If I might address Councilman Rizzo's concern. We currently, in the cities of San Francisco -- the market areas of San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Seattle have approximately 50 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990713 22,000 of these types of units up, and we have experienced no significant concerns from any of those cities to the issues that you've addressed.
Thank you. Are there any other questions for these witnesses from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill. And thank you very much.
The next bill is Bill No. 18 990713, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 42 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of 32nd Street, from Market Street to Chestnut Street; and by reserving and placing on the City Plan a right-of-way for drainage purposes, water main purposes, gas main purposes and public utility purposes within the 51 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990713 lines of 32nd Street being stricken from the City Plan and vacated, under authority of this ordinance, certain terms and conditions. (Witnesses come forward.)
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. My name's Paul Lonie, Survey Manager with the Streets Department. The Streets Department would like to give the following testimony on Bill No. 990713: This is not an administration ordinance 12 but an ordinance requested by Mr. Joseph Cascerceri, Vice President for Government and Community Relations, Drexel University. The purpose of this ordinance is to permanently close 32nd Street between Chestnut and Market Streets to (unintelligible) vehicular traffic. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your committee for favorable action.
Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, my name is Martin Soffer. The proposed ordinance authorizes the striking from the City Plan and the vacating of a minor one-way street in the University City 52 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990713 section of West Philadelphia. The purpose of this ordinance is to consolidate and unify the Drexel University campus and to permit development of a landscaped pedestrian corridor. The Planning Commission requests that the streets bill include a condition that the Streets Department will conduct a larger-scale traffic impact study that will include all proposed development around 30th Street prior to the final street confirmation. Therefore, by action of its meeting on November 4, 1999, the Planning Commission recommends that Bill No. 14 990713 be conditionally approved. Thank you.
Chairman DiCicco and members of the Streets and Services Committee, good afternoon. My name is Joseph Cascerceri, Vice President for Government and Community Relations at Drexel University. I am pleased to bring you greetings on behalf of Drexel's President, Dr. Constantine Papadakis and our students, faculty, staff and over 7,000 alumni. Thank you for this opportunity to make a few remarks about the proposed permanent closure 53 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990713 of 32nd Street between Market and Chestnut. My purpose in coming before you today is to explain how the permanent closure of this portion of 32nd Street and the subsequent construction of the Drexel Grand Plaza will create a magnificent gateway from Center City into West Philadelphia. Market Street is one of the main vehicular arteries through Drexel and one of the most heavily traveled corridors for motorists and pedestrians between Center City and West Philadelphia. Recently renamed "The Avenue of Technology," this street symbolizes the area's tradition of leadership and technological development, and embodies the collegiate atmosphere of University City. A painted railroad trestle over Market Street provides a gateway element that draws the attention of motorists and pedestrians to Drexel University. Westbound Market Street travelers pass through this visible University City threshold and are left with the strong impression of Drexel's presence. I might add that recently, we've cleaned up the trestles, removed the graffiti and the billboards that have been there 54 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990713 for many, many years. One of the challenges we face as an institution is striking an appealing or efficient balance between the physical realities of an urban area and the needs and look of a major university campus. In light of this central goal, the segment of 32nd Street between Market and Chestnut takes on a special significance. The area is important because it represents a junction between the main building, which houses the Drexel University administration, and the quadrangle, the hub of our student activity. It provides space for campus visitors and members of the Drexel community to mingle. With the opening of our new alumni center, which will be housed in the renovated Furness Building, at 32nd and Market, Drexel alumni will also mix with students and faculty members in the closed portion of 32nd Street. As many of you know, the famed Furness Building was designed by architect Frank Furness in the early part of the century, who's a native son of the City. The currently cordoned-off area must be enhanced in order to provide a seamless inroad to 55 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990713 the collegiate landscape. A carefully planned open space will enable campus visitors and University City residents to more easily identify the whereabouts within the context of the university as they walk between Chestnut and Market on 32nd. Such a common area would also offer a more appropriate border for the main building, one of University City's most impressive and architecturally sound structures, built in 1890. As part of a comprehensive Master Plan designed to beautify the campus and create a more structured collegiate atmosphere, Drexel is planning to build a paved surface shaded by a canopy of trees on the site of the currently cordoned-off portion of 32nd Street. If you'll follow the arrow that Eric (unintelligible) from my staff is pointing to now, it will more delineate the designs of the Grand Plaza. Drexel Grand Plaza will provide a more intimate view of the main building for pedestrians walking through the university's interior and offer those passing by on Market or Chestnut Streets a more distinct impression of a cohesive 56 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990713 campus landscape. Vehicular and pedestrian travelers will benefit from the improved lighting of the Plaza.
