Hi. Thank you so much. I just wanted to quickly say thank you to City Council. Thank you to Councilmember Rue Landau. I'm so proud of you sitting there. Also, thanks to the supporters who came to testify today. And Michael shouted out Sandra, but I also just wanted to Stated Meeting 103 04/25/2024 thank Sandra for taking over the reins of the organization. And then last, just to say hi to my mom who's watching the live stream. (Applause.)
Kate Perez, Bonita Williams and Kay Schipper also make their way to the podium.
I come in support of Resolution 240309. First, I'd like to say happy birthday to Mumia Abu-Jamal, who turned 70 yesterday. A French delegation handed petitions to RDA in Shapiro's office to call for his immediate release. We can't wait to see Mumia free. Now, while we might support the Biden Administration's initiative to close this gun show loophole, Biden has permanently lost the support of millions of voters. Just this past Tuesday, Pennsylvania had a historic number Stated Meeting 104 04/25/2024 of write-in ballots with over 57,951 people statewide voting uncommitted with more to be counted, thousands of people who are refusing to be complicit in and vote for genocide. This closing of the gun show loophole was issued under a provision of the 2022 Safer Communities Act, a rule that followed the tragic Uvalde shooting, where the Texas Department of Safety responded to the Robb Elementary shooting on May 24, 2022. 91 DPS personnel were at the school where law enforcement waited over an hour before breaching the classroom where the gunman was. 19 children and two teachers were killed. Violence against students is especially horrifying and we should be doing everything we can to prevent it in Stated Meeting 105 04/25/2024 all its forms. This includes banning guns and stopping the selling of bombs that have already dropped on every university and hundreds of schools and kindergartens in Palestine. We should support the students of Penn University and Swarthmore for their rights to protest free speech and for refusing to move until we have a complete divestment from all companies that are complicit in the violent colonization of Palestine. In response, our universities are staunchly defending their right to profit from genocide and keep their community safe by inviting the National Guard to pepper spray and arrest their students. This loophole was created in 2022 but won't be signed until 2024 showing how slowly things move unless it's weapon sales or Stated Meeting 106 04/25/2024 strangling free speech by banning TikTok. All eyes on Rafah. (Applause.)
Bonita Williams, Kaye Schipper and Helen Bradley. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, Council President Johnson, Councilwoman Lozada and Councilman Isaiah Thomas and members of City Council. My name is Bonita Williams and I am the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Children's Alliance. Thank you for having my colleagues and myself here today to accept this resolution on behalf of the Philadelphia Children's Alliance. Child sexual abuse is a widespread and underreported problem, the kind of abuse that occurs to all kinds of children, in Stated Meeting 107 04/25/2024 all of our neighborhoods, in all socioeconomic levels. Each year hundreds of thousands of children in our area are sexually abused. Let me give you some alarming statistics. in girls and 1 in 13 boys will experience child sexual abuse. 60 percent of child sexual abuse victims will never disclose their abuse. 90 percent of child abuse victims are abused by someone they know. And in half those cases, it's a family member. Although teaching kids about strangers is important, we need to teach our children about the uncle that the entire family knows has issues. We also need to teach them about the neighbor that eagerly wants to watch your children after school. Philadelphia Children's Alliance is a nonprofit Stated Meeting 108 04/25/2024 organization that has been serving children in the Philadelphia area for over 35 years. We are the only accredited child advocacy center in our City. Our specially-trained staff perform forensic interviews and provide trauma therapy. Our victim advocates provide step-bystep support to the entire family for the duration of each case, which in some cases could include years. We provide support to children that have been commercially sex trafficked and children who have witnessed domestic violence. We offer court support, a caregiver support program for non-offending parents at no cost to children and their families. We thank you again for this proclamation for April Child Abuse Prevention Month, and special thanks to Councilwoman Lozada and Stated Meeting 109 04/25/2024 Councilman Isaiah Thomas. Thank you. (Applause.)
Kaye Schipper, Helen Bradley, Amy Leech and Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg. Please make your way to the podium. We have Kaye Schipper, Helen Bradley, Amy Leech, Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg, Jeremy Blatstein and Lynn Landes. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg. I am a senior attorney at the Public Interest Law Center. In that capacity I was part of the legal team that brought and won the school funding lawsuit that will hopefully benefit all the students of the School District of Philadelphia District schools and Charter students alike. In that capacity, I am here Stated Meeting 110 04/25/2024 to urge you to support the Mayor's nominees to the School Board. That includes Reginald Streater who is before you today and Joyce Wilkerson who should be. The School District has come a long way in the last 10 years. In part, that is because of this body, right. For those of us who remember where we were in 2013 and 2014, those were dark times in the School District. We have a moment in front of us. It is important that we build on it, that we seize the moment for real progress for the District and protect against anything that will take us backwards. The School District of Philadelphia was long not a good partner in the fight for fair funding, but that has changed in recent years. Dr. Hite and Uri Monson Stated Meeting 111 04/25/2024 testified at trial, right. They testified because Joyce Wilkerson decided that that was a priority of the District and she made that happen. Reginald Streater has been leading advocacy efforts to get Philadelphia children, District and Charter alike, the resources that they deserve after the decision. I know that there is inevitable push and pull between Charter schools and the Board that must authorize them. But to serve Charter school students, we must have oversight for Charter Schools themselves. That's how we protect our kids. I urge you to confirm these nominees and let's build the education that all our children deserve. Thank you. (Applause.)
Jeremy Blatstein. Lynn Landes, then Horace Clouden. Stated Meeting 112 04/25/2024
Hello, City Council. My name is Jeremy Blatstein. I'm talking about Bill No. -- wow, what number is it? I lost it. Sorry about that.
