COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES - - - Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, June 6, 2007 2:25 p.m. - - - PRESENT: COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO, CHAIR COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE BILLS 070076, 070228, 070267, 070439, 070341, 070433, 070441, 070505, 070451, 070263, 070270, 070274, 070305, 070369, 070443, 070449, 070450, 070453, 070464, 070465, 070467, 070265, 070334, 070389, 070392, 070399, 070444, 070445, 070460, 070461, 070504, 070508, 070509 and 070510 - - - V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 2 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Good afternoon, everyone. The public hearing on the Committee of Streets and Services is now in session. We have a quorum. The Vice-Chair of this Committee, Councilman Ramos, is here, as well as Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller and Councilman Rizzo. The following bills are being held: Bill No. 070076, Bill No. 070228 and Bill No. 070274 are being held. With that, I will ask Mr. Abernathy to read the title of the first bill, but before you do, Brian, is Mr. Dickson still here?
Yes. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I'm sorry, Rick. You only have one bill?
Yes. He's first. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Okay. Thank you. Please read the title of the first bill. 3 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC.
Bill No. 3 070267, an ordinance amending Section 4 12-918 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parking for Car Sharing Organizations," by adding locations, all under certain terms and conditions. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Good afternoon. Please identify yourself and proceed with your testimony.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My name is Richard Dickson. I'm the Senior Director of Strategic Planning for the Philadelphia Parking Authority. This will be the briefest testimony I've ever given before this Committee. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And we appreciate it.
And I thought you would. The Authority has worked with Philly Car Share in designating these spaces. They all have the support of the governing neighborhood association and 4 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. we've received letters of support from the District Councilpersons in whose districts they will be placed, and the Authority recommends favorable consideration of the bill. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Any questions for this witness from the Committee? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, I will ask Mr. Abernathy to read the title of the next bill. Thank you, Rick.
Bill 070439, an ordinance amending Title 11 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Streets," by adding a new Chapter providing for the regulation of portable on-demand storage units, by requiring permits prior to the placement of such units upon any street; 5 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. limiting the time the units may remain upon the street; prohibiting the storage of certain items and materials inside the units; and providing for penalties, all under certain terms and conditions. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Is there anyone here to testify? Good afternoon. Please identify yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon. Honorable Chairman, Councilman DiCicco, honorable members of the Committee, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you today. My name is Kasim Ali. I'm the Acting Assistant Chief Traffic Engineer for the Department of Streets. I am here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 070439, which is as follows: The Streets Department is in full support for this bill. However, we have some suggestions and recommendations which we strongly believe should be 6 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. incorporated in the bill before this ordinance becomes permanent. Number one, the owners of these portable on-site storage units will be responsible for securing all necessary permits prior to placement of these units. Permitting process will be same as placement of equipment in the street. Number two, a fee per day should be assessed for these units. Streets Department is in process of finalizing a fee structure for various services. The fee under consideration is $24 per day per parking space, plus administrative cost of permits processing issues. Number three, the portable storage units must conform to City's safety standards as outlined for roadside dumpsters, such as reflectors all around the unit to assure better nighttime visibility. Number four, the duration for placement of these units should be a 7 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. maximum of ten consecutive days per permit. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have at this time. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Mr. Ali. Any questions for this witness? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: What is the Streets Department's recommendation?
We strongly recommend that this bill should pass, yes. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Any questions for this witness? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against the bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy, please read the title of the next bill. 8 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC.
Bill No. 3 070341, an ordinance amending Section 4 10-611 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Behavior," by providing that all the prohibitions of that Section 7 shall apply within the Fourth Councilmanic District, all under certain terms and conditions. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anyone here that wishes to testify on this bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I spoke with the sponsor of this bill this morning. Councilwoman Campbell requested a rules suspension for this bill. Anyone else? No questions? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Mr. Abernathy, the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 23 070433, an ordinance amending Section 24 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers Markets," by adding as a 9 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. permissible location the sidewalk of the west side of the 300 block of South 25th Street, all under certain terms and conditions. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Mr. Haigler, before you begin, I would ask that all witnesses who are here on behalf of government or government agencies, since you probably have written testimony that is being submitted or has already been submitted, that you would summarize your testimony, in the interest of time.
Good day, Councilman DiCicco -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: A lot of smiles back there.
