COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES - - - Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 12, 2007, time - - - Bill No. 070132 Bill No. 070224 Bill No. 070133 Bill No. 070225 Bill No. 070152 Bill No. 070226 Bill No. 070186 Bill No. 070225 Bill No. 070187 Bill No. 070231 Bill No. 070190 Bill No. 070235 Bill No. 070191 Bill No. 070237 Bill No. 070202 Bill No. 070301 Bill No. 070204 (Text of all bills attached hereto.) Bills held at request of sponsor(s): 070155, 070171, 070200, 070223 COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Frank DiCicco, Chair Jannie L. Blackwell Darrell L. Clarke Juan Ramos Anna C. Verna - - - V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Specialists 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 4/12/07 - STREETS & SERVICE COMMITTEE INDEX Bill 070202 Richard Dickson, PPA.................... Bill 070152 Brian Lang, Food Trust.................. Bill 070186 Wm. Mautz, Traffic Engineer, Streets.... Bill 070187 Wm. Mautz, Traffic Engineer, Streets.... Bill 070190 Wm. Mautz, Traffic Engineer, Streets.... Bill 070191 Wm. Mautz, Traffic Engineer, Streets.... Bill 070191 Wm. Mautz, Traffic Engineer, Streets.... Bill 070204 Wm. Mautz, Traffic Engineer, Streets.... Bill 070226 Wm. Mautz, Traffic Engineer, Streets.... 21 Bill 070231 22 Wm. Mautz, Traffic Engineer, Streets.... 27 23 Bill 070237 Wm. Mautz, Traffic Engineer, Streets.... 30 3 4/12/07 - STREETS & SERVICE COMMITTEE INDEX (INDEX, cont'd.) Bill 070224 Frank Morelli, Streets Department....... 32 Martin Soffer, Planning Commission...... 33 Bill 070225 Frank Morelli, Streets Department....... 35 Martin Soffer, Planning Commission...... 36 Bill 070235 Frank Morelli, Streets Department....... 38 Martin Soffer, Planning Commission...... 39 L. Johnson, Free Library of Phila. ..... 41 Bill 070301 Mark Washington, Streets Department..... 44 Bill 070227, 132, 133 (No testimony).......................... 47 4 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES COMMITTEE
Will the members of the Streets Committee, those Councilmembers come to the chambers. I'd appreciate you coming down. Thank you. Thank you, everyone. I appreciate your patience. The Committee on Streets and Service is now in session. We have a quorum. To my right is Councilman Clarke, who's a standing member of this committee. Council President Verna is also a standing member of all committees as president, and the Council President is appointing Councilmember Blackwell to be a member of this committee. The first three bills, Bill 20 No. 070171, Bill No. 070200, and 070223 are being held at the request of the sponsor. I will ask Mr. Abernathy to read the title of the first bill, which is actually the last bill on the list 5 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070202 and is being moved up for the purpose of...
Bill No. 10 070202, an ordinance amending Section 11 12-2708 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Issuance of Temporary Parking Permits," by adding provisions for temporary parking permits valid for one calendar day, all under certain terms and conditions.
Let the record also reflect that Councilman Juan Ramos, who's vice chair of this committee, is also present. Thank you. Mr. Dickson?
My name is Richard Dickson. I'm the Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Administration for the Philadelphia 6 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070202 Parking Authority. I have written testimony for the committee, and I'll attempt to summarize it in the interest of brevity. Over the last several years, there's been increased nightlife and activity in Center City particularly, which has resulted in increased parking demand in the residential areas surrounding the central business district. Many of those areas would like to increase the hours so that they would have a greater opportunity to find spaces when they come home from work by prohibiting the amount of time nonresidents can spend on those blocks in the evening hours. One of the drawbacks to the permit-parking programs is that if you have visitors to your home, it's not really convenient for you to get a in the visitor parking pass for them because the only current provision is to go to the Parking Authority 7 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070202 headquarters and buy a pass for 15 days. The bill that was introduced by Councilman DiCicco is a result of several discussions with community groups throughout Center City -- primarily Queen Village Neighbors Association, but also CCRA -- in which we would sell one-day parking permits that could you buy in advance and you could have them for whenever your visits came. There would be a scratch-off on it so that you could scratch off the date that the visitor was staying there, and you could write the license plate number on there. You could buy them up to five at a time so that you could have them for whenever the visitors show up and you wouldn't have to go and pick up the permit each time a guest came. This increases the convenience of the program for residents and also would give them more opportunities to 8 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070202 have additional regulated blocks for those areas that would like to have it but are concerned that it's not convenient for them to have visitors. I'd be happy to answer any questions that you might have.
