Aye. The ayes are 14. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the 3/19/26 - STATED - 2ND READING affirmative, the bill passes. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 5 260074.
An ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by adding Section 9 14-546, entitled /SIX, Sixth District Overlay District, revise Section 14-515, the /NE, Northeast Overlay District, remove Section 13 14-523, the /IMA, Industrial and Manufacturing Area Overlay District, and make other related changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll. 3/19/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are and 9 the nays are 0. Majority of all 10 members having voted in the 11 affirmative the bill passes. 12 Chief Clerk, please read 13 any additional resolutions on 14 today's Final Passage Calendar.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the women of the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office during Women's History Month 2026 for their tireless service, sacrifice and invaluable contributions to the safety and well-being of the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by 3/19/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, 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.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 3/19/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution Honoring the Schools and Principals of the Fourth Council District for Their Ongoing Commitment to Coordination and Staying Informed Through Monday Morning Roll Call Meetings. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution. And good job on this one because they have been meeting for the past several years consistently, sir.
You noticed. Thank you. Thank you, 3/19/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. President. I gleefully now move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution declaring March 16-March 20, 2026 as National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week in the 3/19/26 - STATED - 2ND READING City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau 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 signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the 3/19/26 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings examining the state of the LGBTQ+ health in Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau 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. 3/19/26 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing March 31, 2026 as Transgender Day of Visibility in the City of Philadelphia, a day to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of transgender people and to lift up the joy, light and laughter that transgender people experience and bring into our communities. Introduced by Councilmember Landau. 3/19/26 - STATED - 2ND READING
Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau 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 is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read 3/19/26 - STATED - 2ND READING the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing March 24, 2026 as National Cheesesteak Day in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
Can I do an amendment as a part of that resolution, sir?
Absolutely. That's a part of the family too. We got the chicken too.
Thank you, sir. I feel included. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for 3/19/26 - STATED - 2ND READING 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. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring Dr. Khine Zaw Arthur, President and 3/19/26 - STATED - 2ND READING Chief Executive Officer of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia for her leadership, entrepreneurial achievement and commitment to advancing economic opportunity and community empowerment in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad 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 is adopted. Chief Clerk, please read the title of the next resolution.
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
Are there speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke.
Thank you, Mr. President. As many of my colleagues know, yesterday two members of HAPCO filed an injunction to block this Council from voting on the Safe Healthy Homes Act. Today was supposed to be a moment to recognize over a year of hard work, countless conversations, amendments and real engagement across this body. Instead we're facing a bad-faith attempt to delay and to distract. And I'll be honest, it doesn't just frustrate me. From the calls and the texts that I've received, I know many of you feel the same way. It's a disrespect to the democratic process and to this institution. At the end of the day, this is about whether we're allowed to do the job our constituents sent us here to do, and I am not going to be deterred from doing the thing that the people sent me here to do. I want to thank Council President Johnson and each of my colleagues for the support as well as the encouragement that you've shown in this moment. It really does mean a great deal to me, not just in this moment, but over the course of the year of the challenges that I've had with my family. The care and concern and the love that you have shared have meant a great deal to me. What's been clear though in every conversation is that there is shared commitment across this body to keep moving, to schedule a new hearing as soon as possible and ultimately, deliver what we've promised, safe healthy homes for our constituents. To the organizers, the tenants, the small landlords who have pushed for this legislation for months, keep on pushing. To the tenants of 42nd and Chester who rallied yesterday because of the lack of heat, the power outages that they have faced through this winter, keep on pushing. To my team, who have worked tirelessly to prioritize those most in need not only to get a paycheck, but because they believe, like me, that the people's needs are wholly. Keep on pushing. It's unquestionable who is acting in good faith here and who isn't. It's the people whose safety is on the line, not those worried about their bottom line and don't want to be bothered to actually follow the law while they do it. So we're going to keep on pushing and we're going to see what the end is going to be. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Justice delayed is not justice denied. Speeches on behalf of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. First of all, amen to my colleague Councilmember Nick O'Rourke. Today I introduced a resolution declaring this week March 16th to the 20th as National LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week in the City of Philadelphia. The date shows us that LGBTQ+ people, especially trans people, and our Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community members, have significantly more challenges when accessing health care, resources and support in comparison to their straight and cis peers. There are existing inequities in accessing health care, finding quality and affordable housing, getting fair treatment and education and more. Queer people also face a greater risk of taking their own life. This weekend my office will be holding an LGBTQ+ Health Fair in the Gayborhood that is open and free to all Philadelphians. We will offer vaccines, rapid testing, menstrual products, sexual health resources, housing case management, legal advice on changing your name and much more. Please stop by if you have a chance. Amid Trump's substantial rollbacks to funding and access to LGBTQ+ health care, including gender-affirming care, HIV prevention and testing and mental health resources, I also introduced a resolution today authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings examining the state of LGBTQ+ health and health care access in Philadelphia. I look forward to hearing from the experts about what's at stake and what needs to be done to protect our queer community. Finally, today I introduced a resolution recognizing Monday, March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility, an opportunity to honor the countless transgender and non-binary Philadelphians who have shaped our history and uplift the work of those who stood at the front lines of the future. But visibility alone is not enough. Across this country in the last year, we've seen a wave of anti- trans legislation, bills banning health care, policing identities and forcing people to live inauthentically. Philadelphia is a city where trans people belong, where we will continue to fight for rights, health care access and protections. I look forward to the Trans flag being raised on March 31st outside City Hall and other things to come. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Good job, Member Landau. Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you. Thank you so much, Mr. President. Today I rise to thank you and all of our Council colleagues for voting in favor of the legislation we just passed, which was the Generational Wealth Preservation bill, which removes a significant financial barrier to building generational wealth here in the City of Philadelphia and makes it easier for families to pass down property for one generation to the next. Previously, only homes that were fully paid off were exempt from the city's realty transfer tax. So if a home had an outstanding mortgage, heirs were required to pay the realty transfer tax on the remaining debt before a new deed could be recorded, which could cost thousands and thousands of dollars, ask me how I know. As an example, if you inherited your family home with an outstanding mortgage of $100,000 you would need to pay $4,578 in transfer taxes before you can record the new deed. To many Philadelphians, this could mean the difference between keeping and losing your family home. But after today, not anymore. The Generational Wealth Preservation bill, which we passed today, amends The Philadelphia Code to clarify that heirs are not required to pay the realty transfer tax when inheriting a family home with an outstanding mortgage that cannot be paid off by the estate. This is a commonsense change that makes the process more fair and equitable, while empowering families to build and maintain their generational wealth, because a family home is often the most meaningful thing a parent or a grandparent or loved one can leave to their loved ones. This bill makes sure that a tax bill is not standing between a grieving family and their ability to hold onto their foundation, particularly when they may already be navigating challenges like tangled titles or deed fraud. Today marks real progress. And I want to thank Community Legal Services and all of our legal service partners, our Department of Records, our Commissioner Jim Leonard, Tracy, his entire team, Department of Revenue, our Commissioner Kathleen McColgan, Rebecca Lopez, Chris and their entire team, and also my awesome, hard-working legislative and Comms team, the whole team KGR. Thank you all so very much for all of your hard work and to all the organizations, and especially the community members who came in to provide public comment and testimony during our Finance Committee hearing earlier this month in favor of this legislation. So while we continue to celebrate this win, know that the work and the journey to empower Philadelphia families continue, and we will help all build generational wealth here in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you all so much. (Applause.)
