Thank you, Council President. I'm requesting a leave 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING to attend to other Council business and ask that I be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions for the remainder of today's session.
Leave shall be granted and will be voted aye on all bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. I would like to offer an amendment to -
You had your button on. I thought you wanted to make an announcement or a comment. I'm 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING going to get to you.
Thank you very much. Councilmember Quetcy Lozada. Do you want to make a comment? Your light is on.
Thank you very much. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250734.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 4200, 4202, 4204 Viola Street and 4205 Leidy Avenue located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250734.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250734 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250735.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5417 and 5425 Florence Avenue located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250735.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250735 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250736.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING of 1610 South 56th Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250736 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250741.
A resolution authorizing Councilmember Jones' appeal, on behalf of and as representative of City Council, of the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment with respect to 5052-56 City Avenue.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250741.
Thank you, Mr. President. 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING If I could speak to this resolution briefly.
Thank you. Wynnefield, if you know Wynnefield and my Ward leader is here, Katherine Gilmore Richardson, if you go back to its history, particularly during the whole process of establishing like a small village from Dr. Wynnefield literally, one of the overriding traditions of that area which is not a legal reason to appeal, was no alcohol, like there were no neighborhood bars and taverns and that was someplace that was free of that. And up until maybe 2010 when a landmark came, that was like an overriding position. And there was also one bar up there and my son 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING actually frequented it, but there were very few. And in Wynnefield, where this building is was a mattress factory. And that was fine. This use is a beer distributorship and it's right across from the Wine and Spirits and it's right down the street from the marijuana dispensary and it's right across the street from St Joe's University. Can we sell some books? Can we sell some vegetables? Do we have to always have liquor as a driving force for development in communities. So with that, I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250741 be adopted. 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250743.
A resolution condemning Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration for their dramatic, ill-advised and harmful cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP.
The Chair recognizes 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250743.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250743 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of Resolution No. 250749.
A resolution repealing Resolution No. 250587 adopted May 29, 2025, which also named Jefferson Street between Broad Street and 13th Street as "Donald 'Ducky' Birts Way."
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250749.
Thank you, Mr. President. Again, this is to make a technical amendment to an adoption of the resolution. So I move for the adoption of this repeal. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250749 be adopted. 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250750.
A resolution also naming Jefferson Street between Broad Street and 13th Street as "Donald 'Ducky' Birts Way."
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250750. 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Mr. President. We offer this new resolution for adoption which includes Mr. Birts' wife in it. Thank you. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250750 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of Resolution No. 250752.
A resolution also naming North 9th Street between Clearfield Street and Indiana Avenue as "LGP Qua Way," and also naming the 900 block of West Clearfield Street as "Voice of the Youth."
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250752.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of all young people in the city of Philadelphia, as we will continue to celebrate Qua's legacy in the city, I had an opportunity to talk to his mom and she supports this resolution, so I ask members of City Council to move for its adoption. 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250752 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250755.
A resolution also naming the 3300 block of Tilton Street as "Czerw way" to honor the life and legacy of John Czerw. 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250755.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250755 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250756.
A resolution, also naming the 800 block of Rhawn Street, "Hugh Joseph McIntyre Way" in recognition of his sacrifice during the 1975 Gulf Oil Refinery Fire.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250756.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250756 be adopted. All those in favor of 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING the motion will signify by saying, aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250373.
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-3500 of Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards" to amend definitions, add clarifications and enhance remedies, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair recognizes 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion.
Thank you, Council President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 250373. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 250373 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it and the bill has been amended. This bill will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for our next session of Council. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution recognizing Jane Golden honoring her life's work, legacy and contribution as a fundamental pillar in the arts and culture community in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Gauthier on behalf of Councilmember Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you. Council President. 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING On behalf of Councilmember Thomas, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING hold hearings to examine the potential establishment of the Office of Freedmen Affairs within the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Jones.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move enthusiastically for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the week of September 15 through September 21, 2025 as Diaper Need Awareness Week in Philadelphia and acknowledging the outstanding efforts of community-based organizations working to ensure that all children have the essential items needed to thrive and survive. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion on the resolution. 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Council President. I offer -- sorry. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted.
