As we move ahead, 251 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing just generally in the Brewerytown community, because we are going to do something over there. I don't exactly know what we will end up doing. This bill 5 has not passed yet, but there will be a process because we have indicated that the Brewerytown community needs support. In terms of a development strategy -- and you may not be able to give this commitment today -- as we move ahead -- and I understand that the Planning Commission is, in fact, doing an analysis of that area -- we would like to have some sort of strategy that will ensure affordability of that community if it means acquiring in an aggressive piece additional properties, I understand we may be getting some new acquisition dollars so that may be a good time to use some of that to ensure that we can to a degree control the level of acquisition and disposition so we can ultimately determine the level of affordability for housing in the neighborhood. Is that a strategy that the City --
As part of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative, the City has been doing neighborhood plans. In the next set 252 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing Brewerytown is set as a neighborhood planning area where we will look at existing conditions, vacancy, and the diversity in the neighborhood and the diversity of available housing stock and look at developing a plan that looks at not only the industrial area but moving eastward and north, ensuring that there is a variety of housing products brought to the neighborhood. So that issue of affordability will be an ongoing discussion with the community groups and led by the City Planning Commission. In addition to that, the City has committed $250,000 to support the targeted basis system repair program to help existing homeowners in Brewerytown to do basic repairs to their property. The reinvestment fund has also sought funds from the William Penn Foundation to do a facade improvement grant program for neighborhood residents in the Brewerytown area. So these are -- the private investment of the market rate activity is being leveraged and balanced with additional public resources to include and engage existing residents and create opportunities for affordability long-term in the 253 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing neighborhood.
One last question, Madam President. Thank you for indulging me. In the Acme warehouse building is there going to be any retail or commercial activity that you know of? And I know that Penrose is not here.
The proposal looks at subdividing that building into various condo ownership, allowing for the first floor to remain commercial/office, and then there will be 60 units that Penrose is purchasing from SlovCo, Mellon Green Realty, to do their affordable component. In addition, there is a hope that the market rate residential will happen, 140 market rate units in that building as well.
The first floor is retaining -- the building will be subdivided into three parcels, one for the affordable, one for the market-rate residential and a third to allow commercial and office on the first floor, so that they are still looking at tenants for that.
For the commercial. 254 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing
One last question, 1-B. We had promised, meaning the government had promised, that there would be subsequent meetings in the community, and one of the things that I wanted to ensure is that before we went back out into the community that we had real answers because one thing I don't like doing is wasting the community's time, and I'm assuming that the organizations, the City agencies and the development team, will be in a position to answer all the questions that were posed at the community meeting in short order.
We are happy to work with the Councilman's office to schedule a meeting with the community as soon as possible to give an update on where we are and continue to have additional meetings as things become finalized.
I'm sorry. There was one last question. There was also an issue -- I know I am really taking advantage of the mike. I don't normally do this. There was one last question with respect 255 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing to concerns of the impact on the existing residents' taxes, if there were market-rate properties built on that site, what would be the effect to the existing property owners? And I promise this is my last question, Council President.
We had worked with the Bureau of Revenue and Taxation and David Glancy has offered an official letter, which I can provide to you, Councilman, stating that when BRT assesses properties, tax assessment, they assess it based upon comparables, and new construction and existing homes are not comparables. So the value of new construction properties and those assessments applied to those properties would only apply to other new construction. For existing properties in the neighborhood, sales on properties that are comparable to those houses would affect -- would be the comparable for those tax assessments, so the Brewery -- the proposed new construction development that Westrum is putting forth will not have an impact on the assessment of the existing structures 256 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing adjacent to this in the neighborhood. And we have a letter in writing from David Glancy explaining how they do their --
The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode for a point of information.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Miss Calafano, that's not true until someone sells their property. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Thank you.
Councilman, I am not from the Bureau of Revenue and Taxation, so I don't want to officially speak. I just have a letter from David Glancy, explaining how they assess properties.
But as soon as someone sells their property, even though it is not new construction, the comparable formula changes.