Thank you, Mr. Dickson. Assuming this bill 10 comes out of committee and is voted on favorably by Council, how soon would those permits be available?
So whatever timeline the Council thought would be appropriate, we could implement it within six weeks.
Thank you. Any questions for Mr. Dickson from members of the committee? (No response.)
Seeing 9 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070152 none, I'll ask the clerk to read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 5 070152, an ordinance amending Section 6 9-213 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers' Markets," by adding a permissible location on the sidewalk of the median of the 400 block of South Second Street, also known as "Headhouse Square," all under certain terms and conditions. (Witness comes forward.)
Good afternoon. Please identify yourself for the record.
Hi. My name is Brian Lang. I'm a project manager at the Food Trust working on the Farmers Market Program. I have some very short written testimony that I'll summarize very briefly. The food Trust has been working since July of 2005 with a very diverse committee of Philadelphia civic 10 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070152 leaders attached to this testimony to establish a new large farmer's market in Center City. After an intensive site selection that involved market research, meetings with community associations, and numerous discussions about business and operation plans, we decided on the Headhouse shambles at Second and Lombard Streets. At present, we have the support of the Queen Village Neighborhood Association, the Society Hill Civic Association, the Center City District as well as the Headhouse District. We also think it's a great opportunity for the residents of Philadelphia to purchase some of the highest-quality fresh fruits and vegetables available that our region produces. I'm happy to answer any questions that you folks might have.
Thank 11 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070152 you. Thank you for your testimony. Is it correct that some of the local merchants will have an opportunity to set up vending stands as well?
Okay, because that was an issue in the past, as you know. Thank you. Are there any other questions for this witness? (No further questions.)
Bill No. 20 070186, an ordinance authorizing the trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, to construct and maintain a pedestrian 12 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070186 bridge over and across Convention Avenue, connecting the UPHS Penn Tower Complex (One Convention Avenue) with the proposed Perlman Center for Advanced Medicine (3400 Civic Center Boulevard), under certain terms and conditions. (Witness comes forward.)
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the committee. My name is William Mautz, and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 18 070186. This bill authorizes the trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Health System, to construct and maintain a pedestrian bridge over and across Convention Avenue, connecting the UPHS Penn Tower 13 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070186 Complex with the proposed Perlman Center for Advanced Medicine. The purpose of the structure is to facilitate the transportation of patients, medical staff, and visitors between the hospital, Penn Tower, and the future facility. The bridge structure is approximately 12-feet-6- inches in width by 14-feet-6-inches in height by 115 feet in length. The Streets Department has reviewed the preliminary plans for this project. This bill is supported by the Streets Department and is recommended to your committee for favorable action.
Thank you, Mr. Mautz. My understanding is that the University of Pennsylvania has provided written testimony, which will become a part of the record; there will be no 23 one here to testify. The Chair acknowledges Councilwoman Blackwell. Thank you. 14 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070186
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. We are here to support this project. Obviously, we've had many meetings and briefings, et cetera, with regard to this and are here to offer our full support.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mautz. Please proceed, Mr. Abernathy, with the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 24 070187, an ordinance granting permission to -- 15 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070187
Excuse me one moment, Mr. Abernathy. Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Bill No. 12 070187, an ordinance granting permission to Ilker Ugar, owner of the Divan Turkish Kitchen and owner of the property 918 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19146, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the southwest corner of South 22nd and Carpenter Streets, all under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the committee. My name is William Mautz, and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the 16 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070187 following testimony for Bill No. 3 070187. This bill grants permission to Ilker Ugar, owner of the Divan Turkish Kitchen and owner of the property 918 South 22nd Street, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe at the southwest corner of South 22nd Street and Carpenter Street. A total of tables to accommodate 12 occupants are proposed for the north 13 side walk of Carpenter Street. No 14 rails will be used. 15 The Streets Department has 16 reviewed the cafe Philadelphian plan 17 and has no objection to the passage of 18 the bill. 19
Thank 20 you, Mr. Mautz. 21 Any questions for this witness 22 from this committee? 23 (No questions.) 24
Is there 25 anyone else here who wishes to testify 17 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070190 for or against the bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy, please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 8 070190, an ordinance granting permission to Nitin Desai, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northwest corner of 18th Street and Arch Street, to construct, use, and maintain conduits for fiber optic facilities in, under, and across 18th Street and Arch Street, for the purposes of supplying electrical service and telephone service to said newsstand.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 25 070190. 18 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070190 This bill grants permission to Nitin Desai, owner and operator of the newsstand at the northwest corner of 18th from Arch Street to construct, use, and maintain an electrical conduit with electrical service line and a telecommunications conduit with a telephone service line in and under the public right-of-way for purposes of supplying electrical and telephone service to the newsstand. The Streets Department has reviewed the construction plans for this project and has no objection to the passage of the bill.
