Good afternoon. My name is Pastor Billy Thompson. I'm from Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition. To Council President Johnson, District Council, Council-at-Large, we'd like to thank you for the resolution of renaming 3900 block of Conshohocken after Bishop Keith Reed, Sr., and we'd like to thank Councilwoman Bass and my own Councilman Young. And to Councilman Jones, Councilman Jones, we thank you. We thank you for being the engine behind making a dream come true, to make the impossible possible for man and a family and a church and a community and to make -- he can see why he's alive, these things come by men and women served and died, then the families to see the glory or get the repercussion what happens afterwards. But you let this man here live and see and get his roses while he's alive, get his flowers while he alive. He not just served, he's continuing to serve. And we want to thank you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And we also like to thank one of your staff members, Caroline, who engineered and who helped to make this all possible. We want to thank you and your office for really, really helping us. To Councilman Johnson and to all you guys, what you do here in this room for the great city of Philadelphia, may God bless you, may God bless you, may God bless you. Thank you.
I'll give a shout-out to my son Kenny. I love you. (Applause.)
That's what's up. Where Kenny at? I know you watching. You heard your pop? There he go. That's what's up.
Good afternoon. My name is Peter Ahn. I'm a Presbyterian Pastor, but today I speak as a Germantown resident, speaking as a part of API PA, in favor of Resolution 250788, condemning the Trump administration's deployment of the National Guard. A clergy, a German clergy, said this 80 years ago: First they came for the communist and I did not speak out because I was not a communist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Let's add our own context here. Then they came for the Black and Brown POC communities. I did not speak out because I was not a POC. Then they came for the Medicaid, Medicare, school, lunches, benefits, and I did not speak out because I did not need them. Then they came for me, but there was no one left to speak for me when three cities already have their civil liberties breached. Our silence does not make us safe. It erodes our potential solidarity. It makes all of us, all of the city smaller. It's time to make ourselves bigger and stronger. This resolution is about urgently pushing back catastrophe or slowing down catastrophe. At least a united city is good, but solidarity with other cities is even better, quickly, not as a part of an organization or a resolution. Just cease fire in Gaza does not mean anti-Semitism. Let's get that clear. The United Nations, the largest international human rights organizations such as amnesty, International Human Rights Watch declared it genocide and apartheid. Over 150 countries in the U.N. General Assembly recognize statehood of Palestine. Do we realize that our elected officials are violating the Leahy Law? Urge them to enforce our own human rights law, Councilmembers. (Applause.)
My name is Nicholas Carmack. I'm truly happy to be here today. Special thanks to Councilman Young. I'm here to speak in support of Resolution 250751, which is dispose of some land that we call Peace Garden. I'm a staff member of New Jerusalem Recovery Program that was started in the late '80s as a way to, you know, address a problem in the community. And, you know, for over 35 years we have been doing that. Our program is based in community service and spirituality. Peace Garden is a huge part of all three of those, right, having a green space to sit in for anybody who, like myself who lives in North Philly, knows that's not super common, right. So we're grateful to be able to have for over 20 years been taking care of Peace Garden and using it as a space for our residents to provide a service to the community. We have daily community service in our program. And, you know, if you've ever been by 20th and Norris, you'll see that there's a beautiful mosaic mural that was designed by our residents. But the biggest use of the space is really just the whole community. It's about 15 or 20 minutes to walk to the next park. So it's a small space, but it's an important space to us. It's an important space to the kids to be able to have the space to sit, be shaded in the summer,and just a space to be in community together. So help us continue to help the community and support 250751 and thank you for your time. (Applause.)
Good afternoon, everybody. I'm here in support of Resolution 250751. Thank you, Councilman Young. My name is Harry Wood. I've been associated with New Jerusalem now since 1993. I also reside in the 2100 block of Lambert Street. That's right around the corner from Peace Garden. For 20, 25-plus years I've been fortunate enough to be able to be in that peace garden. If you've ever been around that neighborhood, you know right now it's in the development up and down Diamond Street. If you then go a block or two from wherever it is, there's really nothing that you will see but construction areas. The people there that live in the Health Center No. 5, that reside there, that's one of the places that they go to every day just to get away to see how nature is. So many people have been there that I can't count and hope to meet, but I invite any and everyone just to come down and see the Peace Garden and enjoy what God has given us. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Ogbonna Hagins, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. I rise today to talk about Resolution 250776. This resolution condemns President Trump's proposed removal of slavery-related content from national parks, including exhibits at the Independence National Historical Park honoring the nine individuals enslaved by George Washington developed by avenging the Ancestors Coalition. The way the President house is being handled itself is what's called a badge of slavery. This is not just discrimination from the federal government, particularly the Department of the Interior is actively participating in a badge of slavery, continuing the legacy that American Freedmen still experience today. Congress has not done its job until Congress fulfills its constitutional duty under the second section of the 13th Amendment to define the badges, vestiges and incidents of slavery. What are the badges, vestiges and incidents of slavery? American Freedmen are only formally freed from four things: Chattelization, forced labor without pay, restrictions on entering into contracts and being able to testify against White people. Other than that, slavery still exists for the American Freedmen, the school-toprison pipeline, Freedmen schools being underfunded compared to White schools, the devaluation of homes. These are all badges of slavery that Congress has to define and then abolish. Until these things are done, we're going to continue to have what's happening down at the Independence Mall. We're going to continue to have badges of slavery being replaced. Once one is gone, another one is there and badges of slavery in short is racism. Racism has to be defined by Congress. And we've also spoken to our great Congressman who's retiring, Dwight Evans. If you can use your influence, Council President, to talk to Congressman Dwight Evans as he's going out to introduce this so that he can do what the Constitution says that should be done, thank you very 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING much. Ogbonna Hagins. Over and out. (Applause.)