So people will not be taxed comparable to the new construction, but they will be taxed comparable to sale prices as they go 257 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing up? (Witness Calafano shakes head in the affirmative.)
I know I said I wasn't going to talk anymore. I just want to elaborate. One of the issues had to do with the existing neighborhood and the concern that there could be some speculation, which I think may already be taking place, on people acquiring and ultimately selling properties at a high value or building properties at a high value sales price in the existing neighborhood that did have some impact, which is why -- and you said you have committed to that today, and I think it is appropriate that the City aggressively go out and acquire properties in that neighborhood so we can control the level of affordability in that neighborhood. Personally what I don't want to see have happen is that we build these new houses and we do a couple of small-scale residential components and just kind of walk away because I think ultimately 258 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing there is a real likelihood that the private sector will, in fact, start ramping up values in the existing neighborhood and personally I'm not going to let that happen. I'm real concerned about that.
In addition to the properties that we are acquiring and working with Westrum and their development company to rehab for sale, the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation has acquired and is rehabbing 40 units in the Brewerytown neighborhood, and those are restricted for affordable sale in the neighborhood, and those will be -- those price points are all under $80,000. I don't have the numbers before me today, but I can provide that as well to Council.
Please approach the witness table. I would ask you to be as brief as possible because we are really running behind time.
My name is Al Austin. I'm president of the African-American Business and 259 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing Residents Association, and I have handouts for the Council members. In case others are present, I brought, I believe, or so. 5 Good afternoon, Madam Chairman and 6 Members of the Rules Committee and other Members of 7 Council that are here, I would like to thank you for 8 this opportunity. 9 Our organization is called the 10 African-American Business and Residents Association 11 or ABRA for short. I have come to this hearing on 12 behalf of ABRA and my greater North Philadelphia 13 community to offer the City of Philadelphia a 14 choice. On the one hand there is the bill in 15 question, No. 040520. You can pass it and the City 16 will spend some unspecified amount of money to help 17 acquire two parcels, help to build housing, a housing development, add to the tax base of the city, attract a few hundred families, ultimately getting reimbursed for the funds that they initially advanced. These are in many ways noteworthy goals. On the other hand, you can reject the bill, spend absolutely nothing, and help transform this city into the most important center for African commerce and culture outside of the continent 260 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing herself. The heart of this new world will be in Brewerytown, North Philadelphia. The new complex will create 1500 construction jobs for the local population, most of which will lead to union positions. It will generate 2,500 permanent jobs, 300 small businesses, an entire tourism industry. There will be buildings devoted to international trade, artistic expression and exchanges and theater, dance, music, African story telling, et cetera. There will be food courts, fine dining, a first-class hotel with African themes in every room. There will be facilities for primary and secondary education, vocational training and trades, adult literacy and job skills training, advanced study in African diaspora history. There will be community centers and large public meeting spaces. All of this will occur without forcing one family to leave involuntarily or costing the City one red cent. Furthermore, there will be convenience fees paid to surrounding neighborhoods. As the new development prospers, so will the people of North Philadelphia. Even better, with the help of local, 261 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing state and federal officials, tax incentives will attract international trade ventures, pleased to settle in a town with the foresight to embrace trade with Africa on such a massive scale. They would also be quite interested in taking advantage of the world's largest fresh-water port, transport infrastructure second to none, a quick train ride to diplomatic missions in Washington and New York, and new museums and clubs just outside their doors. And speaking of trains, this land sits adjacent to numerous rail lines. We will exploit this by operating a shuttle to and from Amtrak stations, 30th street and North Philadelphia. Ladies and gentlemen, we call this place Songhai City, named for the once great, but often forgotten kingdom of Western Africa. There are many curiosities that make this a uniquely Philadelphia inspiration. First, the foremost expert on the Songhai Kingdom is Philadelphia historian, Dr. Ed Robinson. Secondly, he argues that perhaps the majority of the African-American population are descended from the Songhai. 262 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing So in the greatest irony of all, part of the salvation of this 94 percent African-American community comes in rediscovering and embracing the same cultural traditions that were taken from them centuries ago. The central museum of Songhai City will be a monument to the history challenges and triumphs of these people. The tourist concepts quickly multiply. Now, I would like to show you the layout. In your packet the last two pages are exact replicas of these large display items.