Thank you, Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson. Great job. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. Today I introduce legislation that corrects the zoning for 3rd district school buildings slated for closure by the School District of Philadelphia. Specifically, I'm remapping five at-risk schools as "Special Purpose Civic," a category created a couple years ago for public institutions like schools. This ensures that the conversation around the School District's Facilities Master Plan stays focused on the most important consideration our young people, because when students and the community asked the District about their plans for Paul Robeson High School and Blankenburg Elementary buildings, the District said redevelopment. Last week I went to Robeson High School to speak directly with students about the District's plan to close their school. Robeson students expressed unanimous opposition to the closure, and I could hear the fear, anger and confusion in their voices as they talked about losing a place that feels like a safe haven and a second home. But there is another undercurrent moving through Robeson's student body, gentrification. During my visit, I could not help but notice a sign that students had put up in the hallway. They graciously let me borrow the sign for today's meeting, which as you can see, says, "Don't be a sellout. Stop gentrification. Location, location, location. " Our kids made that sign. They know exactly what is happening to their neighborhood and they are not willing to go quietly. When University City High School closed, Paul Robeson became the last public high school in the heart of University City, a stone's throw from some of the world's finest scientific institutions. It is also in the former Black Bottom, a neighborhood that the city and institutional partners bulldozed and erased to make space for campus expansion. This sign and what I've heard from Robeson's students, teachers, staff, parents and community members over and over again, is that they see the proposed closure for what it is, the latest chapter in a long story of pushing working-class Black and Brown families out of University City. This is not paranoia. This is pattern recognition. Robeson students are talking in their classrooms about what's motivating the School District to close a school with a 96% graduation rate that is sending kids to Harvard, a school that is succeeding by every measure that matters. How could they not -- they can see the construction cranes from their classroom window. They see the new offices and new luxury apartments rising all around them, filled with people who did not grow up in our neighborhoods. So while this body may not have a formal vote on the School District's Facilities Plan, we do have power to uncouple the District's inappropriate choice to talk about school closures and redeveloping still open schools at the same time. The School District should be focused on educational outcomes, not development ones. You do not get to plan the sale of a building while our children are still sitting in it. Not on my watch. To be clear, I support the District working with the City to transform already- vacant schools, but I am fiercely opposed to talking about redeveloping buildings with students in them. And while Robeson may be the most vulnerable to redevelopment, we are also protecting Parkway West, Martha Washington and Blankenburg too, because they matter just as much. I am grateful that the School District says that they heard the voices of the community and will keep Motivation High open. I am introducing a map change for Motivation High too because it is just that important. The students at Robeson, Parkway West, Motivation, Martha Washington and Blankenburg deserve the same care and commitment and the same investment in their futures. Our schools belong to our communities, not developers. And the School District does not get to hand them over to developers while our children's backs are turned.
My legislation says, Not on my watch and not without a seat at the table for the people who built these communities, who filled these classrooms and who are still there and still fighting. Thank you. )
Thank you very much. Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr.
Wow. My daddy came from the Black Bottom so I can relate to that expansion thing. So tomorrow, God-willing, will come the end of Ramadan, the Holy month of Ramadan. Tens of thousands of Muslims will be able to go back to eating during the course of the day. But one of the things that happened Saturday was what is called an Iftar, and that was the breaking of the fast at my home. One of the attendees was recognized by Councilmember Gauthier, Tone Barr, came to the house. We were talking. After we ate succulent lamb -- you wouldn't be interested.