It's all right. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Education Law Center PA on its 50th Anniversary for its outstanding contributions and lasting impact to ensure access to quality public education for all children in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the week of September 15 through September 21, 2025 as National Coding Week in the City of Philadelphia, highlighting the essential nature of coding skills in a rapidly evolving digital world. Introduced by Councilmember Landau. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau, Chair of the Technology Committee.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Good job, Member Landau. Will the Chief Clerk 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing September 21, 2025 as "Sun Day" in the City of Philadelphia and recognizing the Philadelphia Solar Energy Association and Third Act PA for their advocacy for a solar powered Southeastern Pennsylvania. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion on the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing September 17, 2025 as National Workforce Development Day in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Young.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Along with Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson, I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Health and 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Human Services to hold a hearing on the federal attacks and local challenges facing reproductive health care in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks for a motion on the resolution.
Council President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the third week of September 2025 as the National Construction Appreciation Week in the City of Philadelphia, honoring the contribution of the construction industry to the vitality of our city. Introduced by Councilmember Harrity.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Harrity for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it the resolution is adopted. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing Steve Jamison, owner of Blue Sole Shoes, an exceptional minority 9/18/25 - STATED - 2ND READING small business owner for his creativity, resilience and uniquely Philadelphia in response to adversity. Introduced by Councilmember Bass.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
This concludes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Brooks.
Thank you, Council President. Today I introduced a resolution to be voted on at our next Council session condemning the deployment of the National Guard to several cities very similar to our own. This is not the time to stay silent and wait to see what loud and clear about what's happening in our country right now. These are military occupations of American cities meant to intimidate and silence the people who live in those cities. With this resolution, I am inviting my colleagues, the Mayor and everyone in Philadelphia to join me in speaking out against these invasions and defending our freedom to govern ourselves. I will have more to say about that next week. I want to acknowledge District Attorney Larry Krasner for his leadership on this issue. I would encourage people to attend his town hall tonight at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church. Doors open at 5:30 and the event starts at 6:00 p.m. this morning. Also, I'm also a hearing on the state of reproductive health care here in Philadelphia. Given recent federal and local cuts, this hearing came from the work of our Reproductive Health Task Force. During our last meeting, members shared challenges they were facing, including misinformation, new federal policies and lack of funding. After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, our city government took action to support patients and providers here in Philadelphia. Each year since then the City has provided grants up to 500,000 for local nonprofit organizations that support low-income Philadelphians in assessing contraception, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, abortion and other funding was a lifeline for thousands of patients and providers during a surge in a number of people seeking care, as local clinics closed and patients traveled into Pennsylvania from states where abortion was banned. As we approach the 2026 budget last spring these organizations were counting on municipal funding in order to keep their doors open. Many of us here in City Council supported city funding for these organizations because we understood that Trump's plan to defund reproductive health care on the federal level. But in the 2026 budget, these local organizations were also defunded on a city level in a closed-door negotiation. No reason was given. We had money for corporate tax cuts, a wellness no data on, over $800 million in new housing or new borrowing, but apparently no money for reproductive health care. In other cities, elected leaders are meeting the moment by increasing access to reproductive care. Chicago awarded 2 million to their local abortion fund. Atlanta, Baltimore, Columbus, St. Louis and others have created funds to help with travel and costs associated with seeking reproductive health care. I want to know why Philadelphia is failing behind our peer cities in protecting women. Philadelphians overwhelmingly support reproductive freedom and our city can and should be a leader in upholding reproductive rights. Trump made good on his promise to cut funding. ask, why is Philadelphia following his lead? We knew this was coming. We knew who would be hurt overwhelmingly, Black and Brown women living in low-income neighborhoods. Through this hearing, we will investigate the real human cost of federal and local cuts to reproductive health care and identify ways that our city can take a stronger, more proactive step against the escalating attacks on reproductive rights. Thank you so much.