Is it possible for me to rise and point to various aspects of this so I can complete my presentation?
That would be fine. The gentleman will help you.
There are two items here. The first is a land-use layout of the district from 31st Street on 31st, 32nd, over to 30th, from Girard north to Oxford. This is exactly the same area that the developers are interested in building their project. And in this -- this is a land-use legend, and here we identify the various buildings, what their purposes will be and what phase of our 263 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing development they will be used in. Essentially we will assemble 4 buildings and many large open spaces from 5 approximately 29 parcels in this industrial 6 district. 7 As the legend shows, there will be ample 8 space for everything I just mentioned from community 9 and educational venues to international culture and 10 trade facilities. There will also be room for the 11 kind of everyday trade and interaction that will 12 drive daily visits to Songhai City from throughout 13 the Philadelphia region with an African market 14 concept that will rival the Italian market of South 15 Philadelphia. 16 I would like to say a few words about 17 what goes in these places, but we have prepared at 18 considerable expense to us an animated walk-through 19 of this district once the buildings are created. 20 Unfortunately, you don't have display capabilities 21 here. Is it possible that I could simply let you look at the laptop as I complete my testimony and you will see the animation as it goes through these? It will loop through, and I will continue to talk, but at least you can see some of the detailed 264 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing artwork and some of the items that will appear. The animation you are looking at is a view from 31st Street and the new development known as Songhai City. Beginning on 31st Street at Girard Avenue, we go northward to Thompson, Master, to Jefferson and Oxford. That is what the diagram you are looking at, the animation shows. Hopefully, this is not too awkward here. Just saying a few words about what happens here, to the immediate right at 31st and Girard will be existing homes. They are already there. It is not necessary for anyone to be relocated. As a matter of fact, anyone who has left we hope can come back because we want this entire city to blend in with the surrounding community and to benefit them tremendously. To the left will be a low-profile garage with ample parking for the entire complex and a train station at 32nd and Thompson, a modest train station that will support the shuttles that will run to and from North Philadelphia Station and 30th Street Station. As that animation shows, as you move forward northward to Thompson Street, you come to 265 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing the intersection of 31st and Thompson. Here we propose an international people's park, a large gathering place for international travelers, Philadelphians, and the local neighborhood population all to enjoy each other's company, a central meeting place in the Songhai City. To the right of that we propose the conversion of the Acme warehouse into the African themed hotel where every suite will identify a different theme or different cultural setting relevant to the African diaspora, and at 31st and Thompson also we propose Songhai Academy, a K through 12 charter school where African-centered concepts are mandatory and appreciation of culture and art are part of the curriculum. As you journey northward through the animation, you will see 31st and Master. At 31st and Master you are coming to the heart of the city. To the left, Lots 8 and 7 are the two lots that are described by the bill. We propose that these two lots be purchased at market rate without RDA's assistance. As a matter of fact, they are already listed with realtors. We don't need City help with 266 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing any of it. What we propose is that Lot at the corner of 31st and Master we will put a welcome center where flags from all of the nations that are participating will be shown.
6 To the left, the garage will be used for 7 vocational training and mechanics. To the left of 8 that, we propose an equestrian stadium at 32nd and Master. This will be the new home of the urban cowboys that once proudly represented our community, but no longer exist there. As you look north towards 32nd and Jefferson, will be a number of other buildings handling theaters, restaurants, a receiving and shipping center for the international trade, shops and entertainment. Across from 31st and Master to the east will be an African market that will rival the Italian Market with fresh produce from around the world, fish, poultry, meats of every sort, breads, desserts from throughout the diaspora. North of there will be the glass-enclosed mall where we will have shops that 24 are devoted to African products and 24 eateries in a food court. Above that is an existing church which 267 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing we would leave unchanged. And then at the intersection of 31st and Jefferson we propose converting the Red Bell Brewing Company building, this landmark building, into the headquarters for Songhai City, and it would feature many offices of international trade venues. There will be community centers, factories and storage. We need a location to manufacture those 100-year bricks that Philadelphia has been famous for and that are not being used as often today as they ought to be used in our construction. And we anticipate there will be a dramatic explosion in building around this area because the number of jobs we are offering to the local people, the international flavor will attack new people, and this particular factory and storage will be used to create much of the products and to store those products that will be used in the existing -- in the new developments that will happen with these large number of renovations. And, finally, at 31st and Oxford will be Songhai Museum and restaurants and that museum will be free to the surrounding population and they can journey there. We placed it here so it is closer to 268 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing the residential area. So, in essence -- and I know we are short on time, which is why I'm out of breath.