We had fish fried rice. We had barbecue chicken off the grill. Man, we ate. And so, we all sat in the living room and I thought we were going to start talking about total religious stuff, but that did not happen. It was more about what is going on with our young people. And Tone talked about it. And one of the things that he raised was the fact that we have to not speak down to our young people, but speak at our young people and go through the means and mechanisms that they understand and relate to. And what that meant, with a lot of fanfare, was video games. This is called BlockVerse. And as soon as I picked up or he picked up this game, the young person that was in the room 3 who was paying us no attention, leaned in, started listening. So briefly, what this is, if you ever heard of Grand Theft Auto, which is an exercise in beast kind of behavior, you're on some beast mode stuff where you are demonizing young people, you're running over seniors, you're snatching people's pocketbooks, you're robbing people and you get points for it. What this does is entertains that but with consequences. Once you snatch a car and get caught, here's how much time you can get. If you go on this "caper robbery mission" and all of a sudden somebody snitches on you, here's what happens when you go to the court, and I just thought, colleagues, that this speaks to our young people where they are. I kid you not, the young man that attended the Iftar did not care what we were talking about until we picked up this thing. So you can't buy this. We can't buy it. But as it's developed, it may be attracted to your schools to use and as a R&D measure to kind of have discussions about consequences. And what is interesting is based on Philly, parts of your District are in there, Member Gauthier, 52nd Street, 56th Street and others, but it is a real translatable way to come to our young people and talk about consequence. So I'll end on this: To let young people think that they could go around doing whatever without consequence is ludicrous. There is a consequence to everything we do. And it's about time some of our young people learn them. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Member Jones. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. First, I want to commend my colleague Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson on this incredible piece of legislation. As an attorney who represented folks in estates and tangled titles, I can tell you countless occasions how no taxes and liens get in the way of really allowing people to fully utilize their generational wealth, fully get the full value of that generational wealth, so this legislation is going to change lives I think for people in our city. So thank you, Councilmember, for this legislation. I also want to commend my colleague Councilmember Gauthier for your legislation and using your power as a District Councilmember to represent the best interests of your district. That legislation I think is our tools that we have to fight some of these things that are wrong with our communities, to fight gentrification in our community. So I stand with you on that fight 100%. m. , my office will be hosting a post- Eid toy giveaway at Penrose Recreation Center. That is at 11th and Susquehanna. We are partnering with the Philly Majilis, Councilman Jones, thank you. Commissioner Omar Sabir, the Commissioner's Office, thank you. Majilis Masjid, thank you for participating and supporting our toy drive this Saturday. This is a special opportunity for us to continue celebrating the joy of Eid by making sure our young people feel seen, supported and celebrated while bringing neighbors and families together in the spirit of generosity and community. So I just want to say Ramadan Mubarak. On next Tuesday, March 24th, my office will be hosting a community meeting on the proposed School District's Facilities Plan for families and community members at the Bache-Martin, Waring and Robert Morris catchments. We will be joined by representatives of schools, Friends of School groups. The School District said they are committed to attend. So we want to bring answers to the community regarding what's going to happen to an elementary school with almost 900 kids. m. m. m. , Tuesday, March 24th. If you can't make it in person, we will also have it live-streamed on my Facebook page. That is @ Jeffrey Young Jr. Today, Mr. President, we introduced the resolution honoring National Cheesesteak Day. But cheesesteak is more of a celebration than a sandwich. It's a celebration of Philadelphia. It's what Philadelphia is. From its origins in South Philly to its global recognition today, cheesesteaks represent our city's history, resilience and pride. This resolution honor is not only the iconic food, but remember small businesses, right, small businesses in our communities that make up these shops, the generations of workers that have kept the tradition alive and strengthening our local economy and preserving our cultural staple that continues to bring people together from across Philadelphia and worldwide. Cheesesteak shops across the city contribute to our economy, to our tourism, to our cultural life and while withstanding some of the traditions that we love. Just in our district, in the 5th Council District alone, we have Del Rossi's, who is a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner. There are other cheesesteak spots who have also been recognized by Michelin, Dalessandro's, Angelo's. I just want to give a quick shout-out to other iconic cheesesteak spots in the 5th Council District. I mentioned Del Rossi's. We have Cleavers, which is down here in Center City, Joe Steaks in Fishtown, Larry's is in North Philadelphia. And of course, the iconic Max's Cheesesteaks in Germantown at Erie. And the new Black-owned cheesesteak spot, Cheesesteak Bar, Taste Cheesesteak Bar down here in Center City on JFK, also in the 5th Council District. I know Councilmember Phillips mentioned a new cheesesteak spot, Bob's at 19th and Norris. I got to get there. I haven't gotten there yet, but I plan to get there this weekend. But we just really want to recognize the small businesses that contribute.
