This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing the 125th anniversary of Corinthian Baptist Church of Germantown, a pillar of faith, service and community.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution renaming the intersection at 21st Street and to "Rev. C.L. Pryor Way" in honor of Rev. C.L. Pryor, a visionary leader, community servant and longtime pastor of Corinthian Baptist Church of Germantown.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. Today I have one bill and two privileged resolutions, one of which is on your behalf.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the titles of the bill and resolutions.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-1100 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Practices Ordinance Protections Against Unlawful Discrimination" to explicitly protect employees from discrimination on the basis of menstruation, peri menopause and menopause, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing October 2025 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and promoting the importance of early detection and education in Philadelphia.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage
And a privileged resolution recognizing October 2025 as Menopause Awareness Month in the City of Philadelphia, to affirm the importance of ending the stigma and cultural silence surrounding menopause and to acknowledge it as a natural biological process that significantly impacts the physical and emotional well-being of many individuals.
This resolution will be placed on today's Final Passage Calendar. The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a report from the Committee on Rules.
you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports out four bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you very much, Member Bass. Chief Clerk, will you please read the report.
The Committee on Rules to which were referred the following bills: Bill No. 250493, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, 9th Street, Erie Avenue and Broad Street. Bill No. 250706, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of area bounded by Grange Avenue, Park Avenue, Chew Avenue and Broad Street. Bill No. 250719, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Wilt Street, Gratz Street, Montgomery Avenue and 19th Street. Bill No. 250721, an ordinance amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts" by amending Section 14-515, entitled "Northeast Overlay District" and making related changes, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further from the Committee on Rules, Council President.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the bills just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moving properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of these bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mark Squilla on behalf of Councilman Young for a report from the Committee on Streets and Services.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Streets and Services reports out 19 bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
The Committee on Streets and Services to which were referred the following bills: Bill No. 240872, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 6618 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa 19149, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250575, an ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Gorgas Lane between Ridge Avenue and Lawnton Street, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250576, an ordinance authorizing encroachments a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 426-28 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250652, an ordinance authorizing a dumpster enclosure encroachment at 782-84 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19147, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250653, an ordinance authorizing a streetery in the right-of-way adjacent to 782-84 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250710, an ordinance amending Section 3 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 230033), approved April 12, 2023, entitled "An Ordinance Authorizing the vacating of Sloan Street from Ogden Street to its terminus northwardly and plotting upon City Plan No. 106 of a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes and public utility purposes within the lines of said Sloan Street being vacated and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said right of way, under certain terms and conditions," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein. Bill No. 250711, an ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Preston Street, between Spring Garden and Haverford, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250712, an ordinance authorizing the Streets Department to establish parking and stopping regulations on both sides 47th Street, between Chestnut Street and Kingsessing Street, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250713, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on South 62nd Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street; Kingsessing Avenue between South 52nd Street and South 53rd Street; Sansom Street between South 62nd Street and South 63rd Street; Powelton Avenue between North 42nd street and North 43rd Street; Powelton Avenue between 43rd Street and Holden Street. Bill No. 250714, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Fountain street between Ridge Avenue and Hazelwood lane; Lauriston Street between Roxborough Avenue and Monastery Avenue; Overlook Road between Matthias street and Shalkop Street; Avenue and Lawton Street; Martin street between Ridge Avenue and Mitchell street; Levering Street between Cresson Street to Silverwood Street; Lemonte Street between Pechin Street and Ridge Avenue; Dupont Street between Flemming Street and Boone Street to Dead end; Monastery Avenue between Mitchell Street and Ridge Avenue; Palisades Drive between Capital View Drive and Heritage Drive and Merrick Road. Bill No. 250715, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Hobart Street, between Thompson Street and Master Street; Lancaster Avenue between Jefferson Street and North 54th Street; North 59th Street between Malvern Avenue and Woodcrest Avenue; Bambrey Street between Avenue. Bill No. 250716, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 230438), approved July 5, 2023, entitled "An Ordinance Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos.
230 and 289 by placing on the City Plan two irregularly-shaped areas, one located along the northeasterly side of Ridge Avenue and extending from a point northwest of the Wissahickon Creek to a point approximately four-hundred twentyfour feet further northwestwardly therefrom and the other located along the southwesterly side of Ridge Avenue extending from a point northwest of the Wissahickon Creek northwestwardly to the southwesterly side of Main Street, Avenue, and authorizing the opening of the portions of the said widened Ridge Avenue extending through property owned by the City, under certain terms and conditions, including the dedication to the City of the additions to the beds of Ridge Avenue and Main Street being placed on the City Plan," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein. Bill No. 250723, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 370, by striking from the City Plan Southampton Road from Bustleton Avenue to its terminus southeastwardly therefrom, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250724, an ordinance authorizing various of 1000-52 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250725, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1313-17 South 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19147, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250770, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-3400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of An Automated Speed Enforcement System" to improve safety by providing for the use, administration and enforcement of automated speed cameras on designated state routes, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 250772, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in 3423 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. Bill No. 250718, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-900 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking Regulations and Penalties," to confirm regulations adopted by the Department of Streets that establish and revise time-limited and other rules restricting parking, stopping and standing, including the establishment of time-restricted loading zones, in the Center City area, bounded by Spring Garden Street, the Schuylkill River, Bainbridge Street and the Delaware River; and to reauthorize changes parking rules in the Center City area by the Department of Streets on an ongoing basis; all under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 250771, an ordinance authorizing 3419 Kensington Partners or a subsequent owner, to install, own and maintain an encroachment at 3423 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134, under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Streets, Council President.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this day the bills just read into the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit the consideration of these bills just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council, all 19 of those bills. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. These bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll for a report from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Licenses and Inspections reports out one bill with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. Will the Chief Clerk please read the report.
The Committee on Licenses and referred the following bill: Bill No. 250774, an ordinance amending Section 9-3903 of The Philadelphia Code ("Certificate of Rental Suitability; Required Tenant Documents") to include the provision of voter registration information to tenants, all under certain terms and conditions, respectfully reports it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached bill to council with a favorable recommendation. There are no further bills to report out from the Committee on Licenses and Inspections, Council President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll for a
I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading this day of the bill just read in the record by the Chief Clerk. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the consideration of this bill just read by the Chief Clerk at today's session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The 2ND READING motion carries. This bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar for today. I want to take a moment of personal privilege to recognize joining us today is the head of Labor's District Council 332, Mr. Sam Staten, Jr. (Applause.)
