STATED MEETING 1 4/20/2023 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 20, 2023 10:32 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILWOMAN SHARON VAUGHN MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK STATED MEETING 2 4/20/2023
Good morning. We're going to get started now. We have established our quorum. Council will now come to order. Thank you very much. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Chandra Williams of United Missionary Baptist Church. She is here today as the guest of Councilman Thomas. I would ask all members, guests, and visitors to please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Let us pray. Oh, thou in whose presence my soul takes the light, in whom in infliction I call, my comfort by day and my song in the night, my hope, my salvation, my all. To the only wise God, our Father, today we come humbled before you lifting up our city and those in authority who govern it. God, we come to STATED MEETING 3 4/20/2023 that you are sovereign, you see all, and you can do what you want when you want and how you want. We come to you because you are our mission and omnipotent. God, our city is facing challenges and we are going through unprecedented times. We are facing crucial challenges within our educational system, its buildings, staff, and students. We're facing challenges with homelessness, affordable homeownership, and tangled titles. We are facing challenges with parenting and our young people, challenges with the development in our city and the unification around it. It is affecting every race and every generation. We are facing challenges with the drugs and the open market of heroin, opioids. We're facing challenges with STATED MEETING 4 4/20/2023 city, challenges with all violence, whether it be gun violence, domestic, car jackings, home invasions, elder abuse, hate crimes, and more. We are facing challenges. We're facing challenges with supporting our arts and culture, challenges with our small businesses and even challenges with transitioning our local government officials. But the good news this morning is that we can come boldly to you and ask for anything. So today we ask now, God, that you heal our city. We ask that you would give this governing body, the body that represents every corner, block, community, and neighborhood of Philadelphia, give them what they need in order to do what they have been elected to do. Give them the courage, the wisdom, the strategy, the strength, and the right community and corporate STATED MEETING 5 4/20/2023 right decisions. We pray that you will touch their individual bodies right now. Give these people whatever they need mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially. Touch their individual families, their spouses, their children, and even those who are amongst us who may be caregivers of their parents. Touch those who are retiring, and we place a special blessing upon their transitions. We need you, God, like we never needed you before. So we ask that you hear and answer our prayers. In the name that is above every name, we ask this prayer, and we say amen. (Amen.)
Pastor Williams, thank you so much. We really appreciate your spiritual guidance today. Council will be at ease. STATED MEETING 6 4/20/2023 (Council at ease.)
Thank you very much. And our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 13th, 2023. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 13th, 2023 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, April 13, 2023 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) STATED MEETING 7 4/20/2023
The ayes have it, and the Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council that were not listed on the Calendar circulated prior to today's session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by STATED MEETING 8 4/20/2023 law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and STATED MEETING 9 4/20/2023 legislative matters stated by Councilwoman Bass may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Our next order of business is communications, and I would ask the Clerk to please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. And our next order of business -- the Chair recognizes STATED MEETING 10 4/20/2023 need to be recognized?
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Just in the spirit of honoring Philadelphians and keeping some of that positive energy in City Council, I wanted to take a moment today just to recognize Diane Scott, who is here today. Diane, for those who don't know, is somebody who has been a staple in the community for 25 years. She's somebody who operates athletic recreation centers at 26th and Master. She has a lot of fans and folks in the community who appreciate her. And Diane almost a year ago lost her grandson to an unfortunate situation, and despite that STATED MEETING 11 4/20/2023 loss, her and her family have continued to be pillars in the community and continue to do good work. So, Diane, if you're here, can you stand up so we can give you a round of applause as well as the family and friends who came down. (Applause.)
Colleagues, I know we're all very busy, but anybody who could stay after Council today just to take a picture with Diane and thank her for her service and what she continues to do for the City of Philadelphia despite some of the grieving that her and her family has gone through, it will definitely be appreciated. Thank you, Council President. Thank you, colleagues.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. Congratulations. STATED MEETING 12 4/20/2023 (Applause.)
Thank you. And our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions, and I would ask the Clerk to please read the titles of the legislation that's being offered by our members today.
Councilman Thomas offers two resolutions, a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Champion of the Week, Diana Garcia, the Principal of Willard Elementary in Kensington, for being the recipient of the 2023 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principal Leadership.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings STATED MEETING 13 4/20/2023 examining the rise of paper tags to thwart criminal and safety measures that allow for the safe use of our city streets by all residents.
Councilman Jones offers three bills and two resolutions, entitled "An ordinance to approve a major amendment to the St. Joseph's University Master Plan related to a proposed Residence Hall and Student Center and the addition of six existing buildings to the Master Plan."
And an ordinance establishing a no semi-truck parking regulation on both sides of North 75th Street between Brookhaven and Brentwood Road.
And an ordinance STATED MEETING 14 4/20/2023 discontinuing --
Mr. Decker, hold on one second. The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas.
Yes, Council President. I'm sorry. I just wanted to speak a little bit about the resolution I introduced today.
So first of all, thank you, Council President. Thank you, colleagues and everybody who co-sponsored the resolution. Earlier last week Memphis passed driving equality legislation, and we've been in dialogue with cities all across the country around driving STATED MEETING 15 4/20/2023 equality and other traffic-related measures. As the Chair of the Streets and Services Committee, one of the things that we did back in 2020 was examine some of the issues that we were dealing with as it relates to hit-and-runs, traffic, and other issues that were creating problems as it relates to how we commute and travel across the City of Philadelphia. The purpose of this bill is to do a deeper dive into an issue that's happening in urban areas all across the country. When we went to Camden, they talked about similar issues. When I talked to Councilmembers in Memphis, they talked about similar issues with the fake tags. When we talked to folks in New York as well as in Delaware, similar issues. The purpose of this resolution is to do a deep dive into all of the different parts of government that can have an impact on this catastrophe so we STATED MEETING 16 4/20/2023 can get it under control in Philadelphia and then hopefully make recommendations on what other municipalities across the country could do to address an issue that's perpetuating the crime in the City of Philadelphia but an issue that has nothing to do with the driving equality legislation. So the purpose of this resolution is to make sure that we're able to define what direction we're going in with driving equality as well as ensure that the public understands that the fake tag crisis that we're dealing with has no correlation to the legislation. Thank you, Council President, and thank you, colleagues, for co-sponsoring this resolution.