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes speeches on behalf of the Majority. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. During the D.C. 33 strike, we got a stinky, dirty reminder that breathing in trash harms both our mental and physical health. Imagine breathing all that in and more every single day of your life. That's the unjust reality endured by our neighbors in the city of Chester. America's largest incinerator burns 3500 tons of trash and industrial waste daily, making it the number one industrial air polluter in our region. And what are they burning? Our trash. 37% of all trash generated in Philly gets burned, representing almost a third of everything spewed into the air by this incinerator. Chester and Delco neighbors experience the worst of this environmental disaster, but our neighborhoods suffer as well. Canadian wildfires can travel thousands of miles, imagine how often we breathe toxic trash air from the Chester incinerator. Breathing in trash every day makes us sick. 1 in 5 of our kids have asthma. Just this week Philly was named a 2025 asthma capital, and studies confirm that trash air fuels our city's above-average cancer rate. We need to stop making ourselves, our kids and our planet sick. That's why today I introduced the Stop Trashing Our Air Act, which prohibits the City of Philadelphia from contracting with companies that profit by turning our trash into pollution and sickness. The City's priority is making Philly safer, cleaner and greener, but we cannot do that at the expense of our neighbors in the county, who are left sicker, dirtier and less safe because of the trash we send into their air. As City Council's Environmental Chair, I've been working closely with the Parker Administration on charting another path forward. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Mayor on this and I thank her for her leadership. But with the City's waste disposal contracts expiring at the end of the fiscal year, now is the time to do what's right for our constituents, neighbors and planet and stop trashing our air. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Member Gauthier. The Chair recognizes
Thank you, Council President. Once again we are mourning the loss of life due to a senseless act of violence that happened yesterday in York County in Pennsylvania. I want to honor the courage of the police who were making a routine stop at an individual's home and three police officers were killed and two were injured. I want to honor the courage of these police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. These tragic events continue to happen and we must do more to stop the violence across the country. Their service and dedication will not be forgotten. I wanted to also talk about a bill that I introduced vote was hard won, generations of Americans, John Lewis, Dolores Huerta, Fannie Lou Hamer, Medgar Evers, Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, Octavius Catto, Mary Church Terrell and so many others fought too hard and some died to secure this right to vote. We cannot take their sacrifice for granted and we must be honest, our right to vote is not secure. There are active efforts, including the current Trump administration to make voting harder and to strip away access from gerrymandering districts to the intimidation of poll workers and the erosion of voting protections. Leaders like Stacey Abrams remind us daily that the fight for access is an ongoing struggle. On Tuesday, September 16th we marked National Voter Registration Day, a timely reminder that access must be simple, easy and institutionalized, not left to chance or a single news cycle. That's exactly why I introduced this bill because that is what the bill does. We know that people fall off the rolls when they move renters, like young people, working families, new Philadelphians move more often, and updating a registration card can slip through the cracks. My legislation uses the start of a lease to provide clear, timely nudge to voters to make sure they're registered. It requires that the standard rental package tenants already receive also includes straightforward voter registration information and a direct link to register or update new bureaucracy, no extra hoops. Just what people need exactly when they need it. This is how we safeguard participation, not only with speeches in election years but with systems that make access routine. The message must come from many directions, including our schools, libraries, community organizations and faith institutions, social feeds and storefronts. Today's bill adds one more durable touchpoint baked into the everyday process of renting a home so that our neighbors keep their say in what happens at City Hall, the State Capitol and Capitol Hill. John Lewis taught us that democracy is an ongoing act. My bill removes one more barrier and makes the path to the ballot a Philadelphia, we just don't protect the right to vote. We make it easy to use. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you very much, Dr. Ahmad. The Chair recognizes my Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you so much, Council President. I wanted to pause and thank Ben Hover from the PFT -- I'm not sure if Ben is still with us -for his acknowledgement during his public testimony regarding our upcoming Reading Open to the World of Family Literacy Book Fair. I wanted to also thank the American Federation of Teachers and Randi idea. They have given away more than 1 million books across the United States of America. And when we met at an event last November, she promised to come back to Philadelphia and partner with my office to bring 30,000 books to the city of Philadelphia. So, Mr. President, with the AFT, with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Art Steinberg and his team, our other amazing partners in my colleague, Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young, who's the District Councilmember for the area, as well as State Senator Vincent Hughes, we're all coming together for the Reading Open to the World Literacy Fair. It'll be this Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It'll be at the Salvation Army Haven of 1340 Brown Street off of Broad and Fairmount. There's plenty of parking at this location. It's easily accessible via SEPTA, and we will have again 30,000 free books for our young people and others across the city of Philadelphia. We are also giving away laptops, brand new laptops, courtesy of AT&T and also Lego brick sets. Now, we know young people love Legos. They've had a resurgence lately, and my kids love Legos, so we'll be giving away Legos. In addition to that, every educator, every teacher will be able to receive 50 books for their classroom libraries to build their classroom libraries. We will also have face painting, balloon animals, a moon bounce. We'll have robot building STEM young people. We'll be building robots with Brooklyn Foundry Robot here in Philadelphia. We'll also have additional special guest authors, some that we all have seen recently in Philadelphia, maybe some folks who are connected to some of the Philadelphia Eagles and other authors. We will also have the City of Philadelphia's hiring bus and other community resources. So there will definitely be something for every single person who comes out. I'll tell you that we have more than 1800 people signed up for the book fair thus far. (Applause.)
1800 people. So we know that reading and literacy is important to our residents and great city of Philadelphia. We are so honored to be doing this work together with the AFT, the PFT, Councilmember Young and State Senator Vincent Hughes. And we ask each and every one of you to join us this Saturday for Reading Opens the World. Thank you. (Applause.)
Great job, Majority Leader Gilmore Richardson. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I just want to mention how preventable tragedies happen in our city every day. One happened yesterday at 15th and Lehigh where there was a shooting of a Dobbins High School student from the school. And when we talk about, you know, safe routes and safe corridors here in the city of Philadelphia and we talk about -we typically, you know, on the city's website when you search for safe routes or safe corridors what pops up is Vision Zero, right. And it talks about infrastructure. And the website says that it's helping communities create safe, healthy environments for students to walk, bike and roll to school, again, under Vision Zero. But what I haven't seen is where is this comprehensive type of plan for gun violence. In particular, it says that young people deserve to be able -- I'm paraphrasing now. Young people deserve to be able to go to school without fear of say they also deserve to go to school without fear of being shot. And I know Town Watch has a Safe Corridor program, but if you look at Town Watch's website, it is nowhere near as comprehensive as the Safe Route Program under Vision Zero, nowhere near, right. And Town Watch lists that it protects students traveling to or from school. But again, where is that investment. And I want to point out to my colleague, Councilmember Jones, in his Blueprint for Safer Philadelphia on the very first page, Page No. 1 addresses this very issue of getting kids to and from school safely. That's the number one issue in this Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia. So when are we going to make the proper investments in Corridors program? I know that the School District added Dobbins to this particular program, but we need more, right. We see that in certain communities, adding around the edges just isn't enough. We need real investments for real solutions and these are solutions that Councilmember Jones and others have already come up with. So when are we really going to put the dollars into these programs that we know will work. Stop adding around the edges. Let's make a real investment into our communities that are getting hit every single day with gun violence, every day, no days off from this, right. And so, we want to keep it at the forefront as we are going through and making policy decisions, making budgetary decisions and allocating resources to programs that actually prove to work. And I believe that if we can expand some of these programs, including the School District's Safe Corridor program, that something like this would have been preventable. We talk about putting the infrastructure in place to prevent traffic deaths. Let's put the infrastructure in place in our communities to prevent gun violence. Put those people there. And on the same block, which is very ironic, I just want to let folks know that the world's most common legally consumed drug is caffeine. So that would make the world's most largest legal drug dealer with a market cap of 95 And on this very block, 15th and Lehigh, Starbucks pulled out of a deal to build a community store, and this community store would have been an asset for that neighborhood, would have provided jobs for that neighborhood, would have provided eyes on the street for that neighborhood. So maybe this student would not have been shot because of the activity that that Starbucks would have brought, right.
