COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY AND3 PUBLIC WORKS4 5 6 Room 400, City Hall7 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, June 1, 20118 10:10 a.m. 9 10 PRESENT: COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY, CHAIR11 COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE12 COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR.13 14 BILLS 110303, 110372, 110383, 110384, 110385 and 11044115 16 - - -17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2 1
Good2 morning, ladies and gentlemen. The3 Council Committee on Public Property and4 Public Works is now in session. We have5 a quorum with Councilmembers Greenlee,6 DiCicco, Rizzo and the Vice-Chair of the7 Committee, myself, Councilman Kenney,8 here to listen to testimony on a number9 of bills and have a public meeting10 regarding same bills.11 The first bill on the Calendar12 is Bill No. 110372, an ordinance13 authorizing the Commissioner of Public14 Property, on behalf of the City of15 Philadelphia, to convey to the16 Philadelphia Authority for Industrial17 Development, a parcel with an address of18 1814-28 West Cheltenham Avenue, for19 further conveyance, under certain terms20 and conditions.21 Before you start your22 testimony, I just want to announce that23 Bill No. 110303 will be held at the24 request of the sponsor.25 3 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 Please identify yourself for2 the record.3 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:4 Good morning, Chairman Kenney and members5 of the Committee on Public Property and6 Public Works. My name is John Herzins.7 I am Deputy Commissioner of the8 Department of Public Property here today9 to testify in support of Bill No. 110372,10 an ordinance authorizing the11 Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to12 convey to PAID, a parcel with an address13 of 1814 to 28 West Cheltenham Avenue, for14 further conveyance, under certain terms15 and conditions.16 This property will be marketed17 and sold for development. The sale of18 this property will generate revenue for19 the General Fund and increase property20 tax revenue.21 The Department supports this22 measure and, accordingly, I respectfully23 ask that City Council approve Bill No.24 110372.25 4 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 I am requesting a suspension of2 the rules so as to allow for first3 reading at the next session of Council.4 Thank you.5
Are there6 any suggested amendments?7 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:8 No.9
Is there a10 buyer, potential buyer, on tap already?11 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:12 The Councilwoman's office is working with13 a potential developer to build a14 laundromat at this facility.15
This is the16 8th District?17 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:18 Yes.19
Thank you.20 Any questions for the witness?21 (No response.)22
Seeing23 none, anyone to testify on this bill?24 (No response.)25 5 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1
Seeing2 none, the next bill is Bill 110383, an3 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of4 Public Property, on behalf of the City of5 Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease6 agreement with the Philadelphia Authority7 for Industrial Development, for certain8 land and improvements located at 34499 Scotts Lane, all under certain terms and10 conditions.11 Please identify yourself.12 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:13 Good morning, Chairman Kenney and other14 members of the Committee on Public15 Property and Public Works. My name is16 John Herzins. I am Deputy Commissioner17 of the Department of Public Property here18 today to testify in support of Bill No.19 110383, an ordinance authorizing the20 Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to21 enter into a sublease agreement with22 PAID, for certain land and improvements23 located at 3449 Scotts Lane, all under24 certain terms and conditions.25 6 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 The Police Department's Special2 Victims Unit, the Department of Human3 Services and the Philadelphia Children's4 Alliance investigate and administer5 treatment for all reported cases of6 adult/child sexual assault, child abuse7 reported cases and all other related8 crimes. The Department will lease via9 PAID a newly constructed green facility10 that allows for co-housing of these child11 welfare, police and advocacy groups. The12 lease will provide for a 15-year term,13 with the landlord funding all tenant14 improvements.15 The Department supports this16 measure and, accordingly, I respectfully17 ask that City Council approve Bill No.18 110383.19 I am requesting a suspension of20 the rules so as to allow for first21 reading at the next session of Council.22 I also have with me today23 Commissioner Ambrose, DHS Commissioner;24 Captain Darby, head of the Special25 7 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 Victims Unit; Chris Kirchner, head of the2 Philadelphia Children's Alliance; and Deb3 Harley from the District Attorney's4 Office, who can answer questions about5 the program.6
Are any7 intended to testify?8 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:9 They are here to answer questions.10
I11 understand there are other witnesses who12 want to testify either for or against13 this bill. Could I just see a show of14 hands?15 (Audience members raising16 hands.)17
What I18 would like is if someone from that group19 that you just mentioned could come20 forward and kind of explain the21 environment where everyone will be22 working, the type of environment that it23 is. I've had the privilege in the past24 to have been in the other facility, I25 8 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 guess the one that's in Center City, and2 just to kind of give a flavor of what the3 atmosphere is in the building, despite4 the fact that it's horrific acts that5 have happened to these kids, the kinds of6 folks and the type of questioning and7 interaction there is. So just kind of8 set a tone for what this facility is and9 what it isn't.10 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:11 I'll ask Commissioner Ambrose and Captain12 Darby.13
Captain14 Darby, if you could maybe come forward,15 if you don't mind, together.16 (Witnesses approached witness17 table.)18