I was waiting on the resolutions. He hasn't STATED MEETING 17 4/20/2023 introduced them yet.
Yeah. I would like a point of personal privilege just for acknowledgment, if that's okay, Council President.
I just want to take a moment to acknowledge an individual who has served more than 33 years in this particular body but also recently retired as the Director of Government Affairs for the Philadelphia International Airport but also served as the Clerk and rose to the position of Chief of Staff for former Council President Anne Verna, and she has also been a dedicated and loyal public servant when it came to moving the City of Philadelphia forward but also addressing a variety of issues since I've been a young man working in South Philadelphia STATED MEETING 18 4/20/2023 throughout the Second Councilmanic District, and she hails from Southwest Philadelphia, and I want to welcome her back to this body and give her her acknowledgment for her hard work and her dedication. I just ask if everyone could acknowledge Ms. Maryanne Mahoney. Can you stand, Ms. Maryanne Mahoney, who most of us know. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you for your hard work and your dedication, Maryanne, and we appreciate you. You have a lot of relationships that you have built in this body but, most importantly, it was your dedication and your passion and your commitment to improve the quality of life of those that we represented in the Second Councilmanic District as well as those you have supported in the City of Philadelphia as a whole, and you have always had a STATED MEETING 19 4/20/2023 laser-like focus on providing quality, quality constituent services, which most district members know at the end of the day that's their bread and butter that will make sure that you keep coming back to this body if you want to serve, how you serve your constituents. So thank you very much, Maryanne, and continue to keep up the good work, and God bless you in your retirement. Thank you. (Applause.)
Councilman Jones also offers an ordinance discontinuing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of North 75th Street between Brookhaven STATED MEETING 20 4/20/2023 Road and Brentwood Road.
And two resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, a resolution authorizing and ratifying Council President Clarke's participation, on behalf of and as representative of City Council, in all proceedings relating to the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment with respect to 1600 East Berks Street.
And on his own behalf, a privileged resolution honoring Dr. Kahlila Johnson, Principal of Overbrook High School, for receiving the 2023 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals.
Thank you, STATED MEETING 21 4/20/2023 Mr. President. Just briefly, Dr. Johnson is for Overbrook the Joe Clark of Overbrook. She loves deeply all of the students that go there and really takes to heart their problems. She is the reason I came up with the two bookbag theory, that the bookbag -- one is filled with books for the lessons of the day and the second bookbag is bringing to school some of the troubles from home, and she every day unpacks that. And for her to receive the Lindback Award is truly appropriate. She's putting that $20,000 into renovating Overbrook's library, which has fallen in ill repair. Kathy Gilmore Richardson used to teach there, so she knows, and Isaiah Thomas toured Overbrook with us during the pandemic and right after. So it is worthwhile, but for me her fixing that library is important, because I think I was the only person who cut class and hid in the library, where I STATED MEETING 22 4/20/2023 learned how to play chess, where I learned appreciation for books. And so I'm truly, truly thankful to her for making that a safe space for future students that if they want to leave, they don't have to go and leave the building, but they can go and be in a safe space. So, Dr. Johnson, we appreciate you, and keep up the good work. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President, and thank you to Councilmember Jones for your leadership. I didn't know that both of us taught at Overbrook High School for a short stint. Overbrook is producing great people. Councilmember Jones talked about the Lindback Award for principals, and our Champion of the Week, Dr. Diana STATED MEETING 23 4/20/2023 Garcia, just walked in. Doc, can you raise your hand and be recognized for us real quick. (Applause.)
Dr. Diana Garcia is the Principal of Willard Elementary School. She is our Champion of the Week this week. I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge her, because she clearly has to get back to the business of our children, but she is our Champion of the Week this week. She's a product of the School District of Philadelphia. She does a great job at her school, Willard Elementary, and she is the person who we wanted to honor for the great work that she does serving the City of Philadelphia but, most importantly, mentoring our children. Can we give Principal Garcia a round of applause, please. Thank you for being here today. STATED MEETING 24 4/20/2023 (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Lozada.
Yes. I'd like to also thank Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for recognizing Diana Garcia, who is Principal Garcia to many, but to me she's a sister. She's a friend. She's a mentor. She is present at every single point of every child's life, even after they have left her building. She is someone that people can come to and rely on for good guidance and just an ear to lean on when you're not having a good day. So I appreciate you. I love you. Thank you for all you do, and this is a recognition that is very, very, very much deserved. STATED MEETING 25 4/20/2023 (Applause.)
Thank you. And that will be on today's Calendar.
Councilman Johnson offers an ordinance approving three multiyear agreements with the Federation Internationale de Football Association and any amendments and addenda thereto, as well as ancillary agreements with other parties, concerning the participation of the City in hosting and staging the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Councilwoman Lozada offers a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3418, 3420, and 3422 Kensington Avenue located in the 7th STATED MEETING 26 4/20/2023 Councilmanic District.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2032 East Boston Street located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers one bill and two resolutions, an ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments in the vicinity of 3931 Walnut Street.
And a non-privileged resolution renaming the 700 Block of North 39th Street "Honorable Charles L. Durham Way."
Next week's Calendar. STATED MEETING 27 4/20/2023
And a privileged resolution honoring and thanking Gweny Love Owens, on the occasion of Earth Day, for her work on environmental justice and sustainability.