Thank you, Mr. Mautz. Are there any questions from the committee for this witness? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.) 19 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070191
Seeing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 6 070191, an ordinance granting permission to Chun Ho Won, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southwest corner of 18th Street and Market Street, to construct, use, and maintain conduits for fiber optic facilities in, under, and across 18th Street and Market Street, for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to said newsstand.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 23 070191. This bill grants permission to Chun Ho Won, owner and operator of the 20 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070191 newsstand at the southwest corner of 18th and Market Streets to construct, use, and maintain an electrical conduit with electrical service line and a telecommunications conduit with a telephone service line in and under the public right-of-way for purposes of supplying electrical and telephone service to the newsstand. The Streets Department has reviewed the construction plans for this project and has no objection to the passage of the bill.
Thank you, Mr. Mautz. Any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy will read the title 21 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070192 of the next bill.
Bill No. 4 070192, an ordinance granting permission to Asia Alnawasreh, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the southwest corner of Broad Street and Spring Garden Street, to construct, use, and maintain conduits for fiber optic facilities in, under, and across the southwest corner of Broad Street and Spring Garden Streets, for the purposes of supplying electrical service and telephone service to said newsstand.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construct engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 22 070192. This bill grants permission to Asia Alnawasreh, owner and operator of the newsstand at the southwest corner 22 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070192 of Broad and Spring Garden Streets, to construct, use, and maintain an electrical conduit with electrical service line and a telecommunications conduit with a telephone service line in and under the public rights-of-way for the purpose of supplying electrical and telephone service to the newsstand. The Streets Department has reviewed the construction plans for this project and has no objection to the passage of the bill.
Thank you, Mr. Mautz. Any questions for this witness from members of the committee? (No questions.)
Anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy will please read the title of the next bill. 23 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070204
Bill No. 3 070204, an ordinance granting permission to Alfredo Aguilar, owner of the property 426-428 West Girard Avenue, d/b/a Las Casuelas Cafe, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the south footway of Girard Avenue adjacent to 426-428 West Girard Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the committee. My name is William Mautz, and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the testimony for Bill No. 070204. This bill grants permission to Alfredo Aguilar, owner of the property 426-428 West Girard Avenue, d/b/a Las Casuelas Cafe, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the south sidewalk of West Girard Avenue. A total of five tables to accommodate fourteen occupants are proposed for the 24 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070204 south sidewalk of West Girard Avenue. No rails will be used. The Streets Department has reviewed the cafe plan and has no 6 objection to the passage of the bill.
Thank you, Mr. Mautz. Any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 20 070226, an ordinance authorizing Kevin Alsbrook, 400 Gypsy Lane, Apartment 735, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, owner of Bazini's Cafe and the property at 1800 Lindley Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19141, his successors and assigns, to 25 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070226 legalize an existing deck encroachment, which partially encroaches onto the public sidewalks of Lindley and Ogontz Avenues, for use as accessory outdoor seating for Bazini's Cafe.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the committee. My name is William Mautz, and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer following testimony for Bill No. 13 070226. This bill authorizes Kevin Alsbrook, owner of Bazini's Cafe and the property 1800 Lindley Avenue, to legalize an existing deck which partially encroaches onto the public sidewalks of Lindley and Ogontz Avenue. The deck, which is built predominantly within the property lines of 1800 Lindley Avenue is approximately 1-foot-6-inches in height. The deck encroaches approximately three feet onto Lindley Avenue sidewalk, leaving 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070226 approximately nine feet clear footway and approximately 8-feet-6-inches on the Ogontz Avenue sidewalk, leaving approximately 11-feet-6-inches of clear footway. The structure will be used for outdoor seating accessory to the restaurant Bazini's Cafe at this location. The Streets Department has reviewed the as-built plans. As the encroachment does not adversely affect the public right-of-way, the Streets Department recommends passage of the bill.