If it's19 possible, just to kind of give the20 general layout, what happens there, why21 the rooms are constructed and designed22 the way they are and all of the aspects,23 or as many as you can, about what's going24 on in the facility.25 9 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 So just identify yourself for2 the record.3 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Good4 morning. Anne Marie Ambrose,5 Commissioner of the Department of Human6 Services.7 Co-location is something that's8 a national best practice in child abuse9 investigations. Co-location includes the10 Department of Human Services, who is11 responsible for investigating the initial12 complaint; Philadelphia Children's13 Alliance, who is nationally renowned14 forensic experts in interviewing child15 abuse victims; and the Philadelphia16 Police Department. We also collaborate17 with the District Attorneys on this18 investigations.19 Basically the whole concept is20 to make sure that there's one interview21 where all of the necessary stakeholders22 are involved in that interview so that23 the child doesn't have to be24 re-traumatized by being interviewed25 10 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 multiple times. And so we all come2 together. PCA has office space there.3 DHS has office space there. The Police4 have office space there and also some5 holding cells, if necessary, and Captain6 Darby can elaborate on that.7 The PCA space is specially8 built space where there's a room where9 the child is being interviewed with10 whatever that glass is called that allows11 people to witness the interview and make12 sure that it's done along the lines that13 it's supposed to be done. And so those14 are specially built rooms with sound and15 voice capacity for the right people to do16 the observation so that the investigation17 can be completed appropriately.18 It's also an incredibly19 family-friendly place, because often it's20 not just the children that are21 traumatized by this, it's the families22 that are traumatized. And so there's23 ample waiting space. There's play space24 for other children who might have to25 11 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 accompany the families there. And it's2 really -- the artwork is beautiful. It's3 a really welcoming space for children who4 have to go through something that's5 fairly traumatic.6
So it's not7 your typical police station.8 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: No, not9 at all.10
And I want11 people to understand, if you've been to12 the Children's Alliance location, it is13 not a typical police station or police14 headquarters.15 Explain why it needs to be --16 the location of this facility was17 critical in being close to public18 transit, and could you explain what19 that's about?20 COMMISSIONER AMBROSE: Sure. I21 think that if we do data mapping of the22 location where many of these offenses23 occur, very close to the East Falls area,24 and so we want to make it accessible to25 12 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 public transportation. Many of these2 families don't have their own3 transportation, so accessibility to4 getting to the building is essential.5 DHS sometimes provides transportation.6 PCA sometimes provides transportation.7 But it's not just a child who needs to8 come. It's sometimes a group of family9 members who need to come, because it's10 not just the interview that needs to take11 place; oftentimes there's counseling and12 additional services that we need to13 connect that family to based on the14 trauma that the child has experienced.15 And there's also additional stakeholders16 who might have to meet there, so we have17 conference room space if we want to do18 teamings on cases, making sure that we're19 preparing the case for trial.20 Ultimately this interview21 process really helps in the trial22 process, and I'm sure Deb can explain a23 little bit further, if that's something24 folks want to know.25 13 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1
One more2 logistical issue. Could you talk a3 little bit about this particular site and4 the proposed availability of parking for5 staff and visitors, so we can talk a6 little bit about traffic flow and7 congestion and things, is there available8 parking on site for both employees and9 those who need to come.10 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:11 There's at least 150 parking spaces that12 will be part of the facility.13
And what do14 you anticipate DHS, PCA and the Police15 taking up of that 150? If you don't16 know, you don't know, but at some17 point --18 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:19 It will be within those numbers.20 Remember, there's different shifts of21 people working around the clock, so we22 don't anticipate all of them being used23 at any one time.24
3 CAPTAIN DARBY: Yes. Good4 morning, gentlemen. My name is John5 Darby. I'm a Captain with the6 Philadelphia Police Department and7 Commanding Officer of the Special Victims8 Unit. 10 Just to give you a little bit11 of a background here in regards to12 Special Victims Unit, because under this13 plan, the entire Special Victims Unit14 would relocate. 17 We are a 24/7 operation. We investigate18 all adult and child reports or19 allegations of sexual assault and related20 crimes citywide. 1 deaths. Those are children under 102 years of age. 5 We also do Megan's Law enforcement; that6 is, violations of Megan's Law. As we7 well know, almost anyone can access the8 website and look for Megan's Law9 offenders, who literally live in every10 neighborhood in the City. 13 We also investigate -- and I14 think that's what we're here about15 today -- we investigate all reports of16 child physical and sexual abuse by17 caretakers. These reports account for18 approximately 2,000 of our total19 caseload. 1 incorporation of the Special Victims Unit2 obviously was to enable the Department3 to, with sensitivity and in a minimally4 threatening manner, handle these specific5 cases involving child sexual abuse6 victims, and that's being handled by7 motivated police investigators. 12 So we've had a transition, which has led13 us to this proposed site. The Unit was14 formerly known as the Sex Crimes Unit,15 obviously a crass term. 19 We're currently located, as20 everyone knows, on the Temple University21 Health System's Episcopal Hospital22 campus. We've occupied that site since23 2003. 4 So my sense is that we've moved5 ahead. 8 Those partners include Department of9 Human Services and Philadelphia10 Children's Alliance. So under the11 current plan, Special Victims Unit12 investigators who are handling child13 abuse cases literally are moving from our14 location at Episcopal down to the Center15 City location at Philadelphia Children's16 Alliance. The reason we go there17 obviously is, we want to coordinate and18 consolidate our response to these types19 of cases. They are video recorded at20 Philadelphia Children's Alliance. We21 don't have that capability where we are22 right now. 1 What's more important is the2 coordination of our effort. No matter3 how you do it, physical separation of4 these agencies creates a hardship day to5 day. I mean, you're literally at the --6 you're victimized by, despite the7 technology, the idea of bringing the8 parties together. 15