Councilman Driscoll offers one bill and one resolution, an ordinance amending Section 9-208 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Cafes," by permitting sidewalk cafes to be maintained on Frankford Avenue, both sides, from Harbison Avenue to Sheffield Avenue; Cottman Avenue, both sides, from Erdrick Street to Leon Street; Ryan Avenue, both sides, Frankford Avenue to Leon Street; Robbins Avenue, both sides, from Frankford Avenue to Mulberry Street; Sackett Street, both sides, from Frankford Avenue to Levick Street; and the area bounded by Frankford Avenue, Levick Street, Hawthorne Street and Hellerman Street. STATED MEETING 28 4/20/2023
And a privileged resolution proclaiming May 2023 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Philadelphia to pay tribute to the rich history and significant contributions made by generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our Country, Commonwealth, and City.
Councilman Squilla offers an ordinance amending Section 14-502 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/CTR, Center City Overlay District," by amending the South Street/Head House Square Area.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
STATED MEETING 29 4/20/2023 much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions. And our next order of business is reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs reports one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Mr. Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, to which was referred Bill No. 220969, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to STATED MEETING 30 4/20/2023 from 2000 Arch Associates Limited Partnership, which will move and reinstall the building on City property," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 220969. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 220969. All in favor indicate by saying STATED MEETING 31 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 1ST READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee, and our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bill just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules has been deemed to have had its first reading. It will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, will you please read any other bills of the First Reading Calendar today.
Bill No. 230150, entitled "An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal STATED MEETING 32 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 1ST READING Year 2023 from the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, to the General Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions, the Hotel Room Rental Tax Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions and the Grants Revenue Fund, certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions."
Thank you. The Chair agrees. This bill will be placed on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, STATED MEETING 33 4/20/2023 2ND READING Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being brought up from Second Reading to Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 230282, 230283, 230284, 230285, 230287, 230288, 230289, 230292, and 230009-AA. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you very much. We will now move to our public comment session, but before considering the resolutions and bills we will consider on public comment, we will have certain guidelines. Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you have not already signed up for today's session, you can do so now by giving your name to the Sergeant-At-Arms at the table set up outside of the Council Chamber. Once you have signed up, you STATED MEETING 34 4/20/2023 will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. We have a relatively significant number of individuals testifying today, so I would like to alter the timeline to two minutes. Please address your testimony to reflect a two-minute timeline. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which you will speak. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, we intend to hold faithfully to that timeline. So when you begin to speak, you will see a green light on the device on the podium. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks. We also reserve the right pursuant to our rules to alter repetitious comment to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak. STATED MEETING 35 4/20/2023 Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
The first speaker today, Mr. President, is Kay Yoon, commenting today on Resolution No. 230317. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Kay Yoon and I'm a longtime Philadelphia resident and volunteer at Asian Americans United. I'm here today to show my support for Councilmember Mike Driscoll's Resolution 230317 regarding making May 2023 AAPI Heritage Month. Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing demographic groups in the United States and it is important that our history and diverse heritages in this country are honored, taught, and STATED MEETING 36 4/20/2023 celebrated. I'll be honest with you, though. I'm far too impatient to be okay with only having heritage month for demographic groups such as ours, as I believe strongly that the history of all groups in this country should be a permanent, fully accepted part of our children's and youth's education and cultural landscape. Asian American history continues to be unknown by many Philadelphians and Americans, and stereotypes and the perpetual foreigner status persists for members of our Asian communities here in Philly and across the U.S. In fact, children and young adults' books about Asian American history and the Asian American cultures and families are being banned in many school districts. Therefore, until we live in a world where Asian American heritage and history are integrated and a STATED MEETING 37 4/20/2023 non-marginalized part of American history, then we will need a month like AAPI Heritage Month. If Philadelphia City Council is to rightfully pass a resolution honoring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, then it is also -- it should also take critical steps in ensuring that predominantly Asian American neighborhoods like Chinatown are protected and preserved. I strongly urge you to speak out and vote no against the proposed basketball arena that the Sixers want to build at 10th and Cuthbert Streets. The arena would destroy the cultural fabric of Chinatown and drive out longtime small businesses and multi-generational families. Chinatown is one of the few neighborhoods in Philadelphia where I and many other Asian American Philadelphians feel safe and accepted for who we are. But this isn't just about our feelings. STATED MEETING 38 4/20/2023 It's about doing what's right. Philadelphia's Chinatown is over 150 years old and has a strong community of residents of all ages, and various languages are spoken and different religions are practiced there. It's a physical home and cultural and spiritual center for many Asian Americans in the City and in the Philadelphia region. If we want to be a better, more vibrant city, we need to start by standing up against billionaire interests that seek to build an arena that over 90 percent of residents, business owners, and visitors in Chinatown don't even want.
And standing up for a longtime community of hardworking, tax-paying Asian American residents who have a history of being marginalized by government and society. So please help all of STATED MEETING 39 4/20/2023 Philadelphia walk the walk by using your voice and power to stop the Sixers arena in the heart of our city and to save Chinatown. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Will Gross, commenting on Resolution 230317. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Will Gross. I'm a small business owner, a democratic committee person, and a member of the Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance of Pennsylvania. I'm here to testify on Resolution 230317. I am the son of a Chinese STATED MEETING 40 4/20/2023 immigrant. My mother emigrated to Philadelphia from Taiwan in 1973, and I am pleased to see Council recognizing AAPI Heritage Month. As the son of a Chinese immigrant, Chinatown has always been a place for me and my family to connect with our culture. Chinatown is vital to my life and is vital to the cultural fabric of our city. The proposed Sixers arena is an existential threat to the ecosystem of this 150-year-old community, and to be clear, if destroyed, Chinatown cannot be replaced. It seems each generation of Philadelphians is tasked with protecting our Chinatown from devastating development, whether it's a casino or a baseball park, an arena or the expressway that my parents protested in the 1970s which tore the neighborhood in two. It is now our turn. Will we protect the working STATED MEETING 41 4/20/2023 families and working people of Chinatown or will we stand by? Chinatown and the people of Philadelphia are united against this arena. We have been clear time and time again that a project like this would destroy the ecosystem of our community. It is paramount that AAPI Heritage Month not only be recognized in name but also in action. To preserve AAPI culture and its community, we must stand with Chinatown and with the people of Philadelphia. We must oppose this arena. Thank you.