Thank you, Mr. Mautz. Any questions from the committee of this witness? (No response.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.)
Seeing 27 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070231 none, Mr. Abernathy will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 5 070231, an ordinance authorizing East Falls Development Corporation, 3654 Midvale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, owner of the property at 3800 Midvale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, for the installation of a gateway entrance sign for the East Falls community, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construct engineering with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 20 070231. This bill authorizes East Falls Development Corporation, 3654 Midvale Avenue, to place a gateway entrance sign for the East Falls community upon a new landscaped traffic 28 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070231 median in the 3800 block of Midvale Avenue to be installed in conjunction with the streetscape project. The free-standing structure granite consists of a granite pylon core with two attached weathering-steel "East Falls" rectangular signs. The structure is approximately feet high 10 by two feet wide by four feet long. 11 The sign structure is located 12 approximately 17 feet north of the 13 north curbline of Kelly Drive and is 14 placed in the center of a 15-foot wide island. The Streets Department has reviewed the preliminary plans for this project. The bill is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your committee for favorable action.
Thank you, Mr. Mautz. Are there any questions from members of the committee? 29 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070237 (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 11 070237, an ordinance authorizing Liberty Property Trust Philadelphia Limited Proprietorship IV, Eight Penn Center, Suite 1100, 1628 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, owner of the Comcast Center at 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, for the placement of raised planters on John F. Kennedy Boulevard and the installation of stainless-steel security bollards on Arch Street and North 17th Street adjacent to the Comcast Center, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, 30 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070237 Chairman and members of the committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 7 070237. There are two types of encroachments that are covered by this ordinance. The first is raised planters. A total of six planters will be located on the north sidewalk of JFK Boulevard between 17th and 18th. The planters, located approximately 3-feet-6-inches north of the north curbline of JFK Boulevard are approximately 10 foot wide, 4 foot high, and either 25 feet or 40 feet in length. In addition, there are security bollards. A total of 57 security bollards will be installed the stainless-steel security bollards are approximately 2-feet-6-inches high by 12 inches in diameter. 31 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070237 The Streets Department has reviewed the preliminary plans for this project. This bill is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your committee for favorable action.
Thank you, Mr. Mautz. Any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else present who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 21 070224, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 24 305 by placing on the City Plan Edgemont Street from Juniata Street to 32 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070224 Berkshire Street, at the distance of approximately 235 feet northwest of Salmon Street, under certain terms and conditions, including the dedication to the City, free and clear of encumbrances, of the bed of Edgemont Street. (Witnesses come forward.)
Good afternoon, sir. Please identify yourself for the record. yourself.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070224. This is not an administrative ordinance but an ordinance requested by Mr. Keith Charlton, President of BK Enterprise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 5915, Philadelphia, PA, 19137. The purpose of this ordinance 33 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070224 is to place Edgemont Street on the City Plan for the development of affordable residential housing units. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your committee for favorable action.
Good afternoon Chairman DiCicco and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Martin Soffer. I am the Director of Development, Planning Division, of the City Planning Commission. I am here to testify on Bill No. 070224. The purpose of this bill is to legally reopen Edgemont Street from Berkshire to Juniata Street. The street was stricken with the construction of I-95 but remained physically open. BK Enterprises has proposed to construct three new 34 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070224 single-family homes on the reopened Edgemont Street. The Planning Commission had reviewed a preliminary site plan and has rezoned this area to allow for this residential development on May 31, 2005. Therefore, the Planning Commission staff recommends that Bill 10 No. 070224 be approved. I would be pleased to answer questions you may have.