I guess16 most of us would, I guess, know SVU by17 the television show, and I won't ask you18 to comment on the reality of the show,19 but it's safe to say this facility will20 not reflect what we see on SVU on21 television, I would think.22 CAPTAIN DARBY: Absolutely not.23 It is tedious work. It is, as I said,24 sensitive work. It's emotionally25 19 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 draining, absolutely, to see the victims,2 to see the response of the victims, and I3 think that's what this project is about.4
Okay.5 Thank you very much for your testimony.6 Any questions for these7 witnesses?8 (No response.)9
Thank you10 very much.11 Is there anyone else to12 testify? Please come forward.13 And, Mr. Herzins and anyone14 else, if you could just keep yourself15 available to answer questions that may16 come up as a result of the upcoming17 testimony.18 (Witnesses approached witness19 table.)20
Please24 identify yourself.25 20 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1
My name is Tom2 Sauerman and I am President of the East3 Falls Community Council. The Council4 represents and advocates for the5 residents of the community and is6 dedicated to improving their quality of7 life.8 The proposed use of a large9 Scotts Lane property is a mystery. We10 have had no useful information about the11 proposed use, starting with what will12 actually happen there.13 What exactly is a Special14 Victims Unit and what DHS services are15 proposed for the site? What will the16 hours of operation be? How many people17 in cars will come and go on the Scotts18 Lane, which is a very narrow and19 dangerous road? We've heard that one use20 will be an adult offender reporting21 office for probationers. Is that true?22 Because no one has talked to23 the community about this, we ask that you24 hold any action on the bill until all the25 21 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 information is made available to the2 members of the community and there is an3 opportunity for the residents to hear --4 to attend a hearing, rather, regarded as5 the proposed use.6 I distributed some sheets of7 paper, and if you would look at the third8 sheet, the aerial photograph of the9 property, referring to this, I wish to10 point out some facts. First, the11 property's entrance is directly across12 the street from the entrance to McDevitt13 Recreation Center where hundreds of14 children participate in East Falls sports15 association and other activities.16 Second, the Falls Center17 directly behind the property and18 connected to it houses Le Petits Cherubs,19 a community nursery and preschool20 program. And the Falls Center is also21 the home of the Eastern University22 Academy Charter School, a middle school23 that is adding a grade year through to24 the 12th grade, as well as an extension25 22 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 of Eastern University with both day and2 evening classes.3 The Scotts Lane entrance to the4 property under consideration is critical.5 The Eastern Academy Middle School6 students enter their school from Scotts7 Lane. Students walk up and down Scotts8 Lane from buses on Ridge Avenue and Henry9 Avenue. If -- and this is a very10 important "if," because we still haven't11 heard the answer to this one. If a12 proposed use of the property is as a13 reporting center for adult sex offenders,14 those offenders who use public15 transportation to come to the site will16 use the same semi-desolate road to get to17 the proposed site as those children18 walking to their school.19 Scotts Lane is a narrow street20 without sidewalks all the way down on21 both sides. There are residences up the22 hill from the site. Since the parking23 lot and building in question were built,24 the character of Scotts Lane uses has25 23 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 changed and intensified. It is no longer2 industrial.3 We strongly urge that this bill4 be held until a full presentation is made5 to the community about the proposed uses.6 It may be that there is nothing for us to7 be concerned about, but we want to know8 now before another use is suddenly thrust9 upon us the way the Youth Study Center10 was a number of years ago.11 We respectfully request that12 arrangements be made for a formal13 presentation of all the facts before any14 action is taken by you. We would be15 happy to schedule a meeting of the16 Community Council which draws the17 residents of the community to hear that18 presentation.19 Thank you very much.20
My name is Meg23 Greenfield. I chair the East Falls24 Community Council Zoning and Land Use25 24 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 Committee, and I want you to know right2 off the bat, I am one of the founders of3 the Support Center for Child Advocates,4 which has been providing for, I think,5 about 30 years, more or less, trained6 volunteer legal counsel for abused7 children. I am on their side and have8 been since a chance meeting with Judge9 Lois Forer in the street when I was a10 young associate.11 I've also recently been12 privileged to participate in the Planning13 Commission's Citizen Planning Institute's14 most recent round of classes. We're15 encouraged to plan for our communities to16 make them work, and what we're asking is17 a chance to do that.18 I have reviewed and worked on a19 lot of proposals for development in East20 Falls, including the adaptive reuse of21 old industrial properties, the old22 Medical College of Pennsylvania, EPPI,23 which is now being used as what has been24 called the temporary location for the25 25 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 Youth Study Center. We're very concerned2 that another large piece of East Falls,3 including a 37,000 square foot building,4 would be taken out of play without proper5 planning and principally without any6 prior discussion with the community.7 There's been -- as Tom said, we8 have not, until this morning, heard any9 detail about what will go on there. We10 still don't know whether this11 investigative unit will bring in alleged12 perpetrators, whether there will be13 holding cells, whether if the Unit14 decides they are not persons of interest,15 they will be just turned back out onto16 our streets.17 We do know that this is a18 sensitive site for the reasons that Tom19 stated, that there are many...20