The next speaker is Ling Tran, commenting on Resolution 230317. (Witness approached podium.) STATED MEETING 42 4/20/2023
Good morning. My name is Ling Tran. I am a Philly resident and volunteer with the Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance. I'm here to testify on Resolution 230317. I do not live in Chinatown, yet in my heart I call it home, and I am pleased to see that Council recognizing AAPI Heritage Month. Chinatown as a community matters a great deal to me. Living in Philly, I've experienced racism that AAPI folks can testify and identify with. Chinatown is the only place where I feel safe visiting to just breathe and be me. My family came to the U.S. as refugees of Chinese descent. In my youth, Saturdays in Chinatown were a family affair. My cousin, sister, and I attended Chinese school there while my STATED MEETING 43 4/20/2023 parents and relatives ran errands. Going to Chinatown was special. This was the day of the week where I got to see my family own their space with ease and dignity. My parents and relatives also had weddings at neighborhood venues, like Joy Tsin Lau and Ocean Harbor. In Chinatown, I love hearing the symphony of languages spoken, Chinese dialect, Vietnamese, Cambodian, or some remix of those languages with English. My first job and how I learned Asian American history was there. These experiences imbued in me cultural pride and education, establishing Chinatown as a sanctuary. It is integral to my AAPI cultural heritage to my belonging, which is why the proposal for the arena is a kiss of death to this community and my sense of place. Chinatown and Philadelphia are united against the arena. It said no time and again. A project like this STATED MEETING 44 4/20/2023 would destroy our community. Recognizing AAPI heritage in name only is virtue signalling. To preserve AAPI culture and community, we are counting on you to stand with Chinatown, to stand with Philly, and to oppose the arena. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I would like to be excused to leave to do district Council business, and I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
The next speaker is Jenny Zhang, commenting on Resolution 230317. (Witness approached podium.)
And I am a Philadelphia resident and I'm also with APIPA. I'm also here to support Resolution 230317 presented by Councilmember Driscoll about honoring AAPI Heritage Month in Philadelphia. I'm an Asian American who has called Philadelphia home for the last eight years, and I am really, really glad to see Council recognizing AAPI Heritage Month. The AAPI community is one of the fastest growing communities here, and it's essential to the cultural fabric of STATED MEETING 46 4/20/2023 Philadelphia and its history and should be celebrated, so thank you. Growing up in the Philadelphia suburbs, it was hard for me to find a community or a place where I could see my heritage represented, and my family often came to Philadelphia's Chinatown to find that. We went there because we could find familiar foods and we are accepted for who we are as Asian Americans. My parents are Chinese immigrants. And today it's still a place that feels like home. It's where, you know, I get my groceries and it's also where I go to church every Sunday. And we might have heard already, you know, there's this proposed arena at the doorstep of Chinatown. It's a direct threat to the 150 years of Chinatown history and heritage in Philadelphia, and it would annihilate that community space for Asian Americans here in Philadelphia. And I'm not -- like we said, STATED MEETING 47 4/20/2023 I'm clearly not the only one who feels this way. Residents and businesses in Chinatown are united against the arena, and it's clear that we don't want an arena to destroy Chinatown, and this arena would destroy our city as well. Again, I'm very, very grateful that AAPI Heritage Month is being recognized in Philadelphia. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Philadelphia are so, so important to our city. They have contributed so much. But it cannot only be symbolic. It is crucial that we protect the physical spaces in Philadelphia that celebrate our AAPI heritage. So thank you all to the City Councilmembers who are already opposing the arena, but I continue to call on all of you to fight against this arena to protect our history here. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. STATED MEETING 48 4/20/2023 (Applause.)
The next speaker is Kenneth Wood, commenting on 210800. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Kenneth Wood. I'm here to speak on Bill 210800. I'm a 60-plus year resident of this city all at the same location, Kensington, now known as Olde Richmond. I have nothing against teachers having parking. We need the teachers. Some of them are from outside the City and younger than us elderly. I feel more needs to be done for the elderly residents that have been here for 40, 50, 60-plus years. It's not right that they can't park near their homes. After going to doctor appointments, food shopping, they have to STATED MEETING 49 4/20/2023 park blocks away. We are at an age with health issues and our bike riding days are over, not like the new people coming into the City now. And one day their bike riding days will be over also. You have recently had shootings, at least two people shot dead over parking in this city and numerous fights. It's all documented. Check 911. I feel more emphasis should be placed on parking for the longtime elderly residents of this city. We feel we are being forced out of our lifelong homes. It's not our fault we can't afford $800,000, $900,000 homes with off-street parking. It's just not right. I feel this Council has not -I feel this Council and city has let the longtime elderly residents down. You's can do better here. Also, Engine 6, Belgrade Street and Huntingdon Street, needs to be restored and placed back into service. STATED MEETING 50 4/20/2023 We are the only fire station out of 61 fire stations in the City of Philadelphia without a pumper, water to put out fires. We have all this overdevelopment going on in our community right now and it's all lightweight wood construction, multi-family, multi-story high-rises. Engine 2 is my first in engine from 1.2 miles away and has to race down to my community to put out a fire. Two weeks ago, coming down to put out a fire on the riverfront, only blocks away from our station that had Engine 6, they were involved in an accident. So now you're putting firefighters' lives in danger also, and had to wait for another truck, because that was put out of service.
Engine 6 needs to be restored. If the City can find money for street sweeping material and hire street STATED MEETING 51 4/20/2023 sweepers, they can also get us our fire truck. We don't have to rely on a grant. Here's where the City ended last year's budget: $492 million plus.
