STATED MEETING 1 1/19/2023 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, January 19, 2023 10:36 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY LOZADA COUNCILMAN DAVID OH 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 1/19/2023
Good morning. We're going to get started now. We had a couple of issues we had to resolve. Thank you very much for being here today. I note that the hour has come, that we have a quorum present, and we will now come to order. Just real quickly, I'd like to ask if anyone has an electronic device, be it a phone or any other type of device that makes noise, if you can please turn it off now or turn it on silent, we really would appreciate that. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Rabbi Yochonon of the B'Nai Abraham Chabad. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Squilla. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Councilmembers and guests rise.)
Almighty God, STATED MEETING 3 1/19/2023 universe, the members of this august body, the City Council, convene here to fulfill one of the seven commandments, which you first issued to Adam at the time of this creation 5783 years ago and then reissued to Noah and his sons after the Great Flood, the commandment to govern by just laws. At the dawn of civilization, as related in the biblical book of Genesis, you issued the following seven values as a divine code for human conduct, which came to be known as the Noahide laws. They form a framework for universal morality, safety, peace, stability, and unity, enabling us to share our beautiful planet. One, belief in a single God who created the universe, conducts its affairs, and is intimately invested in our lives, an almighty God who loves us, watches our behavior, scrutinizes our hearts, and rewards goodness, to worship you alone and not to serve idols. STATED MEETING 4 1/19/2023 Two, words are powerful and should be used carefully, never to profane or blasphemy your holy name. Three, not to murder. As our city deals with the crisis of gun violence, we affirm our belief in the sanctity of human life as a non-negotiable value. Each human being is an entire world. Taking a life goes against the very purpose of our existence. Four, theft is a violation of the boundaries that are integral to human relationships, respecting our fellow citizens and integrity of their property, not to steal, lie, or cheat. Five, respecting the family unit as a sacred, divine gift that must be enshrined and cherished, not violated, not to commit adultery, incest, or any other aberration of our intimate family relationships. Six, we are God's representatives to care for the world and STATED MEETING 5 1/19/2023 responsible for the welfare of animals and are commanded not to be cruel to any living creature. Finally, seven, the only way to address injustice is to establish an ethical and unbiased judicial system. Every society should govern by just laws which are based on the recognition and acknowledgment of you, God, as the sovereign ruler of all people and nations. The responsibility of this City Council is thus critical to the function of our society. We, the citizens of this blessed City of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, proudly proclaim this recognition and our commitment to justice in our nation's Pledge of Allegiance, one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all. Those assembled here to enact laws that govern this blessed city are elevated in our society to preserve and safeguard democracy and freedom in our STATED MEETING 6 1/19/2023 lives, thereby enhancing our divine service to the ultimate lawmaker and law enforcer, the creator of the universe. Grant us, almighty God, that they be cognizant of your presence and conduct their deliberations accordingly. Bless the esteemed members of this Council with good health, wisdom, compassion, good cheer, good fellowship, and added security in these challenging times. May they constantly realize that in laboring for the enactment of just laws, they are doing your will. May God bless America, and let us say amen. (Amen.)
Thank you so much, Rabbi. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Thank you very much. And I'd STATED MEETING 7 1/19/2023 again thank the Rabbi for his invocation this morning. Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 15, 2022, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 15th, 2022 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, December 15, 2022 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The STATED MEETING 8 1/19/2023 it, and our Journal is approved. Our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of members of Council, there is a request for leave of absence from Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you. The Chair thanks the Councilman, and leave shall be granted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla 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 our 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 9 1/19/2023 law, subsequently published on 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 a 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 10 1/19/2023 legislative matters stated by Councilman Squilla may be added to the agenda for today should those matters arise during the course of the session of Council. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. And our next order of business is communications, and the Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession today.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on December 21, 2022, January 4, January 10, and January 16, 2023, I signed all of the bills that were STATED MEETING 11 1/19/2023 December 15, 2022, except Bill No. 220322-AAA, which I am returning without my signature. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2315, 2316, 2317, 2318, 2337, 2339, 2349 Greenwich Street; 1709, 1711, 1822R-34, 1836 Point Breeze Avenue; 1555 South Ringgold Street; 2445 Federal Street and 2329 Ellsworth Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 3001 Martha Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1736 North 22nd Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 911, 913, 915, 919, 921, 923, and 925 West STATED MEETING 12 1/19/2023 Auburn Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. 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 bills and resolutions that are being introduced today by our members.
Councilman Thomas offers one resolution, a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week, the Girard Academic Music Program Competitive Spirit squad for becoming the first ever Philadelphia Public League Grand Champions of the Competitive Spirit Championship.
Councilman Jones offers four bills and five resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, an STATED MEETING 13 1/19/2023 ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by defining and clarifying certain definitions. And on his own behalf, an ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of North 57th Street between Lansdowne Avenue and Media Street; and An ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of North Parkside Avenue between Wynnefield Avenue and Monument Road; and An ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to civil service exemptions for staff of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission.
Thank you. Those bills will be referred to the appropriate committees. STATED MEETING 14 1/19/2023
And on behalf of Council President Clarke, a resolution reappointing James Aros, Jr., to the position of Chief Assessment Officer of the Office of Property Assessment.
And a resolution approving the reappointment of Wendell Anthony Ewing to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board.