That if you23 look at the map, you will see that there24 are many residents nearby on Scotts Lane,25 26 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 Indian Queen Lane, Vaux and Crawford2 Streets, and that there is a rec center3 right across the street, a new4 development, the Mills at Scotts in East5 Falls at the lower part of Scotts Lane,6 as well as Dobson Mills on Ridge Avenue.7 Scotts Lane is narrow. It's an8 outdated street with little prospect for9 improvement because of the CSX bridge at10 the bottom, where the road narrows to one11 lane. Therefore, we are concerned about12 traffic. We would like to know how many13 cars will be coming and going at what14 hours, whether there will be police15 sirens in the middle of the night.16 We don't doubt that the17 developer wants to rent its property,18 that the City wants to find a location19 for the Special Victims Unit and the20 Child Alliance, and we agree that all of21 these activities should be consolidated.22 I have -- I share the concerns. I think23 the important thing is that nobody has24 shared with our community what is planned25 27 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 there. We do not know the parameters.2 We do not know, for instance, whether the3 entire building which is on the site will4 be used or whether there will be room for5 the addition of other kinds of perhaps6 unrelated services at a future time.7 These are questions which could have and8 should have been answered for the9 community before.10 We have a very active process11 for hearing about proposed uses, and we12 would be delighted to host a13 presentation, but until that happens, we14 ask that you hold this bill.15 If the Committee has any16 questions, I'd be happy to answer them.17
Thank you18 very much for your testimony.19 Any questions for the20 Committee?21 (No response.)22
Thank you23 very much.24 The Deputy Mayor, Everett25 28 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 Gillison, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety,2 is on his way. We're going to continue3 the hearing. My understanding is that4 there's no component of adult probation5 or any probation at that site. So he6 will put on the record that issue.7 It is understood, though, from8 the District Councilperson's office that9 there will be a meeting, extensive10 meetings, with the community in the11 future about this particular facility.12 One of the things I would suggest, if13 possible, is that in addition to a14 community meeting, that -- and this will15 be up to the District Councilperson --16 that interested parties should be able to17 at least see what goes on at Children's18 Alliance and maybe get a sense there and19 also a sense of what goes on at Captain20 Darby's shop and what goes there and try21 to put them together and understand.22 As far as additional23 development, I don't know whether or not24 Public Property has any information on25 29 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 whether or not it's feasible to have2 additional development on this site,3 considering its use, or is there any4 plans for additional development of any5 kind?6 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:7 We're not aware of any other additional8 development on the site. This particular9 development project would take up that10 whole parcel at the lower end of that11 Scotts Lane.12
I mean,13 also I would assume the activity there is14 going to preclude any other type of --15 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:16 Correct.17
-- shopping18 mall or anything else. I mean, it's not19 the kind of site that if this goes there,20 we're going to have retail, dry cleaners21 and any of that stuff.22 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:23 Correct.24
So the sole25 30 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 purpose of the use of the site would be2 this activity?3 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:4 Correct.5
Okay.6 Councilman DiCicco.7 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.8 Thank you, Mr. Chairman.9
Excuse me.10 Before you start, Councilwoman Donna Reed11 Miller is also present, for the record.12 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Are there13 any time-sensitive issues relating to14 this in terms of the lease being signed15 or not signed in a certain amount of16 time? Is there design and construction17 issues? Do you know of any?18 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:19 No. We've been working on trying to find20 a site, I think, for 15 years now, but21 I'm not aware that there's any particular22 time constraints.23
I guess24 just generally I would ask the25 31 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 question -- and it's been raised by the2 residents association -- that why hasn't3 there been any contact? I mean, it would4 seem kind of a normal course of action5 that there would be some interaction with6 the civic. I mean, maybe you do have an7 answer or don't have an answer, but --8 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS: I9 think maybe I would like to defer to the10 Deputy Mayor when he arrives for that.11
All right.12 Is there anybody else here to13 testify on this particular bill?14 (No response.)15
All right.16 We'll wait for Deputy Mayor Gillison and17 we'll move on.18
I'm sorry.21 You have to come forward to the22 microphone.23
If you would24 just --25 32 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1
She has to2 hear you. You have to use the3 microphone, because she can't hear you.4 Just identify yourself again.5
Tom Sauerman6 from East Falls.7 If you would just be -- if your8 Committee would just be kind enough to9 hold off this bill so that the community10 can understand. We might be more than11 willing to support it. That's not the12 question. We're asking that a fair13 hearing be held.14