-- and members of the Committee. The Department of Licenses and Inspections offers no 22 objections to the enactment of this bill. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Any questions for this witness? (No response.) 10 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anyone else here who wishes to testify for or against this bill? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Mr. Abernathy, the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 9 070441, an ordinance amending Section 10 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers Markets," by adding as a permissible location the sidewalk in front of the Wyck House and Garden, located at 6012 through 6040 Germantown Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions.
Good day, Councilman DiCicco and members of the Committee. The Department of Licenses and Inspections offers no objections to this bill. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The introduction takes longer than the testimony. Mr. Abernathy. 11 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC.
Bill No. 3 070505, an ordinance amending Section 4 9-213 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Farmers Markets," by adding as a permissible location the parking lot located on the northwest corner of 9th Street and Montrose Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Good day, Councilman DiCicco, members of the Committee. The Department of Licenses and Inspections offers no objection to this bill. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Mr. Haigler. Any questions for this witness? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Anyone else here who wishes to testify? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy.
Bill No. 25 070451, an ordinance amending 9-604 of 12 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Refuse Collection," by requiring that dumpster lids remain closed at all times and prohibiting refuse collection during certain time periods, all under certain terms and conditions.
Good day, Councilman DiCicco and members of the Committee. I'm going to be a little longer with this one. It's a little different. This bill relates to dumpsters on private property that's licensed on private properties, and the requirements of the bill or the amendments to the bill 17 would require that the lids on the dumpsters remain closed at all times. Currently, the provisions in the Code only stipulate that the lids be secured after the dumpsters have been emptied. The amendments will change in order to say that the lids have to be closed at all times on the dumpsters, and also it prohibits refuse collections between the 13 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., which is consistent with Health Department regulations regulating noise. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I might be able to get a decent night's sleep, because the guy -- 3:15 every morning. It's my alarm clock, the guy with the deli around the corner from me. How will we go about ensuring that the lids -- what is the mechanism that will be required to make certain that the lids remain closed? Are we requiring a chain with a lock or is there any --
Well, there really was no mechanism stipulated in the ordinance as to how the lids will be secured. Secured is basically after the dumpsters have been emptied, you have to padlock or chain it to make sure that they're not open again, but I think the way the amendments are, if the dumpsters are being utilized throughout the course of the day, that the lids would have to 14 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. remain closed, not remain open or not be left open. We, in Licenses and Inspections, we issue currently tickets to people who own private dumpsters who may be in violation of the Code, and based on either a complaint or if the inspector is on site doing an inspection, during the course of their inspection if they witness such a violation, they would issue a ticket to the responsible party. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Councilman Rizzo.
Mr. Haigler, I know that this before us is about dumpsters on private property, but I want to take advantage to express my disappointment in the regulation that we have in reference to dumpsters that are on the right-of-way or dumpsters that are left in metered parking spaces, which the Parking Authority, I think, should have an interest in that. You'll see them taking up three, four meters. 15 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. We have an ordinance and I believe there's a regulation that L&I and Streets are supposed to implement. There's supposed to reflective devices. You drive through our City, go right down to the Union League and see dumpsters in Corinthian Street, is it, between the Union League -- I'm not sure of the name of that street, but that street has pretty much been immobilized by the fact that there's dumpsters in the right-of-way and a truck cannot make it up and down that street. I'm appealing to you because of the fact that we have a regulation, you do represent Licenses and Inspection, and I'm going to ask you please to go back to the Commissioner, let him know that we need this regulation enforced, implemented. We need to get together with the Streets Department, because these dumpsters are being dropped all over our City. Trash blows out of them because there's no nets. In many 16 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. jurisdictions there's a requirement that they have to be covered at night so that material in them doesn't blow all over the place. They overload them and they put depressions into the street that become a tripping hazard after they're moved. So we really need to implement this regulation, because this proliferation of dumpsters all over the town -- they dropped one in the operating lane on Locust Street. I mean, we have the regulation. If it's too complicated, then we need to amend it and give it all to L&I or give it all to Streets or to somebody else. So we need to fix it.
You have no 19 argument from me. It's just that L&I's responsibility -- I just wanted to make it clear for the record. L&I's responsibility with dumpsters in the public right-of-way is really for the licensing portion of the dumpster only. We have no jurisdiction over the 17 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. enforcement aspect of the dumpster in the public right-of-way or in the street.
I understand the licensing part hasn't even happened. I believe they're waiting for some mass mailing in January.