So I recognize cheesesteaks, but it's really in honor of the small businesses here in our city. You can find them at any pizza store and any Papi store in the city, right. And as long as we continue to support those stores, those stores will continue to support our communities.
Listen, I'm going -- listen, cheesesteak is my favorite food. So this is, you know, this is -- I'm not going to -- I'm from Philly through and through. Cheesesteaks are my favorite food and anywhere we go, I'm going to see if they have a good Cheesesteak. If it's not Philly in front of it, I don't get it, right. But my favorite cheesesteak spot that's just iconic to me and just hanging out is Ishkabibble's. So just hanging out on South Street and just loving that South Street vibe and enjoying myself. But I love Dalessandros as well. I love Max's as well. You know, so -- and then I love the cornerstore cheesesteaks. I love City View Cheesesteaks, right. Pizza stores got good cheesesteaks too. But just support our small businesses is what I really want to get at and what I want to say, so we can continue to grow our city and grow our commercial corridors.
Let's have a challenge. Let's bring it to the floor. Bring your best from your district and let's decide.
Let's go. We can have that. That's so Philly. I love that.
(Inaudible). I officially appoint Member Jones and Member Young to the City Council Cheesesteak-Off Committee.
And Angelo's got a Michelin Bib as well, right. But on a serious note, again I just really want to know thank those small businesses because cheesesteaks are rooted in working classness in Philadelphia and neighborhood pride. As we're all talking about different neighborhoods, that is neighborhood pride and that is something that's so special to Philly. So we're going to continue to eat cheesesteaks and we're going to continue to support our small businesses. And, Mr. President, we will make sure we have some veggie steaks for you as well.
On a late night, veggie steaks hit the spot too. But on a more serious note, today we introduced legislation that would hold corporate landlords accountable to its tenants when it comes to Airbnbs and limited lodging. This legislation is about transparency and respect for neighbors. Too often residents sign the lease or they buy into a condo building without knowing that short-term rentals may be operating right next door. This bill ensures that tenants and owners are clearly informed upfront so they can make decisions that are right for their families, for their quality of life. I don't want to move into an apartment building and find out that it's a hotel, right. That destroys the quality of life. We have some in our district right now that are used for Airbnbs where there are parties every week and they're setting fires. Who wants to live like that. So this measure is about accountability to those corporate landlords. By requiring disclosure communication, we are setting clear expectations for landlords and operators while giving residents a voice and basic protections, including the ability to act if those expectations are not met. And so, we look forward to having this conversation. Again, Mr. President, some of the best legislation comes out of the voice of our constituents. We've gotten multiple, multiple, multiple calls on these properties in our districts, because for some reason these corporate landlords if they can't fill the building up with quality tenants or they're just greedy and want to take away the housing stock from our city. You depress demand, right -- you depress the supply rather and the demand rises, prices rise, right. So that's simple economics. And so, we have to do something about that in ensuring that there are quality places for our residents to live. Today we also introduced a resolution that turns vacant and underutilized land into real opportunities for families in the 5th Council District. By authorizing these properties and transferring these properties, we're taking a concrete step toward creating new pathways to homeownership under the Turn the Key program. These homes will be made affordable and accessible to Philadelphia residents, helping more families put down roots and build that generational wealth that we speak about. At its core, this is about an equity investment ensuring that development in our neighborhoods benefit the people who live there and that the future of the 5th District includes more homeowners, stronger communities and lasting opportunities. And I want to say this: We get flack from people all the time about our land-use policies. We are legislating in a manner that our constituents elected us to legislate in. And so, when it comes to supporting projects like Turn the Key, yes, we are supportive. We want to move the units. You want to have 30,000 units, but we have to understand that each neighborhood is a different market, right. Sometimes the market can't withstand a property that's $280,000, right, or the people who live in that market, for lack of better words, can't afford that $280,000. So I want to commend my colleague Councilmember Lozada for fighting for her community, because those residents even with the $280,000, even with all the subsidies, still can't afford it. So let's increase those subsidies. Let's increase the subsidy to $100,000 right. E. bond. Let's figure out how to put that money in the hands of the people of the City of Philadelphia so they can really afford a house at 280. Some neighborhoods just is a market-driven model. Some markets can't withstand -- the people in that market can't withstand that. So let's work for people, right, and not corporations, not developers. Work for the people and ensure that the people can afford some of these homes. And it just so happens that in my Council District, this is what the market is. And these particular units that we are supportive of today are going to be condo units.
