COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Monday, March 16, 2026 2:10 p.m. PRESENT: COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR., CHAIR COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA, VICE-CHAIR COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD
250844, 251068, 251069, 251102, 260025, 260095, 260131, 260132 260161 - - -
Good afternoon, everyone. We're going to call the Streets and Services Committee to order. I want to welcome you to Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Streets and Services. I now note that the hour has come. Mr. Johnson, could you please call the roll.
Present. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. There are no other members of Council present with us today. So 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. 250844, 251068, 251069, 251102, 260025, 260095, 260131, 260132 and 260161. Before we get started, do any of my colleagues have any opening remarks? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the first bill.
Bill No. 5 250844, an ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on West Lippincott Street, between 22nd Street and 23rd Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Mr. Johnson, would you please call the first witnesses to testify on this bill.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. (Witness approached witness table.)
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young, 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. 250844, introduced by Councilmember Bass. This bill establishes a one-way regulation on West Lippincott Street between 22nd Street and 23rd Street westbound. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this one-way regulation and signs can be posted within 30 days. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Are there any questions of this witness on this bill by members of the committee? (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else wishing to testify on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, anyone in chambers wishing to testify on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Johnson, would you please call the next bill.
Bill No. 15 251068, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Use of an Automated Red Light Enforcement System to Prevent Red Light Violations,” by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of School House Lane & Henry Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Mr. Johnson, would you please call the witnesses to testify on this bill.
Corrine O'Connor, Deputy Executive Director, Philadelphia Parking Authority. (Witness approached witness table.)
Thank you. Good afternoon, Ms. O'Connor. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony.
Corrine O'Connor, Deputy Executive Director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Good afternoon. As mentioned, I'm the Deputy Executive Director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority. I'd like to thank the members of this committee for allowing me to testify today. I would also like to thank Councilman Curtis Jones for introducing this legislation. I'm testifying in favor of Bill No. 251068, which would add an additional intersection to the Redlight Camera program in the City of Philadelphia. This intersection will be located at School House Lane and Henry Avenue. The intersection of School House Lane and Henry Avenue is a highly traveled area, not only by vehicles, but by pedestrians and bicyclists. This intersection is located in the heart of Jefferson University, along with many residents with a high rate of pedestrian crossing. The Authority believes by installing a redlight camera at this location, the intersection will be much safer for driving, riding and walking public. I ask that the committee give Bill No. 251068 a favorable recommendation and request that the rules be suspended to allow first reading at the next Council session. Thank you again for the opportunity for allowing me to testify.
Thank you so much for your testimony. Are there any questions of this witness on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you so much. Mr. Johnson, would you please -- or is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill No. 251068? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 5 251069, an ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Adams Avenue between Wingohocking Street and Frankford Avenue, as well as on Leiper Street between Adams Avenue and Ruan Street.
Thank you. Mr. Johnson, please call the witnesses to testify on this bill.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. (Witness approached witness table.)
Good afternoon, Ms. Marconi. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi, and I am the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 8 No. 251069, introduced by Councilmember Lozada. This bill establishes the following street directional regulations: Adams Avenue between Frankford Avenue and Ruan Street, one-way westbound; Adams Avenue between Church Street and Ruan Street, two-way established; Adams Avenue between Church Street and Wingohocking Street, one-way westbound; Leiper Street between Adams Avenue and Ruan Street, two-way established. The Department of Streets is not opposed to these street directional regulations and signs can be posted within 30 days. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Are there any questions of this witness on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill No. 251069? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Johnson, would you please call the next bill.
Bill No. 20 251102, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 1001 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, under certain terms and conditions.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets.
Good afternoon, 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 20 No. 251102, introduced by Councilmember Squilla. This bill authorizes Philip E. Harvey, the owner, to install, own and maintain encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe at Function Coffee Labs, located at 1001 South 10th Street. A total of two tables and four seats for a sidewalk cafe will be located along the property line of 1001 South 10th Street. 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 may have.
Thank you. I see Ms. Chiu. You're also here to testify on this bill?
Thank you. Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony.
Good afternoon, 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. 251102, introduced by Councilmember Squilla on December 11, 2025. This bill will allow Sidewalk Cafe at 1001 South 10th Street a minimum of 6 feet of clear sidewalk space is to remain after the installation. This action meets the city's Complete Streets policy. The Planning Commission at its meeting on January 15, 2026 recommended Bill No. 251102 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you. Are there any questions of these witnesses on Bill 24 No. 251102? (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill No. 251102? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Johnson, please call the title of the bill.