Starbucks was supposed to open up these stores, these community stores in Black and Brown communities due to lawsuits and due to other pressure, public pressure, that they received. But recently again they pulled out of this one at Lehigh. They pulled out of the store in West Parkside, but they're and Schuylkill Yards, right. Look at -- what are those neighborhoods, right. They're certainly not North Philly and West Philly. Well, Schuylkill Yards is West Philly, but a different part of West Philly I'll say, right. So, what does that look like to us? It looks like that there's a lack of interest by Starbucks to open up in Black and Brown communities. Their market cap rate is $95 billion and they can't open up in a Black and Brown community. We drink coffee too, right. I know folks who drink Starbucks every day. This was to have a drive-thru. So I mean, traffic is going to be booming every day in this area. So you can't tell me that this particular area there's it, right. You can't tell me that costs are too high to develop this because you're going to recoup your costs. So I just want to put the City on notice that this is a corporation that has been showing, it seems, a lack of interest in communities that we represent. And so, I just want to put that on the record that although the federal government and some other places may be going away from diversity, equity and inclusion, the City of Philadelphia still stands on that, right, and we will continue to stand on that. But we have to hold businesses like Starbucks and others accountable to our residents, to our citizens because if you want to claim to be a great corporate partner of ours, then really invest in the help, that actually need this type of investment to improve. You're going in places where you open up anything, someone's going to make money. But Starbucks has the capital to really place those types of investments in a community to see real change. And so, those are the types of businesses that we're going to continue to try to welcome here in the city of Philadelphia that are willing to invest to make a real change in our city. And with that, Mr. President, I just want to let those who are listening know that as we speak right now my office along with North 10 at the Lenfest Center at Hunting Park is participating in a college and community fair that's hosted by a Philly, State Rep. com. , 3890 North 10th Street. And also tomorrow, my office is participating in a community cleanup at 19th and York. And so, if you live in that area, we will be cleaning up that entire community in partnership with the Philadelphia Parking Authority, the Office of Clean and Green, the Streets Department and others. We are going to bring those city services right to your front door. You can meet me at 19th and York at 8 o'clock. Let's roll up our sleeves and clean up our community. On Friday, we are to have a health fair at 22nd and Cecil B. Moore. So all of our seniors, all of our community members please come out to get some services, to get some resources. And we need to realize that there is a health center, a health clinic right in the heart of your community right there at 22nd and Cecil B. Moore. Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson mentioned our book fair. Again, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this. Please come out to this fair. Every time I place books on any table we have an event, they're the first things to go. So that shows me that our communities are looking for knowledge.
They're looking to learn and we have to keep cultivating that. , I believe. And so, please come out to celebrate this legend in our city. And with that, Mr. President, thank you and I close my remarks.
You're welcome. Good job, Member Young. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau.