Creation of the Plaza will also allow for better coordination between Drexel's administrative and student-life functions. 8 million to begin construction of the Plaza. This Plaza will connect our main building alumni and computer centers, business college, and one of our main teaching facilities, helping to create a cohesive whole rather than a disjointed set of academic buildings. The Plaza protect the integrity of the 32nd Street grid and replace a congested corridor with a well-planned open space that's accessible from both Chestnut and Market Streets. The Plaza will tremendously enhance the campus and make Drexel more competitive, allowing us to attract more and better students to our city. This benefits Drexel, of course, as well as the city. A study by the Pennsylvania Economy 57 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990713 League, which is attached for the members of the committee in your handout today, has determined that for every two new students who we bring full-time to Drexel University, it has roughly the same economic impact on the area and the city as the creation of one new job. This past September 20th, we brought to the City of Philadelphia 1,000 full-time brand-new students, which is the equivalency of creating 500 new jobs for the City. Education, members of this committee, is an industry, and we need to be competitive in order to thrive. That means implementing an attractive and efficient campus design. The closure the 32nd Street and the construction of the Plaza are among many campus enhancement projects that have either been recently completed or are currently underway. Again, Eric will point to $93 million in current construction on our campus. These include the renovation of academic halls, the construction of a park on Race Street, a dormitory, and other facilities, as well as the renovation of the new alumni center, which will 58 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990713 complement the adjacent Plaza. I might add that we are now constructing the fourth brand-new dormitory in five years at Drexel, which, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, is the most construction of dormitories of the over 4,500 colleges and universities in the United States today. In summary, members of the committee. Drexel's Master Plan establishes the University's commitment to beautify its campus, create a more professional collegiate atmosphere, and enhance the visible identity of University City. The permanent closure of 32nd Street fits into Drexel's larger vision, a vision of more efficient, usable campus space, and a more appealing physical link with the surrounding community, and a more distinctive gateway between Center City and West Philadelphia. Thank you for your time today, and I'd happy to answer any of your questions.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. 59 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990713 How are you doing, Mr. Cascerceri? Good to see you back.
Mr. Cascerceri, can you acclimate me a little bit on that map? Where is the post office in relationship to that map there, on the larger map? On the larger map. The post office, okay.
On Walnut, further down? Okay, is there traditionally any traffic utilizing the post office? Do they use 32nd Street at all? (Mr. Cascerceri responds off mike.)
Was it done based on the ultimate -- I mean, what was the basis for the temporary closing? (Mr. Cascerceri responds off mike.)
Okay. I have a very 60 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990713 similar to the situation in my district with Temple University. Question. With respect to the development opportunities, had you found that the inability to close 32nd Street on a permanent basis inhibited your ability to clear the additional development opportunities? 'Cause that's somewhat. (Mr. Cascerceri responds off mike.)
You need to use the mike. I apologize to the stenographer.
Most definitely, Councilman. 32nd Street, like most urban campuses in our city -- and I'm talking Temple, Penn, St. Joe's, LaSalle -- it's a major artery, but it's also a major connect between all of our buildings. Our classrooms are here, here's 32nd, and here's all the administration. For all those students to get back and forth for the records, for the rosters, etc., etc., they have to cross 32nd, and for years, it 61 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990713 was a very, very unsafe situation, with 14,000 students at any given time crossing that street into the main building.
Okay. And as you said, during that short -- that temporary closure of 32nd Street, was there an ongoing traffic analysis done by the Streets Department or by some other entity?
We did not necessarily have a full, ongoing traffic analysis. It was one of those a little bit more informal basically. If we're going to get a lot of complaints, we're going to have a lot of accidents and our statistics are going to jump up; and in this case, they did not.
But the Planning Commission has asked to us look into that a little further in their testimony, and we will do that in the future.
Are there any 62 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990713 other questions?
I think we're going to do that with all the bills today, as far as I know.
Mr. Cascerceri, I'm also concerned on the closing issue. Is there any residential community nearby?
The closest community, Councilman, is about a quarter of a mile north of that street, Powelton Village. And those residents have not -- it's being pointed out there, Councilman, on the chart. Powelton Village is north of our campus to the extreme far north, and those residents have not complained about this issue at all.