Bill No. 12 260025, an ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership and maintenance of various encroachments along the 300 Block of South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Mr. Johnson, please call the first witnesses to testify on this matter.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets.
Thank you. Ms. Marconi, please state your name for the record and begin your testimony.
Good afternoon, 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 15 No. 260025, introduced by Councilmember Squilla on behalf of Council President Johnson. This bill authorizes Avenue of the Arts, Inc., the owner, to install, own and maintain various encroachments in the vicinity of the 300 block of South Broad Street. Various encroachments, including a proposed raised granite curb, median planter box, two sculptures and a total of 62 private lakes will be located on the 300 block of South Broad Street between Pine Street and Spruce Street. The Department of Streets is not opposed to these encroachments, as the Avenue of the Arts will be responsible for the maintenance and landscaping as outlined in an encroachment agreement between the Avenue of the Arts and the City. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you so much. Mr. Johnson, please call any other witnesses to testify on this bill.
Thank you. Ms. Chiu, please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony.
Good afternoon, 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. 260025, introduced by Councilmember Squilla on January 22, 2026. This bill will allow various encroachments in the median of 300 block of South Broad Street. This includes a raised granite curb, median planter box, two sculptures, and a total of 62 private lights. This does not affect the existing layout of the right-of-way. The City Planning Commission at its meeting on February 19, 2026 recommended Bill 1 No. 260025 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank 4 you so much for your testimony, 5 Ms. Chiu. 6 Are there any questions 7 of these witnesses on Bill 8 No. 260025? 9 (No response.) 10
11 Seeing none, thank you. 12 Mr. Johnson, is there any other 13 witnesses on this bill? 14
Thank 17 you. 18 Are there anyone in 19 chambers wishing to testify on Bill 20 No. 260025? 21 (No response.) 22
23 Seeing none, thank you so much. 24 Mr. Johnson, please read the title of the bill to be heard.
Bill No. 3 260095, an ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership and maintenance of an elevator encroachment in the vicinity of 3400 Aramingo Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19134, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Mr. Johnson, please call the witnesses for this bill.
Sarah Chiu, Director of Development, Philadelphia City Planning Commission; and Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets.
Good afternoon, 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. 260095, introduced by Councilmember Driscoll on February 12, 2026. This bill will allow an enclosed elevator structure constructed along the property line of 3400 Aramingo Avenue. It will encroach upon approximately 7 feet along the north footway of Aramingo Avenue. This encroachment leaves a minimum of 11 feet 9 inches of clear, unobstructed footway, which complies with the city's Complete Streets policy. The City Planning Commission is scheduled to consider this bill at its meeting on March 19, 2026 with the staff recommendation for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you so much, Ms. Marconi. Please state your name for the record and begin me your testimony.
Good afternoon, 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 12 No. 260095, introduced by Councilmember Driscoll. This bill authorizes Imperial/Aramingo Limited, the owner, to install, own and maintain encroachments. Collectively, the encroachment in the vicinity of 3400 block of Aramingo Avenue, a proposed enclosure elevator will be located along the property line of 3400 Aramingo Avenue. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this encroachment, as feet 9 inches of clear, unobstructed footway will be maintained. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank 7 you. Are there any questions of 8 these witnesses on Bill No. 260095? 9 (No response.) 10
11 Seeing none, anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill 13 No. 260095? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Johnson, please read the title of the next bill to be heard.
Bill No. 20 260115, an ordinance authorizing Mukeshkumar Patel, owner and operator of the newsstand at the northwest corner of 34th Street and Convention Avenue and Civic Center Boulevard to construct, use, and maintain conduits in, under, and across the northwest corner of 34th Street and Convention Avenue and Civic Center Boulevard for the purpose of supplying electrical service to said newsstand, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Mr. Johnson, please call the witnesses to testify on this bill.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets.
Thank you. Ms. Marconi, please state your name and begin your testimony.
Good afternoon, 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 3 No. 260115, introduced by Councilmember Gauthier. This bill authorizes Mukeshkumar Patel, owner and operator of the newsstand at the northwest corner of 34th Street and Convention Avenue and Civic Center Boulevard to construct, use and maintain conduits in and under and across the northwest corner of 34th Street and Convention Avenue and Civic Center Boulevard for the purposes of supplying electrical service to said newsstand. Currently, this bill 18 conflicts with a capital project being undertaken by Penn Medicine. The Department of Streets is working with Councilmember Gauthier's office to come to a solution with both parties. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you so much, Ms. Marconi. Are there any questions from the committee on this bill? (No response.)