We're15 moving on to the next bill just for16 time's sake. We don't take any action on17 any of these bills until we get into a18 public meeting.19
But I will21 follow some of the guidance of the22 District Councilperson, who has23 committed, although not here today, to24 meet with the community before the bill25 33 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 moves from the Calendar. So we haven't2 decided what we're doing yet, but we just3 want to move forward until Deputy Mayor4 Gillison gets here.5 So the next bill for6 consideration is Bill No. 110385, an7 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of8 Public Property, on behalf of the City of9 Philadelphia, to convey to the10 Philadelphia Authority for Industrial11 Development, a parcel with an address12 2466 through 74 Amber Street, for further13 conveyance, under certain terms and14 conditions.15 Please identify yourself.16 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:17 Good morning, Chairman Kenney and members18 of the Committee on Public Property and19 Public Works. My name is John Herzins.20 I am Deputy Commissioner of Public21 Property here today to testify in support22 of Bill 110385, an ordinance authorizing23 the Commissioner, on behalf of the City,24 to convey to PAID a parcel with an25 34 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 address of 2466 to 74 Amber Street, for2 further conveyance, under certain terms3 and conditions.4 The properties will be sold at5 fair market value for a housing6 development project tentatively named7 Amber Gardens. The developer is RRB8 Holding, LLC. The sale of these9 properties will generate revenue for the10 General Fund and increase property tax11 revenue.12 The Department supports this13 measure and, accordingly, I respectfully14 ask that City Council approve Bill No.15 110385.16 I am also requesting a17 suspension of the rules so as to allow18 first reading at the next session of19 Council.20 Thank you.21
What is the22 development plan?23 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:24 Five residential houses, family houses.25 35 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1
Seeing5 none, we will now consider Bill No.6 110384, an ordinance authorizing the7 Commissioner of Public Property -- oh,8 I'm sorry. I didn't see. Come forward,9 please.10 (Witnesses approached witness11 table.)12
This is on13 Bill No. 110385, 2466-74 Amber. Please14 identify yourself for the record and15 proceed.16
Thank you. My17 name is Jeffrey C. Carpineta, resident of18 2040 East Dauphin Street, City of19 Philadelphia 19125. 1 Commission and a tremendous volunteer in2 our neighborhood, who just handed you our3 green spaces plan. 12 I'd like to tell you the13 following: The East Kensington Neighbors14 Association, some background on what we15 do, we're the group in the neighborhood16 of concerned residents, about 200 strong,17 that do everything to kind of make up for18 where the City falls short. We clean up19 trash and needles and board up vacant20 houses and take care of quality-of-life21 and crime reporting. 22 We handle all zoning reviews for zoning23 applications. 3 So we're the group that does4 all those things in the neighborhood,5 including the zoning variance and this6 and that. We have good relationships7 with New Kensington CDC, with the8 Planning Commission, with Mural Arts,9 with the Department of Parks and10 Recreation newly merged and also with11 Council office. 15 In the last year, we've taken a16 lot of time and energy to think on and17 work on and explore the relationship18 between the development activity in the19 neighborhood and the importance of open20 space and green space, because our21 neighborhood, unlike many in the City22 right now, is experiencing a boom of23 development. 1 think, almost 25 newly constructed row2 homes, with 20 more in the pipeline for3 the next six months. 12 So we authored a green space13 plan for the neighborhood. It's very14 modest in its objectives. 1 precious spaces that we seek to protect2 over the next few years. We want to make3 it clear to the Committee and to all4 leaders in the City that this community5 is not anti-development. In fact, to6 illustrate the point, a bill before you7 today, 110384, calls for the conveyance8 and disposition of eight properties in9 our neighborhood, which we absolutely10 support. 14 A little bit more about the15 property. It is the large square16 property that you'll see on of17 the report. It was a previous "L-4"18 Light Industrial property. 1 This neighborhood has no2 protected green space at this point. It3 was an oversight to our forefathers. For4 everything they gave us, they didn't give5 us that. 9 I just made an appearance to Chief of10 Staff from Mr. 18 There was, I'm informed, some19 misunderstanding about where this parcel20 falls in connection with other parcels21 that this potential developer holds. 1 corner, 2051 and 2053. 5 And another argument that the6 community doesn't find convincing is that7 the man that holds those parcels can't8 make good for himself by building on the9 two parcels that he holds. 13 So to drive the point home,14 I'll just say three points. First of15 all, the conveyance is unnecessary. The16 neighborhood has tremendous development17 momentum. This is not needed to18 kick-start development activity in the19 neighborhood. It's contradictory. The20 conveyance -- our community has worked21 hard. We've become one of the noted22 partners for Parks and Rec's Green 201523 initiative. 1 Code. We've been participants in the2 Citizens Planning Institute. 9 Our Planning Commission10 representative for our area a year ago11 made a request to Public Property to kind12 of set aside, or however you want to talk13 about that, to kind of slow down and not14 move on any disposition of this because15 it had special importance and possibility16 as a green space. And also we had17 dialogue personally, including an18 in-person meeting, with the Department of19 Public Property to make that clear to20 them. In fact, we were thanked for that21 engagement, because it was obvious to us22 that they had very little clear23 understanding of what the realities were24 of their holdings out in the field. 1 so they invited us to submit to them to2 have ongoing dialogue about what3 properties are held by public agencies4 that would be fit for development, and we5 are prepared to do that. Committee Bill6 348 makes that clear.