Thank you for being in our chamber today, sir. The next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars.
Thank you, Mr. President. 2ND READING The following bills and resolutions are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars today: Nos. 250812, 250817, 250818 and 250823. The following bills and resolutions on the Calendar are being held: 250303.
Thank you. Before considering these bills and resolutions, we will consider public comment as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. If you're not already signed up for today's session, please do so now by giving your name to Ms. Hasson at the table outside the rails to my left. Once you have signed up, you will be called in the order in which your name appears on the sign-up sheet. Under ideal circumstances, public commenters will each will have three minutes to speak. However, this time limit may vary from session to session. Today the time limit will be two minutes. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I tend to hold faithfully to the two-minute limit. When you begin speaking, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will turn yellow, which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms, by the name of Sergeant-at-Arms Lopez, will disconnect your microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker if you have not already done so. I also reserve the right pursuant to our rules of Council to limit repetitious comments on the same subject matter. I will ask the Chief Clerk to please read the name of our first speaker.
Representative Morgan Cephas, Jasper Liam, Patrick Eiding, Atnre Alleyne, Zachary Frazier, Kate Perez, Jeremy Blatstein and Diana Coleman. We have Jasper Liam, Patrick Eiding, Atnre Alleyne. Zachary Frazier, Kate Perez, Jeremy Blatstein and Diana Coleman. (Witnesses approached podium.) STATE REPRESENTATIVE CEPHAS: Checking, one, two, check. Perfect. Sorry about it, Council President.
The floor is yours, Madam Chair. STATE REPRESENTATIVE CEPHAS: Got a little lost. Good morning, Council President and members of City Council. I am State Representative Morgan Cephas, proud to represent the 192nd Legislative District and to serve as the Chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation. I stand today in strong support of Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.'s proposal to rename the Wynnefield Library in honor of the Honorable Reverend Louise Williams Bishop. (Applause.) STATE REPRESENTATIVE CEPHAS: Rep. Bishop is a giant in West Philadelphia history, in Philadelphia history and in Pennsylvania history. Her life has been defined by breaking barriers. Not only breaking barriers, but building bridges. As the Gospel Queen of Radio, her voice has been a source of hope and inspiration for more than 70 years. My grandmother would always sit with me as we listened to that radio show every Sunday morning. And as the first, the first, first Black woman elected to represent the 192nd District in Harrisburg, she carried that same spirit into public service, fighting for civil rights, championing education and giving a voice to those who often went unheard, especially as the Minority Chair of the Children and Youth Committee for the House of Representatives. I'm honored to follow in her footsteps as she paved the way for me and for those who will come after me. Reverend Williams Bishop was more than a lawmaker. She's a trailblazer, a champion for justice and a beacon of hope for communities across Philadelphia. For nearly three decades, she served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with unmatched grace, determination and moral clarity. Her voice, both in the legislature and through her ministry, uplifted countless families, particularly those who often felt unseen or heard. Renaming the library is not only a recognition of Reverend Bishop's achievements, it is an affirmation of the values that she stood for. Libraries are where history lives, where knowledge and opportunity are passed through one generation to the next. By lifting her name here, we ensure that her story and her impact are preserved as part of our history, particularly at a time when this nation tries to erase, rewrite and ban our legacy. This tribute not only honors her extraordinary work, but also reminds our young people that leadership rooted in faith, community and perseverance can change lives. The Wynnefield Library carrying her name will inspire future generations to lead with courage, conviction and compassion. So on behalf of my colleagues in Harrisburg, where unfortunately we don't get an opportunity to pass too many of these opportunities because of a divided legislature, I want to thank this chamber, I want to thank this City Council for letting us enshrine the Honorable Louise Williams Bishop's living legacy in Wynnefield and in Philadelphia history for decades to come. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Jasper Liem, Patrick Eiding, Atnre Alleyne, Zachary Frazier, Kate Perez, Jeremy Blatstein and Diana Coleman. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, everyone. My name is Jasper Liem. I'm the Executive Director at the Attic Youth Center and I'm a proud transgender person and a lifelong Philadelphian. For over 30 years, the Attic has been a home and haven for LGBTQ youth, particularly those in Philadelphia, and a place that young people can show up exactly as they are -- was I red on purpose? Okay -- and often for the first time. In those 30 years, I've gotten to witness how the experience of coming out has evolved, from whispered conversations in fear, to joyful declarations of authenticity. And yet the truth remains even in the most supportive families and communities, coming out is an incredibly difficult process. I know all of my allies in the room will understand when there's moments when you see something, you hear something and that moment you pause, you say should I say something that is a coming-out moment. It's difficult when lifesaving health care is under attack for transgender youth. It's difficult when anti-LGBTQ here rhetoric seeks to erase our very existence and our history. It is difficult when young people are forced to choose between the relationships they have with parents and caregivers and the pain of staying in the closet or risk losing those most precious relationships by living their full and true selves. That's why this resolution matters so much because visibility matters. And today I ask for more than a celebration of our history and our coming out. I call on every member of this Council and on every ally in our city to not just stand with us, not just stand with us, but also to fight with us. We cannot do this alone because coming out is not only about sexuality and gender. Every one of us has had our own kind of coming out. It's a vulnerable moment of truth-telling. It's a risk. It's telling your child that a loved one or a pet has passed away. It's telling your mother that the cancer is back. It's saying I need help. It's saying that you need to go to rehab. It is all of those conversations. They are all coming out and it's asking your school or your employer to change your name and gender-marker and asking for help with that, hoping that you will be safe, coming out in all of its forms. It's an act of courage and it deserves an act of solidarity in return. So thank you, Councilmember Landau, for your leadership. And I look forward to seeing this city support our LGBTQ communities. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, Councilman Johnson, President Johnson and also Councilwoman Bass and the members of Council. My name is Pat Eiding and I'm here to testify in support of the resolution supporting Graduate! Philadelphia. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Graduate! Philadelphia. When Graduate! was first established, a very, very few could have imagined the impact it has on so many of our adults, adult learners and their families throughout the city. Since 2005, Graduate! Philadelphia has been an integral part of the workforce development system in Philadelphia as one of the only organizations focused on adult learners. It fills a unique role in the city. Graduate! Philadelphia works at the intersection of postsecondary education, workforce development and community empowerment to address the immediate and long-term needs of families and households. Graduate! Philadelphia has grown since its inception and now serves over 1000 adult learners each year with career counseling to pursue a workforce certification or secondary degree. Graduate! Philadelphia has recently created some innovative partnerships, including the North 10 Philadelphia Impact Center, bringing services directly into the community, a model that Graduate! Philadelphia hopes to replicate across the city. In addition, Graduate! Philadelphia is part of the School District of Philadelphia's New Parent University, bringing their services directly to parents of the school students. Since 2005, Graduate! Philadelphia has helped more than 18,000 adults earn more than 10,000 college credentials, increasing their earning potential and advancing their careers. Through the work of Graduate! Philadelphia, thousands of families have been able to realize economic stability and build generational wealth. Graduate! Philadelphia was the first program in the nation to align resources, both outside and inside, of higher education, specifically for adult learners to enroll in college, obtain industryrecognized credentials and achieve family-sustaining wages. Graduate! Philadelphia created career and integrated learning and rising to expand the pathways to learning by addressing the unique challenges associated with underserved communities such as basic needs, child care, financial literacy, digital literacy and access to wraparound services. As past Chair of the Board of Graduate! Philadelphia, I can attest to the dedication and hard work of Malik Brown and his team. None of the success of Graduate! Philadelphia would be possible without their commitment to this incredibly important work. Thank you for your time and consideration. And thank you to Councilman Anthony Phillips for introducing this resolution. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. I'm the co-founder and CEO of TeenSHARP. Sorry, my voice is gone today so Ms. Debbie, our Parent Program Senior Manager might step in for me. Thank you Councilman Dr. Anthony Phillips for acknowledging our work. I'm going to let you go because -
Thank you, Councilman Dr. Anthony Phillips, for acknowledging our work today. I'm Atnre Alleyne, the co-founder and CEO of TeenSHARP. At TeenSHARP, our mission is to prepare Black, Latino and low-income students to attend and thrive at America's top colleges and to graduate with minimum or no debt. My wife and I created TeenSHARP back in 2009 when we were graduate students as a ministry at our church and started with only 10 students. I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to acknowledge my pastor, Lincoln Corbin, Sr., who died earlier this year. He was born and raised in Philadelphia, attended Olney High School and he helped erect the liberty to building in Philadelphia. During his time as a union construction worker, he also built the very foundation that our work stands on at TeenSHARP. We never imagined that 16 years later we would still be growing our impact, which now includes around 500 alumni. That includes my niece Maya, who was the original inspiration for starting TeenSHARP, who lives in Philadelphia and is thriving professionally and as a community leader. We look forward to growing our impact in Philadelphia, partnering with so many leaders in this room and building the next generation of changemakers in this great city. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
How are you doing. My name is Zachary Frazier, Trust Factor organization, Executive Director. First and foremost, I'd like to thank everyone for having us and just thanking Council for accepting, you know, what we do as an organization. We're a very small grassroots, but we try to make an impact in our community where we are, which is the Northwest section of Philadelphia. Thank you so much, Anthony Phillips, for acknowledging what we do, coming to being part of our program, checking us out, seeing what we have, talking directly to our students and getting them to understand more about me. He went to a place where -- I was happy to know that when he came, he spoke to me very briefly, but he went and talked to our students and he let them talk about me to where as though there was a question of who is Mr. Frazier to you and what does he do and how does he make you feel. And at that point, I'm guessing that's when he made the decision to say, you know what, I want to see if I can do something for the organization because he got the answers from them. I was of course going to tell him how great I was as a person, right. That's just what I was supposed to do. But what I realized was that those kids loved me and I loved them and we were doing the right things and I appreciate it, but I want to also give a special thanks to my partner Ms. Jessica Hill. Thank you so much, Jessica, for standing behind me. I'm fighting a good fight every day because I know it's hard, especially when you don't have any money. And we're just doing this from a place of passion. Passion is very hard to deal with when you have not too many resources, right. But you keep fighting because the passion over succeeds everything. And when you see the kids' faces and some of them just look at you and they're like, listen, I want to come back here tomorrow. You're like, look, today's the last day. And they're like, but what about tomorrow. That's when you start thinking about, you know, what can we do next to make this thing realistic and where as though it can continue to change lives. Thank you. You know, Council President, he was instrumental in some of the things. And also want to give one special thanks to someone else, Ms. Cindy Bass. You made that last cohort this summer come to be reality. And we appreciated that. What you gave us made us actually be able to put something down that was impactful, that Mr. Phillips, you were able to see, because Councilmember Ms. Cindy Bass, she put something out for us and I appreciate you for that.