240321. An appeal for an ADU over a garage, that is what you are authorizing O'Neill to sue. This is the same thing that we've talked about in the past about allowing City Council to appeal a ZBA ruling. It doesn't really make sense. It's literally an add-on to a garage outside of a house. So if we're talking about housing and we're talking about green space, we need density. That's the trade-off. And if we're going to allow City Council to use government dollars, tax pay dollars to appeal, then you are going against everything you also are Stated Meeting 113 04/25/2024 saying about affordable housing. So as you move forward, I would challenge each and every one of you to really look at where the density is going to come from if we also are going to be saying that green space is important. Because if you just say I want affordable housing but at the same time you're saying I care about green space, it's not going to lead to more affordable housing because you're not allowing there to be density. So as we move forward, I just would challenge each and every one of you to really look at how you can add density and housing in your Districts along with how do the At-large members contribute to housing in Philadelphia, because right now that At-large people kind of say, oh, it's not my thing because of this thing called Councilmanic prerogative, you know, Stated Meeting 114 04/25/2024 my favorite little term. But I just would really like to see housing be a priority along with streamlining the Land Bank process so that we don't continue to get ourselves in this position to choose between housing and green space. Thank you.
Lynn Landes, Horace Clouden, Leah Clouden and Gail Clouden. Please make your way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. I'm Lynn Landes, publisher of Protocols for Democracy. Regarding the resolution confirming appointments to the School Board, it seems more appropriate and democratic for Philadelphia citizens to be voting for school members to represent them like most other school districts do. Stated Meeting 115 04/25/2024 That said, today's appointing appointees will face some daunting challenges. To include recent changes in Title 9, which appear to require the admittance into girls sports and girls locker rooms, biological boys who identify as girls. This defies commonsense and logic, as it defeats the original purpose of Title 9 which was to give girls an equal but separate opportunity to participate in sports in a safe manner. There is no denying the scientific fact that after a certain age boys have a considerable physical advantage over girls. To pit them against each other in athletic competition put girls at serious disadvantage as well as risk of serious physical injury. In addition to that controversial issue, the School Stated Meeting 116 04/25/2024 Board should make it clear to parents that in order to attend school, their children are not required by state or City laws to get vaccines, none of which have been tested for their potential to cause cancer, damage DNA or impair fertility which is printed in Section 13 of every manufacturer's product insert and is also published on the FDA website. In addition, it appears that the School Board may face another health crisis as government health agencies, medical institutions and big pharma are issuing warnings about a bird flu or ex-pandemic. Since those same entities got nearly everything wrong about the COVID pandemic, hopefully the next time School Board members will not blindly follow the Board of Health who blindly follows federal health Stated Meeting 117 04/25/2024 agencies. Thank you very much.
Horace Clouden, Leah Clouden, Gail Clouden and Ogbonna Hagins.
Good morning, City Council. My name is Horace Clouden. Bill 240254 to '262 I'm opposing because you don't have any true community people on the Board. I have applied for the Board. I've been a community person who has been involved in School Board matters for years. As a member of the Parent Community Advisory Council to the Board where 50 percent of the Council has fallen to the wayside, I stayed. I was the individual who had the Board focused on student achievement and teacher attendance whereas you have monthly updates on both at School Board meetings. Last Friday you saw a display of defending a failing Stated Meeting 118 04/25/2024 School District along with new members eager to join in with support. Many of the Council's concerns were equity and education, Driver's Ed., CTE high school or comprehensive high school, facility master plan pulls 13 middle-grade sports, six forms of the arts, K to 8 a failing model. Junior High School, 7th, 8th and 9th overcrowding and underutilized buildings. Again, I have spoken on all of these matters at School Board meetings and Goals and Guardrail meetings and have given solid solutions. Right now you have the opportunity to change the direction with whom you put on the Board. I'm asking you to put me on the Board to make a difference. I am up-to-date with the issues. Right now the School Board buildings have went from assisting in 10 percent Stated Meeting 119 04/25/2024 of learning to 50 percent of mismanagement. The community voice needs a seat at the table, not just two minutes or written testimony. There were 21 high schools out of 52 that had 0 percent in student achievement performance 2021-2022. With the new SPREE report, the District has hidden that reference. I do challenge the Superintendent at School Board meetings. I know that you were displeased with Friday's account of what was going on. Don't just pass this through, stand up, make a difference, oppose this. Have the Mayor re-assess the appointees and come up with a better nine people. Thank you.
Leah Clouden, Gail Clouden and Ogbonna Hagins. (No response.) Stated Meeting 120 04/25/2024
Symbol Lai. Lisa Haver and Victor Young. (Witnesses approached podium.)
My name is Ogbonna Hagins and I'm a fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. April being established as Philadelphia History's Month is great. Hopefully you will include in this yearly celebration some recent history as well as his history from the distant past. I'm reminded of the history-making event, the first time in recorded history in Philadelphia an Eid celebration was shot up. Even in the times of Prophet Muhammad nobody shot up an Eid celebration. Whoever the muslim community members, councilmembers are, just know that you presided over the first time that an Eid celebration was shot Stated Meeting 121 04/25/2024 up. I want you to remember and be reminded and celebrate the fact that I introduced historic legislation to eradicate structural racism and I want to remind you that the descendants of slavery in this body didn't even stand up for it. But if I was talking about anti-Semitism and there were Jewish members in here, you could be rest assured they would stand up against anti-Semitism. So what I'm saying is this, have this April celebration but remember the tragedies that this Council is responsible for. Remember that your study said that the root cause of gun violence is structural racism and the solution is large scale investments in the areas that have been decimated by crime, violence and unemployment. If you refuse to address Stated Meeting 122 04/25/2024 structural racism again, it's the equivalent of a Holocaust survivor not addressing the Holocaust, not addressing anti-Semitism. So again, you're on the clock. The structural racism bill is still there. And furthermore, let it be noted in this history-making event that Council President said that he would do me a favor and read my bill, not do his job and represent his constituent. You can't do me a favor when you go and ask for suggestions from the community and the community gives you suggestions. And you just say, I'm going to do you a favor. I'm your constituent in the 2nd District, and I expect you to read it and get back to your constituents because you work for me. I don't work for you. Ogbonna Hagins, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. Over and out. Stated Meeting 123 04/25/2024 (Applause.)