I am going to ask you again, if I may, would you please abbreviate your final statements because we are really running way behind our schedule.
I understand you completely and I deeply regret that, unfortunately, we are the last ones and that we don't have as much time as many others, but I think you have been very patient, and I do wish to finish quickly. In closing, I would like to remind you of my opening words. I have come here to offer you a choice. Will there be a housing development on 31st Street, or will there be a new international district that will spur growth on a scale that the city has not seen in decades. Will a few hundred families have new housing, or will the City's poorest neighborhood have its first chance to prosper in half a century. Will Philadelphia gain a few new families, or will it become the hottest destination on the East Coast, erasing any thought that Phoenix could overtake it in population and 269 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing setting its sights squarely on Houston? Expensive housing on the one hand or the world on the other? I trust it is a simple choice. For today, however, we ask something even simpler. We request that you postpone action on the bill in question and that you give us the opportunity over the next 90 days to research the Songhai City concept fully, build public support, and finalize investment contracts. We have three phases, as the document you have seen demonstrates. We have prices for those phases, 3 million for Phase 1, 10 million for Phase 2 and 90 million for Phase 3. We have raised 2.1 million for Phase 1. This is a project that can be and ought to be built. Finally, I would like to thank you on behalf of my community, my family and particularly my mother who is celebrating her birthday today, has fault through every ail that impacts North Philadelphia families without bitterness and with an abundance of faith in the future. It is that faith that brought me here today and that faith that sustains us all. I hope this has been instructive and I 270 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing trust that people present at this hearing will offer their opinion about this exceptional opportunity. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Do we have anyone else to testify on this bill? Is this our last witness? Is there anyone else? Please identify yourself for the record, sir.
My name is Mike Craig. I will be as brief as possible. I have to admit in coming here today I was splitting hairs, and I figured I would be as realistic as possible. I have a multitude of interest in the community. I'm the secretary of the Brewerytown Community Development Corporation, treasurer of the African-American Business and Resident Association, owner, or shall I say co-owner, of a fashionable boutique on the 2600 block of Girard, Styles of Fashion, and owner of a home on 1242 25th Street, and the whole thing to me -- I really have a few questions just directly, 271 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing some things that were already addressed that I don't quite understand. One of these things is about the homes and the Acme, the old Acme market warehouse. There are going to be 60 rental units from what I understand what was said. Why are these rental units when all of the other units are offered to buy and why is the market rate -- I'm sorry -- the lower rate of housing only offered for rent in that area and not offered to buy, is a question that I have. There are a series of things here and, as I said, I will be as brief as possible. My sister just by chance is a Philadelphia firefighter and directly from her and of course from some things in the media, I'm hearing the different closing down of different specifically certain actions of firehouses, certain fire engines and things like that, and then you have closing or privatizing of public schools and all of these things, but here today we are passing bills on acquiring property through eminent domain, and, according to the Castle Coalition, the laws of eminent domain actually prohibit acquisition for private development. 272 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing I have yet to do further research of what specifically those laws are, but I will be doing so in the near future. I am opposed to bill 040520 for these reasons. And just if I might add in regard to Songhai City, I must say there are resources, and I don't know. It kind of came as a shock to you all, I'm sure, but this whole bill came as a shock. As a matter of fact, it is not even on the agenda that was in this room today from what I can see. Either way though, I do have some newspaper from the West African newspaper. It is actually published in America. It is more of a social, and I would like to put it into the record and give you all a copy. And that is not to mention that I am a personal friend of the Royal Chief Methuselah Z. O. Bradley, IV. If I could please give this to the committee. Right now I guess I am just waiting on the answer to my previous question.