Could you, please? Because this is an important issue. We don't really do this stuff just to spin our wheels. If something passes in this Council, we expect the operating departments to implement it. And I appreciate L&I's piece of it, but I think we need now -- you don't want to waste your time licensing dumpsters and then there's no enforcement after all the effort that you put into licensing them. So we need to get together with the 18 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. Streets Department, with you folks and see if we can't get this thing moving forward. Thanks for that opportunity, Mr. Chairman.
Any other questions from this Committee for Mr. Haigler? (No response.)
Bill No. 17 070265, an ordinance authorizing and directing the placing upon City Plan No. 19 271 of a certain variable width right-of-way for water main purposes, drainage purposes and gas main purposes on the southerly side of Brown Street approximately 58 feet west of Mintzer Street and extending approximately 167 feet in depth, under certain terms and 19 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. conditions.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070265. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action.
Thank you. Any questions from this Committee for Mr. Morelli? (No response.)
Seeing none, anyone else cares to testify on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next bill. 20 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC.
Bill No. 3 070334, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 020249, approved November 13, 2002, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 258 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Brill Street from Torresdale Avenue to Harbison Avenue, by striking from the City Plan and vacating a certain triangular section of Harbison Avenue and by reserving and placing on the City Plan a right-of-way for drainage purposes, water main purposes and gas main purposes, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070334. This ordinance is supported by 21 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Streets and Services Committee. I am Martin Soffer, Division Director of the Development Planning Division of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I am here to testify on Bill No. 070334. The Planning Commission reviewed and approved this action at its meeting on July 17, 2002 and, therefore, recommends that Bill No. 070334 be approved. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Any questions from this Committee for this panel? (No response.)
Seeing none, anyone here to testify on this bill? (No response.) 22 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC.
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 7 070389, an ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 149 within an area bounded by Willow Grove Avenue, Towanda Street, Springfield Avenue and a 50 foot right-of-way for gas main purposes which lies within the bed of former Huron Street, all under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070389. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for 23 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. favorable action.
Thank you for your testimony. Any questions from this panel on Bill No. 070334? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 13 070392, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 271 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Lewellen Street from Delaware Avenue to Canal Street, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets 24 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070392. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Streets and Services Committee. I am Marty Soffer and I'm here to testify on Bill No. 14 070392. The City Planning Commission reviewed and approved the rezoning bill 17 to allow this parcel be developed as C-5 Commercial classification at its meeting on May 18, 2006 and, therefore, recommends that Bill No. 070392 be approved. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Any questions from this panel 25 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 9 070399, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance, Bill No. 050142, approved May 4, 2005, entitled "An ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 120 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Carlisle Street from Oxford Street to Cecil B. Moore Avenue and reserving and placing on the City Plan a right-of-way for drainage purposes, water main purposes, gas main purposes and public utility purposes within the lines of Carlisle Street being stricken from the City Plan and vacated under authority of this ordinance, under certain terms and conditions," by extending the time for compliance with 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. the conditions stated therein.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070399. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Streets and Services Committee. I am Marty Soffer and I'm here to testify on Bill No. 18 070339. The Planning Commission reviewed and approved this action at its meeting on May 20, 1999 and, therefore, recommends that Bill No. 070339 be approved. Thank you.
What year 27 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. did you say the Planning Commission approved it?
At its meeting on May 20, 1999. This is a time extension, so it was done a few years ago.
He has a good memory, doesn't he? Any further questions from this Committee? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 18 070444, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 345 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Frogmoor Street from Wingohocking Street to Cayuga Street, by placing on the City Plan "O" Street from Wingohocking Street 28 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. to Cayuga Street, by reserving and placing on the City Plan a right-of-way for gas main purposes within the lines of Frogmoor Street being stricken from the City Plan by authority of this ordinance, and by placing on the City Plan a certain variable width right-of-way for draining purposes, all under certain terms and conditions, including the dedication to the City, free and clear of all encumbrances, of the bed of "O" Street.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070444. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Streets and 29 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. Services Committee. I am Martin Soffer and I'm here to testify on Bill No. 4 070444. The Planning Commission approved a preliminary plat of subdivision for this development at its meeting on April 21, 2007. Therefore, the Planning Commission recommends that Bill No. 070444 be approved. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Any questions from this Committee on Bill No. 070444? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 22 070445, an ordinance authorizing the paving of "O" Street from Wingohocking Street to Cayuga Street, under certain terms and conditions. 30 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070445. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action.