Hi. Good morning, City Council. My name is Symbol Lai. I'm here for Children First. I'm here to testify in support of Mayor Parker's full slate of School Board nominees. And I'm also here to testify in support of Joyce Wilkerson, whose nomination is being held. Ms. Wilkerson provides invaluable institutional knowledge to a new School Board comprised of many new faces who have never served the District in this capacity before. She has served in the District in a Board capacity since 2015 and has helped steer the district from severe budget cuts, dire fiscal straits to fiscal stability. So you know that Children Stated Meeting 124 04/25/2024 First has been here every week since March asking you to increase local investment in the School District by raising the share of property taxes going to the School District from 55 percent to 58 percent. Just for a point of reference, we expect that to be about 100 million of local recurring revenue every year. One of the main concerns Councilmembers shared is that you wanted to know that the District would be a good steward of this money. And, Council President Johnson, when I testified on March 27th, you said that you wanted to make sure that every dollar given to the School District goes to the benefit of Philly students and Children First agreed, I agreed with that statement. So one way to ensure that happens is by appointing Joyce Stated Meeting 125 04/25/2024 Wilkerson. She knows how to weather storms and knows how to turn the District's physical situation around. Without Ms. Wilkerson's experience, we'll have a School Board where the longest serving member only has 2 years of experience. Ensuring good fiscal stewardship becomes that much harder when with a Board that's comprised of largely new folks. We want Council to invest more in the School District in this year's budget and we want the District to do what Council wants, which is to maximize all its money to the benefit of kids. And that's why I'm urging City Council to support Mayor Parker's full slate of School Board nominations, including Joyce Wilkerson. Thank you. (Applause.) Stated Meeting 126 04/25/2024
Thank you and good morning. My name is Lisa Haver. I'm a member of the Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools. We're a grassroots organization of volunteers. Members of APPS have also attended meetings of the SRC and the Board of Education, but we are actually urging you to confirm all nine of the Mayor's nominees. We have criticized the Board. We have criticized Joyce Wilkerson. We have sued them in court, but when Mayor Cherelle Parker included Ms. Wilkerson in her nominees for School Board, I thought that was a good move. Joyce Wilkerson has kept the best interests of the children, children in all schools as her guide. When over half of the District's Charter schools are underenrolled, some Stated Meeting 127 04/25/2024 very significantly, it can only be seen as fiscally irresponsible to start approving more Charter schools. In truth though, this is not about any one Board member because votes on all issues including Charter renewals, non-renewals, new Charter applications have been unanimous in many cases and in some, a vote of 7 to 2. Scapegoating one of the Mayor's nominees is really not about the best interest of the children or the City. It's a show of strength by those who want to push for free-market approaches to public education, many of whom are funded by billionaires including Jeff Yass, who does not live in the City. We are urging the Board to approve all of the Mayor's nominees. Thank you. (Applause.) Stated Meeting 128 04/25/2024
Good morning. My name is Victor Young and I -thank you. All right. Good morning, Council President and Councilmembers. My name is Victor Young and I'm not here to represent NGT. I started to write some things down, but I said, you know, my heart will speak better than me putting something on paper. I'm here as a guard -- I'm in support of Councilwoman Brooks' resolution for Urban Act. Now, I heard a lot of good things spoken today. We are stewards of the land. And without the trees, the birds and all these other things, none of this other stuff exist, none of it exist. As you know in your Districts, we have gardens. Well, I have a garden in West Philadelphia thanks to Councilman Jones and his help. We Stated Meeting 129 04/25/2024 took a vacant lot full of trash, if you step out there today, you have fruit trees, you have benches, you have people gathering there. We have people in a in a desert. It's a food desert because the nearest supermarket is at least a mile away from some of these people and they don't have food. They can come by our garden and be fed. It's important that we be stewards of the land. So I'm in great support of Councilwoman Brooks' resolution. Not just make it a resolution, let's go even further, okay, and you know what I'm saying. Don't let it be a resolution. Let it be something that's viable. I was here in 2015 with this same problem, and here we are today. Land Bank pops in, you can't inhale concrete. You can't eat steel, so that's my words for Stated Meeting 130 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING you.
Council President, there are no other names for public comment.
We will now consider the resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240254.
A resolution introduced by Councilmember Thomas for Council President Johnson. Resolution confirming the appointment of Crystal Cubbage to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240254. Stated Meeting 131 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Council President. I do want to take a moment to say thank you to all of the folks as it relates to the level of engagement around this particular process, and also thank my colleagues for being laser-sharp focused on our children and those who work with our children on a consistent basis. So thank you everybody. With that being said, Council President, on your behalf I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240254 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting 132 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240255.
Resolution confirming the reappointment of Sarah Ashley Andrews to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240255.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Stated Meeting 133 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240255 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. The Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 240256.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Joan Stern to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240256. Stated Meeting 134 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240256 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240257.
Resolution confirming the re-appointment of Reginald Streater to the Board of Stated Meeting 135 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Education of the School District of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
And that's Resolution No. 240257. It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240257 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The resolution is Stated Meeting 136 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240258.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Wanda Novales to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240258.
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 Resolution No. 240258 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) Stated Meeting 137 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240259.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Whitney Jones to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240259.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Stated Meeting 138 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240259 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240260.