And we're waiting for grants to come. It's wrong. You's have the money. Put the fire truck back.
The next speaker is Horace Clouden, commenting on 221015. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Horace Clouden. I'm a member of Mama Gail's Education Community Network and a member of Parent Community Advisory Council to the Board of Education. STATED MEETING 52 4/20/2023 You know, we have three groups in this city. Group A, all of your developers east of the river. Are they paying taxes or receiving abatements, all in the name of jobs? If yes, no problem. If no, then there's a problem. But how do we make up the difference? Then we have Group B, your developers west of the river waiting for a ten-year tax abatement in the name of affordable housing. If the bill is passed and paying no taxes, again, how do we make up the difference? Now you have Group C, long- and short-term residents paying taxes for City services and School District. And for those who are paying no taxes, we make up the difference by doubling their taxes. In other words, they doubled the taxes of Group C and then just going to tell them, well, your properties have doubled in value. Now, we have the City -- if the City wants this formula -- and the City STATED MEETING 53 4/20/2023 wants this formula for the next ten years. Who can afford this? Now we have the involvement of the School District who has to sign off on their portion of the tax abatement, if approved. No money goes to the schools. I'll be testifying at the School Board meeting later today to open up five indoor pools that the School District owns to offer swimming as a curriculum, free access and training facility for the community year round. The School District only wants one pool. The tax abatement will not help this. You know, making everybody pay their fair share of taxes will help. Vote no. You know, here's what's so funny about it. You say these schools are grossly underfunded. You know, you say that the schools have asbestos. You have all the ills of the schools. Then you want to take away money from them, you know, and then the School District is going to come to you next week and ask STATED MEETING 54 4/20/2023 for money, and then all of this coming off the backs of the long- and short-term homeowners who in this group only are paying the taxes right now. This tax abatement thing, really you have to say no and --
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony, sir. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Mama Gail Clouden, commenting on 221015. (Witness approached podium.)
City STATED MEETING 55 4/20/2023 Councilmembers -- and I don't know the gentleman's name here, but I know that he's really busy while we're talking. I know that he has things that he has to talk to his associate about while we're here, but because some of us took their time to come here to speak, I'm asking for some respect, please. City Councilmembers, on this day of our Lord, Thursday, April 20th, 2023, I stand here remembering a great brother, a great friend, Brother Omadasusi Kintu (ph), who is very, very committed to our community and to Philadelphia. I sat by him, stood by him, walked with him many times. And so I'm standing here as I stand for those that don't speak for themselves in Philadelphia, that can't speak for themselves, that won't speak for themselves, knowing that many decisions they make at this time affect those that have the least the most, and that's those people. STATED MEETING 56 4/20/2023 Abatement, abatement, abatement. Where will it end? Where does it end? Enough is enough. Where is the oversight? Where is the quality? Where is the equity? Enough is enough. I stand here on this day of our Lord saying enough is enough. Everything is class, everything is race in this city. You speak about generational wealth. How do you have generational wealth if people are hanging on with nothing or close to nothing? Reparations is what the conversation should be about. You speak about again generational wealth. Reparations, reparations, reparations. Stop allowing people to take from those that have the least the most. Stop these abatements now. Enough is enough. Under-education, medical apartheid, and now abatements. Enough is enough.
Thank you. STATED MEETING 57 4/20/2023 (Applause.)
The next speaker is Leah Clouden, commenting on 221015. (Witness approached podium.)
Leah Clouden. I'd like to say vote no for the abatements, and I'll say that it's because we have no quality in service. You charge property owners double, triple in some places where you have the neighbor that's building up, that's developing. You have a developer that comes in and builds up this property and they're not paying any taxes. So that means you have taken their taxes and transferred it over to the neighbors. That's the best way I can explain it. STATED MEETING 58 4/20/2023 We are not benefiting -low-income residents, people who need homes are benefiting, but the people who are actually paying are not benefiting from this, unless it just so happens they have the homestead. For those that don't have the homestead, we're inconvenienced by the streets that are being dug up for pipelines. We're being inconvenienced by now triple and quadrupling of new residents and their parking. We're being inconvenienced by the designs of the streets that makes no sense, because somebody from another place came into the neighborhood and decided this makes sense, and I can speak on Chestnut Street and Walnut Street. The adding of parking spaces, people can't even understand where the bike lane and the parking space separates or which side is which. This stuff is insane. There's no quality in service. You got to rethink this abatement for these people coming in. It's not like the residents STATED MEETING 59 4/20/2023 can benefit off of somebody building a home. There's no spaces for renting up commercial properties for residents who may have their home and need an extra income, because now you're doubling the taxes. Things need to be changed. You have to think about it. I don't care if they give that 30 percent or 20 percent of their units. It's not enough, because those people will never be homeowners as long as you keep just giving them rent. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Karen Melton, commenting on 230283. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My STATED MEETING 60 4/20/2023 name is Karen Melton. I've lived in Philadelphia since 1979. With Earth Day coming up this weekend and your vote today on Resolution 230283 to appoint Councilman Driscoll to the Gas Commission, I wanted to take the opportunity to talk about the significant impact climate change is already having and will continue to have on our city and the critical role that PGW, the biggest municipally owned gas utility in the country, will play in whether we can meet our city's climate goals and help to preserve a livable planet for future generations. Philadelphia's progress toward meeting our climate goals has been painfully slow, but our collective ownership of PGW gives us a unique opportunity to turn that around. We can replace fossil fuels with renewable energy at a pace that matches the urgency of the crisis. But we need creative, bold leadership from the Gas Commission STATED MEETING 61 4/20/2023 and City Council to do that. Clearly, the need to transition PGW away from fossil fuels as quickly as possible involves two additional objectives - protecting consumer energy needs at an affordable rate and protecting PGW workers. Both of these latter objectives, protecting consumers and workers, are routinely used as excuses to do nothing about PGW's contributions to the climate crisis, as if a livable planet is the one thing we can afford to be without. But all three objectives must be addressed, and I hope that Councilman Driscoll will be a voice helping to involve union workers be part of a solution that preserves good jobs while transitioning our city away from fossil fuels. Heat pumps and geothermal systems, for example, use many of the skills that PGW workers already have. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. STATED MEETING 62 4/20/2023 (Applause.)