There's never been a 63 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990713 complaint from the residents?
Not on this issue; there have been on others but on others.
Thank you. Are there any other questions for these witnesses from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Thank you, gentlemen. And hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Thank you, members of 64 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990457 the committee.
I want to announce that the following bills have been withdrawn at the request of their respective sponsors: Bill No.'s 990557, 990558, 990559, 990603, 990649, 990714, 990813, 990832, 990833, and 990841. The next bill is Bill No. 990457, which is an ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on K Street, both sides, from Erie avenue to Sedgley Street. State your name for the record.
Hi. My name is Kasim Ali. I'm the Acting Assistant Chief Traffic Engineer. Good afternoon, committee members, Honorable Councilpeople, ladies and gentlemen. With reference to Bill No. 990457 proposing to establish a no-truck-parking regulation on the east side of K Street, from Erie Avenue to Sedgley Avenue, the following report is submitted: K Street is 30 feet wide, two-way, with parking on the east side only. The Streets Department has no objection to this proposed ordinance. 65 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990458
Thank you. Are there any questions from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
The next is Bill No. 10 990458, which is an ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on L Street, both sides, from Erie Avenue to Sedgley Street.
With reference to Bill No. 14 990458 proposing to establish a no-truck-parking regulation on the east and west sides of L Street, from Erie Avenue to Sedgley Avenue, the following report is submitted: L Street is 50 feet wide, two-way, with parking on both sides. The Streets Department has no objection to the proposed ordinance.
Thank you. Are there any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone 66 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990459 else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990459, an ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on M Street, both sides, from Erie Avenue to Kensington Avenue.
With reference to Bill No. 12 990459 proposing to establishing a no-truck- parking regulation on the east and west sides of M Street, from Erie Avenue to Kensington Avenue, the following report is submitted: M Street is 36 feet wide, two-way, with parking on both sides. The Streets Department has no objection to this proposed ordinance.
Thank you. Are there any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? 67 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990529 (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990529, an ordinance establishing a no-parking regulation on both sides of the 4300 block of Belgrade Street, from 100 feet south of Gillingham Street to the end of the street.
With reference to Bill No. 11 990529 proposing to establish a no-truck-parking regulation on the east and west sides of the 4300 block of Belgrade street, from 150 south of Gillingham Street, south to the end of the street, the following report is submitted: Belgrade Street is feet wide, 17 two-way, with parking on both sides. In June of 18 1998, Traffic Engineering posted on a trial basis 19 no-truck-parking from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the east 20 and west sides of the 4300 block of Belgrade 21 Street. This was done in response to a request 22 from Councilwoman Krajewski on behalf of her 23 constituents. This regulation has been in effect 24 for several months, without any complaints to our 25 knowledge. Therefore, the Streets Department has 68 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990529 no objection to this proposed ordinance.
Thank. Any questions for this witness? Were you aware of a change that may be needed to amend a part of the body of the bill? And I have in front of me a memo from Chris Creelman from Councilwoman Krajewski's office. It says it has been brought to the Councilwoman's attention that Bill No. 990529 will be amended during testimony, to read -- the change should be from 150 feet south of Gillingham Street to the end of the street -- not 100 feet, as it is stated in the original ordinance. Does that sound familiar to you?
Uh, this is the first time that I've been made aware of it, but. . .
I guess that would require a change in the title of the bill, which we really can't do. Could that be amended?
All right. I think I'll yield to your expertise. I don't think we could amend that, could we?
So we'd have to withdraw the bill and then reintroduce it.
We have another Streets and Services hearing next week, and we'll continue it till next week. And I'll give you a copy of this memo from --
We'll get it to you, don't worry about it. Just -- we'll go through the other bills. All right, so I think what we'll do is, we'll continue that bill until the next Streets and Services Committee hearing, which, I think, will be next week. With that, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990530, an ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on both sides of St. Vincent Street, from Brous Avenue to Roosevelt Boulevard.
With reference to Bill No. 23 990530 proposing to establish a no-truck-parking regulation on the north and south sides of St. Vincent Street, from Brous Avenue to Roosevelt 70 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990530 Boulevard, the following report is submitted? St. Vincent Street is 36 feet wide, two-way, with parking on both sides. In September of 1997, Traffic Engineering posted on a trial basis a no-truck-parking regulation anytime on the north and south sides of the 2800 block of St. Vincent Street. This was done in response to a request from Councilwoman Krajewski on behalf of her constituents. This regulation has been in effect for several months without any complaint, to our knowledge. Therefore, the Streets Department has no objection to this proposed ordinance.