Thank you so much. The resolution represents more than a moment of recognition. It is a reminder of what happens when our city stands behind programs that empower youth to learn, grow and lead. Through a building (inaudible) program, we teach skills that build confidence, purpose and community pride. We understand the importance of collaboration and we are deeply grateful for community partners such as, you know, Guiding Stars and Executive Director over there Ms. Kimberly Reese, whose partnership strengthens our ability to serve these young men. We are excited and honored to continue to work as we build out our pre-apprenticeship program. And I would like to say we officially from the state of Pennsylvania we are now a pre-apprenticeship program. We are acknowledged. We can get them from our program right to work and that's what we wanted them. We wanted to make a complete program so we appreciate that. And with that being said, you know, we created pathways that don't just inspire our young men, but prepare them for real careers. Real careers and economic opportunity right here in our city of Philadelphia. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Kate Perez. Speaking on the Land Bank sales, unable to see the difference in Philadelphia's children and the children abroad, robbed of schooling, housing, family and dignified life with our tax dollars. The Land Bank attempts to turn vacant properties into opportunities for our neighbors, most popularly community gardens that benefit the children, ideally making it more accessible for our disabled neighbors, something that Palestinians are prepared to do now as a ceasefire is on the table for the occupation to possibly sign today with our weapons. Palestine now holds the title for most amputated children in the world, most new orphans and most childless households. They're going to need to build an accessible world free from occupation and American intervention. What is the ceasefire worth if we allow ships to leave our docks holding ammo, knowing that they will most likely be aimed at civilians, likely during this alleged ceasefire, as the Occupation has famously broken every single cease fire agreement they have ever made. Beyond the constant marches in our streets and weekly vigils for the martyrs, groups in Philadelphia are going on hunger strikes calling for the end of the illegal blockade that has forced famine on an entire population since March. Something Israel still maintains and went so far as to illegally detain more than 500 Flotilla volunteers who tried to break this illegal blockade this past week, stealing more than hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of aid, dumping baby formula into the bottom of the ocean and defying the ICJ binding orders for unimpeded humanitarian access. On average, our sister city has killed an average of one classroom of children per day every day since this phase of genocide in 2023. Forcing schools to shut down as they didn't have enough children left alive to teach. As Philadelphia continues to maintain our relationship, we should consider how this reflects on us, what we are willing to accept as decent and moral and where we may one day be headed as we continue to pour funds into stronger (inaudible) systems and allow the PPD to cross-train with these soldiers. We need an arms embargo now and we will see a free Palestine. (Applause.)
We have Jeremy Blatstein, Diana Coleman. May Virginia Lynn Hogben, Deborah, Roebuck, Colin Brady, Alex Le Guevel, Ben Miller and Carol Simmons also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Hello. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. It was never about a ceasefire so let's like stop playing games, right. Enough is enough of these speeches that I get up here and listen to, but we're talking about the Land Bank. Since the Land Bank is equated to Palestine today I guess. But City Councilman Jay Young moves lots from the Land Bank, right. And the Land Bank's meeting on Tuesday and members of the City Council refuse to move land from the Land Bank. It's a shame. And that again, the backs are turned because there could be 30 affordable homes that are going to be built. But on Tuesday at the meeting, they're not going to get passed, right, because there's members of this board that are on the board of the Land Bank from city council and they're voting against affordable housing in the 7th District. I'm glad that Councilwoman Lozada today put up that bill about the Land Bank and that report. Because guess what? The Land Bank already produces that report. So let's do it again. That report's already there. Enough is enough, right. When it comes to playing games at the Land Bank, hopefully there's changes everyone wants to talk about. Let's make sure that we stay in power, right. But if we don't grow Philly to 2 milli in 2030, they're going to do a redistricting of the House of Representatives. And guess what happens, where they've built housing in the country gets more representation. So that's why growing Philly to 2 million is so important. And I really do encourage each and every one of you to approve Turn the Key homes and trying to cut the red tape to figure out how we can build more housing in Philadelphia. And the last thing I'll say is we're talking about SEPTA because it's unusable right now, completely unusable, right, because of the Silverliners. So if you know anybody that's using Regional Rail right now, they can't and it's unfortunate. So we really do need to encourage the House of Representatives to properly fund SEPTA. And thank you. Grow Philly to 2 milli.
Hello. My name is Lynn Hogben and I'm a resident of the 4700 block of Windsor Avenue, a street adjoining 47th Street in West Philadelphia. I'm speaking in opposition to Bill 250712, which unless amended would give the Streets Department the power to remove and restrict parking on 47th Street without any community input. Much of 47th Street is residential. While there are specific parking changes on 47th Street that would disclose to the community as part of the conversion of 47th Street to a one-way one-lane street, this bill would not merely authorize the disclosed changes, but would instead give OTIS and the Streets Department carte blanche to remove and restrict parking and residential parts of 47th Street without any community input on the impact, need for or usefulness of the changes. Community input is essential for the types of changes that this bill would allow, such as loading zones. Whether a loading zone would be beneficial on a residential block cannot be determined without input from the people who live there on how it would be used, whether the residents want it and the times of day that the restriction should be in effect so as to minimize the loss of overnight parking. There is also not a need, at least south of Baltimore Avenue, for loading zones to prevent stopping in the bike lane as there is an empty lane between the bike lane and parking. Bill 250712 moreover does not limit the amount of parking that could be removed or restricted without community input. It therefore affects not only residents on 47th Street, but also all residents on adjoining and nearby blocks, as removal of substantial parking on any block causes residents who needed to park there to park on those other streets. 47th Street in our neighborhood in West Philadelphia are not Chestnut and Market Streets in Center City. Imposing parking and stopping restrictions in front of residents' houses without community input, whether in our neighborhood or on residential blocks in any part of the city, is very different from regulating parking in commercial areas that have no houses that depend on onstreet parking. Addressing the changes on 47th Street and other residential areas by bills authorizing specific parking changes that have been disclosed would be a far better solution. I strongly urge you to amend Bill 250712 to require the Streets Department to give notice and an opportunity to be heard to the affected blocks and residents before they can restrict parking. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. My name is Dr. Deborah Roebuck, the menopause whisper. I'm the founder of Going Through the Change, an organization that is dedicated to women's health and wellness across the lifespan. I also really want to thank Councilwoman Ahmad and this Council for introducing the importance of Menopause Awareness Month. This recognition is more than symbolic. It opens the door for greater understanding, education and compassion for the many women in our city navigating the physical, the emotional and the social transition of menopause. Menopause is not a disease. Let me say it again. Menopause is not a disease. It is a natural process of life, a passage that we all deserve to be made aware of and supported and respected. The women are teachers, nurses, mothers, grandmothers, caregivers, leaders across Philadelphia, deserve workplace and community that acknowledges their experience and provide resources that help them go through this transition. Today as we affirm Menopause Awareness Month, we also affirm our collective commitment to end the silence. No more silence. Okay. Challenge, stigma and ensure equity across all everybody that are women. Thank you for recognizing this vital issue and for joining us in building the city where women are understood, valued and supported through every stage of life. Thank you. (Applause.)