Council President, there are no further names for public comment.
That concludes today's public comment period. We will now consider the bills and resolution on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250731.
A resolution renaming the 2300 block of Snyder Avenue "James Darrell Robinson, Jr., Way" in honor of James "Lil Darrell" Robinson, Jr., recognizing his contributions to Yesha Ministries and his community through his musical genius and artistic talents. 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250731.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250731 be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion is carried. The resolution 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250732.
A resolution renaming the 1900 block of South Street "Dr. Beverly Wylie Way" in honor of Reverend Dr. Beverly Wylie, in recognition of her steadfast commitment to her church and dedicated service to the South Philadelphia community.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250732.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move that Resolution No. 250732 be withdrawn. (Duly seconded.) 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250732 be withdrawn. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and Resolution No. 250732 has been withdrawn. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250733.
A resolution renaming the 2000 block of Snyder Avenue "Anton K. Moore Way" in honor of Anton K. Moore's commitment to giving back to his 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING community and empowering the youth of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250733.
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 Resolution No. 250733 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250751.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2002 North 20th Street, 2007 Orange Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250751.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250751 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250755.
A resolution renaming the 2100 block of McClellan Street "Christine E. 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Thomas Way" in honor of Christine E. Thomas for her extraordinary service to her community and to the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250775.
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 Resolution No. 250775 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250776.
A resolution condemning President Donald Trump's recent efforts to whitewash, suppress, and rewrite American history by removing slavery related content from national parks - including an exhibit at Independence National Historical Park honoring the nine individuals enslaved by President George Washington, developed by the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition thereby attempting to erase Black history from the national narrative. 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250776.
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 Resolution No. 250776 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250777.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 4152, 4154, 4200, 4202, 4204, 4220, 4227 Viola Street; 4153, 4157, 4205 Leidy Avenue; 1703, 1711 North 42nd Street; 1129, 1135, 1201, 1205 and 1207 North 41st Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code. 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250777.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250777 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250779.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 4947-49, 4951, 4953, 4955, 4957, 4967, 4969-73, 4979, 4981, 4983, 4985, 4987, 4989, 4989 ½, 4991, 4991 ½ West Girard Avenue located in the 4th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250779.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.) 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250779 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250780.
A resolution renaming the 3900 block of Conshohocken Avenue "Bishop Keith Reed Way" to honor Bishop Keith W. Reed, Sr. for his 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING incredible work as a preacher, teacher, lecturer and counselor.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250780.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250780 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250785.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1811 North Bucknell Street, 1818 North 23rd Street, 1805 North Ringgold Street, 1850 North Ringgold Street, 1937 North 19th Street, 1939, 1945, 1935, 1947 and 1907, 1913 and 1931 North 19th Street, 1909 North Van Pelt Street in the 5th Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia, and further authorizing the 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250785.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250785 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250788.
A resolution condemning the Trump administration's deployment of the National Guard to American cities and calling on leaders across the country to defend democratic governance and civil liberties through every lawful means.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250788.
Thank you, Council, President. 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250788 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. 1 nay. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250791.
A 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution approving the reappointment of McCullough Williams, III, to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Stormwater Rate Board.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Driscoll for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250791.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption on your behalf. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250791 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250373-A.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3500 of Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards" to amend definitions, add clarifications and enhance remedies, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Chief Clerk call the roll.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you so much. Thank you, Council President. I'd like to say something real quick before the vote first. Thank you to all the partners who helped shape these amendments, including Community Legal Services, the Chamber of Commerce and many others. I want to clarify something as it relates to summary records, that this 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING legislation brings us into line with existing state law, including the law regarding consideration of nontraffic summary offenses under CHRIA. Thank you.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please reset and call the roll.
Aye. The eyes are 13 and the nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. (Applause.)