13 This is not a neighborhood that's14 anti-development. 1 can mobilize our civic energy to2 accomplish so many other missions in the3 neighborhood. 5 So I thank you for the6 opportunity to provide input today. If7 any of you ever want to make a journey up8 to East Kensington, I'll be glad to be9 with you. 14 A final note would be, we're15 pleased to announce that in the last16 couple weeks, we have found some private17 partnerships to help us implement our18 plan. 21 We have strong foundation support from22 the Cedar Hill Foundation. 1 actually come to stand with us. His name2 is Jeffrey Carpenter. He is behind me to3 the left. 11
Thank you.12 Councilman DiCicco.13 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you,14 Mr. Chairman.15 Good morning. Has anyone made16 contact with my office about this issue17 prior to this morning?18
We actually19 just learned about the bill over the20 weekend and so we made a trip and spoke21 with your Chief of Staff, Ms. Womelsdorf,22 this morning.23 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Yeah. She24 texted me a few minutes ago to tell me25 46 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 that you were in my office this morning.2 I have been a proponent of3 green space, as has this Committee and I4 think just about every member of City5 Council. I want to ask Mr. Herzins a6 question.7 Where are we? There's a8 developer, I understand, who would like9 to acquire this for residential10 development. Is this important to the11 other pieces, for access or anything? It12 doesn't appear that way on the aerial13 photograph, but I'm just curious. Do you14 know if that -- just slide your chair up,15 John. Just pull an extra chair up.16 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:17 I'm not aware of his need for these18 parcels in relationship to the other19 parcels. These are the only parcels he20 had been interested in acquiring.21 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Okay.22 And, you know, I'm pro development, so I23 kind of have to figure out where we are24 with these things, but for the moment, I25 47 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 will ask this Committee when we get into2 the meeting to hold this bill. What I3 would like to do is begin some4 discussions with your organization. I'm5 familiar with the Hagert Playground. I6 was up there many years ago. We did a7 painting project or whatever. But not to8 be critical, there's really been a9 disconnect with my office, unless someone10 was talking to staff, and I'm not aware11 of that, and the needs of the Hagert12 Playground. I'd like to begin that13 discussion. There may be some money left14 in my capital budget to begin some of15 these things. It probably wouldn't be16 until next spring. Having said that, not17 only will I not be here, this Hagert may18 not even be in the 1st Councilmanic19 District next year when we do20 redistricting, but I would like to begin21 that conversation so either my22 predecessor or the Councilperson from the23 adjacent district, who may incorporate24 this in his or her district, would be25 48 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 fully aware of what your needs are. So2 I'd be more than happy to entertain a3 meeting and start having that discussion.4
Just to speak8 to your point, we're very proud that all9 of the candidates that were running for10 Council won, you know, came out for11 dialogue with our community and, through12 their whole process of running, came to13 our meetings, came to our clean-ups and14 this and that, and Mark Squilla is aware15 of what we're working on, and we really16 look forward to having a partnership with17 him. And also we've had some meetings18 recently with Council 7 office.19 Also, just to make something20 clear is that the potential developer21 here is seeking to -- there are other --22 if you look at that , there are23 other small, thin parcels that that24 applicant or developer is trying to25 49 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 obtain that are also held by Public2 Property. So we are clear at this point3 that his vision is to kind of do a clean4 sweep down the block and then whatever5 parcels are absentee owner, acquire. So6 we were not aware of that in the7 beginning kind of what his intention was,8 so...9 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: So, again,10 I think a larger conversation needs to be11 had. If this parcel would remain a green12 space, who will maintain it, will it13 become part of the Department of14 Recreation or will it be by the15 neighborhood garden association. There's16 a whole conversation that needs to take17 place before any final decision is made.18 I'm on your side. Understand19 that. If Mark Squilla is still your20 representative or becomes your21 representative, I can assure you,22 playgrounds and parks are way high on his23 agenda. We've done some great things in24 South Philly together, and you're going25 50 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 to have an advocate on your side as well.2
Some additional3 news, one piece -- I appreciate the4 time -- is that Janet Finegar and other5 leaders from Northern Liberties Neighbors6 Association and from the group that holds7 Liberty Lands just announced to us this8 weekend that they are willing to hold9 title to open space properties for us and10 insurance and, over the next year or two,11 coach us on the formation of our entity12 that will hold open space within the13 neighborhood that would be under the14 supervision and oversight of the civic15 association. And I know that you have16 strong history with them for the17 tremendous victory at Liberty Lands, so18 hopefully that will help you know that19 there's some confidence there.20 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: That was21 my first big green space project.22
I know.23 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: In any24 event, I'm glad to see that we're25 51 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 meeting, even though it's a little bit2 late in my term, but we'll start that3 conversation. So contact Maryanne.4 We'll pick out a couple dates that work5 for you and I, and we'll sit down and6 begin that conversation.7
Thank you9 very much for your testimony. I'd like10 to just say two things. Number one,11 congratulations on finding this at the12 last minute, because if you hadn't shown13 up today, we probably would have done14 this. This is a regular course of15 business. So thank you for your16 attention to detail.17 And, secondly, I'm very happy18 to see we're arguing over land in East19 Kensington, which is something that 3020 years ago I didn't think we would be, but21 it's great that there's that tug, that22 positive tug, back and forth between23 development and green space and neighbors24 who are active. So congratulations, and25 52 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 I'm sure you'll be successful with Frank2 and with Mark.3 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Green4 space becomes an amenity, as far as I'm5 concerned, for development. So that's6 what we need to try to work with the7 developer.8
I am an9 80-hour-a-week realtor from Solo Real10 Estate from Center City and I sell a lot11 of homes in the neighborhood. So I'm a12 big fan of ongoing development and real13 estate activity in the neighborhood, but14 I can tell you that that space is the15 thing that's bringing people to that16 little section of the neighborhood now.17 So thank you.18 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Liberty19 Lands proved that in Northern Liberties,20 yeah.21