I can answer the first question about the homeownership component versus rental. The Acme warehouse building, my 273 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing understanding based on the finances, it is a large structure. It would have to be a condominium in order to do ownership units, but that would be prohibited in terms of being able to be affordable so that is why the developer opted to go affordable rental in that particular aspect. I agree with you that we should not just focus on rental when it comes to affordable housing, which is why there will be a first phase, be it small, the first phase of units in the Brewerytown community will be homeownership units and subsequently, as we move ahead, we will have, as committed to today, an aggressive strategy for creating homeownership opportunities in the neighborhood for affordable housing.
I would like to add for the record. Because I have so many interests and different interests in the community, I'm actually -- it is almost like a no-win situation personally, which is why my overall thing is just what is best for the community. And I guess at this point I would actually like to thank Councilman Darrell Clarke because he has been recently very informative to the Brewerytown CDC in helping us to understand 274 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing the developments that are coming forth in our community. Thank you, Councilman Clarke.
Actually, my only request here is that I'm definitely opposed to the bill, but, if nothing else, I would ask that you do postpone -- I mean I understand there are some proceedings from what was said that you will hold any vote off until August, but me not having any record of that, I'm going to ask -- not that it is a lie, but I'm going to ask either way that you postpone your decision on this bill because there are a lot of sensitive issues at hand specifically involving my community, and it seems to be involving the entire city or country for that matter with the other proposed development before you. Thank you. And one more thing. I just so happened to notice. I hope this could be so today. It says "My Philadelphia Includes Culture." I'm not sure. These were on all the seats when we come in. And it also says, "Save Philadelphia Cultural Funding." It was ironic after seeing the recent development that was just put before you that seems to better 275 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Hearing pinpoint those things. Furthermore, there is a lot of blight in the City of Philadelphia, specifically in the Brewerytown area, and for so much focus to be put on the commercial area, it kind of behooves me because there is an abundance of property and things in the surrounding area and the residential area that has been blighted for decades and maybe even centuries.
Thank you very much. We appreciate your testimony. Thank you very much for your testimony.
Just one thing to say. In my haste I forgot to point out that, in fact, the government of Liberia has expressed a great deal of interest in this project and they will be sending you a letter of support by diplomatic pouch in the next couple of weeks. And in the newspapers that you have on Pages 2 and 15 you will also see support from the government of Liberia that wants to be the first African nation to participate in the Songhai City concept, and we would appreciate an additional dialogue because we do intend to promote interest in this project. And I thank you very much. 276 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting
This will conclude the public hearing of the Committee on Rules. We now go into our public meeting. 277 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC MEETING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON RULES - - - Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, June 9, 2004 3:55 p.m. - - - - - - Bill Nos. 040327, 040424, 040426, 040427, 040429, 040430, 040433, 040434, 040462, 040466, 040498, 040500, 040506, 040520, 040521, 040566, 040336, 040616 PRESENT: COUNCILWOMAN PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA, Chair COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN JUAN F. RAMOS COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO - - - V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 278 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting (215) 561-2220
The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill regarding Bill No. 5 040506.
Madam President, I move Bill 040506 be reported out of committee.
All in favor indicate by saying aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair again recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I move that Bill 040506 as amended be approved with a rules suspension to allow first reading at our next Council session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill 040506 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation as amended; also a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. 279 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting All in favor will indicate by saying aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill on Bill No. 040521.
Madam President, I have a technical amendment that was sent over by the Law Department. It is on Bill 040521. It has been handed to the clerk and I ask that it be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be approved. All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. Again, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I move that Bill No. 040521 as amended be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. Further, that the rules of Council be suspended to 280 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting allow first reading at our next session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 040521 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation as amended and also that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke regarding Bill No. 040336.
Madam President, I'm going to hold that bill pursuant to the agreement reached with the Department of L & I to permit issuance notification.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill regarding Bill No. 040566.