Any questions from this Committee for this panel? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 22 070460, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 384 bounded by the Roosevelt Boulevard, 31 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. Southampton Road, Carter Road and the Philadelphia-Bucks County Line, under certain terms and conditions, including the dedication to the City, free and clear of all encumbrances, of the beds of all streets proposed to be placed on the City Plan by authority of this ordinance 9 and of a certain unopen portion of the bed of Southampton Road.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070460. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Streets and Services Committee. I am Martin Soffer and I'm here to testify on Bill No. 32 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. 070460. This development has been approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission has scheduled this development for a preliminary plat approval at its next Commission meeting. Therefore, the staff of the Planning Commission recommends that Bill No. 11 070460 be approved. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Any questions from this Committee for this panel? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 23 070461, an ordinance authorizing the paving of Dahlia Drive, Sunflower Drive, Arbours Way, Marigold Lane, Veronica 33 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. Lane, Honeysuckle Court, Foxglove Lane, Iris Lane, Bluebell Court, Mimosa Drive and Wildflower Way, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070461. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action.
Any questions for this witness from the Committee? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 34 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. 070504, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 197 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Casper Street from Tioga Street to Russell Street, striking from the City Plan Russell Street from Casper Street southeastwardly approximately 310 feet to a dead end, and striking from the City Plan and abandoning a certain drainage right-of-way, and by reserving and placing on the City Plan rights-of-way for water main purposes, drainage purposes and public utility purposes within the beds of the streets being stricken by authority of this ordinance, if necessary, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets 35 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070504. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Streets and Services Committee. I am Martin Soffer and I am here to testify on Bill No. 12 070504. The staff of the Planning Commission has recommended that Bill No. 15 070504 be approved. Thank you.
Any questions from this Committee for this panel? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you so much for your testimony. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 36 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. 070508, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 44 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the northerly foot wide 7 portion of Market Street from 32nd Street 8 to 34th Street, thereby reducing the 9 width of said Market Street, under 10 certain terms and conditions. 11
Good afternoon, 12 Mr. Chairman and members of the 13 Committee. My name is Frank Morelli, 14 Survey Bureau Manager of the Department 15 of Streets, and the Department of Streets 16 would like to offer the following 17 testimony on Bill No. 070508. 18 This ordinance is supported by 19 the Department of Streets and is 20 recommended to your Committee for favorable action.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Streets and Services Committee. I am Martin Soffer and I'm here to testify on Bill No. 37 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. 070508. The Planning Commission staff has reviewed the Streets bill and has no 5 objection to this action. However, for the record, the proposed building will require a master plan amendment for the Institutional Development District which must be approved by City Planning and City Council. Therefore, the staff of the Planning Commission recommends that Bill No. 070508 be approved. Thank you.
Any questions from this Committee for this panel? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 23 070509, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 206 38 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. bounded by Devon Street, Sydney Street, Boyer Street, Mt. Airy Avenue, Sprague Street and Mt. Pleasant Avenue by placing an irregularly shaped right-of-way for water main purposes and sewer purposes, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070509. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action.
Any questions from this Committee for this panel? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Would the Clerk please read the 39 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. title of the next bill.
Bill No. 4 070510, an ordinance authorizing and directing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 206 bounded by Devon Street, Sydney Street, Boyer Street, Mt. Airy Avenue, Sprague Street and Mt. Pleasant Avenue by placing an irregularly shaped right-of-way for gas main purposes, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau Manager of the Department of Streets, and the Department of Streets would like to offer the following testimony on Bill No. 070510. This ordinance is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action.
Any questions from this Committee to this 40 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. panel? (No response.)
I would appreciate the suspension of the rules for all the above bills.
We will continue with this hearing in a few minutes. (Short recess.)
We'll resume the Committee hearing on Committee of Streets and Services. Would the Clerk please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 21 070263, an ordinance authorizing Northern Star Developments LLC, 5 Eiker Road, Cranberry, New Jersey, owner of the property at 1617 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, to construct, own and 41 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. maintain multi-level bays and balconies as part of the Oxford Mews residential development project, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 070263. This bill authorizes Northern Star Developments to construct, own and maintain multi-level bays and balconies as part of the Oxford Mews residential development project. The variable length bays and balconies will encroach a maximum of three feet over the public sidewalks of North 2nd Street, West Oxford and North Hancock Street. The Streets Department has reviewed the construction plans. As the encroachments do not adversely affect the public right-of-way, the Streets Department recommends passage of this 42 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. bill.
