COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Monday, October 5, 2026 10:27 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR., CHAIR COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA, VICE-CHAIR COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL
250649, 260609, 260566, 260692, 260693, 260706, 260707, 260758 - - -
Good morning, everyone and welcome to Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Streets and Services. I note that the hour has come. Mr. Johnson, please call the roll.
Present. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. I note for the record that a quorum of this committee is present and this hearing is called to order. This is a public hearing of the Committee on Streets and Services considering testimony on Bill Nos. 250649, 260609, 260566, 260692, 260693, 260706, 260707 and 260758. I would like to note for the record that Bill No. 260641 is being held at the request of the sponsor. I would also like to note for the record that Bill No. 260705 is also being held at the request of the sponsor. Is there any opening remarks by any of my colleagues? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the first bill.
Bill No. 7 250649, amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes" to authorize a bicycle lane and removal of a travel lane around City Hall, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Mr. Johnson, will you please call the first witness to testify.
Nicholas Cole Appleman, Transportation and Policy Analyst at the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
Good morning. Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Yes. Cole Appleman, Transportation Policy Analyst. Good morning, Chairman Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you here today. As I did just mention, my name is Cole Appleman. I'm a Transportation Policy Analyst at the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, you know better as OTIS. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 250649, sponsored by Councilmember Young. This bill amends Title 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, titled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes" to authorize a bicycle lane and the removal of a travel lane around City Hall, of course, all under certain terms and conditions. This new stretch of bike lane around City Hall has been a welcomed addition to Philadelphia's expanding bike lane network by providing cyclists with dedicated space on the roadway. We've improved road safety for all users, not just cyclists. In the time leading up to the installation of this bike lane, OTIS had informed stakeholders including the Center City District, Councilmember Young and Councilmembers, all of whom expressed support for the project. Since the lane has been operational, OTIS has been in close contact with Philadelphia Police to monitor for incidents. I'm very proud to say that no bike-related crashes have been reported since the installation of that bike lane on JFK. The parameters of the bike lane are from JFK Boulevard, from Broad to 15th. The design team installed a bike lane that extends to the pedestrian island at 15th and includes conflict markings to heighten awareness of drivers and cyclists at points where they could possibly interact. Guidance from the National Association of City Transportation Officials, also known as NACTO, and the Federal Highway Administration tell us that painted bike lanes mitigate bike- on-vehicle conflicts, therefore mitigate crashes. Based on the last few months of use, we are very happy to report that the Penn Square area has been made safer for all road users since this lane has been installed. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you. Just for the record, I want to note when this bill was introduced, our office wanted to take a look at the data to see how the infrastructure would improve safety for all users of the road as well. Our city, in the history of our city, has never had a bike lane around City Hall. And I think we wanted to give road users the opportunity to get used to this type of infrastructure. But based on the data that we've seen, I think that this infrastructure is something that has improved safety around Penn Square area. So I just want to note that on the record. Are there any questions of this bill from any members of the committee? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you, Cole. Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 9 260609, amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia -- I'm sorry, Chairman.
I was right. Bill No. 260609, amending Section 16 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bike Lanes" to authorize a bicycle lane and removal of parking on Roberts Avenue from Henry Avenue to King Street, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Would you please call the witnesses to testify on this bill.
Nicholas Cole Appleman, Transportation Policy Analyst at the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems.
Good morning. Please state your name again for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Absolutely. Cole Appleman, Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems. Good morning again, Chairman Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. Thank you again for the opportunity to appear before you today. As previously stated, my name is Cole Appleman. I am a Transportation Policy Analyst at the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, aka OTIS. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 260609, sponsored by Councilmember Jones. This bill amends the Title 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes" to authorize a bicycle lane on Roberts Ave from Henry Avenue to King Street -- yes, to King Street, and make the associated changes to remove a travel lane within the same limits, all under certain terms and conditions. This project will remove parking on the south side of Roberts from Henry Ave up until Fox Street. And then from on both sides, from Fox Street to King Street, once again terminating at Wissahickon Ave. This endeavor is the result of engagement with the community and with City Council to ensure that the community's opinion is heard and that their needs are met. OTIS staff has met with several community organizations, including the Friends of Fern Hill Park, Southwest Germantown Neighbors Association and the Wissahickon Charter School, and of course, Councilman Jones himself, all of whom -- well, Councilman Jones approved. All those other groups did write letters of support. In summary, this implementation of this legislation will improve traffic safety for all users on the corridor. Thank you very much again for the opportunity to appear before you today. I'll take any questions you have at this time.
Thank you. I do have a question. I'm a little familiar with this area. How would this bike lane interact with those exiting off of Route 1?