The next speaker is Gweny Love Owens, commenting on 230316. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. I'd like to first acknowledge my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Without him, I wouldn't be here, without the prayers of my mother, my father, both deceased, and friends who have supported me from the community of Mantua. I represent the community of Mantua. I want to acknowledge my cousin Sheila Owens, Brenda Bryant, Gwendolyn Austin, Tina Richards, my sisters and brothers who are absent, my pastor James Moore Sr. of Second Mount Zion Baptist Church, and most definitely Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier. STATED MEETING 63 4/20/2023 We are in Mantua, through Mantua-wide community, bringing together university students, youth, professionals, and long-term residents to clean up our community, to make it a more green community, to make it serene through our Clean, Green and Serene Program and our Garden Adventures Program. We are bringing people out. We are having our neighbors interacting, get to know each other. We're encouraging people to be more environmentally conscious. We're planting trees and tulips. We're looking at how we can stop the illegal dumping happening in our community, how we can become more aware of lead paint and asbestos that's not only in our soil but also in our schools and our places of worship. We're also looking at how we can stop all of the droppings from people walking their animals, how we can prevent standing water, how we can acknowledge STATED MEETING 64 4/20/2023 what trees are being decayed, because all of these things attract mosquitoes and flies, parasites, mold, and bacteria. We want to have a community that's more safe, because a community that looks beautiful attracts beauty. As we are able to inspire beauty inside each other, we're able to welcome newcomers to our community, and they also will follow the same suit. But basically we want to inspire this new transformation that's taking place. It doesn't have to be anything negative. It's all about how do we transform our minds, how do we make a community that's welcoming, how do we make a community that could be a blueprint for the rest of the City. And so I'm just grateful for the opportunity. Thank you very much.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.) STATED MEETING 65 4/20/2023
The next speaker is Christina Richards, commenting on 230316. (Witness approached podium.)
I too would like to first acknowledge my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, who is the beginning and the end. I stand in agreement with everything Gweny Love spoke on. We are loving Mantua, and we hope that other neighboring communities in the City of Philadelphia will follow suit. We love Gweny Love worldwide community because Gwen have started numerous gardens in our community to get us away from vacant lots. Vacant lots, yes, they are deteriorating, they are STATED MEETING 66 4/20/2023 nasty, they are gross, and we don't want them. People come into our neighborhoods and dump litter. They let their animals drop feces around. We don't want that. Cleanliness is next to godliness and godliness is next to cleanliness. When we look at our neighborhoods and we see gardens, we paint the vacant properties. We have numerous art projects that Gweny Love starts. The children get involved. We all feel better. We all look at the community. We see bright colors on the buildings that was once ugly and you couldn't take pictures of it, and we look at the gardens and it's something that we did. In December, Gweny Love came and we planted buds in the gardens, and now this spring and this summer we look forward to looking at our plants. So, again, Gweny Love is STATED MEETING 67 4/20/2023 awesome with what she does. I congratulate you, Gwen, on your citation, and I'm standing with you and in agreement with you to keep Mantua looking its best. Thank you.
The next speaker is Ogbonna Hagins, commenting on 210800. (Witness approached podium.)
Hey, great morning, everyone. Ogbonna Hagins, H-A-G-I-N-S. 210800 is what I'm speaking on. Of course public school employees should have parking, but what about what the actual students need? If I were sitting in one of STATED MEETING 68 4/20/2023 those seats as a Councilperson, I would be more concerned with the fact that there are no form of education being taught in Philadelphia schools to eliminate the racial wealth gap or stave off the fact that Afro Americans' wealth, according to studies, will be at zero by 2053. Does this data bother any of you in Council? If I were in one of those seats, I couldn't ignore this, for this body to ignore this reality, it actually repudiates the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Reconstruction Amendments. Dr. Amos Wilson stated that each culture has a time dimension. Proof of today's time dimension for the descendents of the emancipated, otherwise known as the Afro American, is confirmed by the racial wealth gap, and as I stated, economic researchers calculate Afro Americans' wealth will be zero by 2053. STATED MEETING 69 4/20/2023 I want this body to know that for you to concern yourself with parking is good, but are you just as concerned with the amount of revenue that the PPA is collecting and not coming to Philadelphia and not being -- and not to mention how the Parking Authority is literally hurting people in Philadelphia? If I were a City Councilperson, I would not only want to provide parking for the school employees, but I would want to make sure that all of the money collected would go to the School District first, would come to the City and not to the state for the state to divvy it out. That's what I would do if I was a Councilperson.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
There are no other speakers on the public comment STATED MEETING 70 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING list, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 230282.
A resolution recognizing the appointment of Albert W. Newman to the Veterans Advisory Commission.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. STATED MEETING 71 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230283.
A resolution appointing Councilmember Mike Driscoll to the Philadelphia Gas Commission.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you again, Mr. President. And I enthusiastically move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying STATED MEETING 72 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230284.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1736 North 22nd Street in the Fifth Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you again, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's STATED MEETING 73 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230285.
A resolution calling on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania State Senate to pass HB776 prohibiting untraceable firearms and HB777 banning "ghost gun" parts.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of this resolution and pray for our city that it is passed in Harrisburg. (Duly seconded.) STATED MEETING 74 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230287.
A resolution also naming 60th Street between Market Street and Arch Street as "E. Paul Sandidge Way", in honor of E. Paul Sandidge, his 100th Birthday, and his more than 70 years of service to West Philadelphia.
Thank you again, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.) STATED MEETING 75 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230288.