Thank you, Council President. First, congratulations to the Education Law Center of Pennsylvania on its 50th anniversary and thank you to my colleagues for signing on to my resolution recognizing the profound had on ensuring access to quality public education in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. Among other things, as you know the Education Law Center was an integral part of the lawsuit that finally found that the inequitable funding formula of our schools is unconstitutional. Their efforts have shaped statewide education and improved the lives of thousands of underserved students in the region. They've been a trusted resource for families, for child-serving professionals, for advocates and for lawmakers. Thank you, ELC, for your activism and passion for improving the education of our young people. This week I also introduced a resolution marking September 15th through the 21, 2025 in the City of Philadelphia. In the rapidly developing tech landscape encouraging Philadelphians, especially our young folks to learn their vital skill set, ushers them into the 21st century. This year's theme embracing AI and the future of work focuses on how AI can enhance tech skills rather than eliminate them. National Coding Week is designed to make coding accessible to everyone who wants to develop skills in computational thinking. And I'd like to thank Coded By for incorporating this vision into their own mission and for speaking to the important effort and the essential nature of coding skills in this incredibly digital world, increasingly digital world. Finally, I also Councilmember Gilmore Richardson and Councilmember Thomas recognizing this week as Diaper Need Awareness Week in Philadelphia. Though many incredible community organizations work to address diaper insecurity, it's an uphill battle. Nationally, in families experiences diaper insecurity, and a monthly supply of diapers can cost between 80 to $100 per child. This has grown over the years into a public health issue across the U.S. and low-income Black and Brown families are often the hardest hit by this disparity. Philadelphia is proud to be home to many organizations working to address diaper insecurity such as Cradles to Crayons, and my office is excited on a diaper donation drive. We'll be posting about this on social. But colleagues and anyone watching right now, if you'd like to contribute, please bring a box to my office -- bring diapers to my office in a box, 592 in City Hall. And we'll also have a QR code for you to donate financially if you want. And finally, at last next week is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. I'd like to thank Council President for this gift, for my New Year's gift. And I want to wish all who are celebrating L'shanah tovah, Happy New Year. But I've got to say once again while we are celebrating the New Year, I do want to recognize the atrocities being inflicted on Palestinians daily by Israel. Let reminder to all of us that we must speak out to lend our voices to demand that we stop supporting this genocide. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. Really quickly, just tonight we are having a Night Market on Ogontz with the Reverend Dr. Alyn Waller, the legendary Blue Notes, Meli'sa Morgan, Fool's Paradise and DJ Diamond Kuts. So there'll be food trucks, live music vendors. I'm happy to be the individual to really help work in West Oakland and bring back this tradition that we've had in our Hopefully, it's a precursor to what we all have been wanting back in our area. And I want to thank all of us in City Council for being supportive, especially Council President, in all these endeavors that we're trying to do in the 9th District. So September 18th, 5:00 to 9:00, 7100 block of Ogontz Avenue. And next week I'll see you all at Philly Afterschool Hype. If you are a parent or a family and you need to get your kid in the afterschool program. As the Chair of Children and Youth, myself and Councilman Isaiah Thomas, Chair of Education, we're putting together the largest afterschool program in the city with the School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Youth Basketball at the Sixth Man Center at 4250 Wissahickon Avenue from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 on Saturday, September 27th. Don't miss it. If you interested in getting -- an organization has until this week to sign up. If you're a youth-serving organization, sign up. You get kids from the city involved. If you're a parent and family, just tell people about it because the idea is there are youth programs out here and there are caring and loving adults and the kids that are involved with programs have better outcomes. So hope to see y'all soon.