Thank you. Any questions for these witnesses from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 35 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070225 070225, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 5 187 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally-opened portion of Belgrade Street from Butler Street to Wheat Sheaf Lane, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070225. This is not an administrative ordinance but an ordinance requested by Mr. Gerald J. Coyle of Evans Domestic & Global Transportation Services, 2502 Wheat Sheaf Lane Philadelphia, PA, 19137. The purpose of this ordinance 23 is to strike from the City Plan Belgrade Street from Butler Street to Wheat Sheaf Lane to secure the area and 36 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070225 prevents short dumping and use the space for additional parking. This is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your committee for favorable action.
Good afternoon, Chairman DiCicco and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Marty Soffer, and I am the Director of the Development Planning Division of the City Planning Commission. I am here to testify on Bill No. 070225. The purpose of this bill is to remove the legally open portion of Belgrade Street from Butler Street to Wheat Sheaf Lane. This will allow the adjacent industrial owners to control access to this site, eliminate short-dumping, and allow for the expansion of existing industrial uses. 37 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070225 Therefore, the staff at the Planning Commission recommends that Bill No. 4 070225 be approved. I would be pleased to answer any questions you have.
Thank you. Any questions for these witnesses from members of the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy will please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 21 070235, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 63 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Carlton Street from 20th 38 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES BILL NO. 070235 Street eastwardly approximately 98'4" to a dead-end, by striking and abandoning certain rights-of-way for public utility purposes lying in the beds of former Carlton Street and former Uber Street, by striking and abandoning a certain right-of-way for drainage purposes, water main purposes and, public utility purposes lying in the bed of former Wood Street, by relocating a certain portion of the curbline on Vine Street eight feet in a southerly direction and by relocating a certain portion of the curbline on 20th Street seven feet in a westerly direction, all under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. My name a Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070235. 39 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES BILL NO. 070235 This is an administrative ordinance requested by Mr. Robert Lindenbaum, Chilton Engineers, 325 Chestnut Street, Suite 1112, Philadelphia, PA, 19106. The purpose of this ordinance 8 is to change the City Plan by striking and vacating Carlton Street and by striking and abandoning certain rights-of-way and relocating the curbline in certain locations for the expansion of the Free Library. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your committee for favorable action.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the committee. My name is Martin Soffer, and I am the Director of the Development Planning Division of the City Planning Commission. I am here to testify on Bill No. 070235. The purpose of this bill is to 40 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES BILL NO. 070235 remove Wood Street and Carlton Street from 19th Street to 20th Street to allow for the expansion of the Philadelphia Free Library which, fronts on Vine Street. The Planning Commission approved the street action at its meeting on February 16, 2006. Therefore, the Planning Commission recommends that Bill No. 070235 be approved. I would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you. Any questions for these witnesses from the committee? (No questions.)
Anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (Witness comes forward.)
While the next witness is coming up, I'd just 41 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES BILL NO. 070235 like the record to reflect that Councilman Darrell Clarke, who is a member of this committee, is also present. We still maintain a quorum.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. I'm the CEO of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation and in that role and actually through a lease agreement and the developer of the new Central Library. As CEO of the Free Library Foundation, I'm responsible for the fundraising as well as the actual design and construction of the new Central Library. And it is my great pleasure actually to be here today to testify in support of the ordinance, which relates to striking Carlton Street stub and the utility right-of-way for Carlton and Wood Streets. Both of these streets will be encompassed by the new library addition the. Passage of this bill 25 will complete the entire parcel for the 42 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES BILL NO. 070235 library expansion between 19th and 20th Street bounded on the north by Callowhill and the south by Vine Street. With all of the land assembled, we would be ready to move to groundbreaking as soon as the funds are available. I know that parking is also an important issue in the community around the library. And, as you know, we have looked into the possibility of underground parking at our site, but the cost as well as the serious water problem underneath the site makes this option impractical. We know from the Commerce Department's Parkway parking study that 250 to 500 additional spaces are needed in our area with all of the activity going on in the Parkway, in particular with the library and the Barnes Foundation. I have met separately with the 43 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES BILL NO. 070235 heads of the Barnes Foundation, with PIDC, with the Perlstein Group, which is now the owner of the granary property, and with Sheldon Stein, who owns the Whole Foods lot, and spoken to them about their plans for the lots adjacent to the library and how parking might be included in their development options. These conversations are ongoing, and we are continuing to explore how we might work together with one or both of these developers, and I would continue to stay in touch with the Commerce Department to explore the solutions to the problems that will obviously need to be resolved before opening day. Are there any questions?