A resolution confirming the re-appointment of Chau Wing Laum to the Board of Education of the School District of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240260. Stated Meeting 139 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240260 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240262.
A resolution confirming the appointment of Cheryl Harper to the Board of Stated Meeting 140 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Education of the School District of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240262.
Thank you, Council President. Again on your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240262 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion Stated Meeting 141 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240306.
A resolution establishing the month of April as Philadelphia Histories Month in the City of Philadelphia commencing in 2025 and continuing annually thereafter.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240306.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240306 be adopted. Stated Meeting 142 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240308.
A resolution calling on the Pennsylvania State Senate to pass House Bill 1130 to create the Safer Communities Grant program, which will make Philadelphia safer by providing funding for lighting and security cameras around schools, playgrounds, community centers and other high-crime areas.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Stated Meeting 143 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240308.
Thank you, Mr. President. In support of Representative Roni Green, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240308 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240309. Stated Meeting 144 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
A resolution supporting Biden Administration's finalized rule that aims to expand certain background check requirements for firearm purchases and close the "gun-show loophole."
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240309.
Thank you, Mr. President. In memory of our trip up to Oaks, Pa with former President Clarke, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240309 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting 145 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240318.
A resolution proclaiming May 2024 as Dual Asian American Pacific Islander and Jewish American Heritage Month in Philadelphia to pay tribute to the rich history and significant contributions made by generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Jewish Americans to our country, Commonwealth and City.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240318.
I move for the adoption of the Stated Meeting 146 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240318 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240321.
A resolution authorizing and ratifying Councilmember O'Neill's appeal on behalf of and as representative of City Council of the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment with Stated Meeting 147 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING respect to 4100 Orchard Lane.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240321.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240321 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Stated Meeting 148 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240322.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to various properties located in the 8th Councilmanic District, including on the following streets: West Manheim Street, East Wister Street, East Garfield Street, Collum Street, Lakemore Street, Vernon Road, Lena Street, Germantown Avenue and Church Lane, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240322.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of Stated Meeting 149 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240322 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. We will now have the consideration of privileged resolutions. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Final Passage Calendar.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Gauthier honoring and Stated Meeting 150 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING recognizing Edward "Lee" Morgan whose soulful melodies and blazing improvisations continue to inspire musicians and bring joy to his legions of fans worldwide.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Jamie 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.) Stated Meeting 151 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the next resolution.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Thomas recognizing and congratulating the Champion of the Week, Buddy Martinez of Timoteo Sports, which utilizes athletics to engage with and mentor young people in the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion on a resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be Stated Meeting 152 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Jones honoring Cynthia Kishinchand as Champion of Urban Greening and Community Empowerment for her leadership of the East Falls Tree Tenders.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank Stated Meeting 153 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring and celebrating the meaningful work conducted by the Friends of Wissahickon as well as for their 100 years of service to the City of Philadelphia, the Stated Meeting 154 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Wissahickon Valley Park and the surrounding areas introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. Cleaner, greener, safer, I move for the adoption. (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 Stated Meeting 155 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Landau recognizing and honoring Stephanie Haynes for her impact as Executive Director of Philadelphia Family Pride.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau 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. Stated Meeting 156 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - 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 introduced by Councilmember Lozada, recognizing and honoring the Philadelphia Children's Alliance and the Philadelphia Department of Human Services for their collaborative commitment to bring healing and justice to victims of child abuse in Philadelphia and declaring April 2024 to be Child Abuse Prevention Month in the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada for a motion on a Stated Meeting 157 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the next resolution.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Brooks authorizing the Committee on the Environment to Stated Meeting 158 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING hold hearings to examine the progress made since introduction of the Philadelphia Urban Agricultural Plan to convene agencies and stakeholders needed to make further progress and to create an implementation strategy to expeditiously meet the goals of the plan.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks 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. Stated Meeting 159 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - 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 introduced by Councilmember Brooks honoring and expressing the gratitude to Philly Black Pride for its ongoing work to center and support underserved Black and Brown folks in the LGBTQ+ community and recognizing Thursday, April 25th through Sunday, April 28th as Philly Black Pride Weekend in the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution. Stated Meeting 160 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Squilla honoring and congratulating Settlement Music Stated Meeting 161 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING School on its 116th Anniversary and recognizing and commending its directors, officers, faculty, staff and students, both past and present for, making Settlement Music School an institution known worldwide for its excellence.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Stated Meeting 162 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution introduced by Councilmember Ahmad honoring the founding of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on the occasion of its 120th Anniversary.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly Stated Meeting 163 04/25/2024 04/25/24 - STATED - 2ND READING 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.
Council President, there are no other resolutions for consideration.
That completes our Calendar for today. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
I wanted to be marked aye on all the resolutions I missed while I was out.