A resolution also naming the 2100 block of Federal Street "Claudia Smith Sherrod Way," to honor the legacy of Claudia Sherrod.
Thank you. On behalf of Member Johnson, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. STATED MEETING 76 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230289.
A resolution also naming the 1500 block of Wharton Street "James Mtume Way", to honor the life and legacy of renowned musician, activist, and Philadelphia native James Mtume.
Thank you. On behalf of Member Johnson, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying STATED MEETING 77 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230292.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Housing Authority a deed conveying fee simple title to 1 through 49 Rudy Robinson Way in the Third Councilmanic District.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. STATED MEETING 78 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 230009-AA.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations," by further providing with respect to monetary penalties for on-street parking of semitrailers and truck tractors.
Councilwoman, did you need to be recognized? Never mind. Your name was still up. I didn't know if you needed to STATED MEETING 79 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING be recognized. All right. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. STATED MEETING 80 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
Council President Clarke. STATED MEETING 81 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, do you have any additional resolutions?
A resolution honoring and congratulating the Champion of the Week, Diana Garcia, the Principal of Willard Elementary in Kensington, for being the recipient of the 2023 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principal Leadership, introduced today by Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. Thank you, colleagues. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. STATED MEETING 82 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution authorizing the Committee on Streets and Services to hold hearings examining the rise of paper tags to thwart criminal and safety measures that allow for the safe use of our city streets by all residents, introduced today by Councilman Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. STATED MEETING 83 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring Dr. Kahlila Johnson, Principal of Overbrook High School, for receiving the 2023 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals, introduced today by Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. STATED MEETING 84 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
And a resolution honoring and thanking Gweny Love Owens, on the occasion of Earth Day, for her work on environmental justice and sustainability, introduced today by Councilwoman Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. Before I move for the adoption of the resolution, I'd like to speak for a few moments about the extraordinary woman we are honoring here today. The Black and brown communities I represent experience a disproportionate amount of the climate injustices plaguing STATED MEETING 85 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia, and it is no coincidence that these are also the neighborhoods that endure the most gun violence and poverty, because wrongs like illegal dumping do not just damage the environment, they breed violence. That's why the City needs community leaders like Gweny Love Owens, who are unafraid to champion sustainability and empower neighbors to harness the power of nature to better their lives and community. Gweny's accomplishments speak for themselves. Much of her life's work centers around developing and promoting programming that heals the earth and her community at the same time. This includes urban farming and gardening, honoring nature, community clean-ups, and environmental preservation. Gweny has established Mantua Worldwide Community Incorporated to make her community and others across the City more healthy, beautiful, and sustainable. She also planted hundreds of tulips and STATED MEETING 86 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING trees, participates in the Mantua Urban Peace Garden, spearheads youth gardening programs across the region, and helped to found the Sustainable Business Network, which I led at one point in time. Just last week Gweny received a grant to expand her program Clean, Green, and Serene into Powelton Village and Mill Creek. Through this program, she teaches neighbors the most sustainable way to dispose of trash and how to keep their sidewalks and lots cleaned. I could go on and on, but it would take all day to list all of Gweny's work and accomplishments. Thanks to Gweny Love's ability to demonstrate nature's power to heal and bring people together, young people in Mantua and beyond will be able to carry on the tradition of sustainability and community building. I am so grateful for everyone that she has touched in the community and everything that she has done to promote environmental justice and STATED MEETING 87 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING sustainability, and I cannot wait to see what she does next. I can think of few better ways to acknowledge Earth Day than by honoring this true home-grown hero of environmental justice. Gweny, can you please stand so that we can honor you properly. (Applause.)
And with that, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The STATED MEETING 88 4/20/2023 4/20/23 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
And a resolution proclaiming May 2023 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Philadelphia to pay tribute to the rich history and significant contributions made by generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our Country, Commonwealth, and City, introduced today by Councilman Driscoll.
Mr. President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? STATED MEETING 89 4/20/2023 (No response.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted.
There are no other resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. And any speeches on behalf of the minority? (No response.)
Speeches on behalf of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. Yesterday the City and I announced a settlement with IBID regarding the University City Townhomes and my Affordable Housing Preservation Overlay legislation. This has been one of the biggest fights I have taken on STATED MEETING 90 4/20/2023 office, and no one in government worked harder to protect the rights of the tenants than I and the City Law Department. I began advocating for the UC Townhomes residents in late 2020 and never stopped, even when our lawyer told me I had to remain publicly silent. In fact, I did the math and discovered that my team and I have spent well over 1,000 hours engaging the residents, participating in negotiations, and meeting with officials from all levels of government. And even though true equity means no one gets displaced from their home, the settlement is a historic win. IBID will give the City a portion of the townhome site, where we will build a 100 percent permanently affordable housing property and community green space in the heart of an amenity-rich area of opportunity undergoing rapid gentrification. And since the City will STATED MEETING 91 4/20/2023 new affordable housing site will be built on, we will never see low-income residents displaced from this valuable site again. The settlement also gives tenants of the UC Townhomes $3 and a half million over and above their relocation costs for housing needs. While no amount of money can make up for losing your home and community, I am pleased the residents will have the financial resources they need to help them settle in an area of their choosing. The monumental victory would not be possible without the strength of the UC Townhomes residents, who refused to be bulldozed by corporate interests and never stopped fighting for what they deserve. To the UC Townhomes residents and all of my constituents, know that I hear you, I see you, and I have not and will not stop fighting for what you deserve, no matter how long it takes or STATED MEETING 92 4/20/2023 in our way. The UC Townhomes is just one of many temporary affordable housing complexes at risk of going offline in the next decade. In fact, as many as 13,000 families across Philadelphia may lose their homes because of expiring affordability contracts in the next decade. That is why, if nothing else, this settlement proves it is vital that the City take a bolder and more proactive approach to affordable housing preservation. And I look forward to working with you all to do just that through the People's Preservation Package, which we will consider in Monday's Housing Committee hearing. I also call on our state and federal partners to invest in permanent deeply affordable housing. The City cannot and should not stand alone. Thank you to the City Law Department, the Department of Planning STATED MEETING 93 4/20/2023 Development, and the Kenney Administration for helping to achieve this historic outcome. Thank you to the UC Townhomes residents and neighbors for their unwavering activism around this issue. You inspire me each and every day, and I will always stand with you. And thank you to my Council colleagues who stood by me as I took on this unprecedented fight. No matter how many years it takes, I'll never stop pushing back against the immense economic forces that seek to catapult working-class Black and brown residents out of the neighborhoods their families have called home for generations. We are not disposable, and it is time we are treated with the consideration we deserve. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Councilwoman. STATED MEETING 94 4/20/2023 (Applause.)