We have Colin Brady, Alex Le Guevel, Ben Miller, Carol Simmons. May Stephanie Drain, Paul Birdsong, Viola Pryor and Elizabeth Waring also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Thank you, Councilmembers. My name is Colin Brady and I'm introducing a nonprofit called Fighting Chance USA, which offers non-contact boxing and therapy to youth aged 8 to 25. I grew up in Fort Washington, Pa and graduated from Penn State. I've been in the logistics industry here in Philly for 17 years, including 13 in outside sales. I've battled depression since age 13. And as a 30-year-old member at the sporting club at the Bellevue, I got tired of waiting around to play basketball one day so I tried the boxers' workout in the room next door and it was the best workout of my life. I started training regularly and the boxers workout quickly became my favorite antidepressant. I began reading about nutrition and wellness and became a certified health coach at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2022. At age 37, I became the oldest Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion in history. I serve on the Board of Directors at the Veteran Boxers Association in Port Richmond as well as USA Boxing in Colorado Springs, and I'm a passionate advocate for amateur boxing as a safe and healthy outlet for men, women and children of all ages, and especially those battling depression, anxiety, alcoholism, addiction, PTSD, obesity and ADHD, among other mental disorders. Last year I connected with Matchroom Boxing after they signed Philly's own world champ Jaron Ennis. And through Matchroom, I connected with Empire Fighting Chance, an England-based charity offering non-contact boxing and psychologically-informed therapy to youth age 8 to 25. Empire is doing amazing work in England and now Edmonton, Canada, improving mental health and reducing crime. And we're working on bringing Fighting Chance USA to the greatest boxing city in the world, Philadelphia. Alex is here with Matchroom and I will let him talk about the impact that Empire has made in the UK and now Canada. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hello, Council. Thank you very much for having me today. My name is Alex Le Guevel. I'm the Head of Community Development and Matchroom Boxing. We are the world's leading -- no problem. My name is Alex Le Guevel. I'm the Head of Community Development in Matchroom Boxing, with the world's leading and only truly global boxing promoter. Prior to working at Matchroom, I used to work for England boxing, the equivalent of USA boxing here in the United States. At Matchroom we have a commitment to give back to grassroots boxing, utilizing resources role models and our platform to give back to grassroots boxing and promote the many benefits of boxing in communities across the world. In the UK, we've partnered with Empire Fighting Chance to expand the capacity of our work and also the impact. I've worked on this program in all capacities, as a participant, a referring agent, a partner and an advocate. Non-contact boxing programs -- Empire utilize non-contact boxing to deliver psychologically-informed mentoring, therapeutic support programs. They also have a club mentoring network which teaches clubs how to become more selfsufficient, sustainable, using the Empire Fighting Chance blueprint to make clubs more sustainable and therefore for the long-term. We now want to bring this program to the US. And what better place to start than the greatest boxing city in the world, Philadelphia. To illustrate the scale of this work, I've compiled some headline statistics of the work we've achieved in the UK. In total, we've worked with -- Empire Fighting Chance have worked with 130 partners to date, 122 in the UK and 8 in Canada. In terms of those partners, 49 of those boxing clubs based in the UK. We've worked with directly around 3200 young people a year. And our partners since March 2022, have worked with 17,500 young people. In terms of funding, our partners have brought in 4.5 -since March 2022 have brought in 4.5 million pounds. As a call to action, we are obviously hosting -if you'd like to find out more about this program, we're hosting a private mixer working with Robert Murray, Jr. at Comcast Spectacle in the Directors Lounge at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Saturday night at the Boots Ennis v. Uisma Lima fight. We'd love to see you there and tell you more about the program. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
We have Ben Miller, Carol Simmons, Steph Drain, Paul Birdsong, Viola Pryor and Elizabeth Waring. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Ben Miller. I'm speaking in support of Councilmember Kendra Brooks resolution to acknowledge National Farmers Day. I'm a professional chef in Philadelphia. For the last 20 years, I was co-founder of South Philly Barbacoa, People's Kitchen Philly, Masa Cooperativa and Reinhard Street Community Farm. I've been a resident on the 6100 block of Reinhard Street since 2006. In 2021 we decided to start growing free produce for the neighborhood. But before we could start, we removed seven truckloads of trash from the block. We surveyed the neighbors and asked them what they wanted us to grow. We brought in truckloads of wood chips and compost from Fairmount Park Recycling Center. We planted watermelons, tomatoes, okra, collards, sweet potatoes, herbs, sunflowers, fruit trees. The elders on the block stopped by to show us love and share their wisdom. And the curious children helped us plant seedlings, water and harvesting. We hosted cookouts, educational workshops, block cleanups. We painted fences, built bamboo trellises and built the community. Over the last five years, this community has strengthened and deepened. A group of displaced refugee farmers from Burma joined our efforts growing some of their indigenous crops that were not available in any stores. These gardens have brought joy, health and life to the land that was formally abandoned and forgotten. But our land is insecure. We work in a state of uncertainty and impermanence. But nonetheless, we work joyfully. I thank Councilmember Kendra Brooks and City Council for approving the purchase of liens of almost 100 community garden parcels. In 2023, seven of those lots now are on their way to the Land Bank, are parcels that are stewarded by the Reinhard Street Farm team. Gardens and green space are so crucial to the health, wellbeing and safety of our community. We thank the Council for acknowledgement of the importance of farmers in this resolution. We love doing our work, but we need the support of our elected officials to ensure our long-term stability and success. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, City Council, for this opportunity to speak. A very special note of appreciation to Councilwoman Kendra Brooks for her resolution for a National Farmers Day here in Philadelphia. And now, I ask everyone that can hear my voice, what are you doing to address food insecurity? Do you have a plan? How are you preparing? My name is Dr. Carol Simmons. I'm the Executive Director of the Black Farmers Cooperative. And we, the BFC team, had the answers, along with our President, Pastor Darian Thomas of Eastwick, but let me make a few points. We're headed to either a declared emergency or a disaster. I'm not stoking fear, but I want us to anticipate and recognize a crisis when we see it and when we feel it. Understandably, federal loans and grants to farmers have been cut. Such action has had an adverse impact on crops, the farming industry and has threatened our food source. But ah, BFC, we have some answers for you. The city has 4000 vacant lots. That's 4000 vacant lots that could be used to sow and reap and harvest at minimum cost for the respective neighborhoods where these properties reside. Adopt a block, build, grow a lot. Adopt a block, grow a lot. Lastly, a resolution is just not a slogan proclaiming a month or a day. A resolution is a solution. So let's plan and prepare to cultivate National Farmers Day. And like I said, adopt a block, grow a block. We can grow in Philadelphia. It is a process. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hey. Peace y'all. My name is Steph Drain. I'd like to start by appreciating City Council for your efforts and helping support farmers across the city as we protect and steward the land. I'd like to give special thanks to Councilmember Brooks for introducing this resolution and being an outstanding advocate for growers across Philadelphia. Our work wouldn't be possible without you. Again, my name is Steph Drain. I'm a lifelong South Philly resident from Reinhard Street and the former Farm Director for the Reinhard Street Community Garden. When I grew up, these lots were abandoned, full of debris from serial dumpers and sites of despair. When I was young, me and my friends were running around and playing in them, but we yearned for real green space. My family kept a little garden next to our home, but it was a small green speck against the backdrop of the gray and blighted lives. In 2016, I moved away from my childhood home but would visit my parents often. And when I did, I was unsurprised that nothing had changed. That was until I met the Reinhard crew in 2021 who had started remediating the land, and I engaged with them immediately and then became the farm director. Over the last few years, we've gone from a few blocks to full blossoming food oasis that our community gathers around. Our farm is transforming abandoned lots around Reinhard Street into a thriving food oasis and community gathering space rooted in climate justice and land sovereignty. This project is built on three pillars: power, building food access, land reclamation and community care. First, we're growing healthy local food while restoring polluted soil, a step towards healing environmental harms caused by systemic neglect. Second, we're preventing displacement by organizing against gentrification, speculative development and recommending the community control over the land. Third, we're developing a community kitchen or fridge to address food apartheid and assure neighbors can share nutritious meals freely. We believe land is a communal right and are reclaiming it for collective resilience. We appreciate all of the support from City Council, but our work isn't done. We have to ensure that the land communities are stewarding stays under community control and that farmers and farms are able to thrive. We are essential in our community's ability to control its own means of food production. Lastly, as a longtime constituent I'd like to echo appreciation for Council President Johnson and warmly invite you to our 2nd Annual Harvest Festival on the 18th. It's going to be more lit than the block party you just threw on Kingsessing, respectfully. (Applause.)
We have Paul Birdsong, Viola Pryor, Elizabeth Waring. May Lynn Landes, Tyrell Brown, Grace Lewis and Ogbonna Hagins also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
My name is Paul birdsong. I'm from the Black Panther Party for selfdefense. I wanted to speak on something that I just saw before I speak on what I came to speak on. And, Kenyatta, you weren't in the room when it happened but you should know about it. The sister Ms. Perez came up here and spoke her mind. And then the guy that always speaks about SEPTA came up here in front of everybody and mocked what she said, and that's bullying and it shouldn't be allowed in a place like this. So I just wanted to put that out there. And I wanted to say, you know, you ain't got to come up here and bully the ladies. You can pick on somebody your own size. The Black Panther Party is around for that. I got time for it. So I just wanted to put that out there. Now, what I came to speak about, I heard y'all renaming the 6300 block of Lansdowne. Man, I'm happy that y'all paying attention to that area because I've gotten about 17 calls where I had to go out there and address police brutality and drug dealers in that area myself. You know, about 17. I counted, 17. So when I saw that that portion of the city being looked at, I was grateful. And not just Lansdowne right there, but all the way to Haverford and then all the way back down to like 47th. That whole area is a hotbed for drugs and police brutality. And I believe that now that we're paying attention to that area, we might be able to make some change there that positively impacts the children that live there. All power to the people. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. My name is Viola J. Pryor. I come from the Germantown section of the city of Philadelphia. I stand here with one of the deacons from the Corinthian Baptist Church of Germantown. We are honored that Cindy Bass put resolutions in, one, to rename the street, 21st Street, where the church is to C.L. Pryor Way. We are most grateful for Sister Bass, Cindy Bass, and we thank you for putting in that resolution. Also, we are observing our 125th church anniversary next weekend. We are grateful for the service that the church has rendered to the community. Reverend Pryor was an advocate for the community and a visionary man. He went home I think a little too soon, but that was not under my jurisdiction. He served the community. He provided for the people, but he had a love for the church and he had a love for blending the church and the community together. We have a senior citizen housing project as part of his involvement. We have a church hall that has been renovated for the use of the administration building and to house a private school. We have much to be thankful for and we give all praise, all honor, to our Lord, Jesus Christ. Thank you. (Applause.)
We have Elizabeth Waring, Lynn Landes, Tyrell Brown, Grace Lewis and Ogbonna Hagins. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good afternoon, everyone, Council, especially Councilwoman Brooks and Gauthier. Thank you. So I'm Elizabeth Waring and I'm the steward of the Holly Street Neighbors Community Garden in West Philly. We have had a very productive year and gardening and giving back to the community, a lot of seniors -- so in this productive year, we've had a lot of support with volunteers planning and especially with giving away. So with the 15 gardeners that we have active and a lot of volunteers, we've given to churches. We've delivered to seniors. We don't have water. That's one of the main things. We'd like for the garden to be acquired into the Neighborhood Garden Trust. And that has taken 10 years and I don't understand why. So I'd like to know the Land Bank and the process, what has taken it so long, because we've been a very good place to collect people and connect people. We have community meetings. We have children from schools, preschools, elementary schools, high school and even college. We have Drexel helping us with our irrigation system, but we have to get water from the neighbors. Also, with community meetings and connecting and collecting people and with the help, we're just asking why, why is it taking so long we get help, what's the process? Please we'd like to know. So in supporting farming, even though it's a smaller garden, we have a shade garden which is open to the public all the time, but we do have the farm and we need the help with the water, and just want the security of knowing that it will always be a garden and green space. Thank you. (Applause.)