Stated Meeting 164 04/25/2024 any speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Kendra Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. First, I want to note that after session Mural Arts, Councilmember O'Rourke and I are hosting a people's budget roundtable. This is a culmination of a series of community conversations that Mural Arts has been hosting with residents, business owners, advocates and City workers around the City. The Caucus room will be transformed with artwork to represent the outcomes of the conversations. Lunch will be provided and it should be fun, and we hope to see Councilmembers and their staff there. Stated Meeting 165 04/25/2024 Now, today Minority Whip Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke and I are introducing a resolution to call for a hearing on Philadelphia's Urban Agricultural Plan. We are calling for this hearing because we know that Philly's future depends on what we do today to manage one of the most important resources our land. In the past, our government has helped White families to buy homes, build generational wealth while pushing Black families to the margin with the racist policies of redlining. To this day we see the impact of those policies on our neighborhoods. The same neighborhoods that were redlined are the neighborhoods with high rates of instability, poverty and violence. But in those same neighborhoods we also have seen the Stated Meeting 166 04/25/2024 and Brown communities who cleaned up vacant lots and transformed them into beautiful community gardens that provide food, shade and safety for the whole neighborhood. Not many people realize this, but the majority of active gardens and farms in our City, about 70 percent are in high poverty neighborhoods where the majority of the residents are people of color. So when we talk about our an urban agriculture plan, we're talking about a lot more than just flowers. We're talking about racial justice. We're talking about stabilizing our neighborhoods and providing free healthy food in places where people need them the most, and we're talking about planning for a future where our children can truly thrive. Last June alongside Stated Meeting 167 04/25/2024 gardeners, members of the Administration and fellow Councilmembers I introduced that we were able to protect over 90 parcels of land from the threat of sheriff's sale. With this hearing on the Urban Agricultural Plan and with the hearing later this spring on a priority bid for the Land Bank, we are taking the necessary steps to put the land and the resources into the hands who use it the best, the people who live there. Today with Councilmember Rue Landau I am introducing a resolution to recognize this weekend as Philly Black Pride Weekend in Philadelphia. And when I think of Black Pride, I think of Marsha P. Johnson, Bayard Rustin and my good friend, rest in peace, Michael P. Hinson and all the other Black queer ancestors who devoted Stated Meeting 168 04/25/2024 collective liberation. I also think of all the young Black people in my life who deserve to feel honored and valued for who they are wherever they are, whether it's in their classrooms, at their jobs, in their doctor's office or even in City Hall. Across the country with the escalating attacks of queer youth, their teachers and librarians, Philadelphia must answer that hatred and bigotry with the resounding support of Black queer Philadelphians. Thank you so much, Council President and colleagues.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke.
Thank you, Council President. Stated Meeting 169 04/25/2024 so, so, so nice to have my Minority Leader back in town who has been deep in the fight to maintain urban green space. It's an honor to join her in introducing this resolution to hold a hearing on Philly's Urban Agriculture Plan. It's also great to have the support of the Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Councilmember Gauthier, who has also fought for urban agriculture in her District. Some of you may have had the pleasure of reading through Philly's Urban Agriculture Plan or at least the executive summary and key recommendations. If you haven't taken a look, I do encourage you to find it online or reach out to our office for a link because you'll be amazed by the hyper local facts, findings and suggestions that the plan contains. Stated Meeting 170 04/25/2024 level, this plan puts that green in the clean and green that we've been looking for. Amen. You heard our Minority Leader explain the benefits of urban gardens, but seeing and feeling it for yourself, that's another matter entirely. I just got the chance to do so joining folks, including the Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad at Glenwood Green Acres this past weekend to celebrate Earth Day. At almost 4 acres, Glenwood Green Acres is one of the largest community gardens in Philadelphia and sits on a beautiful site in North Philly. I do think that the Councilmember would agree with me on that one. The energy and potential in that space, the community that's been fostered there, it's not something to overlook or even consider trivial. Stated Meeting 171 04/25/2024 40 last year, and I think that's worth acknowledging as well. Cities by their nature are everchanging, so a community hub that has passed hands and stewards over decades is a key point of connection and camaraderie, a site where neighbors can grow more neighborly, learn from each other and literally share the fruits of their labor. I just want to shout out some of the over 100 gardens, friends groups and organizations that have been a part of this agricultural work. I'm talking about the Neighborhood Gardens Trust, talking about Black Farmers Collective, the Neighborhood Land Power Project, Cesar Iglesias Garden, the beautiful work done at the Sankofa Farm at Bartram's Gardens, my Southwest folk would know about that, and so, so, so Stated Meeting 172 04/25/2024 to stress it one more time this is not small ball. Community gardens span our City and touch thousands of lives each and every growing season. To me it would be beautiful and powerful if everyone in Philly lived close enough to green spaces that build these sorts of connections, and that's the reality that the Urban Ag Plan aims to help facilitate. As we work to implement the agenda, we'll need to ensure that gardeners can establish permanent ownership over the land they stored and that the officials disposing of public property understand and value these spaces as a form of productive land use. Philadelphians will only stand to benefit, especially as we do more to incorporate green spaces in City-run efforts from Stated Meeting 173 04/25/2024 schools to joint ventures with members of Philly's creative economy and much, much, much more. This is all feasible, actually within reach. And in some cases it's actually already happening. So this Earth Week I hope that we can all take some time to think about the fullness of what we mean when we talk about a green transition. There are so many important changes wrapped up in those two little words, green transition, which is the work of so many Philadelphians.
The Majority Leader has led the charge on greening our City's investments among other improvement, environmental initiatives; and many public officials have toiled to reduce emissions from our built environment to plant trees citywide Stated Meeting 174 04/25/2024 and to develop a green workforce, and there's a ton of important work that I'm actually leaving out there. But I want to make a specific case here. Any just green transition worth its name must show up in our human connections to the land, our material connections to the land where we live, where we work and where we play. That means providing ample space for people to get their hands in the dirt, to learn to cultivate life and community together. That also means acknowledging this land as Lenni Lenape and grasping our history in new ways. It's truly grassroots work. So I'm excited to have this hearing and to see what we can do to implement this truly impressive, exciting and visionary plan. Stated Meeting 175 04/25/2024 you, Council President.
Good work, brother. Good job. Speeches on behalf of the Majority, Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas.