We're going to offer a different style of housing to residents. And this neighborhood is a mixed neighborhood. A block away, we have low-income housing being developed by Pathways, right. That's traditional low-income housing. We're creating mixed communities. That's how communities thrive. Create that balance. We're going to continue to create that balance. We're planning with the people and not planning for those people. So thank you, Mr. President. I look forward to continuing to work with the residents in North Philadelphia as we improve their quality of life.
Thank you, sir. Planning with, not for the people. Very well said. Shout-out to Phillips Steaks in South Philadelphia. Phillips Steaks in South Philadelphia. Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President, and to Councilmember Young. It's Eid tomorrow. We could use some cheesesteaks. Advance Eid Mubarak to all who celebrate. Today in recognition of Women's History Month, I introduced a resolution honoring Dr. Khine Zaw Arthur, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia for her exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial achievements and commitment to supporting Asian American businesses and strengthening economic opportunity throughout the region. Since 2016, Dr. Arthur launched entrepreneurial ventures here in the United States dedicated to women facing significant hardships, including survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and creating pathways to economic stability for women through employment, mentorships and business training. Beyond our border, she built an international career rooted in service and leadership, contributing to initiatives as a Senior Officer for social welfare, women, labor and migrant workers with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Jakarta as well as a career in journalism with NHK World International in Tokyo. So it was my pleasure to introduce this resolution today and to recognize the outstanding member of our community that Dr. Khine Zaw Arthur is. I also yesterday joined Representative Malcolm Kenyatta and medical professionals, scientists and community climate advocates for the Philadelphia public health leaders responding to the Weakening of Air Quality Protections event. And we spoke about what the federal government is doing, dismantling all of the precautions that we need to take in order to be have a healthy environment. And while we were doing that, it reminded me, in the company of so many environmental justice leaders, about the Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School. This is the place that is creating our environmental stewards of tomorrow. Lankenau is the only CTA program for eco-agriculture, food and natural resources in the entire city. Students participate in local internships, have access to incredible partnerships with organizations like The Food Trust, the EPA, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and can engage in hands-on learning due to their 17 acres of lab attached to the Schuylkill River. Lankenau High School provides a direct workforce pipeline to one of our state's biggest industry, agro-ecology. The school has a 98% minority enrollment, with 100% students coming from economically- disadvantaged backgrounds. And all of them leave Lankenau with leadership skills as peer educators, guides and, again as I said, stewards of our globe. And I cannot understand why the School District continues to recommend to close it. I will stand with Lankenau, its students and its families and with many other schools on that list. And I applaud my colleague Councilmember Gauthier for her introduction of her resolution today to protect these pieces of property, to keep them for educational purposes. So I implore all of you to please take a look -- the only silver lining that has come out of this is people have discovered Lankenau. There were so many -- including our Chair of the Education Committee, who said in a meeting that he was not aware of the Lankenau High School, even though his children are not quite ready for high school yet, and we've heard from other parents who said, oh, we have to look at that school. So for us to be so cavalier in throwing away a crown jewel of our education system seems to me extremely problematic. Anyway, I will move on to say that we put Philadelphia on the map yesterday as well participating in the Women's History Month panel on Lawmakers Advancing Menopause Rights, along with Senators and legislators from other states, including Illinois, Virginia, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