And a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Kaheem Bailey-Taylor for receiving the Medal of Heroism, the U.S. Army's highest honor for JTROC students, for his bravery in the face of gun violence.
And on his own behalf, a resolution proposing an STATED MEETING 15 1/19/2023 amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide for exemption from civil service for staff of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission; and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution honoring Philadelphia's new generation of Living Legends: Isaac "Ikey Raw" Gardner, Ernest Owens, Chad Fain, Matt Cain, Tom "Tom Flies" Manning, Colin Chambers, and Damona "Mona" Love, for their roles as podcast influencers, as part of the commemoration of Black History Month.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones. STATED MEETING 16 1/19/2023
Thank you, Mr. President. We introduced an amendment today to our bill dealing with steep slope legislation. What we have been doing, which I promised Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson to do, is begin a series of meetings with constituents from as far away as Eastwick and to the neighbors of the golf course, such as Overbrook Park Civic and others, and in so doing, we've been addressing some of the concerns about exempting that golf course from steep slopes. What we want to do is limit the exemption and clarify that they cannot build impervious surfaces on that slope. So what we're doing is -- it is not today -- we are looking at being able to have that dialogue between now and next week to come up with further compromises and understandings. I think communication is key. Some of my members have raised these STATED MEETING 17 1/19/2023 issues with me, and we are listening and it is not falling on deaf ears. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. Thank you for the clarification. So there will be an amendment and further discussion on said legislation. Mr. Decker, please proceed.
Councilman Johnson offers three resolutions, a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2315, 2316, 2317, 2318, 2337, 2339, 2349 Greenwich Street; 1709, 1711, 1822R through 34, 1836 Point Breeze Avenue; 1555 South Ringgold Street; 2445 Federal Street and 2329 Ellsworth Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District.
And a resolution appointing Albert Littlepage to the board STATED MEETING 18 1/19/2023 of directors of the Philadelphia Land Bank.
And a privileged resolution honoring WURD Radio on the occasion of their 20th Anniversary and recognizing the station's role as the voice of the African American Community.
Councilman Harrity offers two bills, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 9-1102 through 1123 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Verification of Life Partnerships,' by removing gendered language relating to same-sex and same-gender couples, expanding access to this Life Partnerships regardless of gender."
And an ordinance amending Chapter 11-200 of The STATED MEETING 19 1/19/2023 Philadelphia Code, to impose additional conditions on permittees and contractors to repair openings on public streets.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers an ordinance amending Section 14-513 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/TOD, Transit-Oriented Development Overlay District" and amending Section 14-533 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/MIN, Mixed Income Neighborhoods Overlay District," to expand the applicable areas of each district in the vicinity of Market Street between 54th Street and 63rd Street.
Councilman O'Neill offers two bills and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 12-2800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Administrative Adjudication of Parking STATED MEETING 20 1/19/2023 Violations,' by further providing with respect to monetary penalties for on-street parking of semitrailers and truck tractors."
And an ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2023 from 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.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing requests to the Law Department to represent City Council in an appeal from decisions of the Department of Licenses and Inspections to the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment or the License and Inspection Review Board and, if the STATED MEETING 21 1/19/2023 Law Department declines to render such services to City Council, authorizing the retention of outside counsel to provide such services.
Councilman Oh offers one bill and two resolutions, entitled "An ordinance amending Bill No. 877 authorizing the establishment of the Philadelphia Activities Fund, by allowing At-Large Councilmembers to bring recreational assistance activities and programs to the PAF Board of Directors for funding consideration."
And a privileged resolution commending and honoring Oliver St. Clair Franklin, CBE and Honorary Consul for his appointment as Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
And a privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the 2022 winners of PHL Live Center Stage.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions, and our next order of business will be reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Council President. The Committee on Rules reports two bills with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. STATED MEETING 23 1/19/2023 Decker, please read that report.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 220770, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the measurements of zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Cottman Avenue, Oxford Avenue, Tyson Avenue, Rising Sun Avenue, Glenview Street, Bingham Street, Kerper Street, Rising Sun Avenue, Unruh Avenue, Martins Mill Road, City Boundary, and Hasbrook Avenue"; and Bill No. 220942, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Parkside Avenue, 49th Street, Jefferson Street, and 48th Street (extended)," respectfully reports it has considered STATED MEETING 24 1/19/2023 and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 220770 and 220942. (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 Bills No. 220770 and 220942. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? STATED MEETING 25 1/19/2023 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar at our next session of Council. That concludes our reports from committee, and our next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a first reading. They will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars STATED MEETING 26 1/19/2023 today: Nos. 221026, 221029, 221032, 221033, 221042, and 220918. All other resolutions and bills are being held.
Thank you, Councilman. Before we move into our public comment, I just want to make an announcement. We have a provision that I'll read shortly in our rules that allows us to limit the number of repetitious comment. Today we will have to enact that rule. We have a significant number of individuals that are here to testify on the aforementioned golf course in Overbrook. Frankly speaking, way too many on the same subject matter. So we are going to select a number of individuals that are in support of and are in opposition of. What I will do to try and be fair is to read the names of the individuals that were listed to testify who will not be speaking. I just want to say is that okay STATED MEETING 27 1/19/2023 with the sponsor?