And congratulations. There appears to be no additional speeches on behalf of the majority, going once, going twice. Councilwoman?
Yes. Good morning, everyone. American Red Cross, give blood to help save lives. Philadelphia City Council will be holding a blood drive on Friday, May the 12th from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 1400 JFK Boulevard in Room 201. Please come and support this extremely important endeavor. And if you want to schedule an appointment, you can contact my office at 215-686-3450. They are really in need of blood types O, B, and A. STATED MEETING 95 4/20/2023
Thank you, Councilwoman. That concludes the speeches on behalf of the minority and the majority. With that, the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 27th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 27, 2023, 10:00 a.m. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) STATED MEETING 96 4/20/2023
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you all very much. ) STATED MEETING 131 3/30/2023 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. S 36:18 venues 43:8 74:17 75:16 11 50:7, 23 81:16, 18, 19 tractors 78:20 42:21 Verna 17:20 76:14 77:16 51:8, 14 82:17, 19, 20 tradition 86:21 UC 90:6 91:7, Veterans 70:12 86:11 92:2 words 52:20 thou 2:17 traffic 15:7 17, 21 92:3 vetoed 8:7 ways 87:4 work 11:4 threat 40:13 traffic-related 93:5 vibrant 38:12 wealth 56:11, 18:6, 15 19:11 46:20 15:2 ugly 66:17 vicinity 26:16 12, 16 68:6, 7, 22:11 23:20 three 13:9 training 53:12 unafraid 85:9 victory 91:15 22, 24 27:5 84:12 25:12 52:2 Tran 41:23 Under- Vietnamese weddings 43:7 85:14 86:16 61:14 42:2, 3, 6, 7 education 43:12 Week 12:16 worked 90:3 Thursday 1:7 transcript 56:21 Village 86:9 14:22 22:25 workers 61:8, 6:7, 12, 18 97:8, 22 underfunded Violations 23:11, 15 43:4 10, 17, 22 55:11 95:12, transferred 53:20 78:17 53:25 81:11 working 17:25 57:24 undergoing violence 4:3, 4 86:7 40:25 41:2 thwart 13:3 transfers 31:25 90:24 85:4, 7 weekend 60:5 92:16 82:14 transform understand virtue 44:4 weeks 50:13 working-class time 41:6 64:16 58:19 visiting 42:20 week's 20:16 93:16 43:25 55:8, 23 transformation understands visitors 2:13, 26:4, 11, 25 World 25:18 68:18, 19 64:13 16:14 15 38:16 27:8 28:13 36:24 85:17 86:6 transition 61:3 unfortunate vital 40:9, 10 welcome 18:4 worldwide 93:20 transitioning 10:25 92:12 64:9 65:21 85:22 timeline 34:7, 4:10 61:19 unification voice 39:3 welcoming worship 63:21 9, 14 transitions 3:19 61:16 64:17 worthwhile times 3:9 5:13 union 61:17 volunteer well 11:7 21:22 55:17 trash 86:12 unique 60:20 35:16 42:8 15:20 16:13 wrong 51:10 Tina 62:20 travel 15:10 United 2:9 vote 37:14 18:23 25:15 wrongs 85:5 title 70:9 treated 93:20 35:16, 23 41:5 53:17 57:14 47:7 52:22 72:15 77:15 trees 63:15 43:24 47:4 60:5 90:11 <Y> 78:12 64:2 86:2 units 59:11 voted 8:10 went 15:15 Yeah 14:16 titles 3:15 tribute 28:7 University voting 44:21 46:9 17:5 12:10 88:7 13:11 63:4 80:3 81:5 We're 2:3 year 10:24 today 2:10, 23 triple 57:17 89:22 3:13, 25 4:7 32:2 48:13 4:15 5:24 58:11 unknown <W> 11:13 16:11, 53:13 7:11, 23 9:4, troubles 21:12 36:13 wait 50:19 12, 15 51:8 years 10:19 10:15, 16 truck 19:24 unpacks 21:13 87:2 55:4, 6 58:8, 17:14 38:4 11:14 12:12 50:19 51:3, 11 unprecedented waiting 16:25 10, 12 63:13, 45:20 46:20 14:10 23:25 78:20 3:9 93:12 51:8 52:10 14, 15, 22 64:9 48:22 53:3 28:24 31:10, true 87:6 untraceable walk 39:2 west 52:10 74:19 93:13 32:24 33:5, 90:16 97:7 73:17 walked 23:2 74:19 year's 51:4 34:6 35:5, truly 21:14 unwavering 55:17 we've 14:24 yellow 34:17 6, 17 46:13 93:7 walking 63:24 Wharton 76:13 STATED MEETING 13 4/20/2023 Yesterday 89:20 Yoon 35:5, 11, 38:20 York 15:20 young 3:17 17:25 36:18 86:19 younger 48:19 You's 49:21 51:10 youth 42:23 63:4 86:3 youth's 36:10 <Z> zero 68:8, 24 81:4 Zhang 45:5, 8, 9, 12 Zion 62:23 Zoning 20:12