Tyrell Brown. Good morning, Councilmembers, and good morning everyone here. My name is Tyrell Brown. I am the Founder and Executive Director of Philly Pride 365, the organization behind our fests for National Coming Out Days's festival coming this weekend. First, I want to send my heartfelt thanks to Councilmember Rue Landau for introducing this important resolution and for her continued leadership, visibility and courage, not just in this chamber but in every space that she occupies. Rue, your advocacy reminds us what representation, friendship, commitment and solidarity truly look like. National Coming Out Day is more than just a celebration. It's a reflection of bravery, authenticity and the ongoing pursuit of freedom. Coming out is not just about identity. It's about stepping into truth despite fear and about creating space for others to do the same. But it's also important to remember that not everyone can safely come out and that's why our collect -- it's our collective responsibility to build a world where every person can. That's what Philadelphia Pride 365 stands for and OURfest are about. OURfest starts with an acronym that stands for Our Uniting Resilience. It's a declaration that pride programming in Philadelphia. It's not just confined to one month or one parade. It's something we live, nurture and protect all year long. OURfest for National Coming Out Day brings together resources from across city, departments, LGBTQ organizations, artists, activists, families, elders and youth from every neighborhood and every intersection in our neighborhoods and communities in Philadelphia. Philadelphia has always been a city of first, the first LGBTQ rights citizens, birthplace of Black Pride, pride leadership from the departed Michael Henson, Jr., to me who founded Philly Pride 365 three years ago. I'm one of only a handful in the country that is a Black person running a major Pride festival. Through OURfest, we are carrying forward that legacy, building bridges between generations, movements, communities that who have been too often divided. So today as we honor National Coming Out Day, may we recommit with visibility, with purpose to celebration of inclusion and to progress with love at its center. Thank you to Council for recognizing this day. (Applause.)
We have Grace Lewis, Ogbonna Hagins. May Esther Gilliard, Stacy Leith, Christine Joy and Marie Fleming also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good afternoon. My name is Grace Lewis. I came in here not knowing what the topics were going to be and found that I had some concerns and answered and some questions. And as I sat here, they were answered. So I'm relinquishing my time. Good morning -- good afternoon. (Applause.)
I didn't want my name to be called and not be present. (Laughter.)
So before we call on our next speaker, I just want to acknowledge Ms. Grace Lewis, a member of Tasker Street Baptist Church in South Philadelphia, also a community activist. We just commend you for your hard work and your dedication and being here. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Will the Chief Clerk please call the next speaker please.
We have Ogbonna Hagins and Esther Gilliard, Stacy Leith, Christine Joy and Marie Fleming. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Great morning, everyone. Ogbonna Hagins, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. I'd like to first begin by publicly thanking Council President Kenyatta Johnson for co-sponsoring the resolution to conduct hearings on the establishing of the Office of Freedmen Affairs. We've had our disagreements over the years, but this moment proves that two men can see things differently and still unite around what is lawful, just and constitutional. For that, Mr. President, I thank you. In the same spirit of unity and purpose, I want to highlight the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Service Center which is celebrating its 20th biannual Carpe Diem event, honoring judges and students who participate in the remarkable and beneficial program. Carpe Diem continues to strengthen civic responsibility, legal understanding and personal empowerment among our youth, ensuring that they inherit a city rooted in justice and opportunity. That same spirit will be on full display on October 26th when Philadelphia hosts the 30th anniversary celebration of the Million Man March at LOVE Park. Our theme this year will be raising the estate of the American Freedmen. Because when the estate is raised, when our rights and legacy are fully recognized, the economic stability of Freedmen communities will rise and with it the prosperity of the entire city. In conjunction with this Office of Freedmen Affairs hearings and the Million Man March and with the support of Majority Whip Curtis Jones and Minority Whip Cindy Bass, we'll be conducting political wellness checkups across the city of Philadelphia to educate residents, especially American Freedmen, about their rights and the importance of the Office of Freedmen affairs. So I ask support for the hearing, support for our youth and support for the raising of the estate of the American Freedmen with the Freedmen strategy and not a generalized Black agenda. So with that, I thank you. Have a great day. Over and out.
As you know, I'm Marie Fleming. I'm going to read to you the meaning of the preamble, Constitution of the United States. As you know, it was signed in Philadelphia. The meaning of the preamble was to protect the liberty, freedom for all Americans now and in the future. Article 1, Section 9 is, Unless the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion means liberty isn't used. The clause protects fundamental liberty, the right not to be imprisoned unlawfully. The Fourth Amendment, Nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law. The other mentions is the preamble -oh, I already said that. Okay. So the preamble of the Bill of Rights refers to securing the rights and limiting government power rooted in liberty. As everyone knows, today is Mental Health Awareness Day and everyone on Council knows that my rights are being violated because of my disability. I do have mental illness that has been stabilized for 40 years and I need Council to remember that everyone in this country has rights afforded to us by the Constitution. You all know my rights are being denied and something needs to be done about it today. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hi. My name is Esther Gilliard also known as Ms. Blind Diva of 2022 for Life. Thanks to Kendra Brooks for giving me a proclamation or citation in 2022 around this time. I represent all of the blind and visuallyimpaired people of Philadelphia as well as Pennsylvania. And I agree to the resolution that was presented from Kendra Brooks, Council for Blindness Awareness Weekend, October 11th and 12th. Often times the blind and visually-impaired people are not recognized for their hard work and achievements that they do for Philadelphia and throughout the tristate. I am also known as the Eagles Blind Queen because I am wearing this green dress highlighting that we are Eagles fans.
Also, I want to highlight the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, the Greater Philadelphia Chapter that are here today as well as the Keystone Chapter, the (inaudible) who are also under the Lions Gate -- Lions Club as well as Liberty Resources Independent Living as well as Not My Eyes Foundation that I do modeling in New York City where I receive First Runners Up Miss Capable Curves and Miss Social Media Diva 2025. (Applause.)
I want to highlight that my dear friend Eric Coleman who was a die hard Eagles fan, that's why I wore this green, to highlight that blind and visually-impaired people do not get the chance to celebrate their sports and in solidarity because there is no accessibility in these games. But they are die-hard Eagles fans and Phillies fans, 76ers, Flyers, but they don't have access to these sports arena. So I charge Philadelphia Council as well as the Philadelphia Eagles in all sports and recreation to highlight and acknowledge these blind individuals for Blindness Equality Achievement Month as your Eagles Blind Queen as well as my dear friend Eric Coleman, who was a die-hard Eagles fan, who loved the Eagles each and every day, listening to the radio station even though he was not able to go to the game personally. But he died in 2023 wearing the Eagles green. He was a die-hard Eagles fan. So I want you to make sure that you highlight and recognize and make sure that you are not ashamed of us because just like the Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles say they don't like us, they don't like us, we don't care. Just like us blind folks, we don't care. But God cares. (Applause.)