Thank you, sir. All right. And also if there is anyone whose name is not called to testify that has signed up, if you have written testimony, please submit your written testimony. It will be placed as a matter of record in the record for today's Council session. And as indicated earlier by the sponsor of that bill, the bill will not be called up for a vote today. There will be several amendments and several more community meetings to discuss the issue before final passage. And with that, let me state the process. As I said, we will be considering public comment. It will go as follows: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars for possible STATED MEETING 28 1/19/2023 action at today's Council session. All speakers must sign up to testify. If you have not already signed up for your session, please do so now by giving your name to the Sergeant-at-Arms at the table set up outside in the hallway outside the Council Chambers. 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, we would normally have three minutes. Because of the volume and our interest in making sure that we get as many people as possible, we're going to limit it to two minutes. So if you have testimony, please adjust your testimony to reflect the number as it relates to the time limit. As I indicated, in order to be fair, we're going to hold faithfully to the time limit. And when you begin to speak, you will see a green light on the podium. When there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, the light will STATED MEETING 29 1/19/2023 turn yellow, which is your reminder to conclude your remarks. Once your two minutes have passed, the light will turn red and the Sergeant-at-Arms will disconnect the microphone. At that point, please yield the podium to the next speaker, if you have not already done so. We talked about the rules as it relates to repetitious comment, so we will try our best to accommodate a number of individuals. And, again, I will read the names of those people who have signed up. Mr. Decker, can you please call the first name on the list.
The first speaker today we have, Mr. President, is Henry Davis, commenting on 220918. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, Mr. President, members of Council. My name STATED MEETING 30 1/19/2023 is -- I've been thrust into the brutes this morning, so bear with me a moment. My name is Henry Davis. I'm a Board member of the Eastwick Friends and Neighbors Coalition, which is an environmental justice non-profit community organization. I've been a resident at Eastwick for approximately seven years, and the Eastwick community, as we know, is a flood-prone neighborhood. During the seven years that I have been a resident, I've observed the devastation of damages caused by repetitive flooding from the 1999 flood storms. I spoke to other residents that have suffered the damage and have gone through the process of reforming their homes, and they continue to stay at the Eastwick area, the Floyd storm and Tropical Storm Isaias, where Eastwick residents are still in recovery. What specifically concerns me about the proposed bill at 220918 is the STATED MEETING 31 1/19/2023 lack of public input and transparency and the potential increase of flooding and other environmental impacts in Eastwick. As a constituent, we actually have received enough information to make an informed decision about the bill's ecological effects on Eastwick and other downstream communities such as Cobbs Creek and Darby. Therefore, I urge you not to vote on this bill on January 19th, which is today of course, but instead vote on it January 31st -- of course, Mr. President, we've heard the comments you've made regarding the amendments -and to comply with the Commission's recommendation by responding to community concerns, including the following: One, lack of details about the proposed steep slope disturbances and long-term measures to ensure the stability of the slopes. Number two, lack of a comprehensive environmental impact study, STATED MEETING 32 1/19/2023 including, but not limited to, the increased risk of erosion, landslides, subsidence from clearing trees and vegetation from steep slopes, increased sedimentation leading to the aquatic habitat degradation, risk of leaks from damage to the underground eight-inch high-pressure petroleum pipeline caused by the increased erosion, landslides, and subsidence. The impact of high, tightly woven netting -
I'll give him a little extra time. He had trouble. Go ahead, sir. Another 30 seconds.
Netting on both local bird life and neighborhood view shed, and increased runoff from the toxic pesticides and other chemicals used in the maintenance of golf courses. I'm going to cut this down. Number three, no explanation as STATED MEETING 33 1/19/2023 to the developer cannot apply for approval of the proposed steep slope disturbances through the regular zoning process. Number four, lack of community outreach to inform residents about the bill and its environmental impacts. Number five, no comprehensive plan to monitor long-term environmental impacts of this project. And, in closing, number six, no explanation how there will be enough room for walking trails around the perimeter of the golf course without an offset between the 150-foot wall that's going to separate the residents from the golf course. It doesn't make sense.
And neighborhood properties. I'm going to cut it short because my time has expired. Thank you. STATED MEETING 34 1/19/2023
Thank you for your testimony, sir. We appreciate it.
The next speaker is Harriet Achman, commenting on 220918. (No response.)
The next speaker is Shawmar Pitts. Shawmar Pitts, commenting on 220918. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, everyone. My name is Shawmar Pitts. Good morning, everyone.