And it was a privilege to join so many powerful women in an intergovernmental conversation, learning from each other and sharing what we've achieved in our own jurisdictions. And we're going to actually, hopefully invite them to our 250th birthday party in Philadelphia so we can celebrate making sure women are full participants in our economy and that we recognize what it is they need in terms of accommodations and make sure they're not discriminated against asking for those accommodations. And lastly, I wanted to thank Council President for inviting me and my office to join you and Councilmember Harrity as part of your Quality-Of-Life Tour. That place was packed and people were there very late, hearing from all different departments. It was an extremely valuable exercise I believe, and a lot of the community members came up to me to talk about when they can do more of these, right. And I think this is where we take government to the community. And I thank you, Council President, for this initiative. Just to wrap up, what we saw yesterday, what I did yesterday is the favorite part of my job as a legislator, connecting with our constituents. And so, I was very glad to be able to join all of you. And hopefully there's more to come. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you. Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. Just a couple of things I wanted to mention today. And one is that I introduced an ordinance 12 authorizing the Committee -- or the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver a deed for the Philadelphia Authority of Industrial Development for property located at 5928-30 Germantown Avenue, which for those of us who know, know it's the Germantown Town Hall. And this legislation represents another step forward in advancing thoughtful redevelopment and ensuring that publicly-owned land is utilized in ways that support economic growth and community stability in our neighborhoods. And I wanted to mention also as we think about the Germantown Town Hall, also to mention that because someone talked a little bit earlier about Germantown High School, and that it was sold for $100,000. And I just really want to make sure that I'm clear because I hear that quite often. And what is said is that the City of Philadelphia sold it, City Council sold it, Councilwoman Cindy Bass sold it. And the fact of the matter is all three of those things are absolutely untrue because none of us own Germantown High School. It was owned by the School District of Philadelphia. And I want to just state for the record it was sold as part of a package deal with five properties to Concordia Advisors for $6.8 million and then Concordia further unloaded it. So I just wanted to put that out and on the record. And so, as we continue this work it's important to make sure that we hold the School District accountable as we get ready to do public hearings, as we get ready to do our budget hearings. It's important that we make sure that the District understands that when you make these kinds of decisions, we are the ones who are held accountable. We are the ones that are public-facing, that the public asks questions of and want to see these kinds of matters stop. We don't want to feel played by the School District when they come in and give us the, oh, this is what's best. When you haven't included the community, you cannot make decisions without including the people who are most affected. So I just want to say that in advance of the budget hearings that we expect coming up so soon. I also wanted to share a quick announcement for next week, which is that we'll be hosting Imhotep Institute Charter High School STEM Program next week, who has done just recently an educational trip to Japan, sharing both experiences and telling us what they've learned through global exposure and innovation. And I just want to encourage all of my colleagues to add that to their schedule, to make sure that they can be there next week, as this is going to be just a great presentation. And we've heard from Imhotep a number of times and they've always been exceptional, and this will be so as well. So we just want to make sure everybody knows and comes out. And finally, also next weekend is the renaming and street dedication for Saudia Shuler Way. We want to make sure everybody knows it's going to be something. You already know. It'll be next Saturday between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. at the corner of Broad Street, North Broad and Pike in the 8th Council District. So we hope folks can come out. Please add it to your schedule. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much. Councilmember Mark Squilla.
Thank You, Mr. President. Real quick, a week from tomorrow, March 27th we'll be celebrating Philly Flag Day 2026 with the raising of the 250th Philly Flag at City Hall. There's an invitation on everyone's desk. Hopefully, people can make it. Please our RSVP and to my office if you're available. We'll also be honoring the citizens who embody the Philadelphia Memento Message, Let Brotherly and Sisterly Love Endure, displayed upon our city flag. H. Chase Lenfest will be recognized for his North 10 vision in the 5th District. He lives in the 5th district as example of the Philadelphia Memento message in action. Hope to see everybody there. Thanks.
Thank you. That's all for speeches. Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Mr. President. Before I do that, I just also wanted to again wish our colleagues happy birthday, Councilman Harrity. And also tomorrow, Councilman Driscoll, happy birthday. (Applause.)
Happy birthday. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, March 26th at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you all very much today. - - - (Stated Meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m.) - - 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. _________________________________ TANEHA CARROLL