Any questions from this Committee to our witness? (No response.)
Seeing none, can I turn this over to the Chair? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: You can run it if you want. It runs the same. It doesn't change. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Ramos. Mr. Abernathy, the title of the next bill, please.
Bill No. 17 070207, an ordinance authorizing the Wissahickon Hills Civic Association to construct, own and maintain a sign on the traffic island of Acorn Street at the intersection with Ridge Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a 43 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 070270. This bill authorizes Wissahickon Hills Civic Association to construct, own and maintain a sign on the traffic island of Acorn Street at the intersection of Ridge. The sign will be approximately four feet wide by five feet high. The Streets Department has reviewed the preliminary plans for this project. This bill is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Any question for this witness? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy.
Bill No. 23 070305, an ordinance granting permission to Peggy Jones - Musa, owner and operator of the newsstand located on the northeast 44 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. corner of Chelten Avenue and Greene Street, to construct, use and maintain overhead electrical and telecommunications lines from a new utility pole over and across the public right-of-way for the purpose of supplying electrical service and telephone service to said newsstand.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 070305. This bill grants permission to Peggy Jones - Musa, owner and operator of the newsstand at the northeast corner of Chelten Avenue and Greene Street, to construct, use and maintain overhead electrical and telecommunications lines from a new utility pole over and across the public rights-of-way for purposes of supplying electrical and telephone service to the newsstand. 45 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. The Streets Department has reviewed the construction plans for this project and has no objection to the passage of this bill. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Any questions for this witness? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy.
Bill No. 12 070369, an ordinance amending Section 13 9-208 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Cafes," by permitting sidewalk cafes to be maintained on Germantown Avenue, both sides, between Washington Lane and Creshiem Valley Road, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 070369. This bill amends Section 9-208 46 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Cafes," by permitting sidewalk cafes to be maintained on Germantown Avenue, both sides, between Washington Lane and Creshiem Valley Road. This bill is supported by the Streets Department and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Any questions from the Committee? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Is there anyone else here who wishes to testify? Please approach the witness table, identify yourself for the record, ma'am, and then proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Councilmembers. My name is Elizabeth Moselle. I'm the Program Associate for the Avenue Project at Mt. Airy USA, a community development corporation in Northwest Philadelphia. 47 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. Mt. Airy USA supports this legislation. We've been working on the revitalization of the Mt. Airy section of Germantown Avenue commercial corridor since 1980. In 1999, we launched the Avenue Project, a comprehensive commercial corridor revitalization effort supported by volunteer committees on design, promotions, business recruitment and attraction, and cleanliness and safety. The work of these committees has resulted in 36 new businesses over the past three and a half years, an average of one new business a month, creating approximately 175 total new jobs, $35 million in new capital investment along Germantown Avenue, commitments of more than three million in federal, state and local monies to fund streetscape improvements and support for a new business improvement district, following an average 15 percent increase in revenues for area restaurants, 150 percent 48 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. increase in average property values and rental rates along Germantown Avenue. While we have made extraordinary progress over the years, the Avenue's overall viability as a community shopping district is still compromised by pockets of retail vacancy and low pedestrian traffic volume that limits the level and range of retailing activity. Mt. Airy USA is working diligently to create an environment that is safer and more inviting for pedestrians, attracts private investment to retail storefronts, and fosters communal gathering in public spaces. We're very excited about the introduction of this legislation, which will permit our food service businesses to accommodate their customers outdoors. The creation of a sidewalk cafe district will directly complement our ongoing efforts to revitalize the Germantown Avenue commercial corridor. Outdoor seating brings life to 49 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. the street. It creates spaces for people to feel welcome and comfortable. Sidewalk cafes encourage people to walk along their commercial corridors, sit down to relax and enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee and to interact with their neighbors. The presence of more people on the street conveys the message to passers-by that the neighborhood is well loved, cared for and enjoyed by those who spend their time there. The positive signal that the new street life sends will draw more and more people to the street, increase the sales volume of our local businesses and attract new businesses to the neighborhood. Sidewalk cafes will help to actualize our neighborhood's vision for a vibrant and thriving Germantown Avenue. To conclude, I'd like to thank you for your time, attention and interest. This is -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.