Congratulations. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution recognizing 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING and supporting Philadelphia MED Week, October 6th through October 10, 2025, during which the City will provide critical information, resources, opportunities and inspiration to the business community. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
If I may be recognized briefly about this particular resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, I've introduced this resolution since I came to City Council in '08. It is 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING different this year, for reasons I clearly understand that the bully in D.C. has put the metaphorical gun to the City of Philadelphia's head and said, you must erase, you must change, you must recognize there's a new world order. That's the only way I can put it. And in order for us not to be at risk, and I won't say the particulars, almost $2 billion worth of resources that help people and citizens we've had to alter and to step around this guy. I remember Lucien Blackwell sitting where I believe you sit, Kendra, coming up with this as a result of his working with Parren Mitchell, Congressman in D.C. to recognize MED Week as it was meant to be. And now, here we are. We're going to do some good things with it because a rose 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING by any other name is still a rose and we're going to get it done. But the point is we should not be doing this Kabuki dance with this guy. He's a bully, as people have said all day, as your resolution suggests. And if you the one thing -- you from South Philly, I'm from West Philly. One thing about a bully, he start taking your lunch early in the school year, you're going be on the Jenny Craig diet all year. He ain't goin stop. So we have to, as we move forward as a body, as a city, consider how far we're going to back up. At what point do we draw the line. At what point do we say enough is enough, we elected you, we are your employers, you need to be considerate that the customer is always right. And so, I move for the 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
One small point of information. We didn't vote for him. (Applause.)
But thank you, Member Jones. In all seriousness, I do understand the complexity of the issue that we're dealing with, most importantly standing strong in the face of adversity. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing, congratulating and celebrating Valley Youth House on the distinguished occasion of its 20th anniversary in Philadelphia, passionately serving young individuals to help them achieve their full potential by providing essential services like counseling, housing support, community connections and life training skills. Introduced by 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember 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. Will the Chief Clerk 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 2025 as Cyber Security Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia and acknowledging the importance of empowering individuals and organizations to prevent and recognize online threats, providing resources to protect sensitive data and fostering a culture of digital safety by educating the public on best practices. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (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 resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing October 6th through October 10, 2025 as Digital Inclusion Week in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Landau. 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you. 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. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing September as National Senior Center Month in the City of Philadelphia, honoring the Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging (PCA) and the senior centers for their exceptional service and support to older adults and uplifting this year's National Council on Aging theme, "Powering Possibilities: Flip the Script." Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing the life and legacy of 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Flyers goaltender and Hockey Hall of Famer Bernie Parent, on the occasion of his passing, for his outstanding contributions to the sport of hockey and the Philadelphia community. Introduced by Councilman Squilla on behalf of Council President Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution is adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 9/25/25 - 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 designating the week of Sunday, October 12 through Saturday, October 18, 2025, as "Italian American Heritage Week" in the City of Philadelphia. This is done in celebration of the countless contributions Italian Americans have given to our country and honoring Bob Pantano as Grand Marshall of the 2025 Philadelphia Italian American Heritage Parade. Introduced by Councilman Squilla. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution is adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the life and legacy of Alice W. Ballard, a champion of justice and advocacy. Introduced by Councilmember Bass.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing September as Cerebral Visual Impairment, CVI, Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia, celebrating the launch of the Rosenblatt Family CVI Center at OverBrook School for the Blind and commending its mission to improve care, education and research for children with CVI. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING 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 resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A 9/25/25 - STATED - 2ND READING privileged resolution recognizing October as Vision Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia, and honoring the OverBrook's School for the Blind's leadership in advancing education technology and access for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Introduced by Councilmember Ahmad.
The 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 (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any brief speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. brief it is, but I do have a speech today. I introduced a resolution recognizing September as the National Senior Month in our city. Philadelphia can and should be a wonderful place for people to grow older. Here in the city, we have over two dozen senior centers that serve as hubs for creativity, social connection, health and independence for thousands of Philadelphia seniors. These city investments are crucial for working families with aging relatives and make it possible for Philadelphia neighborhoods to be vibrant intergenerational communities. And I want to thank the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging for their ongoing work to make sure seniors feel seen and valued in our city. a resolution condemning the deployment of the National Guard in American cities and I want to thank everyone who spoke today in support of the resolution. I've heard from many of you over the last year about the Trump administration and how his policies are affecting you. I know how many of you would love to see the city set up its efforts to push back here in Philadelphia. We are known for standing up for our rights and we don't like people telling us what to do and what our city needs. We take care of our own. This is why I am concerned about the City's current approach. It's why I'm holding hearings on the federal tax on reproductive rights. That's why I introduced a resolution today. How will be one of my focuses this fall. Throughout my first term, we put resources on our city website, pursued aggressive legal strategy and passed laws to protect people from federal attacks and I don't see that now. In his second term, Trump is ramping up his efforts to intimidate and silence people in cities. What we do in this moment will be judged by history and people want to see us do more. We need to be more outspoken because it's the right thing to do and because it's the best way to keep us safe from his administration. It's how we stop Trump from turning his short attention span to us and look at what other cities are doing. We saw in Chicago that Governor J.B. Pritzker spoke out against the deployment of the National Guard and they made it clear that Chicagoans do not want federal troops or armored vehicles in their neighborhoods. The city communicated directly with their residents and did not hide from Trump. As a result, Trump backed off. That didn't happen because they were silent and refused to address Trump. In collar counties, Philadelphia commissioners are proactively holding (inaudible) accountable with their power and in the courts. We need to do the same thing here in Philly. We can't surrender control of our city to federal authorities who are trampling people's rights and undermining our democracy, whether Trump threatening to deploy out-of-state national guardsmen. We must be ready to send a clear message we will protect Philadelphians. Thank you so much, Council President.