I'm glad to be here this morning. STATED MEETING 35 1/19/2023 So in lieu of time and the Council President asking us to keep it short, I'm going to keep it short. So with this plan to build a golf course in Cobbs Creek, I definitely object to it because of the things that I see in our neighborhoods and in our communities and what we see, we all see it. We see the gun violence, and the bottom line is, the reason why it's so bad is because our communities have been cut off from the economics of the City for a very long time, and we've been cut off from proper education for a very long time. So this is the reason why we have so much violence right now. This is the reason why you see kids getting younger and younger committing these crimes. And I believe that it's not their fault. They have been neglected. They have been neglected, and I have been neglected when I was their age. So it's been going on for a very long time. STATED MEETING 36 1/19/2023 So now we have opportunities now in the City with redevelopment to make an economic -- words just mess me up sometimes -- an economic investment in our youth in our communities, and this is one of those times. We have a huge expanse of land where we can use that to benefit the youth, and we can use that with the brilliant ideas that we have. And I think that the $6 million that they got with a grant from the state and in the City budget could have went to things that we need. And we always come for money, and it's hard for us to get funding for the things that we need, and here you have billionaires with a $60 million project. We never get spent $60 million projects on us. It's unheard of. These are the things we need to turn the tide on gun violence and the things that plague us in our city and have been plaguing us for a long time. STATED MEETING 37 1/19/2023 And I'm going to end because the red light been came on. So thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it, sir. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Eddison Frazier, commenting on 220918. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. Eddison Frazier from Philly Thrive. I wasn't going to oppose this bill for Cobbs Creek, but I was out there the other day with my dog walking the dog and I happened to come to the guy Enrique. He the operation of Cobbs Creek Foundation. He out there shooting paint balls. He out there with golf balls STATED MEETING 38 1/19/2023 already. Ain't even get approved for this stuff. He don't even know who he was talking to. He out there with golf balls shooting the golf balls. Now, let me tell you this: Cutting down the trees is our ability to breathe. They are the lungs of the planet. The trees benefit from buildings, neighborhoods. Trees influence temperatures, shades. Trees help cool down the planet. By cutting down trees, our gas and our electric bill going to go up. So I wasn't really going to say nothing about this, but they got -- I did my homework on them. They got like 100 sponsors. We didn't need to get them that money. They thought it was sweet. They thought it was sweet until he ran into me out there in that yard. My program, I target the shooters. I want the shooters. That's what I want. My program is a golf course program. Nobody ain't really paying STATED MEETING 39 1/19/2023 attention to me, but I'm coming. I'm coming. Nobody really paying attention to me. I'm out there with the shooters every day. Them dudes that ride their dirt bike, let's put it out there, cross road. Let's get them to the league and stuff like that. Let's do that. I'm out there with these shooters. These golf course people don't live in our community. They come down here, think they going to be able to do all that stuff, and it's not happening. When you cut the trees down, you're killing the earth. I went out there the other day. It's like a cemetery out there, a cemetery out there. So I oppose this bill, and I hope any of City Council will call, get with me so we can put this program together so we can stop the violence. They ain't bringing nothing to our community. Golf is for rich people. Golf is for rich people. I live right STATED MEETING 40 1/19/2023 down the street from there. They from rich -- he out there shooting golf like it's a game, and these kids out here dying. When we going to do something about it? We keep on coming to these meetings. Can I get one more minute?
All right, 30 seconds. And I'mma keep -- I mean, Jones, he came to me. I went to him. He like the only one that has faith in me, but you know all this stuff going on now. We got a meeting tomorrow. I'm going to make it happen. I'm tired of the violence and stuff like that. I'm sick of it. And I did 20 years in jail. I want to prove that these kids need something to do, man. They need something to do. We keep on talking and talking and nothing happens. Girl just got STATED MEETING 41 1/19/2023 choked in the Chinese store around that way. Come on, man. We need something for them to do. You change the minds of the thinkers, you take them on the field. We want to get their attention, put them on the field, and then educate them, what you need, what's going on, stuff like that. We can't keep on having these meetings and stuff like this and the murder rate going up crazy. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Sheila Gibbson. (No response.) STATED MEETING 42 1/19/2023
The next speaker is Jamie Glenn. STATED MEETING 43 1/19/2023 (No response.)
The next speaker is Lawrence Szmulowicz, commenting on 220918. (Witness approached podium.)
Yes. Hi. My name is Lawrence Szmulowicz. I'm here to speak on Bill 220918, entitled "Cobbs Creek Golf Course Overlay District." I live downstream from the golf course in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood where I regularly organize trash clean-ups and bird walks. I want to restrict my comments to the current form of the bill. I look forward to reviewing the amendments and engaging in some of the conversations that Councilmember Jones just mentioned. But in its current form, this bill is bad for Philadelphia. The proposed overlay district may only apply to the Cobbs Creek Golf STATED MEETING 44 1/19/2023 Course, but its effects extend beyond those boundaries. The ordinance, if passed, would create a dangerous precedent of using overlay districts to carve out exemptions to core environmental protections. Steep slope protection is environmental protection. As the Zoning Code explicitly recognizes, the purpose of the steep slope protection is to promote safe and compatible development throughout the City that avoids adverse impacts and degradation of the environment. Other zoning measures in the same category include heritage tree protections, which were just recently strengthened by the Philly Tree Fund bill. None of the existing 35 overlay zoning districts exempt those districts from steep slope protection. With all of the environmental challenges facing Philadelphia, we should be strengthening, not weakening, our STATED MEETING 45 1/19/2023 local environmental protections. More specifically, this bill would expose Overbrook and downstream communities like Eastwick and Cobbs Creek where I live to serious negative environmental impacts. Steep slope protections exist for a reason. If disturbed, sleep slopes are highly susceptible to erosion, leading to sedimentation of nearby streams and related downstream flooding. The stakes could not be higher. There are 254 properties immediately adjacent to the golf course, most of them single-family homes. Downstream communities like Eastwick already suffer from chronic and severe flooding. The burden of proof is on the developer to show that their plans will not harm these communities. So far, the developer has failed to meet this burden. We still do not know key details about the developer's plans, which slopes will be disturbed, how many trees will be cut down, and how will they control erosion STATED MEETING 46 1/19/2023 after the trees are cut down. I'm almost finished. One second, please. The proposed overlay zoning district is also unnecessary. It applies to two parcels of land, both under the control of a single developer. That developer could achieve the same result as this overlay district by applying for a zoning variance. In fact, the developer did apply originally for a zoning variance to clear trees of sleep slopes at 25 percent or greater, but abruptly withdrew that appeal in March 2022 before a zoning hearing could take place. Rather than create a new overlay zoning district, the developer can simply reapply for a zoning variance. If the variance is justified, then the developer can achieve the same result as sought through the overlay district. So I'm asking Council to reject this bill in its current form. STATED MEETING 47 1/19/2023 Just one last sentence. Let the developer apply for a zoning variance, meet with the local RCO and community, and have a full and fair hearing on the merits of their plan before the Zoning Board of Adjustments. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it.