-- an important 50 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. vehicle for the continued transformation of Mt. Airy's main commercial corridor. I sincerely look forward to the passage of this bill, and in the coming months I'll be working through the sidewalk cafe permitting process with our local businesses and will welcome any opportunity to continue this conversation. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Just a word, if you'd like, you should speak to Councilwoman Miller on the sidewalk cafe permits. Even though we won't be in session, generally the Department of License and Inspections will accept a letter of intent from the District Councilperson so that the sidewalk cafes can be actually put into use during the summer, if you'd like.
Believe it or not, I actually summarized what I had here, a long spiel for Councilwoman Miller, but she had to be excused. She did introduce this bill. 51 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: But you should talk to her. A letter from her can get those sidewalk cafe permits. Even though the legislation may not be completed, it will allow them to do the sidewalk cafes in anticipation of approval in the fall.
So a letter from her to the Streets Department right-of-way unit? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The Commissioner of License and Inspection.
The right-of-way unit of the Streets Department? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Do you guys need that too maybe? I'm not sure.
We're actually the approver of all sidewalk cafe licenses. We do all the -- everything up to the point of issuing the license, and that's L&I. 52 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. So whatever letter you send, as long as you copy the Streets Department, then that will work. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: That way, they can operate as a sidewalk cafe during the summer rather than have to wait for us to come back in in September.
Great. Thank you. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. Any questions for this witness? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy.
Bill No. 18 070443, an ordinance authorizing the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Office for Community Development, 222 North 17th Street, Philadelphia, to construct, own and maintain raised planter clusters atop the sidewalks of the 2400, 2500 and 2600 blocks of Kensington Avenue, under certain terms and conditions. 53 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 070443. This bill authorizes the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Office of Community Development, to construct, own and maintain raised planter clusters atop the sidewalks of the 2400, 2500 and 2600 blocks of Kensington Avenue. The clusters consist of two planters, one planter of 36 inch diameter and another one inch diameter. The planters are 17 located approximately 18 inches from the 18 face of curb, leaving approximately eight 19 foot six inches of clear footway. 20 The Streets Department has 21 reviewed the preliminary plans for this 22 project. This bill is supported by the 23 Department of Streets and is recommended 24 to your Committee for favorable action. 25 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. 54 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. Any questions? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy.
Bill No. 7 070449, an ordinance authorizing Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Walnut Street, 6th Floor, Philadelphia, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Incorporated, 111 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, to construct, own and maintain street signs, lighted bollards, bike racks and trash receptacles from Chestnut Street to Walnut Street between 9th Street and 11th Street, as part of a campus site improvement project, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 070449. This bill authorizes Thomas 55 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. Jefferson University and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals to construct, own and maintain street signs, bike racks, and trash receptacles from Chestnut to Walnut, 9th to 11th, as part of a campus site improvement project. The Streets Department has reviewed the plans for this project. This bill is supported by the Department of Streets and is recommended to your Committee for favorable action. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Any questions? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy.
Bill No. 19 070450, an ordinance granting permission to Nella Genovese, owner of the property 614 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the south footway of Kater Street, under certain terms and conditions. 56 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 070450. This bill grants permission to Nella Genovese, owner of the property 614 South 7th Street, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the south footway of Kater Street. A total of 13 tables to accommodate 32 occupants are 14 proposed. 15 The Streets Department has 16 reviewed the cafe plan and has no 17 objection to the passage of the bill. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Any questions? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Any witnesses? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy, please read the 57 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. title of the next bill.
Bill No. 4 070453, an ordinance granting permission to Alia Banna and Jerry Roseman, owners of the property 852 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the west footway of South 2nd Street, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 070453. This bill grants permission to Alia Banna and Jerry Roseman, owners of the property 852 South 2nd Street, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the west footway of South 2nd Street. A total of eight tables to accommodate 16 occupants are proposed. The Streets Department has reviewed the cafe plan and has no 58 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. objection to the passage of the bill. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Any questions for this witness? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, Mr. Abernathy.
Bill No. 9 070464, an ordinance granting permission to Manpants LLC, owner of Johnny Brendas Tavern, tenant of the property 1201 to 03 to 05 Frankford Avenue and 109 East Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the northeast corner of Frankford Avenue and East Girard Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 070464. This bill grants permission to Manpants LLC, owner of Johnny Brendas 59 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. Tavern, tenant of the property 1201 to 05 Frankford and 109 East Girard Avenue, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the northeast corner of Frankford Avenue and East Girard. A total of eight tables to accommodate occupants are 8 proposed for the north footway of East 9 Girard Avenue. 10 The Streets Department has 11 reviewed the cafe plan and has no 12 objection to the passage of the bill. 13 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. 14 Any questions for the witness? 15 (No response.) 16 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Any 17 witnesses? 18 (No response.) 19 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing 20 none, Mr. Abernathy.