Thank you. Are there any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990531, an 71 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990531 ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on both sides of Keystone Street, from Devereaux Avenue to Robbins Street.
With reference to Bill No. 6 990531 proposing to establish a no-truck-parking regulation on the east and west side of Keystone Street, from Devereaux to Robbins Street, the following report is submitted: Keystone Street is 40 feet wide, two-way, with parking on both sides. In October of 1998, Traffic Engineering posted on a trial a no-truck-parking regulation anytime on the east and west sides of the 6200 block of Keystone Street. This was done in response to a request from Councilwoman Krajewski on behalf of her constituents. This regulation has been in effect for several months, without any complaints, to our knowledge. Therefore, the Streets Department has no objection to this proposed ordinance.
Thank you. Are there any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone 72 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990535 else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990835, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on the east side of State Road, between Linden Avenue and Rhawn Street, for the purposes of securing and facilitating a control area for emergency response in front of the northeast municipal complex by posting "No Parking This Side" signs, spaced intermittently along the affected area.
With reference to Bill No. 16 990835 proposing to establish a no-parking regulation on the east side of State Road, from Rhawn Street to Linden Avenue, the following report is submitted: State Road is 60 feet wide, two-way, with parking on both sides. The Streets Department has no objection to this proposed ordinance.
Thank you. (Witness comes forward.) 73 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990144
Do you wish to testify? Please state your name for the record. CAPTAIN RAPONE: My name is Captain Rapone, the commanding officer of the 8th Police District. I was told to come to this meeting in order to answer any of your questions in regards to the change in the ordinance.
Are there any questions for these witnesses from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill. And thank you for your patience, Captain.
Bill No. 990144, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Lenox Avenue, south side, Broad Street to 15th Street. Did you have another one? I'm sorry. I didn't realize he had another one. 74 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990840
Oh, I'm sorry. It is. Bill No. 990840, an ordinance 6 establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on Stenton Avenue, both sides, from Broad Street to 17th Street.
With reference to Bill No. 10 990840 proposing a no-truck-parking regulation on Stenton Avenue, from Broad Street to 17th Street, the following report is submitted: Stenton Avenue is 60 feet wide, two-way, with parking on both sides. The Streets Department has no objection to this proposed ordinance.
And are there any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.)
Before the clerk reads the title of the next bill, I just want to 75 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990144 recognize Councilwoman Miller as being in attendance to this hearing. Thank you.
Bill No. 990144, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Lenox Street, south side, Broad Street to 15th Street. (Witness comes forward.)
Good afternoon. My name is Catherine Confair, and I'm an analyst coordinator with the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Bill No. 990144 introduced by Councilwoman Miller by request. This bill 19 establishes a parking regulation on Lenox Avenue, south side, Broad Street to 15th Street. This deregulation has been in effect for a period of at least eight months, with no apparent problems. The Philadelphia Parking Authority recommends favorable consideration of this bill.
Thank you. 76 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990460 Are there any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990460, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 13th Street, east side, Jackson Street to Snyder Avenue.
Bill No. 990460, introduced by Councilman DiCicco by request. This bill establishes a parking regulation on 13th Street, east side, Jackson Street to Snyder Avenue. This new regulation has been in effect for a period of at least eight months, with no 21 apparent problems. The Philadelphia Parking Authority recommends favorable consideration of this bill.
Thank you. Are there any questions for this 77 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990461 witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990461, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sixth Street, both sides, Christian Street to Montrose Street, and Sixth Street, east side, Montrose Street to Carpenter Street.
Bill No. 990461, introduced by Councilman DiCicco by request. This bill establishes a parking regulation on Sixth Street, both sides, Christian Street to Montrose Street, and Sixth Street. Each side, Montrose Street to Carpenter Street. This new regulation has been in effect for a period of at least eight months, with no apparent problems. The Philadelphia Parking Authority recommends favorable consideration of this bill.
Thank you. 78 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990462 Are there any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990462, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sydenham Street, west side, Cecil B. Moore Avenue to Montgomery Avenue.
Bill No. 990462, introduced by Councilman Darryl Clarke by request. This bill establishes a parking regulation on Sydenham Street, west side, Cecil B. Moore Avenue to Montgomery Avenue. This new regulation has been in effect for a period of at least eight months, with no apparent problems. The Philadelphia Parking Authority recommends favorable consideration of this bill.