You're welcome. Any brief speeches on behalf of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. And greetings to colleagues, most importantly to our neighbors in Philadelphia. In our office, the days are gone when we refer to people as constituents. We like to refer to our folks as neighbors. That word carries weight. So we speak in the and reflects the truth that Philadelphia is not just one city. It is a city of neighborhoods bound together by the shared One Philly ideal. So our neighbors and blogs are filled with proud laborers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, sanitation workers, longshoremen and most importantly, our youngest Philadelphians and our seniors. It is for them that I stand here today to introduce this legislation today that was introduced today around drug paraphernalia. We're tired of seeing these drug paraphernalia stores pop up in our communities. For the most part, they are not permitted in neighborhoods across the city. Yet under current law there remains are technically allowed in I-3 heavy industrial districts. This ordinance eliminates the allowance in allowing industrial zoning with the rest of our code. The message is clear, drug paraphernalia stores are not permitted use anywhere in Philadelphia without community buy-in. This is only the first step that we're doing to work closely with the Administration, Planning Development and the Law Department to identify additional ways to ensure that drug paraphernalia stores and smoke shops cannot slip into our neighborhoods without responsibility, without accountability and without buy-in from our neighbors who live here. Our neighbors are our communities The city was built on the power of small businesses, responsible businesses that empower employees and enrich our communities. That's the model we want to uplift. Finally, as we talk about neighborhoods and the future of our city, I want to highlight an event focused on the future of our city, our young people. This Saturday, September 27th in partnership with Councilman Isaiah Thomas, the School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Youth Basketball, the Fluency Action Movement, TeenSHARP, we are proud to present Philly After School Hype, the largest out-of-schooltime fair in Philadelphia, which is going to be in Councilman Jones' area. He has another citywide Alan Horwitz Sixth Man Center, located at 4250 Wissahickon Avenue from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be over 100 youth-focused city resources, workshops, free food, giveaways and opportunities to connect. So a flyer with full details is at each member's desk. Again, we'll see you all for Philly After School Hype. Get your kids involved with an afterschool program, a youth program. We have 100 youth organizations, literally youth organizations there, from 11:00 to 3:00 at 4250 Wissahickon Avenue. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you. The Sixth Man Center is in your district, Member Jones?
I was just checking, sir. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones.
It's all right. Listen, I wasn't on the resolution for the School of the Blind. That's two blocks from me. It's all right. These are citywide assets, citywide assets, so we all good.
Which one you wasn't on, sir? We got to have a protocol talk. Member Jones.
So I'm going to be brief. I had the opportunity to hear the maiden show of a communicator who used to bless these airwaves, these hallways, The Ernest Owens Show. He had the first guest who was Morgan Cephas. So I listened in. And he's entertaining as ever on the Saturday slot. But he said something that I'm going to push back gently on. He said we were boring. What, he said we no longer had the zest -
Yeah, I know. He said we don't have the zest that Lucien Blackwell once had, John Street fighting on the floor. I said because we get stuff done in the hallway and before Council and you got to work with us on that. But in seriousness, some of the things and the reason why I get hyped about Member Phillips doing the afterschool time out, we have to send to the public that all things in Philadelphia aren't doom and gloom, that positive things happen every day. More people graduate in June than go to jail in July in the city of Philadelphia. And we've got to emphasize the positive more. the Sixth Man Center, when we do the Tiger Woods Learning Center, when we do different Peace Gardens, to let the public know good things are going on in Philly. So to that effort, I want to flip the roles around. I want to invite Ernest Owens to my podcast. You hear me, Ernest. Don't duck me, right. But -- no, I don't want to fight. This ain't one of the -- no, because he'll come loaded for bear. This ain't one of those I want to know who the baby daddy is. I just want to know how you view us and to be able to say look in the mirror because I heard some of that, how do you view us. But I also want to invite Denise, the newbie here, to join and be in that podcast and also the saged veteran Vincent to it with your permission, to kind of just sit down -