Michele Gaffney, commenting on 220918. (Witness approached podium.)
Hi. My name is Michele Gaffney. I am the founder of an organization called Build Like You Live STATED MEETING 48 1/19/2023 Here, BuildLikeYouLiveHere.org. I testified in December on Bill No. 220918. Many of the residents are covering plenty, so I will just say that I appreciate that the amendments are being made and I hope that they will be publicized for everyone to find. I registered this morning because I thought that this was still on the Final Passage Calendar, because it was listed on the agenda. The agenda was not updated, and I called three different offices trying to find out whether or not it was going to be voted on today, and no one could give me an answer. So I would also appreciate if Council could put those updates out more quickly and more accurately. Thank you.
Thank you. For the record, because of the unavailability of those individuals in opposition, we were able to get everyone who has come down to testify in opposition to the golf course proposal. We will now go to the support. Just go down the list, Mr. Decker. I'm sorry. I don't mean to try to tell you how to do your job, sir.
The next speaker in support of 220918 -- or the first speaker in support of 220918 is Enrique Hervada. (Witness approached podium.)
Thank you. My name is Enrique Hervada. I'm the COO for the Cobbs Creek Foundation. I wanted to STATED MEETING 50 1/19/2023 thank everyone here today for listening to what we have to say. The first thing I'd like to say is, we're not a developer. We're a 501(c)(3) non-profit that started a partnership with the City well over ten years ago to try and restore a failing golf course that literally was falling into a creek. It's a historic golf course, dates back to 1916 and has a lot of historic features to it and a lot of significant events that happened there. It's actually in the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. And the golf course really fell into total disrepair, so we've been working on this for over ten years with Parks and Rec, the Water Department of Philadelphia, and many other experts on creating a sustainable golf course, 27 holes with a driving range and, most importantly, a 30,000 square foot education center that's going to be available to the children of the STATED MEETING 51 1/19/2023 community at no cost to them. We are looking at significant partners to come in and help us with that. Plans are underway for a really tremendous opportunity for the youth of Philadelphia. We've also been working with the local schools already and we've had many events with the students in the area, and we've also had well over 150 meetings with the residents. We recently had an open forum meeting with over 75 residents in person. We had multiple Zooms. So the notion that we haven't talked to anybody is a little bit of a stretch to me. But I wanted to say thanks to everyone on City Council, certainly support this bill, and look forward to its passage and doing something really great for the City of Philadelphia.
The next speaker STATED MEETING 52 1/19/2023 in support of 220918 is Morgan Moore. (Witness approached podium.)
Hello, everyone. My name is Morgan Moore. I am the Director of Education and Community Engagement with the Cobbs Creek Foundation. As Enrique stated, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit not only renovating the Cobbs Creek Golf Course but building an educational center there on the grounds. I'm sorry Mr. Frazier is not here, because we were actually in agreement that the City right now has not had a lot of good news coming out of it. Our young people are in peril. Our streets are filled with carnage. And the best way to stop that is to provide educational opportunity. This is exactly what this project is going to do. This golf course has a significant history of racial equity. It allowed African Americans and women to play in 1916 when that was unheard of. STATED MEETING 53 1/19/2023 And not only are we going to restore that and bring the game of golf back to our community, but we're also going to have free educational and athletic programming for our students. I could not think of a better way to support them. And I urge our City Council people to vote in support of this bill unanimously, and I thank Councilman Jones for his vision and supporting this bill. Thank you for allowing me the time to speak.
The final speaker in support of Bill No. 220918 is Ben Dewan. (Witness approached podium.)
My name is Ben Dewan and I am the Superintendent for the Cobbs Creek Foundation. I'm here in STATED MEETING 54 1/19/2023 support of the overlay ordinance for the golf course to help move the restoration forward by helping us begin the necessary creek restoration. I've worked in golf for 13 years and was immediately drawn to this project for various golf reasons and the educational benefits it will provide, all while being run by a non-profit organization. As a resident of the City who lives ten minutes from the course, I'm excited to be a part of restoring the historic hundred-year-old lost asset to a golf course and green space the City and neighborhood can be proud of and all can enjoy. It will be a boost economically, educationally, and socially to the community, and I ask for City Council's support in passing this bill. Thank you.
Thank you. STATED MEETING 55 1/19/2023 Who is the next speaker?
The next speaker, Mr. Chairman, is Jack McCarthy, commenting on 221042.
