Mt. Airy; Paul Beale's Flowers in West Oak Lane. These businesses have been doing incredible work for a very long time and I just want to say thank you all so much. And also, congratulations to the Philadelphia 25 years of service. God bless. Thank you.
Thank you. Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just a couple of things I wanted to say before I go into my remarks around I thought that the resolution around hearings around school lunches was just brilliant, because what is served I don't believe is acceptable. And I think what I'd like to do, Mr. President, is have Council convene a luncheon with School District administrators and bring in some School District lunches and everybody just chow down. Okay. I think that's something that I would love to work with you on. Because if we're offering it citizens, many of whom don't have other lunch options, it should be something worth serving. Okay. So I just really wanted to say that. And thank you so much for that resolution because like I said, I think that was really a smart thing to do, to put that issue out front. Today I offered a number of bills and resolutions, but I just really wanted to very briefly make mention of a couple of them. The first is the street renaming for Lou and Choo's Way, for those who have been to one of the many, many community events fish fries, events, activities outside of Lou & Choo's. I want to give a shout-out especially to former Councilmember Sharon Vaughn, who really was pushing for this legislation and I'm sure will be here to speak on that. It's very, very important. course, the renaming of Waterview Playground after Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller who we mentioned earlier in our standing silent recognition for her. And the Waterview Playground in East Germantown is a staple in the Donna Reed Miller family. Generations grew up there, very well-known. And so, we look forward to that activity and seeing each and every one of you when we actually have that ceremony later this year hopefully. Also, we did a resolution calling on the Commonwealth to really strengthen enforcement against illegal activities of merchants and primarily stop-andgos. We really need the Commonwealth to really pay attention to this issue, to really step up to insert themselves in a way that we haven't seen before. resources are scarce and there's not nearly enough inspectors, but we need them at the table to be able to effectively deal with the problem that we're having, particularly the sale of loosies, tobacco products, all kinds of other items, shots of liquor, cans of cheap beer. It's a hot mess and it continues on. And so, again we're reaching out to the Commonwealth saying, we need your help with stop-and-gos. We know that the Philadelphia Delegation has been all in 100 percent all the way through, but what we really need is for the Liquor Control and Enforcement to be more of assistance to us here in the city of Philadelphia. One of the other bills that I introduced today was really to protect materials obtained by the Philadelphia, no censorship or banning of books in the city of Philadelphia, that kind of foolishness which seems to be happening in other places. Not that we expect it to be here, but just to let folks know don't even think about coming this way with that kind of foolishness. So no censorship or banning of any books here in the city of Philadelphia. And last but not least, we introduced a bill today requiring Parks and Recreation to move to help thoroughly plan events that require permitting here in the city of Philadelphia. And so, what we were asking is that they actually help individuals who are planning to have summer events or events at any time to really give some significant thought to safety, medical emergencies and parking. The bill is not a mandate.
It does services, but it does give pause to say, have you thought about these very crucial components. Council President, I was at your summer event a few weeks ago and you had all of the required plans in place around safety, around medical emergencies, around parking, around all of those things. But we just need folks to really think them through because it would be great if we had events and nothing happened. But most of the time it doesn't but sometimes it does. And so, that bill really just requires Parks & Recreation to help thoroughly plan events for the city of Philadelphia to make sure that everyone is able to enjoy themselves and have a good time. And so, with that being said, Mr. President, I just want to of your hard work. And I want to thank my colleagues. I don't know where this notion comes from that we don't work over the summer because I saw each and every one of my colleagues out and about. I got a thousand invitations to come to events and activities, and folks came to all of our events and activities. Shout-out to Oldies in the Park and Jazz Funk Soul in the Northwest. But I want to thank all my colleagues for having a such robust programming and series of events that we were able to all go to this summer. So thank you, Mr. President.
No, thank you. And thank everyone for their hard work, and we're rocking and rolling on the first day of Council session. So always of the people. As there are no more speeches at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Council President, I want to say thank you for allowing my staffer Ben Wilcox to testify in reading the testimony of some of the families who couldn't be here today. I definitely appreciate that. I just wanted to put that out there before we close out.
So with that being said, Council President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. sharp. (Duly seconded.)
and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you very much. ) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. 5 221:7 40:2 11th 79:13 74:3 $985 18 43:17 221:6 72:20 14-303 77:8 46:16, 78:20 96:23 15:6 20 25 227:22 27:17 239:21 47:14 18th 14:10 14-524 2003 75:15 13:8,12 29:13 41:23 238:2 81:20 116:5 75:17 251:22 1400 143:17 219:22 234:2 2013 12-2700 112:4 145:8 227:19 19-1300 19:24 57:6 165:8 14th 45:22 76:20 1,400 166:17 12-701 12:25 143:16 111:7 19-1301. m. org. S.