Hello, everyone. My name is Christine Brunson. I'm the Founder and Executive Director of Purple House Project PA. We're a nonprofit organization that supports women impacted by domestic violence and I'm also a blind leader and I just wanted to say that I support this resolution. Thank you so much, Councilmember Brooks, for your continued support. We value and appreciate you all. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. All right. Good morning, everybody. I also support this -okay. Good morning. My name is Eugenio D'Oliveira. I also support this resolution and we really appreciate you acknowledging blind and visually-impaired people during this month. And for Councilman Curtis Jones, I'm a constituent of your District, and it takes a lot of courage to say that you lost 50% of your eyesight because a lot of seniors who are losing their eyesight really do not acknowledge that they're losing their eyesight. But my question to - not my question to you. But my advice to you is we are part of an organization called the National Federation of the Blind, and what we do is we advocate for independence for blind people. We send blind people to college. A lot of our members go to college, live independently. And for you, Councilman Curtis Jones, you say you lost 50% of your eyesight. So my advice to you is that you could seek out to be more independent and we could teach you computer training so you don't have to rely on other people. And so, you could still do your job properly and with dignity. (Applause.)
Council President, there are no further names for public comment. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: This concludes today's public comment. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250812.
A resolution renaming the 6300 block of Lansdowne Avenue as "Jayanna Powell Way" in tribute to the life and legacy of Jayanna Powell, whose memory continues to inspire efforts for safer streets and protections for children throughout Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Resolution No. 250812 on behalf of Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilmember Jones, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250812 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries. The resolution is 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250817.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2806, 2903, 2907, 2913, 2917, 2919, 2925, 2937 and 2939 Cecil B. Moore Avenue located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250817 on behalf of Councilmember Jones and Councilmember Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING On behalf of Councilman Young, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Resolution No. 250817 be adopted. All those in favor. The motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250818.
A resolution also naming the 1200 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING block of Crease Street as "'Bonn' Bataan Way."
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250818 on behalf of Councilmember Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Councilman Young, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250818 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250823.
A resolution renaming the 1600 block of Ellsworth Street "Margaret. E. Wallace Way" to honor Margaret "Mom" Wallace for her lifelong dedication and service to the South Philadelphia community.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250823.
Thank you, Mr. President. 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250823 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution honoring and 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING congratulating Graduate! Philadelphia for 20 years of supporting adult learners, transforming lives and strengthening the economic and educational fabric of the city of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilman Phillips.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and recognizing TeenSHARP for its outstanding commitment to expanding college access, equity and leadership opportunities for Black, Latino and low-income students across the city of Philadelphia and beyond. Introduced by Councilman Phillips.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING on the resolution.
I enthusiastically move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING recognizing Trust Factor organization for its transformative work in empowering the youth of Philadelphia through carpentry training, life skills development and emotional wellness support as part of the children and youth spotlight, which celebrates community-based organizations that are shaping brighter futures for young people across the city. Introduced by Councilman Phillips.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion on a resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Greg E. Deavens, President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross for his visionary leadership and commitment to advancing equitable health care. Introduced by Councilwoman Gilmore 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Richardson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I enthusiastically move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing Steven "Scooter" Fulton, Jr.'s outstanding achievements and contributions to the boxing community and his unwavering dedication to the city of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Gauthier.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gauthier for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution designating Thursday, October 9, 2025 as Children's Environmental Health Day in the city of Philadelphia, and recognizing the importance of clean air and water, safe food and consumer products, healthy environments in a stable climate to 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING children's health and development. Introduced by Councilmember Gauthier.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gauthier for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution recognizing Friday Saturday Sunday, a Philadelphia culinary gem specializing in New American cuisine, for being ranked 16th on North America's 50 Best Restaurants List. Introduced by Councilman Thomas on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I would like to be noted as an aye vote on all bills and 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolutions that I might have missed and I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing Kalaya, a Philadelphia culinary gem 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING specializing in Southern Thai culture, cuisine and hospitality, for being ranked 7th on North America's 50 Best Restaurants List. Introduced by Councilman Thomas on behalf of Council President Johnson.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution recognizing Chef Chutatip Nok Sutaranon of Kayala Philadelphia for receiving the North America's Best Female Chef Award 2025. Introduced by Councilman Thomas on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you again, Council President. On your behalf, I move 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution?
A privileged resolution recognizing Royal Sushi & Izakaya, a Philadelphia culinary gem specializing in fresh omakase for 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING being ranked 32nd on North America's 50s Best Restaurants List. Introduced by Councilman Thomas for Council President Johnson.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Councilman Jim Harrity, would you like to be recognized?
Council President, I'd like to be marked aye on anything I missed when I was out of the room. Thank you.
Will be duly recorded. Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Legislative 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Oversight to hold hearings to determine the current state of planning and readiness for the traffic flows caused by events and visitors during the historic 250th Anniversary celebration of the United States and the many events coming to town. Introduced by Councilman Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion and a resolution.
Thank you, Council President. Traffic is already crazy. So with that being said, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Sorry, Council President. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: No, I was thinking about the arena. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Does that mean I'm experiencing post-arena trauma? (Laughter.)
Okay. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings considering how Philadelphia will handle over half a million extra visitors during 2026 and the feasibility of allowing short term rental rule holidays, as other cities have done around large scale events. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Isaiah Thomas for a motion on the resolution.
In all seriousness, Council President, I think this is an important conversation that we need to have for the residents of Philadelphia. And so with that being said, I would like to move for the adoption of the resolution, but I would also like to be recorded as 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING an aye on all bills and resolutions for the remainder of session as I have to tend to other Council business. So again, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Absolutely. It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted, and you shall be recorded voting aye on all bills and resolutions moving forward. Will the Chief Clerk 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold a hearing to examine whether death by suicide for first responders should be considered as occurring in the line of duty and to explore mental health initiatives aimed at preventing suicide and supporting the overall well-being of first responders. Introduced by Councilmember Jones on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move 10/9/25 - STATED - 2ND READING for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)