Thank you. Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony. (Witness approached podium.) MR. McCARTHY: Hello. My name is Jack McCarthy. I am here speaking in support of the Music Industry Task Force report. I am a longtime Philadelphia music historian. I have been giving tours, writing, lecturing, working on exhibits and film documentaries on Philadelphia music, and I have managed major projects for the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Mann Music Center, the Philadelphia Jazz Legacy Project, the Philadelphia Music Alliance. And I say all this to demonstrate that I know whereof I speak when I say that Philadelphia in terms of STATED MEETING 56 1/19/2023 from a historical perspective is one of the most important cities in the world, without doubt, across every genre of music - classical, jazz, rock and roll, R&B, gospel, rap and hip-hop, soul music. Philadelphia has produced music and musicians that have transformed the world. This is without question. The problem is that all of these different communities basically work in their own silos and they don't really work together, and the work of the Music Industry Task Force and the recommendations in its report will help to bring all of these disparate communities together to really promote and celebrate Philadelphia music history and its rich, live, current music scene. As a music historian, I make it a point to go to the great music cities of the world to immerse myself in their music cultures - Nashville, New Orleans, Memphis. These cities have thriving musical ecosystems of museums and tours STATED MEETING 57 1/19/2023 and historic sites and live music venues. We have all the ingredients to do that here in Philadelphia. We just don't have the infrastructure, and the work of the Music Industry Task Force will help to make that happen. We can do what these other great cities do. We have all the ingredients. And just one last thing, Philadelphia had a Municipal Bureau of Music from 1929 to 1932. It helped to support and celebrate Philadelphia music. Its great achievement was the creation of the Robin Hood Dell. So there is precedent. So thank you for the opportunity. (Applause.)
The next speaker is David Ivory. STATED MEETING 58 1/19/2023 (Witness approached podium.)
Thank you. Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony.
David Ivory. Good morning and thank you for this hearing to give a voice to our music creative economy. I'd like to thank Councilman Oh for leading the way and the charge here with this hearing and helping the arts and the creative economy, and thank you to members of City Council for your attention on this very important matter. My name is David Ivory. I am the Chair of the Music Industry Task Force as well as a Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum music engineer, a producer, and former President and National Trustee of the Recording Academy, otherwise known as the Grammys. I share a bit of my background with you to demonstrate my experience and how I dedicated my life to the STATED MEETING 59 1/19/2023 Philadelphia music industry. I want to take you back several years ago to August 2017. This City Council passed the creation of the Music Industry Task Force to look at the economic impact of the music industry and to articulate ways that the City can help support the music industry of which Philadelphia is so famous for. The Music Industry Task Force looked at other music cities, such as New York, Nashville, Seattle, what they were doing to enhance their musical heritage and economy. We also held networking events with emerging artists, professional musicians, and music makers to get a sense of the challenges from the ground. Understanding that the resources were limited, the Task Force purveyed the broader music community to confirm with other music professionals our ten recommendations. Just a quick history. Our STATED MEETING 60 1/19/2023 hearing was supposed to happen the day of the shutdown of City Council and the City due to COVID. So we're actually back right now for our first time back. Here's the list of recommendations: Number one, and the most important, establish a centralized permanent Philadelphia Music Office or commission to continue the work initiated by the Music Industry Task Force. Market the strengths of Philadelphia's rich musical history and current boom of the music venues and artists. Promote Philadelphia music to the City's transportation hubs, such as Philadelphia International Airport and 30th Street Station. The redevelopment of the Sigma Sound Building, 212 North 12th Street, as a cultural center, museum, event space, et cetera. Develop the awareness campaign STATED MEETING 61 1/19/2023 of fair compensation for working musicians. Establish performing arts priority loading zones and unloading zones and temporary parking areas so musicians don't get a ticket when they're just trying to unload their gear. Identify sources of funding for sustained, dedicated efforts to grow the Philadelphia music economy. Create hubs for music and concert promotion and utilize the City's zoning community to develop policies to help enhance music creators. In conclusion, I hope that City Council will pass the recommendations of the Music Industry Task Force and provide the necessary resources needed to create a permanent Philadelphia Music Office. Your support to take these steps are vital to preserving Philadelphia's heritage as a music force in the country and the world. Thank you very much. STATED MEETING 62 1/19/2023
The next speaker is Donn Thompson Morelli, commenting on 221042. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, esteemed members of City Council. I am Donn Thompson Morelli, also known as Donn T, recording artist, singer-songwriter, independent record label owner, author, and President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy. I have a storied musical lineage and represent generations of music creators. I am sister to Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. I am the daughter of -(Applause.) STATED MEETING 63 1/19/2023
Yes. I am the daughter of the late legendary singer Lee Andrews, both Philadelphia Walk of Fame inductees. My grandfather, as an aside, my late grandfather is Beachey Thompson of the legendary Dixie Hummingbirds, for those of you who love gospel music. You know, as a Philadelphia musician born and raised in West Philadelphia, the music economy and seeing it thrive is something that is near and dear to my heart. It is for that reason I am asking City Council to seriously consider the Music Industry Task Force's recommendation to help grow our music community and the creative landscape here for the betterment of the City of Philadelphia. As you might expect, I have a vested interest in the development of music-focused cultural centers and programming to establish Philadelphia's significance in music history, both past STATED MEETING 64 1/19/2023 and present, and the need for a dedicated effort from the City to recognize and help preserve our important music sites like Sigma. I want to reiterate what David Ivory said. Most major cities have a dedicated, established music office. This isn't a new idea. So, you know -and those cities are, David named some, but New York is another one; Austin, Texas; Nashville; many others. You know, Philly has fallen behind, but I believe that we can do better. We should do better. That is my time. I thank you for your time, City Council, your attention, your consideration. The work that you do here in this place is profound and impactful and very appreciated. Have a good day.