Thank you23 for coming in.24 Bill 110385 will be held.25 53 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 We have two more bills that are2 property conveyances. Is there anyone3 else in the audience that's here to4 oppose either one of those before -- I5 would like to get them out of the way6 before we -- okay. Mr. Herzins.7 Bill No. 110384, an ordinance8 authorizing the Commissioner of Public9 Property to convey, on behalf of the10 City, 405 Manton, 407 Manton, 409 Manton,11 411, 413 Manton, 2042 Martha, 2457-5912 Martha, 2105 East Hagert, 2106 East13 Cumberland, 2107 East Hagert, 2109 East14 Hagert, 2223 Blair, 2345 East Cumberland15 for fair market value, all under certain16 terms and conditions.17 Please identify yourself for18 the record.19 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:20 Good morning, Chairman Kenney and members21 of the Committee on Public Property and22 Public Works. My name is John Herzins.23 I am the Deputy Commissioner in Public24 Property here today to testify in support25 54 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 of Bill No. 110384, an ordinance2 authorizing the Commissioner of Public3 Property to convey, on behalf of the4 City, the referenced bills in the5 ordinance for fair market value, all6 under certain terms and conditions.7 The properties will be marketed8 and sold through a competitive bid9 process to the highest bidder. The sale10 of these scattered parcels will generate11 revenue for the General Fund and increase12 property tax revenue.13 The Department supports this14 measure and, accordingly, I respectfully15 ask that City Council approve Bill No.16 110384.17 I am also requesting a18 suspension of the rules so as to allow19 for first reading at the next session of20 Council.21 Thank you.22
These are23 varying open spaces, existing --24 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:25 55 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 These are all scattered single lots.2
All lots3 and all scattered sites?4 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:5 Yes.6
Okay.7 Great.8 Any questions for this witness?9 (No response.)10
Seeing11 none, anyone to testify on this bill?12 (No response.)13
Seeing14 none, Bill No. 110441, an ordinance15 authorizing the Commissioner of Public16 Property, on behalf of the City of17 Philadelphia, to convey to the18 Philadelphia Authority for Industrial19 Development, a parcel of land located at20 1628 Fitzwater Street, for further21 conveyance, under certain terms and22 conditions.23 Please identify yourself for24 the record.25 56 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER HERZINS:2 Good morning, Chairman Kenney and members3 of the Committee on Public Property and4 Public Works. My name is John Herzins,5 Deputy Commissioner in Public Property6 here today to testify in support of Bill7 110441, authorizing the Commissioner of8 Public Property, on behalf of the City,9 to convey to PAID, a parcel of land10 located at 1628 Fitzwater Street, for11 further conveyance, under certain terms12 and conditions.13 This property will be sold to14 Chad Fitz LLC for development as a15 single-family house. The $75,00016 proceeds from the sale will be deposited17 into the General Fund.18 The Department supports this19 measure and, accordingly, I respectfully20 ask that City Council approve Bill21 110441.22 I am also requesting a23 suspension of the rules so as to allow24 for first reading at the next session of25 57 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 Council.2 Thank you.3
Thank you.4 Any questions for Mr. Herzins?5 (No response.)6
Seeing7 none, anyone else to testify on this8 bill?9 (No response.)10
Seeing11 none, we will now return to Bill 11038312 and ask Deputy Mayor Gillison to identify13 himself for the record.14 (Witness approached witness15 table.)16
Good19 morning. Everett Gillison, Deputy Mayor20 for Public Safety.21 How are you?22
I25 58 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 understand that there were some questions2 that were asked. I know that I have been3 working on this matter for quite a while.4 One of the questions that was5 asked is whether or not there was6 probation facilities. I want to make7 sure that I heard the question correctly.8
The9 question is would adult probationers or10 current sex offenders be presenting11 themselves for any probationary issues at12 the facility?13 DEPUTY
Can17 I -- maybe what I can do, I can draw this18 picture.19 Currently, the City of20 Philadelphia maintains relationships with21 three or four different organizations22 that help in the investigation and23 processing of victims. The national24 model for many, many years has been to25 59 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 co-locate these investigative arms in one2 building. The model I think the DHS3 Commissioner Anne Marie Ambrose showed me4 was either in San Diego or one of our5 sister cities out in the west that6 actually is a model for how to do this7 kind of use.8
Just so you9 know, Commissioner Ambrose and Captain10 Darby have both testified to what the11 process is. I guess what was raised by12 the community was, they claim -- and13 there's no reason not to believe them --14 that there's been no contact with the15 civic or with their zoning board, their16 zoning committee, to talk about this. So17 this is all kind of news to them. So18 they have a number of questions relative19 to adult probationers, whether people who20 are brought in for questioning and are no21 longer persons of interest are released22 back onto the street, traffic flow, all23 those things that are normally discussed24 through the course of a process.25 60 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 DEPUTY
And I2 can assure -- there's been a couple3 things. This is adjacent to another site4 that I'm very familiar with, being the5 EPPI site that is being used by the6 temporary Youth Study Center facility. I7 know that we've been in negotiations and8 basically back and forth with the9 community about what that future site is10 going to be. We have worked very11 diligently with the Councilman's office12 and through the Councilman's office to13 make sure that most of the information14 that we have been developing over the15 past at least four to five months, we16 made sure the Councilman was well aware17 of what we were doing and how we were18 designing it.19 I think, in essence, if there20 has been a failure to reach out to the21 community, I will take that, and I will22 get out. I was speaking with23 Ms. Greenfield just in the back while I24 was awaiting to testify and told her I25 61 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 have no problem coming out. She knows2 that I will be out and will help with not3 only publicizing anything that needs to4 be done, I believe that once everyone5 sees what we're doing and how we're doing6 it, we will have the support, not just7 tacit support but actually the support of8 the community, only because this is the9 right thing to do for the victims of this10 crime, it's the right thing to do for the11 way that we have to begin investigating12 these crimes, and it's the right thing to13 do for all involved.14 The District Attorney will have15 a presence there. DHS obviously has a16 presence there. PCA will have a presence17 there. And, yes, the Police will have a18 presence there, but the majority of the19 