I do have one question. This is a general question about these newsstands in general. Does the Streets Department conduct an audit of these newsstands to ensure that they are actually still selling news?
Let me ask Rich Martinez, our Deputy Commissioner, to come up. And thank you for that. (Witness approached witness table.)
Good afternoon, Councilmember Young and members of the committee. My name is Richard Montanez. I'm the Deputy Commissioner of Streets and Services. The ordinance that allows the newsstands to be there states that they have to be operated once every 30 days. We do try to look to make sure that they are at least open within the code, just to make sure that they're following the code. If any of them are not, then we try to contact the property owner to issue a notice to them that they're in violation.
Thank you. I only ask that because I have a lot of newsstands currently in the 5th Council District in Center City. And as I walk around, I see newsstands that are maybe in operation, but they're essentially just corner stores in a box, right. They're not selling news any longer. And so, if you're not, having the newsstands were permitted under the First Amendment. But if they're no 4 longer selling news to folks, then what still allows them to be permitted at that particular site?
There have been amendments to the ordinance which allows them to sell certain water, snacks, things like that, that still allows them to be in business.
But do they have to sell news at the same time or now they can just pop up and start selling candy and water and juice without selling news?
I would have to ask the Law Department for a legal definition on that.
Thank you. I appreciate that. Again, that's something that we've been looking at. And what is the process to remove an abandoned newsstand? We have one that's on the 17th of Spring Garden area we've been trying to get removed for some time now. What's that process like?
There is a legal process. The Streets Department has to notify. The property owner has to do all due diligence to try to get a hold of whoever's responsible, the owner of that. If we cannot, then we ask L&I to see what they can do. In short, it probably takes us somewhere like nine months to remove one.
Okay. Thank you. That's good to know. I can let my constituents know who've been calling about that. We got six more months to go. Thank you so much for your testimony on that and those questions. Are there any other questions of these witnesses on Bill No. 260115? (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill No. 260115? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Johnson, please call the next title.
Bill No. 16 260131, an ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia to install, own, and maintain right- of-way encroachments on the 7600, 7700, and 7800 blocks of Ogontz Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Mr. Johnson, please call the witnesses to testify on this matter.
Michael Newmuis, 2026 Director for the City of Philadelphia. (Witness approached witness table.)
Good afternoon, Mr. Newmuis. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony.
Michael Newmuis. Good afternoon, Chairman Young and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. Michael Newmuis, 2026 Director for the City of Philadelphia. Joining me today are Rick Montanez, First Deputy Commissioner of the Streets Department and colleagues from other city departments. I'm here today to testify in support of Bill No. 24 260131 and Bill No. 260161, which complete the neighborhood enhancements authorized under Bill 3 No. 250887-A, signed into law December 17, 2025, which authorized the city to install right-of-way encroachments that bring the 250th celebration to all Council 8 Districts, boosting economic 9 activity, the spirit of celebration 10 and civic pride across our city. Mayor Parker's Bring It On One Philly Unite celebration places Philadelphia's neighborhoods at the center of America's 250th anniversary. This is not simply an events program. It's an economic and civic strategy designed to ensure the celebration is built from the community level up, not just from the top down. Bells Across PA sit at the intersection of this. It unifies communities with world- class public art, activates neighborhoods and destinations and celebrates the stories, heritage and fusion of cultures and people who make Philadelphia the city it is today. Local artists select in partnership with Mural Arts, Philadelphia and Philadelphia 250 painted fiberglass Liberty Bell 9 sculptures developed in deep 10 collaboration with community 11 stakeholders. 12 Each bell reflects the 13 specific culture, history and 14 aspirations of the neighborhood 15 where it stands. The sculptures 16 are 3 feet x 3 feet fiberglass 17 installations, mounted on heavily 18 weighted bases, which will be 19 displayed through the end of 2026. 20 Most bells will be located on 21 private property or in parks, which 22 would not require an ordinance. 23 However, Bills 260131 and 260161 before you today identify as authorized as the installation of the remaining bells and encroachments. This program works because of the organizations and residents behind it. We engaged every Council District office, listened to community members, including residents like Karen Warrington in Yorktown, and partnered with corridor organizations, civic groups, business improvement districts and cultural anchors from every corner of the city. Further, landscape architect ground reconsidered in partnership with the Streets Department, under Commissioner Del Rossi, surveyed each proposed encroachment site for pedestrian safety, traffic flow and regulatory compliance. Neighborhood partners from across all 10 Council Districts, including the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, United Merchants of South 9th Street, Bartram's Garden, Lancaster Avenue 21, Roxborough BID, Parkside Association, The Franklin Institute, Hunting Park United, Mayfair BID, Glen Foerd, Impact Services and Esperanza. Germantown United, Mt. Airy CDC, The Olney Community Collaborative, OARC, Fox Chase, The Knights of Columbus, among others. Citywide institutional partners include Mural Arts, Philadelphia 250, America 250, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Philadelphia, Mother Bethel AME and the Office of State Rep. Jared Solomon. The America 250 encroachments in Philadelphia designed to achieve three concrete outcomes: Ensuring that every Council District benefits directly and visibly from the 2026 celebration, not just Center City and historic district, but every neighborhood across our great city. Second, they drive foot traffic and economic activity to the neighborhood commercial corridors, putting the 250th anniversary work for local businesses and the residents who depend on them. And finally, they amplify community stories and cultural identity, centering the voices and histories of the people who live in our great neighborhoods as essential historians of America's story.