Madam President, I have an amendment both that was read by the Health Department at the hearing expanding the definition 281 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting of farm animal and also in the same amendment excluding properties of more than three acres. It was promised to the witness who testified about a working farm. That has been circulated and also turned in. If anybody needs a copy, I have it here. I would ask that the amendment be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment be adopted. All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
All opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair again recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Madam President, I move that Bill 040566 as amended be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and furthermore a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended to allow first reading at our next session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 040566 be reported 282 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting out of committee with a favorable recommendation as amended and further that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke regarding Bill No. 040616.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Bill No. 040616 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and request for rules suspension. (Duly seconded.)
Before the vote is taken, I would like to have my vote recorded as an abstention. The law firm with which I'm associated represents the underwriter in the bond transaction included in this legislation and, therefore, I will be abstaining. 283 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 040616 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; also, further, that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. Mr. Wetzel, can you please come to the witness table? I believe when we were considering Bill No. 040327 that a gentleman had some concern. We indicated to him that he should, in fact, go see Councilwoman Blackwell. Can you apprise us of the outcome of that meeting?
Yes, Council President. I received an e-mail from Councilwoman Blackwell's staff person asking us not to proceed on the property located at 32 South 44 Street. The Councilwoman would like to continue to work with the owner who says he is going to bring in a plan. So 284 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting as we have agreed with you, we have agreed with Councilwoman Blackwell not to proceed on that property unless she indicates otherwise.
Thank you. The record will so indicate that, and the The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke regarding that same bill.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Bill No. 040327 be reported out of committee with favorable recommendation and request for rules suspension so as to allow reading at the next session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 040327 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; also, a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended. All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Clarke regarding Bill No. 040424. 285 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting
Madam President, I move that Bill 040424 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and request for rules suspension. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill 040424 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; further, that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano regarding Bill No. 040426.
Thank you, Madam President. I make a motion that Bill 040426 be voted out of committee with a favorable recommendation and, furthermore, I ask for a suspension of rules so it can be read at the next Council session. (Duly seconded.) 286 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 040426 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; also, a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller regarding Bill No. 040427.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that Bill No. 040427 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and further request that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 040427 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; also, a recommendation that the 287 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
All opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke regarding Bill No. 040429.
Madam President, I move that Bill No. 040429 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a request for rules suspension. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 040429 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; also, a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke 288 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting regarding Bill No. 040430.
Madam President, I have that Bill 040430 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and request a rules suspension. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 040430 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; also a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke regarding Bill No. 040433.
Madam President, I move that Bill No. 040433 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a request for rules suspension so as to allow reading at our next session of Council. (Duly seconded.) 289 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 040433 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and also a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. Again the Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke regarding Bill No. 040434.
I move that Bill 15 040434 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and request for suspension of the rules so as to allow reading at our next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 040434 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; also a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. 290 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke regarding Bill No. 040462.
I move that Bill 9 040462 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and request for rules suspension so as to allow reading at the next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 040462 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; also a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended to allow for first reading at the next session of Council. All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion carries. The record will also reflect that Bill 24 No. 040466 was held at the request of the sponsor. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke 291 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting regarding Bill 040498.
I move that Bill 4 040498 be reported out of committee with favorable recommendation and request a rules suspension so as to allow for reading at the next session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded the Bill No. 040498 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; also a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke regarding Bill No. 040500.
Madam President, I move that Bill No. 040500 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and request for rules suspension so as to allow reading at the next session. (Duly seconded.) 292 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting
It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 040500 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; also a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke regarding Bill 040520.
Madam President, I move that Bill 040520 be reported out of committee with favorable recommendation and request for rules suspension so as to allow for reading at the next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 040520 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; also a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. 293 6/9/05 - Committee on Rules Public Meeting All in favor will say aye. MEMBERS: Aye.
Those opposed? The ayes have it. The motion carries. This concludes our public meeting. Thank you all very much. (The meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m.) 294 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Committee on Rules of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of June 9, 2004, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. ______________________________ Cynthia A. Whyte, RPR (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)