Thank you. STATED MEETING 65 1/19/2023 (Applause.)
Thank you so much for your testimony. We really appreciate it.
The next speaker is Marcus Bryant, commenting on 221042. (Witness approached podium.)
Greetings, members of City Council, colleagues, and fellow Philadelphians. I'm honored to be with you today. For those who don't know, I am Marcus Bryant, Rated Art and CEO of LOUD Series. I'm a singer-songwriter and a producer who works with John Legend, H.E.R., Diddy, Ludacris, and many others. I'm an active citizen of Philadelphia and currently serving as the Secretary for the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy, known for the Grammys. I'm an educator and an advocate for creative STATED MEETING 66 1/19/2023 arts. On December the 9th, 2022, I testified before the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy. The recommendations from the Music Industry Task Force were adopted and instituted as Council to be voted on. Today I am focusing on Recommendation No. 10, utilize the City's zoning and community development policies to benefit the music industry. As a professional songwriter and performer, I know that if there are more tax and business incentives for new recording studios, music publishers, and record labels to open businesses here, our creative economy could flourish. One way local musicians, myself included, can be supported by this is the Parking Authority designating performing arts priority loading areas so that we do not have to risk being ticketed while loading and unloading for our gigs. I know from experience getting STATED MEETING 67 1/19/2023 my equipment in and out of venues safely and not being rushed will make a difference and keep me focused on my performance. Additionally, in order to draw national and international artists to Philadelphia, we have to become an attractive hub. As an artist who also works behind the scenes, having support from Philadelphia's leadership will increase options and create more beneficial experiences and opportunities for the music community. Our city has too much to offer to not be recognized as a viable location for concerts, festivals, and recording studios. We are asking for City Council's support, because if an independent music office is established, it would develop and administer in the growth of the music sector of our city's creative economy, assisting our city's music industry and recording artists, whose lives depend on it. STATED MEETING 68 1/19/2023 I understand the budget supporting the creation of a music office that includes investing in a staff will assure that we as creators are not solely responsible for resourcing what is designed to benefit us. A proposed budget will be presented to you in February. It will be a challenge to progress without your assistance. We are asking for your full support as we continue to entertain, uplift, and promote in our great hopeful City of Philadelphia. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Laurin Talese, commenting on 221042. (Witness approached podium.)
It's an honor to be before you today. Thank you for granting my peers and I an audience, and thank you for the thoughtful and tedious work you do day to day for our city. My name is Laurin Talese. I'm a professional recording artist, vocalist, composer, and I tour the world as a United States cultural ambassador with our Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. I also currently serve our community as the Vice President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Recording Academy, also known as the Grammys. I'm here today asking the City Council to seriously consider the Music Industry Task Force recommendations to help grow our music community and creative economy. The genesis of my music career took place during my undergraduate STATED MEETING 70 1/19/2023 studies at the University of the Arts. I graduated in 2004. In the nearly 20 years since, I've become deeply concerned that the City that I call home, one that is overflowing with talent so unique, integral, and masterful, that every major touring band in the United States includes somebody from Philly, and it continues to lose its creative talent due to the lack of music industry infrastructure, resources, and environment to thrive. Many of my U Art peers and I have since graduating cultivated accomplished and illustrious careers. Most of them call New York, LA, and Nashville home. I love this city, and I am yet holding on. (Applause.)
In 2019, 53 percent of Philadelphia STATED MEETING 71 1/19/2023 artists/musicians surveyed said they had considered moving to another city. Retention of young professionals and artists, especially recent graduates, needs to be a priority to continue having them contribute to our creative economy. More infrastructure and support of our creative economy will incentivize our future leaders to stay right here in Philadelphia. The ten recommendations outlined by the Music Industry Task Force, including, but not limited to, developing an awareness campaign for fair compensation for working musicians, the marketing of Philadelphia's rich and robust musical history and its music venues, young and legacy artists, promoting Philadelphia music in the City's transportation hub, such as Philadelphia's International Airport and 30th Street Station, would solve our lack of retention and create a healthy and thriving, creative ecosystem. STATED MEETING 72 1/19/2023 Please pass these recommendations, as it is vital to our success of the creative economy and rightful global distinction as the leaders, trendsetters, and originators across the art sector.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. (Applause.)
Commenting on 210434. (Witness approached podium.) STATED MEETING 73 1/19/2023
Hi. My name is Katrice Cheaton. Can you hear me? Can you hear me now?