So the original project -- first of all, the bike lane does already exist. I would like to clarify that this is adding some additional buffer space. So the bike lane is already there. The original version of this project did move up to Route 1, but now the additional buffer space is terminating at Wissahickon Ave. It's been fixed since or adjusted rather.
Thank you. Are there any other questions from members of the committee? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill 2 260609, and I failed to say 250649, as well as anyone else wishing to testify on those bills? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of Bill No. 10 260566.
Bill No. 12 260566, authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 6238 Bustleton Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. For the record, I note that Councilmember Kendra Brooks is here, a member of the committee. Mr. Johnson, would you please call the witnesses to testify on Bill No. 260566.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Streets; and Sarah Chiu, Director of Development at the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
Good morning. Please state your name for the record. Begin with your testimony.
Good morning, Chairperson and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 260566, introduced by Councilmember Lozada. This bill authorizes Sidney Leo and Ramon Posel, the owners, to install, own and maintain an encroachment in the nature of planters and a sidewalk cafe at Bamboo, located at 6238 Bustleton Avenue. A total of planters, 14 tables and 28 seats for a sidewalk cafe will be located along the property line of 6238 Bustleton Avenue. The Department of Streets is not opposed to these proposed planners and sidewalk cafe, as it will leave a minimum of 10 feet 6 inches of clear, unobstructed footway. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank 17 you so much. 18 Ms. Chiu, please state 19 your name for the record and give 20 us your testimony. 21
Good morning, 22 Chairman Young and members on the 23 Streets and Services Committee. 24 I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 260566. Introduced by Councilmember Lozada on May 28, 2026. This bill will allow a sidewalk cafe at 6238 Bustleton Avenue. A minimum of 7 feet 6 inches of sidewalk space is to remain after the installation, meeting the City's Complete Streets Policy. The Planning Commission at its meeting on June 4, 2026, recommended Bill No. 260566 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you so much. Are there any questions of these witnesses on Bill No. 21 260566? (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill No. 260566? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the next bill to be heard.
Bill No. 11 260692, amending Section 9-208 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Cafes" to authorize additional locations for sidewalk cafes, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you so much, Mr. Johnson. Would you please call the witnesses to testify on this bill.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Streets.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Please state your name for the record and your testimony.
Good morning, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 14 No. 260692, introduced by Councilmember Jones. This ordinance amends Section 9-28 of The Code by expanding the permitting of sidewalk cafes to be maintained by right in the 4th Council District. Sidewalk cafes consist of placing only tables and chairs on the public right-of-way. Under this bill, sidewalk cafes will be permitted by-right along both sides of 54th Street from City Avenue to Overbrook Avenue. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed legislation, so long as the sidewalk cafe complies with the laws, rules and regulations of the city and specifically those of the Department of Streets, Department of Licenses and Inspections and the Art Commission. Maintaining accessible, walkable right-of-way is important to the Streets Department, and we encourage cafes to comply with the latest public right-of-way accessibility guidelines and federal regulations. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you so much, Ms. Marconi. So this bill would allow sidewalk cafes by-right within the specified area as long as they meet the regulations?
Okay. Thank you. Are there any other questions of this witness? (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on 260692? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 22 260693, authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 4201 Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Would you please call the next witnesses to testify on this bill.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs of the Department of Streets, and Sarah Chiu, Director of Development at the Philadelphia City Planning Commission.
Thank you. Please state your name for the record again and begin with your testimony.
Good morning, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi. I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 1 No. 260693. Introduced by Councilmember Jones. This bill authorizes 4201 LLC, the owner, to install, own and maintain encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe at Scanlan's Saloon, located at 4201 Manayunk Avenue. Total of 5 tables and 20 seats for sidewalk cafe will be located along the property line of 4201 Manayunk Avenue. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed sidewalk cafe, as it will maintain 6 feet of unobstructed footway. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you have.
Thank 20 you, Ms. Chiu. Please state your 21 name again for the record and begin 22 with your testimony. 23
Good morning, 24 Chairman and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 260693, introduced by Councilmember Jones, on September 17, 2026. This bill will allow sidewalk cafe at 4201 New York Avenue, a minimum of 6 feet of clear, unobstructed sidewalk space is to remain after the installation on Pensdale Street, meeting the City's Complete Streets Policy. The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider this bill at its meeting on October 15, 2026 with staff recommending approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you. Are there any questions of these witnesses on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill 260693? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Mr. Johnson, please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 12 260706, authorizing encroachment in the nature of a staircase in the vicinity of 319-25 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Mr. Johnson, would you please call the witnesses to testify on this bill.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Streets, and Sarah Chiu, Director of Development at the Philadelphia City Planning Commission.