Thank you. Any questions for this witness? (No questions.)
Seeing 44 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070301 none, is there anyone else here who wishes to testify on this bill? (No response.)
I'll ask Mr. Abernathy to read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 12 070301, an ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on Robbins Avenue between Algard Street and Cottage Street, both sides. (Witness comes forward.)
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. My name is Mark Washington and I'm a district traffic engineer for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 070201, a bill 45 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070301 establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on Robbins Avenue between Algard Street and Cottage Street, both sides. The Streets Department has no 7 objections to this bill. We will post "no-truck-parking anytime" signs within the next three weeks. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I will be happen to answer any questions you may have at this time.
Thank you. Any questions for this witness from the Committee? (No questions.)
Anyone else here who wishes to testify on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, I will ask Mr. Abernathy to read the title of the next bill. 46 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL 070301 Thank you.
Bill No. 4 070155, an ordinance establishing a no-parking-anytime regulation on the south side of Oxford Street, between 13th Street and Broad Street.
Okay. Bill No. 070155 is being held at the request of the sponsor. Please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 17 070132, a resolution also naming Broad Street from Diamond Street to York Street "Georgie Woods Boulevard." And Bill No. 070133, a resolution also naming Diamond Street from 16th Street through 19th Street "Father Paul Washington Avenue."
Ordinances are not needed for those resolutions. 47 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES - BILL NO. 070227
And Bill No. 6 070227, an ordinance amending Section 7 9-204 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Center City," by prohibiting vendors from within feet of an emergency egress, 11 all under certain terms and conditions. 12
Anyone 13 here -- no testimony, right? 14 Okay. For Bill No. 070227, 15 there's an amendment to this bill that has been submitted. It will be made a part of the record. Anyone have a question relating to this bill? (No response.)
Is there anyone who wishes to testify? (No response.)
Seeing none, this concludes the public hearing 48 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING on the Committee of Streets and Services. * * *
We will now go into the public meeting. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos for a motion on Bill 9 No. 070202.
I move that Bill No. 070202 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next Council meeting. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 20 No. 070202 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. 49 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos. Another suspension.
I move that Bill No. 070186 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next Council meeting. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 16 No. 070186 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that 50 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING Bill No. 070187 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 8 No. 070187 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that Bill No. 070190 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 23 No. 070190 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. 51 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that Bill No. 070191 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 14 No. 070191 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that Bill No. 070192 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. 52 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 5 No. 070192 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that Bill No. 070204 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 20 No. 070204 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? 53 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that Bill No. 070226 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 11 No. 070226 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that Bill No. 070231 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 54 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING No. 070231 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that Bill No. 070237 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 17 No. 070237 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that 55 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING Bill No. 070224 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 8 No. 070224 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that Bill No. 070225 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 23 No. 070225 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. 56 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that Bill No. 070235 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 14 No. 070235 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Bill No. 070155 is being held. Councilman Ramos?
I move that Bill No. 070201 be reported out of committee with a favorable 57 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING recommendation. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 6 No. 070201 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that Resolution No. 070132 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 21 No. 070132 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. 58 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that Bill No. 070133 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 12 No. 070133 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that Bill No. 070152 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at 59 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING our next Council session. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 6 No. 070152 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that the amendment, as previously described, regarding Bill No. 070227 be adopted. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 070227 be approved. All those in favor of the amendment, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? 60 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING The amendment is approved. Councilman Ramos?
I move that Bill No. 070227, as amended, be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that rules of Council be suspended in order to allow first reading at our next Council session. (Motion seconded.)
It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill 14 No. 070227, as amended, be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The bill is approved. Thank you. This concludes the public meeting on the Committee of Streets and Services. I want to thank the members for attending. 61 4/12/07 STREETS & SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING (Proceedings end at 3:11 p.m) * * * 62 C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings of the City of Philadelphia Council Committee on Streets and Services are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me on Thursday, April 12, 2007, and that this is a true and correct statement of same. __________________________________ JOSEPHINE CARDILLO Registered Professional Reporter (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)