Thank you. Are there any questions for this 79 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990646 witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990646, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Snyder Avenue, north side, Watts Street to Broad Street.
Bill No. 990646, introduced by Councilman DiCicco by request. This bill establishes a parking regulation on Snyder Avenue, north side, Watts Street to Broad Street. This new regulation has been in effect for a period of at least eight months, with no apparent problems. The Philadelphia Parking Authority recommends favorable consideration of this bill.
Thank you. Are there any questions for this witness from the committee? 80 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990647 (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990647, an ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Passyunk Avenue, both sides, Christian Street to Carpenter Street.
Bill No. 990647, introduced by Councilman DiCicco by request. This bill establishes a parking regulation on Passyunk Avenue, both sides, Christian Street to Carpenter Street. This new regulation has been in effect for a period of at least eight months, with no 19 apparent problems. The Philadelphia Parking Authority recommends favorable consideration of this bill.
Thank you. Are there any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.) 81 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990648
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990648, an ordinance establishing parking regulations on Juniper Street, west side, Porter Street to Ritner Street.
Bill No. 990648, introduced by Councilman DiCicco by request. This bill establishes a parking regulation on Juniper Street, west side, Porter Street to Ritner Street. This new regulation has been in effect for a period of at least eight months, with no 18 apparent problems. The Philadelphia Parking Authority recommends favorable consideration of this bill.
Thank you. Are there any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone 82 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990674, 677 else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990674 and companion Bill 990677. Bill 990674 is an ordinance authorizing the construction of the sewer and appurtenant work required to alleviate unsanitary conditions in portions of a proposed right-of-way for drainage, sewer, and water main purposes in Rodney Street, a private street. And Bill No. 990677, an ordinance to authorize the Water Commissioner, on behalf of the City,, to enter into agreements with the owners of the properties and their successors of a private street known as Rodney Street, from South Ferry Road to a dead end approximately 448 feet northeasterly of South Ferry Road for the grant of right-of-way to the City for drainage, sewer, and 83 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990674, 677 water main purposes. (Paul McCloskey comes forward.)
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. My name is Paul McCloskey. I'm representing the Water Department. These two Bill No.'s were introduced on October 14, 1999 by Councilman Nutter by request. Bill No. 990674 authorizes the Water Department to construct the sanitary and storm sewers on a private street known as Rodney Street, from South Ferry Road to approximately 448 feet northeasterly of South Ferry Road. Rodney Street is a private street in the East Falls area of the City. The west side of the street is Fairmount Park. The east side of the street is the rear of houses that are 19 fronting on the 4000 block of Ridge Avenue. These 20 houses are a mixture of three-story single-family houses and triplexes. These properties are currently serviced by a public water main and gas in Ridge Avenue and a private sanitary sewer in the rear of the property on Rodney Street. The sewer was placed at the turn of the 84 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990674, 677 century at private cost. The private sewer has failed off and on during the last ten years and requires total replacement. The public sewer available is deep in rock and is on the opposite side of Ridge Avenue. Besides being expensive to connect to the existing sewer, the area would be severely impacted by this construction. In light of the fact that they have public water and have been paying water and sewer bills for over 90 years, the residents have petitioned the City for a public sewer. A portion of these bills provide for debt service for capital projects such as new and reconstruction of water mains and sewers, and so it's only reasonable that such revenue should be used for their own utilities. Further, revenues received by the properties exceed the construction cost of the facilities. An assessment shall be levied against the owners having frontage in order to absorb a portion of the cost of construction, and the residents shall be required to connect into the sewer at their cost, in accordance with the City code. 85 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990674, 677 Since Rodney Street is a private street, the property owners must grant a subsurface utility right-of-way to the City. This will allow the City to legally enter the private street to initially construct utilities and provide for access for future maintenance. Bill No. 990677 provides for this access by authorizing the Water Commissioner, on behalf of the City,, to enter into agreements with the owners of the properties and their successors for the grant of the right-of-way to the City for drainage, sewer, and water main purposes. This agreement shall also provide language that the City may place the right-of-way on the City Plan at a future date. We recommend that this bill be favorably reported out of committee, and we ask for a suspension of the rules on this and on any other Water Department bill sponsored today.
Thank you. Are there any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone 86 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990676 else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990676, an ordinance authorizing the construction of a sanitary sewer and appurtenance work on a portion of Minerva Street.