Okay. Hi. So I've been doing community work in the City for like eight years now, and I'm well aware of the ins and outs of the City, the struggles going on in the City, especially the (unintelligible) person here in the City. And I just learned what it's like to be homeless in the last 24 hours, and so did my brother, when we were illegally evicted from our home yesterday afternoon. Now, we've been fighting the eviction process. It was done in a very illegal manner. And the reason why I'm talking about the bill that is represented today for 210434 was that the STATED MEETING 74 1/19/2023 police did not handle our situation in a kind way at all. It was very hostile. The Sheriff was very hostile. It just wasn't something that they seemed to care about when I mentioned to them we weren't properly notified. We weren't given ten-day notice. Everything that was done was a farce. The Housing Authority looked the other way. DOJ looked the other way. Mayor Kenney's office looked the other way. The eviction diversion program -the eviction protection program looked the other way. So then we decided -- we had to sleep, we had to find somewhere to sleep. So we slept at 30th Street, because Project HOME couldn't find anywhere for us to stay together, because as male and female, as a brother and sister, you have to separate. And I say all this to say the eviction was done as a means to cover up the human traffic intent on our lives. STATED MEETING 75 1/19/2023 You have a human trafficking situation in the City, and it is very bad. They're using the Eviction Court to cover it up. Now, we slept on the bench at 30th Street. Through the niceties of an actual Amtrak cop, one of the few that was nice to us yesterday, so we know not all cops are bad, but minimal training is like the least that needs to be done in order to be able to handle people with empathy when they're going through such a hardship, especially when it's something illegal being done and people looking the other way. Minimal training is the least. Empathy is necessary. And you need a spiritual team, spiritually aware people to handle what's going on, because it's not just me dealing with people. It's narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths we're dealing with, and those are Satan's children. And we're people of God, and that's why we're targeted. Thank you. STATED MEETING 76 1/19/2023
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. We appreciate it. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Ogbonna Hagins, commenting on 200658. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, everyone. After not being in these Chambers for almost a month, it would have been nice to see a bill or two in regards to some of the major issues facing the City. Even though so far this year we see a slight reduction in homicide compared to this time last year, I see no real improvement overall. I come here every Thursday to speak and to draw your attention to the realities of what's happening out here in STATED MEETING 77 1/19/2023 these streets of Philadelphia. This being an election year, I was at least anticipating something dealing with the dirty streets that have been spoken about -- that I've spoken about on several occasions in this Chamber and how just simply cleaning and greening the City would decrease crime and violence by at least 30 percent. I would think that there would be some sort of resolution or bill in regards to the gun violence, economic development, particularly in the Afro American communities, or just something dealing with how our citizens are driving so recklessly in the City. Even though I am in favor of Bill 200658, an ordinance authorizing the installment of traffic signals or a traffic signal at the intersection of Upland Way and Berks, but what good is it if there's no enforcement in the City of laws? I commend the Council President STATED MEETING 78 1/19/2023 for dealing with the over 4,000 people who are on the waiting list to be employed, but how difficult can it be to hire people for the jobs that are vacant? And in regards to the music, I got to tell you, my son -- one of my sons is in Germany right now pursuing his music career. He should be in Philadelphia, but because the music industry is not really looked at well in this city, he's in Germany, not a different city, not a different state, but a different continent to pursue his music career. We have to do something immediately in regards to this issue. Thanks. (Applause.)
The final speaker today, Mr. President, is Lynn Landes, commenting on 210913. STATED MEETING 79 1/19/2023 (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. I'm Lynn Landes, publisher of ProtocolsforDemocracy.org. I do support Bill 210913, but today I would like to make some suggestions that will hopefully improve City Council meetings for all concerned. As I suggested at the last City Council meeting, please inform the public that they are allowed to make public comment at City Council meetings on any issue that falls within the purview of City Council. So please refrain from restricting our remarks to legislative agenda items only. This is an unconstitutional restriction on our right to free speech. Council can restrict topics for public comment on special occasions, but not for regularly scheduled public meetings. STATED MEETING 80 1/19/2023 In addition, please give speakers their full three minutes to talk. This is the accepted norm in your written policy. So it is unfair to restrict speakers to two minutes right before they are set to speak. Many speakers have come with prepared remarks and this last-minute change can really throw them off. Also, please hire a professional to install better sound-absorbent materials in the City Council Chamber. There is a strong echo that makes it very difficult to understand people when they are speaking into a microphone. Lastly, please end the requirement for face masks and social distancing at City Council meetings and allow people into the balcony seats. There are no credible scientific studies that prove masking or social distancing stop the spread of any virus. In fact, it is well documented they do more harm STATED MEETING 81 1/19/2023 than good. I want to thank those Councilmembers who are not wearing masks, but please stand up for our right to not wear them either. We should all be treated equally in a democracy. Thank you for your attention. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. Decker. That concludes our public comment for today. I want to thank all those that have testified today and those that are not here. We appreciate your input and your continued participation. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. STATED MEETING 82 1/19/2023 1/19/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, if you can please read the title of Resolution No. 221026.
A resolution urging the United States Congress to pass House Resolution 8105, the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act, to ensure fair wages and benefits for airport workers in Philadelphia and across the nation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council 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? (No response.) STATED MEETING 83 1/19/2023 1/19/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, Resolution No. 221029.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 1 through 49 Rudy Robinson Way, located in the Third Councilmanic District.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No -
No, no, Councilman. Councilwoman Gauthier is not here. I just want to -- just give me a motion.
Oh, STATED MEETING 84 1/19/2023 1/19/23 - STATED - 2ND READING there you are.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion is adopted. Mr. Decker, 221032.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank STATED MEETING 85 1/19/2023 1/19/23 - STATED - 2ND READING deeds conveying title to various properties located in the Third Councilmanic District, including on the following streets: Cambridge Street, Fairmount Avenue and Pallas Street.