people that are working even in the20 Police Department at that location are21 line detectives. So we are not talking22 about someone who is coming, reporting,23 going away. That is being done in24 probation offices throughout the City.25 62 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 Those aren't changing. What we are2 talking about is sensitively dealing with3 people who have been violated or alleged4 to have been violated and to make sure5 that we get the right person at the right6 time in the right location. And anyone7 who would be leaving this location, if8 they are the person of interest in the9 DNA that is done, they are not going to10 be leaving through the community. They11 will be leaving, as most are, in12 handcuffs in the back of a police car or13 back of a police truck going up to State14 Road.15 So all of those things can be16 done. I will work with Ms. Greenfield17 and her community to make sure that we18 get a notice beforehand.19 The other piece that I wanted20 to correct is, there is a time21 sensitivity for this. We are trying to22 make sure -- we have a very willing23 partner with the owner of the site, and24 because we have leases that we are trying25 63 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 to expire, we don't want to have to renew2 and deal with those leases at those other3 places. That would just move this4 process off. The owner can actually have5 this one-story building built probably6 within an eight- to 13-month period, and7 the sooner we get there, the better we8 can all work together, and it would be9 great for the kids that have to go10 through this going forward.11 So I would ask that the12 Committee look upon this bill favorably.13
The14 suggestion from the District Council15 staff is that the bill be reported out16 without a suspension and held on the17 Calendar until Councilman Jones moves it18 as a result of the meetings that will19 take place with the community. And I20 agree. I mean, everything I've seen from21 the Police, DHS, PCA, I think in the end22 the community will be an enthusiastic23 partner in this location, but I think24 it's just a matter of getting them there.25 64 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 If it takes a week, a couple weeks2 extra --3 DEPUTY
The4 only question I would have, because I'm5 not aware and I'm still trying to learn6 the Council inner rulings, we are trying7 to move this with a timetable. Under8 that rule, would we still be able to get9 this done by the 16th?10
Councilman14 DiCicco.15 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I may want16 to add -- I'm not sure what the lease17 arrangements are, but what I've done in18 some cases similar -- not similar to this19 in nature, but when there were lease20 issues, a letter could be sent from the21 District Councilperson advising the22 developer that he or she intends to move23 this legislation until we have some24 meetings and some housecleaning to do,25 65 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 and that usually gives the developer2 and/or the lending institution a level of3 comfort.4 DEPUTY
I'm5 sure each of you know the lending6 institutions that we're talking about.7 The developer is really going out on a8 limb. And because he's been such an9 excellent partner -- when I mean10 "excellent," we've had meetings on this11 for the last at least three months and12 have made changes to accommodate each of13 the partners in this particular matter,14 and the developer has been a great15 partner in making those changes not only16 come alive but also how we are addressing17 the sensitivity of where the community is18 and how the community will have access.19 So that's why I don't want to see this20 really get bogged down.21 I'll be glad to go out to the22 community. I've been out there many23 times. They know me, and they know that24 I'm a man of my word, and I will go25 66 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 forward with whatever issues they may2 have. So I have no problem with this.3 As long as we can get it done, I'm happy4 to represent that to both Council on5 behalf of the Administration.6
Thank you7 very much.8 Any more questions for Deputy9 Mayor Gillison?10 (No response.)11
Seeing12 none, anyone else have anything to say13 about any of these bills?14 (No response.)15
Seeing16 none, we will now enter into our public17 meeting, and the Chair recognizes18 Councilwoman Miller for a motion on Bill19 110372 with a rules suspension.20
Thank21 you, Mr. Chair. I move that Bill No.22 110372 be reported out of this Committee23 with a favorable recommendation and24 further move that the rules of Council be25 67 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 suspended so as to permit first reading2 at our next session.3 (Duly seconded.)4
There are9 none opposed. Bill No. 110372 will10 report out of this Committee favorably11 and a request made for rules suspension12 to allow first reading at our next13 Council session.14 The Chair recognizes15 Councilmember Greenlee for a motion on16 110383 with no rules suspension.17
Thank18 you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill19 110383 be reported out of this Committee20 with a favorable recommendation.21 (Duly seconded.)22
Moved and23 seconded.24 All in favor?25 68 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 (Aye.)2
Bill No.3 110383 will report out of this Committee4 favorably.5 The Chair recognizes Councilman6 DiCicco for a motion on Bill 110384.7 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you,8 Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill 110384 be9 reported out of this Committee with a10 favorable recommendation and a further11 recommendation that the rules of Council12 be suspended.13 (Duly seconded.)14
There are19 none opposed. Bill No. 110384 will20 report out of this Committee favorably21 and a request will be made for rules22 suspension to allow first reading at our23 next Council session.24 The Chair recognizes Councilman25 69 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 DiCicco for a motion on Bill 110441.2 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you,3 Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No.4 110441 be reported out of this Committee5 with a favorable recommendation and that6 the rules of Council be suspended so as7 to permit first reading at our next8 session of City Council.9 (Duly seconded.)10
There are15 none opposed. Bill No. 110441 will16 report out of this Committee with a17 favorable recommendation and a request18 made for rules suspension to allow first19 reading at our next Council session.20 That concludes the business of21 the Public Property and Public Works22 Committee.23 Thank you for your attendance.24 (Committee on Public Property25 70 6/1/11 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 110372, ETC.1 and Public Works concluded at 11:10 a.m.)2 - - -3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 71 1 CERTIFICATE2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the3 proceedings, evidence and objections are4 contained fully and accurately in the5 stenographic notes taken by me upon the6 foregoing matter on June 1, 2011, and that7 this is a true and correct transcript of same.8 9 10 11 12 --------------------13 MICHELE L. MURPHY14 RPR-Notary Public15 16 17 18 (The foregoing certification of this19 transcript does not apply to any reproduction20 of the same by any means, unless under the21 direct control and/or supervision of the22 certifying reporter.)23 24 25