Bill 990676 was introduced by Councilman Nutter on October 14, 1999 by request. This bill authorizes the Water Department to construct a sanitary on Minerva Street to Bean Street to Ridge Avenue. Minerva Street is a block of single-family dwellings in the upper Roxborough section of the City. The block is currently serviced by individual on-site sewerage treatment facilities for each property. Since it's outlived its usefulness, it requires replacement. The malfunction in the septic systems has created an unsanitary condition. In light of the fact that the residents are serviced, public water and public sewer was requested. 87 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990676 An assessment shall be levied against the owners having frontage to absorb a portion of the cost of the construction. The residents shall be required to connect to the new service at their cost, in accordance with the City code. We recommend that this bill be favorably recommended out of committee.
Thank you. Any questions for this witness from the committee? Councilmember Rizzo?
When a septic system is abandoned, does it have to be removed, or can it be abandoned in place?
In this particular case, Councilman, this was put in a long time ago. These are rowhouses, and the systems are in the rear. Now, for some of people, they have gone totally bad. I did speak with one of the residents up there, and she had managed to keep hers going for a couple more years for $3500; she just put it on her Master Charge. We're trying to provide the sewer 88 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990676 availability to these people when they finally do collapse totally so that they can tie in.
But the general concept, when a person has a -- I'm amazed at the number that we still have in the city.
When you do this process, hook them up to City sewage, are they allowed to leave the existing system there just underground or do they have to dig it up and take it away?
They have to make provisions to neutralize it, you know, to have it cleaned out and neutralize the soil, you know, so it won't go down into the ground table.
With concrete or something? Something similar to what you would do with a --
Thank you. Any other questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990720, an ordinance authorizing the construction of a water main and appurtenant work required to replace a private main and to ensure better water supply in portions of a proposed right-of-way for drainage, sewer, and water main purposes on St. Bernard Street, a private street.
Again, my name is Paul McCloskey, with the Philadelphia Water Department. This bill is tied in to Bill No. 23 990720, authorizing the construction of a water main. It is in conjunction with a sister bill, Bill 990721, which is a right-of-way authorization 90 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990720 bill. I wish to testify simultaneously on the two. The two were introduced by Councilman Nutter on October 21, 1999 by request. Bill No. 6 990720 authorizes the Water Department to construct a water main in a private street known as St. Bernard Street, from Woodbine Avenue to approximately 85 feet northwesterly of Woodbine Avenue. St. Bernard Street is a private street in the Wynnefield area of the City. The west side of the street is the rear of the properties of 50th Street. The east side of the street has three single-family houses. These houses are currently serviced by a private water main, private sewer and public gas main. The facilities were replaced at the turn of the century at private cost. The facilities have outlived there usefulness and require total replacement. The water main, in particular, is beyond repair and temporary measures were taken to provide water service. The residents have been paying water and sewer bills for over 90 years. A portion of 91 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990720 these bills provide for debt service for capital projects such as new and reconstructed water mains and sewers. It's only reasonable that such revenues be used for their own utility. Further, the revenues received by the properties exceed the cost of the new construction. An assessment shall be levied against the owners having owners have frontage in order to absorb a portion of the cost of reconstruction, and the residents are required to connect to the new main at their cost, in accordance with the City code. Since St. Bernard Street is not a public street, the property owners must grant a subsurface utility right-of-way to the City. This will allow the City to legally enter the property to initially construct the utilities and provide for access for future maintenance. Bill No. 990721 provides for this access by authorizing the Water Commissioner, on behalf of the City,, to enter into agreements with the owners of properties and successors of St. Bernard Street for the granting of a right-away to the City for drainage, sewer and water main 92 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990721 purposes. We recommend that this bill be favorably voted out of committee.
Thank you. Are there any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against these bills? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990721, an ordinance to authorize the Water Commission, on behalf of the City,, to enter into agreements with the owners of the properties and their successors of a private Street known as St. Bernard Street, from Woodbine Avenue to approximately 385 feet northwesterly of Woodbine Avenue, for the grant of a right-of-way to the City for drainage, sewer, and water main purposes.
I believe that we just received testimony on that one. 93 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990763
Right, and we just read the title of the bill into the record.
Yeah, but we just needed to enter the title into the record, so we're clear. Thank you.