Bill No. 22 070465, an ordinance granting permission to Diane Guzman, owner of the property 812 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk 60 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. cafe on the west footway of North Broad Street, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 070465. This bill grants permission to Diane Guzman, owner of the property 812 North Broad Street, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the west footway of North Broad Street. A total of eight tables to accommodate 16 occupants are proposed for the west sidewalk of North Broad Street. The Streets Department has reviewed the cafe plan and has no 21 objection to the passage of the bill. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Any questions for this witness? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing 61 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. none, Mr. Abernathy.
That's it. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Let the record reflect that Councilman Clarke, who is also a member of this Committee, is now present.
I'm sorry, Councilman. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: There is one more, isn't there, 467?
Bill No. 13 070467, an ordinance granting permission to Howard Foreman, owner of the Caribbean Feast Restaurant, owner of the property 1338 to 44 Rising Sun Avenue, Philadelphia, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the northeast corner of Rising Sun Avenue and Westmoreland Street, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Chairman and members of the Committee. My name is William Mautz and I'm a construction engineer with the Streets 62 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. Department. I'm here to offer the following testimony for Bill No. 070467. This bill grants permission to Howard Foreman, owner of Caribbean Feast Restaurant and the property 1338 to 44 Rising Sun Avenue, to operate and maintain an open-air sidewalk cafe on the northeast corner of Rising Sun Avenue and Westmoreland Street. A total of seven tables to accommodate occupants are 12 proposed for the east footway of Rising 13 Sun Avenue. A total of two tables to 14 accommodate six occupants are proposed 15 for the north footway of Westmoreland 16 Street. 17 The Streets Department has 18 reviewed the cafe plan and has no 19 objection to the passage of the bill. 20 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. 21 Any questions for this witness? 22 (No response.) 23 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Any other 24 witnesses here? (No response.) 63 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Seeing none, this concludes the public hearing on the Committee of Streets and Services. We will now go into the public meeting. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos for an amendment to Bill No. 8 070267.
I move that the amendment as previously described regarding Bill No. 070267 be adopted. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: All those in favor? (Aye.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The amendment is approved. Councilman Ramos.
I move that Bill No. 070267 as amended be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next Council meeting. 64 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: This bill 10 is amended. It is approved. Councilman Ramos.
I move that the amendment as previously described regarding Bill No. 070451 be adopted. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's been properly moved and seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 070451 be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Councilman 65 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. Ramos.
I move that Bill No. 070451 as amended be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at our next Council meeting. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 13 070451 as amended be reported out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The following bills are being held: 070076, 070228 and 070274. 66 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. I will recognize Councilman Ramos for a motion on all other bills.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill Nos. 070439, Bill No. 070341, Bill No. 070433, Bill No. 070441, Bill No. 070505, Bill 8 No. 070263, Bill No. 070270, Bill No. 9 070274 -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: That's being held.
I'll withdraw Bill No. 070274. Bill No. 070305, Bill No. 15 070369, Bill No. 070443, Bill No. 070449, Bill No. 070450, Bill No. 070453, Bill 17 No. 070464, Bill No. 070465, Bill No. 18 070467, Bill No. 070265, Bill No. 070334, Bill No. 070389, Bill No. 070392, Bill 20 No. 070399, Bill No. 070444, Bill No. 21 070445, Bill No. 070460, Bill No. 070461, Bill No. 070504, Bill No. 070508, Bill 23 No. 070509, Bill No. 070510 be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the 67 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of these bills at our next Council meeting. (Duly seconded.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's been properly moved and seconded that the bills that have just been read into the record by Councilman Ramos be reported out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at the next session of City Council. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: The ayes have it. All the bills that have been read into the record are approved. Thank you. I want to thank the 68 6/6/07 - STREETS - BILL 070076, ETC. Committee for your patience today. This concludes the public meeting on the Committee of Streets and Services. Thank you. (Committee on Streets and Services adjourned at 3:20 p.m.) - - - 69 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on June 6, 2007, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. ______________________________ MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)