Thank you, Council President. A couple things today. First and foremost, I just want to take again a moment to commend the members of City Council as it relates to our School Board. As the Chair of the Education Committee, I'm prepared and ready to work with the folks who were confirmed today and more than willing to do whatever we need to do to make sure that we're putting our children and the families who Stated Meeting 176 04/25/2024 by this issue in the best position to be successful. I also wanted to take a moment to speak on the Sixers. Clearly I'm a huge Sixers fan. I think a lot of us were disappointed in the outcome of the game the other day, and I could probably blame the referees or a bunch of other people. But I think what was more disappointing than the Sixers going down 0-2 is the issues that the workers are facing with Aramark. Unfortunately I'm not going to be able to go to the game today, but I do stand in solidarity with those workers. Because at the end of the day, I'm going be honest, Council President, we are fighting very hard for some of the economic issues that we have in the City and we do advocate for quality jobs for Stated Meeting 177 04/25/2024 people, but it's very difficult to make an argument that we need to make some structural change as it relates to what we do to court businesses when businesses don't treat workers the right way. When we look at what's going on with the workers down at the stadiums, the sad part is that we've protested and stood with these workers so many times, from the Black Workers Matter package that we passed with you, Council President, and former Councilmember Gym to the numerous times that we've stood in support of these workers. At the end of the day, we've been listening to a lot of budget hearings. One of the things that we're hearing people talk about constantly is the fact that there are too many people in Philadelphia who have a job that Stated Meeting 178 04/25/2024 livable wage. Things have changed post-pandemic. And while we as government recognize that things are different, so we are trying to adjust where we are, we have to also acknowledge that inflation has hit every single household. So when workers are standing up on a consistent basis and asking for support as it relates to health care, they're not being greedy. They're trying to take care of their family. When they're telling us on a consistent basis that $15 an hour, which we all fought for at one time, is no longer a livable wage, we have to believe them. If we're going to use studies to determine how we govern and how we make decisions and who we should fight for, then we have to respect those same studies when they tell Stated Meeting 179 04/25/2024 not earning a quality living. So as somebody who has always stood with workers in the City of Philadelphia but at the same time has tried to do our due diligence to be good stewards to attract businesses to the City of Philadelphia, I say shame on Aramark. I'm proud to have my UNITE HERE shirt on in Council here today and I stand with those workers, and I know other Councilmembers are just as passionate as I am. So when you go to the Sixers game tonight, we're going to cheer on our team. We're probably going to boo the referees, but please don't buy anything from the concession stands. Stand with the workers, don't cross the line, fight for UNITE HERE. Thank you, Council Stated Meeting 180 04/25/2024 you, colleagues. (Applause.)
You're welcome, Member Thomas. Thank you very much. Keep up the good work as well. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. So first, here, here to the Majority Whip's or Deputy Whip's comments. I support the UNITE HERE Aramark workers as well. But I wanted to talk about a couple of other resolutions introduced today. In honor of International Jazz Day, I introduced a resolution honoring Lee Morgan. Lee Morgan grew up in Tioga and began playing the trumpet at 14. After graduating from the Jules E. Mastbaum Area Vocation Technical High School, he joined the Dizzy Stated Meeting 181 04/25/2024 signed with Bluenote Records. He began his career as a band leader with his debut album "Lee Morgan" indeed and was a sideman on John Coltrane's Blue Train and Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers Moanin'. Lee Morgan's "The Sidewinder" was one of the Bluenote Records best-selling albums and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000. And just last week the Library of Congress announced that it added this seminal album to the National Recording Registry. I want to give a special shout-out here to Faye Anderson from All That Philly Jazz whose advocacy made this listing possible. We know that people who look like us tend to get overlooked, and I appreciate Faye for ensuring Lee Morgan gets his Stated Meeting 182 04/25/2024 Library of Congress. Lee Morgan's contributions extend -- go ahead, you can clap for that. (Applause.)
Lee Morgan's contributions extend beyond his musical talents. He was heavily involved with Jazz and the People's Movement, a cultural group that advocated for greater representation of Black jazz musicians on broadcast television. Unfortunately Lee Morgan's life was cut short when he died at the age of 33. And while he may no longer be with us, his soulful melodies and blazing improvisations continue to inspire musicians and radiate Joy. I want to thank everyone who spoke in honor of Lee Morgan during public comment today, Stated Meeting 183 04/25/2024 Cox, Faye Anderson, Cornelia Swinson, Jacqueline Wiggins and Dr. Diane Turner. And thank you to my colleagues for voting to honor one of our City's great musical minds. I look forward to Lee Morgan being permanently memorialized on 52nd Street next week when he receives a historical marker outside the former Aqua Lounge where he gave his final hometown performance. Thank you so much. And I also want to take a moment to uplift the resolution authorizing hearings on urban agriculture that was introduced today by Minority Leader Brooks and Minority Whip O'Rourke. Last year the City released its first ever Urban Agriculture Plan. This launch represented the first time that the City formerly committed to Stated Meeting 184 04/25/2024 than a barrier to urban farms and gardens. And as the Chair of the Committee on the Environment, I'm proud that the 3rd Councilmanic District is home to many grassroots green spaces. Not only do urban farms provide neighbors the chance to build community, gain valuable skills, beautify their blocks, improve air quality and access fresh produce, but they also help us to reduce violence. Green and vacant lots reduces violent crimes by 29 percent in the surrounding area. A 2018 study conducted by Penn Medicine's Dr. South found that greening every vacant lot across Philadelphia could prevent up to 350 shootings every year. So, yes, urban farms foster food sovereignty, promote sustainability and build community, but they must Stated Meeting 185 04/25/2024 of the conversation when we're talking about gun violence. Historically the City's policies do not recognize the importance and permanence of urban and community gardens, but I'm proud that this body has already taken steps to reverse this trend. We enacted the Community Land for Community Benefit legislation, which makes it easier for urban farms to acquire City-owned vacant land in certain Districts. And thanks to Minority Leader Brooks' leadership, the City is finally buying back many of the lots sold to the U.S. Bank, allowing us to preserve longestablished farms and gardens. But we still have a long way to go until urban farmers and gardeners have the support and the resources that they deserve from our City. Stated Meeting 186 04/25/2024 this hearing so we can examine the progress we've made since the introduction of the Philadelphia Urban Agriculture Plan and ensure we are moving quickly and collaboratively to achieve the plan's goals. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