Bill 990763, an ordinance 16 to authorize the Water Commissioner, on behalf of the City,, to enter into agreements with the owners of the properties and their successors, of a P-shaped private street known as Parkwood Lane, that is located northwesterly if Fairmount Park property, 100 feet northwesterly of Summit Avenue, approximately 600 feet southwesterly of Old Line Road, for the grant of right-of-way to the City for drainage, sewer, and water main purposes.
Again, my name's Paul 94 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990763 McCloskey and I represent the Water Department. Bill No. 990763 was introduced by Councilman Nutter on November the 4th, 1999, by request. Pennsylvania Sprango (ph.), Incorporated, the developer is currently constructing single-family houses at this 8 location. The new street servicing the 9 development shall be private. The new water mains 10 and sewers are intended to be designed and built 11 to Water Department standards, at the sole cost of 12 the developer. In accordance with the 13 Philadelphia Code, the developer should turn 14 ownership of these utilities over to the City at their completion. Since Parkwood Lane, again, is not a public street, the developer must grant a subsurface utility right-of-way to the City. This will allow the City to legally take over the ownership of the facilities, provide access for future maintenance. This bill provides for this access by authorizing the Water Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into agreements with the owners of the properties and their successors of Parkwood Lane for the grant of the right-of-way 95 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990763 to the City for drainage, sewer, and water main purposes. The agreement also provides language that the City may place the right-of-way on the City Plan at a future date. We recommend that this bill be favorably reported out of committee.
Are there any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.)
Thank you very much for your time, and you have a good holiday also. The clerk will please read the title of 96 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990456 the next bill.
Bill No. 990456, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 197 by striking from the Russell Street from Casper Street to a point approximately 311 feet southeastwardly therefrom by striking from the City Plan and vacating Ontario Street from a point approximately 507 feet southeast of Casper Street to a point approximately 52 feet southeast of Casper Street; by reserving and placing on the City Plan a certain 60-feet wide right-of-way for drainage purposes and water main purposes; and by striking from the City Plan and abandoning a certain 50-feet wide right-of-way for drainage purposes from Ontario Street to a point approximately 231 feet eastwardly therefrom, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. And good afternoon. Please identify yourself for the record.
Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, my name is Martin Soffer from the City Planning Commission. 97 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990456 The proposed ordinance authorizes the removal from the City Plan of two unneeded dead-end streets located in the Port Richmond section of Northeast Philadelphia. The purpose of this ordinance is to assist in the assemblage of a nine-acre development parcel that will permit the Isbrey (ph.) Holding Corporation to construct a 100,000 square foot water bottling and distribution facility. Therefore, by action at its meeting on June 17, 1999, the Planning Commission recommends that Bill No. 990456 be approved. Thank you.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is Edward Duffy, and I represent the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development. And I am here to testify in support of Bill No. 990456. This ordinance will strike from the 98 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990456 City Plan Russell Street for a distance of 311 feet from Casper Street, strike and abandon a drainage right-of-way north of Ontario, and strike and vacate Ontario Street for a distance of 507 feet to its terminus at the railroad right-of-way in the bed of Carbon Street, subject to retaining a 60-foot wide drainage and water main right-of-way in the stricken portion of Ontario Street. Bill No. 990456 has been submitted at the request of the Isbrey Spring Water Company, which proposes to acquire the entire nine-acre site on the north side of Ontario Street at Carbon Street and develop it as a port terminus bottling and distribution facility that will employ an estimated 150 workers at the site. This acquisition of this City-owned site was previously approved by City Council in its Ordinance 980966, enacted April 27th of 1999. I ask that the committee consider this bill favorably and that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading at the next regularly scheduled meeting of Council. Thank you for this opportunity to 99 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990456 testify. I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding this witness.
Thank you, Mr. Duffy. Is this a new company or are they expanding their operations?
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. My name's Paul Lonie, Survey Manager with the Streets Department. And the Streets Department would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 16 990456: This is not an administration ordinance 18 but an ordinance requested by Mr. Edward Duffy, Senior Vice President of PIDC. The purpose of this ordinance is to strike Russell Street and remove a drainage right-of-way for the development of a natural spring water importation bottling and distribution facility. The ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to 100 12/2/99 STREETS & SVCS. - BILL 990725 committee for favorable action.
Thank you. Any questions for this witness from the committee? (No questions.)
Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.)
Hearing none, the clerk will read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 990725, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by relocating a portion of the southerly curb line of Cuthbert Street between 12th Street and 13th Street, under certain terms and conditions.