Thank you. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony.
Good morning, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi. I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 15 No. 260706, introduced by Councilmember Squilla. This bill 17 authorizes Robert B. Weinstein or the owner's designee, the owner, to install, own and maintain various encroachments in the nature of basement steps and a railing, located at 319-25 North 11th Street. The proposed basement steps with railing will be located along the property line of 319-25 North 11th Street. The Department of Streets is not opposed to these proposed encroachments. As a minimum, 5 feet 6 inches of clear, unobstructed footway will be maintained. This concludes my testimony and please answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your testimony. Ms. Chiu, please state your name and begin with your testimony.
Good morning, Chairman and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 260706, introduced by Councilmember Squilla on September 17, 2026. This bill allows an entrance staircase at 319-25 North 11th Street. A minimum of feet, 4 inches of clear and unobstructed 5 sidewalk space is to remain after 6 the installation on Wood Street. This meets the city's Complete Streets policy. The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider this bill at its meeting on October 15, 2026, with the staff recommending approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions of these witnesses on Bill No. 18 260706? (No response.)
Is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill 260706? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 7 260707, authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 7504 East Girard Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Would you please call the witnesses to testify on this bill.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Streets, Sarah Chiu, Director of Development at the Philadelphia City Planning Commission.
Thank you. Please state your name and give your testimony.
Good morning, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 8 No. 260707, introduced by Councilmember Squilla. This bill authorizes 221 East Girard LLC or the owner's designee, the owner, to install and maintain an encroachment in the nature of a sidewalk cafe at Impresso Coffee, located at 544 East Girard Avenue. A total of four tables and nine seats for a sidewalk cafe will be located along the east sidewalk of Montgomery Avenue along the property line and the south sidewalk of East Girard Avenue along the property line of 544 East Girard Avenue. Three tables and six seats for a sidewalk cafe will be located along the property line of 544 East Girard Avenue, leaving a minimum of feet of unobstructed 5 footway. One table and three seats 6 for each sidewalk cafe will be located along the property line of 544 East Girard Avenue, leaving a minimum of 8 feet of clear, unobstructed footway. The Department of Streets is not opposed to the sidewalk cafe, as the minimum clear, unobstructed footway will be maintained. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you so much for your testimony. Ms. Chiu, please state your name and give your testimony.
Good morning, Chairman and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 260707, introduced by Councilmember Squilla on September 17, 2026. This bill allows a sidewalk cafe at 544 East Girard Avenue. A minimum of 6 feet of sidewalk space on Montgomery Avenue and 8 feet of clear sidewalk space on Girard Avenue is to remain after the installation. This meets the City's Complete Streets Policy. The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider this bill at its meeting on October 15, 2026, with the staff recommending approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you. Are there any questions of these witnesses on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill No. 260707? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the last bill.
Bill No. 13 260758, regulating the placement of a truck loading zone on South 23rd Street between South Street and Naudain Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Would you please call the witness to testify on this bill.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Streets.
Ms. Marconi, please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony.
Good morning, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi. I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 13 No. 260758, introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson. The bill regulates the placement of a truck loading zone on South 23rd Street between South Street and Naudain Street. A one-hour truck parking loading zone all day Monday to Sunday will be placed on the east side of South 23rd Street between South Street and Naudain Street, adjacent to the property at 2221-25 South Street. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this. Parking regulation and signs can be posted within 45 days. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions by members of the committee on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill No. 260758? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony, Ms. Marconi. Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Mr. Chairman, there are no more bills for the committee's consideration today.
Thank you, Mr. Johnson. We will now transition into our public comment session. Mr. Johnson, would you please call any witnesses or speakers for public comment.
Thank you. I would like to thank all of our witnesses for joining us today. We will now end the public hearing and go to the public meeting. I will note for a record that a quorum of the committee is present. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion on Bill Nos. 250649, 260566, 260609, 260692, 260693, 260706, 260707 and 260758.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill Nos. 250649, 250566, 260609, 260692, 260693, 260706, 260707 and 260758 be reported from this committee with a favorable recommendation and further move the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading of this bill at the next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded by Councilmember Harrity that Bill Nos. 250649, 260566, 260609, 260692, 260693, 260706, 260707 and 260758 be reported from this committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of these bills at the next session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Bill Nos. 250649, 260566, 260609, 260692, 260693, 260706, 260707 and 260758 will be reported from this committee with a favorable request that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading at the next session of Council. This concludes the public meeting portion and the business before the Committee on Student Services. Thank you all very much for your attendance. - - - (Committee on Streets and Services concluded at 10:52 a.m.) - - - C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. __________________________________ TANEHA CARROLL