You're welcome. Good job. Chair recognizes Councilmember Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. First, I just want to echo the sentiments of our Majority Whip Councilmember Isaiah Thomas. As we speak right now, the members of UNITE HERE are on strike. And I want them to know and everyone else in the City to know that this body supports your efforts for a livable wage and health benefits. That's Stated Meeting 187 04/25/2024 They're asking for the bare minimum to be able to survive out here in this City. And I think a corporation like Aramark should be able to provide those opportunities for workers in this City to be able to live. So thank you, Councilmember Thomas, for your impassioned speech on that. Second, I want to talk about a bill that I introduced last week. I was not here and able to speak about it, but it's Bill No. 240304, which I am calling the Construction Activity Accountability bill. And what this bill would do, essentially we've all seen that throughout the 5th District and beyond in our City there has been property damage done by developers, done by contractors and their faulty work. Stated Meeting 188 04/25/2024 would do is prevent any permits from being applied for without first presenting a plan to L&I that shows that your neighboring property is now considered an additional insured on your insurance policy. Now, what this does is it allows the neighboring property owner to then reach out to your insurance company directly to file any claims that's necessary for any property damage rather than trying to find the developer, rather than then you got to go sue them in court. But what this does is it allows you to go to the insurance company directly to be made whole again. And we've seen this time and time again throughout our City, properties are collapsing because of faulty development. We have old structures, old churches with cracks and foundations because of Stated Meeting 189 04/25/2024 bill any new construction or any demolition will be required to name the abutting property owners as an additional insured on their insurance policies. We are here to protect the citizens of Philadelphia, and that's what this bill aims to do. Third and last, Mr. President, tonight at 6:00 p.m. at the John Street Center located at 11th and Poplar we will be hosting our third iteration of our neighborhood budget town halls. I'm encouraging everyone under the sound of my voice to come out to this town hall to speak to your City Council. Let us know how you want your tax dollars spent. Provide us feedback so we can do the people's work. And so, I look forward to seeing you all tonight at 6:00 p.m. Stated Meeting 190 04/25/2024 Street Center. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you. Good work. Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. So first, I'm proud to present a proposed amendment to The Philadelphia Code to help our vibrant restaurant scene continue to flourish. Thank you, Councilmembers Driscoll, Young and Squilla for co-sponsoring. Our streeteries have become an integral part of Philadelphia's dining scene, offering residents and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy our City's culinary delights in unique and vibrant outdoor settings. And it's crucial that we strike a balance between supporting these establishments and ensuring public safety and the Stated Meeting 191 04/25/2024 streets. The proposed amendment will open up the possibility for restaurants to enhance the experience of outdoor dining while maintaining the integrity of our public spaces, which is crucial as we head into not only our summer months but also 2026 when our City will be front and center on the national stage and when Philadelphia will welcome tens of thousands of visitors. Secondly, I was honored to introduce the resolution recognizing and honoring Stephanie Haynes for her remarkable impact as Executive Director of Philadelphia Family Pride. For over 30 years Stephanie has dedicated herself to advancing the lives of Philadelphians, particularly within the LGBTQ community. Since joining PFP in 2009, Stated Meeting 192 04/25/2024 in expanding the organization's reach and educational resources. Under her leadership, PFP has organized annual conferences, foster parent information sessions and social gatherings, providing invaluable support to LGBTQ+ parents and prospective parents. Stephanie's tireless advocacy and commitment to diversity and inclusion has enriched the lives of countless families including mine in our City. Thank you, Stephanie. And as we recognize Stephanie's outstanding contributions, we also celebrate her upcoming transition as she steps down from her role at PFP. Her Legacy of leadership and compassion will continue to inspire us for years to come. (Applause.)
Stated Meeting 193 04/25/2024 Finally, I introduced a resolution that will be on the Calendar for adoption next week that calls on the Biden Administration to immediately release the U.S. Department HUD's Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule. This is the rule that directs state and local governments to come up with a plan to combat historically discriminatory practices that have left marginalized people, especially Brown and Black people, from purchasing homes and renting and leaves a very unleveled playing field. We've been talking about this since 1968 with the passage of the Fair Housing Act. And as we discussed last week, Philadelphia is way ahead of it. In 1963 we've had rules against discriminatory housing and lending practices, and still today we see the vestiges of Stated Meeting 194 04/25/2024 discriminatory practices in the past. And as my colleagues Brooks and O'Rourke and Gauthier explained today that we are working hard to try to combat this, but what this rule does is it instructs state and local entities that receive federal HUD funds and says, you've got to come up with a plan that is going to combat this discrimination. In the Obama Administration they revised this entire Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Plan and actually gave it teeth. They rewrote the entire thing and made it fantastic. And Philadelphia jumped in, I was a part of this, to help come up with a plan for Philadelphia that would really, really tackle discrimination and open inclusive housing practices for all. Unfortunately, as soon as Stated Meeting 195 04/25/2024 President, he immediately turned back that rule and other entities like state and local entities did not have to go forward on this. Philadelphia kept its plan. It kept its promise. We kept moving forward on this, but now we have a problem that we have the final rule pending and the Biden Administration has not moved it forward. This rule would make Philadelphia accountable to all of the things we've talked about today, urban agriculture, the Land Bank, making affordable housing for all. I invite you all to view my hearing tomorrow as we look at the 57+ blocks with the most gun violence here in Philadelphia because it's all connected. And we need to make sure that we have the tools in order to eradicate the discrimination and make us all have Stated Meeting 196 04/25/2024 which we can thrive and equal access to all of it. So, Biden Administration, please do the right thing and move the rule forward. And very, very finally, I just wanted to say Philly Black Pride this weekend, super happy about it. I am having an event on Saturday from 3:00 to 7:00 at the University of Pennsylvania LGBT Center. It's Philly Black Queer Magic. Especially colleagues, I hope you all come. Thank you very much.