We believe that every neighborhood has a story worth telling and every community deserves to be celebrated as part of America's most important birthday. These encroachments are not decorations. They are declarations. I welcome your questions and thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Thank you, Mr. Newmuis. And I appreciate your efforts with this matter. I just want to put on the record that your office and the Commerce Department has gone above and beyond for communities in this effort to ensure that their community is recognized in the 250th celebration. I just want to thank you all on the record again for working with the Yorktown community and ensuring that their neighborhood is recognized during the celebration. They are very appreciative. And we're working with a public-private partnership with the Leon H. Sullivan Trust, where they're going to allow us to put a bell on their property. So we don't need encroachment legislation because we're going on private property. And so, I'm grateful for that partnership between the Yorktown community, the Leon H. Sullivan Trust, the Commerce Department and also your office, Mr. Newmuis. So I just want to put that on the record. So thank you for your hard work in ensuring that that happens. Are there any questions of this witness on Bill No. 260161? (No response.)
Seeing none, are there any other folks in chambers wishing to testify on Bill No. 260161? (No response.)
Bill No. 5 260132, an ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Hermit Street between Manor Street and Manayunk Avenue.
Thank you. Please call the witness to testify on this matter.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. (Witness approached witness table.)
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Please begin with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young, 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 5 No. 260132, introduced by Councilmember Jones. This bill establishes a one-way regulation on Hermit Street between Manor Street and York Avenue, one-way eastbound. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this one-way regulation. Signs can be posted within 60 days. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Are there any questions of this witness on this bill? (No response.)
Are there any folks in chambers wishing to testify on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you so much. Mr. Johnson, please read the title of the bill.
Bill No. 7 260161, an ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership and maintenance of a right-of-way encroachments in various parts of the city, under certain terms and conditions.
I believe that was the bill that Mr. Newmuis did. So I think we heard that bill.
Okay. Thank you. I will note for the record that Mr. Newmuis testified on both 260131 and 260161 together. So we're going to incorporate his testimony with this bill as well. And just for the record, is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill No. 10 260161? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Johnson, please read the next bill.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion on Bill Nos. 250884, 251068, 251069, 251102, 260025, 260095, 260114, 260115, 260131, 260132 and 260161.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that Bill Nos. 250844, 251068, 251069, 251102, 260025, 260095, 260114, 260115, 260131, 260132 and 260161 be moved with a suspension of the rules to be read at the next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
For the record, I want to note that 260114 has been held by the sponsor.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the bills read into the record besides Bill 19 No. 260114, which was held, be moved with a favorable recommendation and further move that all rules of Council be suspended to submit the first reading at the next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill Nos. 250884, 251068, 251069, 251102, 260025, 260095, 260114, 260115, 260131, 260132, 260161 be moved out of committee and reported from this committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The bills just read into the record will be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. This concludes the public meeting of the Committee on Streets and Services with the suspension of the rules. Let me clarify that. These bills just read will be reported from this committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council will be suspended to permit the first reading of these bills at the next session of Council. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Again, this concludes the public meeting of the Committee on Streets and Services. The committee will now recess until the next hearing. Thank you.
Thank you. - - - (Committee on Streets and Services concluded at 2:50 p.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