Good job, Rue. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nina Ahmad.
Thank you, Council President. I just wanted to follow up on what my colleague Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke spoke about, our Stated Meeting 197 04/25/2024 the beautiful urban garden, and really the follow-up is to say what does the green transition look like, right. We all understand that we are in peril. We have a climate crisis that is endangering so much. I come from a small country called Bangladesh where as we speak, the sea level is rising and land is lost, and those with the least resources are losing their livelihoods. They're losing their homes. And this is all connected. We're in one globe. We are interconnected, and we really have to move towards this green transition. In that light, I actually have a hearing tomorrow. And it's Friday 3 o'clock, and this is with the Joint Committees of the Environment and Global Opportunities and Creative Stated Meeting 198 04/25/2024 Economy, and this is to hear about and understand the issues of reliability and servicing of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations in the City of Philadelphia. And this is an important issue for us. You know, we are an autocentric country. And we have to move from these gas-guzzling cars to at least those that have no emissions. And if we are to reach our 2050 goals, we have to move very expeditiously to those types of vehicles. And the federal government has been really pushing a lot of resources towards doing that. But what has not happened is the actual piece around the reliability and servicing of these chargers. I look upon this as an opportunity for a job creation as well in terms of creating a Stated Meeting 199 04/25/2024 to be trained hopefully by our IBEW Electrical Workers Union to understand how to service this and then have a small business that could be spread across the City to make sure these chargers are working in realtime, and most importantly to improve the user experience so we adopt these cars. So I invite everyone. And I in advance apologize to my colleagues that it's at 3 o'clock on a Friday afternoon, but the issue is critical. And I hope my members will join us on these Committees as well as the public will view. We have a host of robust number of witnesses lined up. We really need to dig into this and I appreciate all the support I've received from my colleagues to allow me to hold this hearing at an inopportune 3 o'clock Stated Meeting 200 04/25/2024 thank you all. And I thank you, Council President.
Good job, Nina. Go hard or go home. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Council President. First, I wanted to thank our colleague and Majority Whip Councilmember Thomas for his remarks regarding UNITE HERE. We support the workers at the stadium and appreciate all of their service and work throughout the City of Philadelphia. And so thank you, Councilmember Thomas, for those remarks. I also wanted to take a very brief moment to welcome, Stated Meeting 201 04/25/2024 of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to the great City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Effectiveness. This weekend they will celebrate their 92nd Anniversary Eastern Regional Conference here in the City of Philadelphia. Their theme for the convention this year is Everywhere we go, we tell our story advancing Alpha's footprint. For those of you who are not familiar, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the first historically Black fraternity in the country and really around the world. And so, we welcome the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to Philadelphia this weekend. We thank them for their investment in our City. They will have several service projects in addition to several million dollar economic impact and also several thousand Stated Meeting 202 04/25/2024 to their 29th Eastern Regional Vice-president Christopher G. Ellis, Jr., and their 63rd Eastern Regional Assistant Vice-president Yusef N. Omar. We welcome you to the City of Philadelphia. Thank you.
You're welcome. I would remiss if I didn't acknowledge the newest member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Mr. Ernest Owens. Let's give him a round of applause. (Applause.)
We appreciate your hard work. The Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President, colleagues. On Tuesday we had an election. I want to congratulate the victors, whatever party, Stated Meeting 203 04/25/2024 being a part of the democratic process. I missed my annual pilgrimage to South this year because we were in an aggressive race out West Philly. It went down to hand-to-hand combat. I actually took a poll, went door-to-door. I got reminiscent. It was nostalgic. I got fired up. But two things I observed: Number one, the folks that were representing the other opponent were there because they believed. You know, I grew up on the corners so I know how to shoot the Dozens, but he was giving me every bit I could give to him. But what happened was something interesting, people cared about what we were talking about. They engaged in the process with only 17 percent turnout citywide. Stated Meeting 204 04/25/2024 chambers, people who are hearing my voice, we got work to do. No matter what party you're from, no matter red state, blue state, purple state, we're in a state of crisis. Because if only 17 people out of 100 can decide elections in this country, we have to up our game. We got to really be relevant. I talk to people going door-to-door. And some people, you know, the super voters, they do it because Martin, Medgar, Malcolm was out there during Black History Month. And that's fine, whatever is your reasoning. But some people don't care about Black History Month because they're getting evicted next month. So we have to be relevant when we knock on those doors. And I listen to what we talked about working on tonight the Stated Meeting 205 04/25/2024 We have to do a better job of translating that of what we do on a given Thursday to people when they open their doors that it is relevant to their lives. If we can do that, we can move it from 17 percent to something more respectable. Now, wherever you are on November as they said on one of those shows, winter is coming. And we better really engage those voters on the issues that they care about. So congratulations to everyone who won. You know, God don't make mistakes. For those who lost, there's something in your future. But we have to get on our job to translate the good work that you do in these chambers to the doors in our neighborhoods. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Stated Meeting 206 04/25/2024 welcome, Member Jones. I echo those sentiments, transforming policy to impact. Because other than that, it's going to be an uphill battle. There are no more speeches on behalf of the Majority. So at this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Council President. I move that Council stands adjourned until Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. promptly. (Duly seconded.)