Thank you, Dr. Phillips. Good job. And my Deputy Whip Councilmember Cindy Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. to just mention again my good friend Steve Jamison, who I went to high school with many, many moons ago and Blue Sole Shoes and just talk about the resolution that we passed today for him. He is a true Philadelphia original and a shining example of what it means to be a responsible and resilient small business owner. For nearly two decades, Steve has brought style, service and heart to Center City. But what truly sets him apart is how he responds when challenges arise. I knew him back in high school and he has always been this type of person. When someone shattered his storefront window a few weeks ago, Steve didn't just board it up until he could repair it. He transformed it. He turned that piece of public art that drew smiles, sparked conversation and reminded us all that creativity and resilience can walk hand-in-hand. This is the kind of leadership our small business community needs and deserves, rooted in the neighborhoods, driven by purpose and powered by a deep love for the city. So today let's celebrate Steve Jamison and reaffirm our commitment to supporting small, local and responsible businesses that reflect the very best of Philadelphia. I also want to put on the record a celebration that will be happening this weekend to honor the extraordinary service of Reverend Dr. Michelle A. Simmons, who will become a bishop this leader, fierce advocate and tireless servant of all the people, Rev. Dr. Simmons turned her personal journey into a powerful mission, founding Why Not Prosper, which many of you know, and transforming the lives of thousands of women returning home from incarceration. For over two decades, she has shown us what it means to lead with faith, compassion and unshakable purpose, from the streets of Philadelphia to underserved communities around the world. Her work speaks volumes reminding us -- her work speaks volumes housing the unhoused, uplifting the brokenhearted, fighting for justice and reminding us all of the power of second chances. So congratulations to Rev. Dr. Simmons and thank you for faith leads action. And one last thing I just wanted to add in, in reference to my colleague Councilman Jay Young's comments regarding the Starbucks, and I know we had had some brief conversation about this, and I would say, number one, I want to remind everybody there's a fantastic coffee house, Freedom Coffee House, which is minorityowned and a staple in the community at 4906 Old York Road. So I want to encourage folks to spend their dollars for people who want to invest in their communities. So I drink a different -- I drink tea but I drink it from a different provider other than the one you mentioned. But when people don't want to spend money in our community, we have to don't respect our communities, we will not be shopping with you. We will not spend our dollars. Because listen, we can put that green in somebody else's hands and that's exactly what we should be doing and looking for to a vendor to take that space, preferably one that's African American, Latino, you know, just someone from the community who is focused on that community and knows the value of the dollars in that community. Thank you, Mr. President.
Welcome. Very well said. Just ask Target. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Majority Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion to
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Thank you all very much. ) 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. E. m. C. E. m. paralega ing 157:23 ants 40:16 38:18, l 48:7,21 82:3 43:18 170:23 65:18 144:14 particip 44:7 41:11, 182:8 146:8 paraphra 45:12 PA ate ovation sing 46:2,14 56:22 12:18 102:8 174:22 48:15 57:13, 91:24 48:20 particip 111:13 parcels 49:5,18 52:9 ating 79:13 51:24 59:15 overcrow 57:17 181:23 61:15 parent 52:14, ded 58:4 182:11 139:15 117:4 23 72:18 146:7 190:14 particip 54:14 organiza overridi 149:9 191:10 ation 55:4 tion ng package 106:19 56:7 100:7 128:15, 167:21 parents 168:6 58:18 113:22 23 118:3 61:3 Stated Meeting 38 09/18/2025 62:13, 36:7 157:7, perspect 43:3,4, 16 51:12 19 ives 6,9 125:24 63:13 Pennsylv 159:6 27:23 44:4,24 126:5 78:23 ania 167:10, Pete 45:9 135:18 119:3 49:2 12 13:17 46:11 139:16 141:4 52:11 168:4 48:6,24 141:16 PEW passed 68:19 171:8, 49:12 143:5 28:3 36:22 69:4 14 51:5, 144:13 172:2, PFT 15,16, 146:11 64:18 146:12 18,22 83:23 18,21 147:19 113:3 149:11 174:21, 169:17 52:7,8, 149:7,8 192:7 159:8 173:5 20 150:17 passion 165:9 184:21 177:16 Philadel 54:11 152:6 89:20 185:5 185:21 phia 55:24 153:14 185:20 191:11 4:23 56:23 155:4 Pastor people 194:4 13:19, 57:17 157:11 3:4 4:11 195:17, 21,23 58:4,14 158:5, 102:20 29:22 14:15 59:16 17 66:21 path Perez 15:5,18 61:16 160:16 67:22 164:11 65:12 17:11 65:20 161:3 73:11 168:24 70:13 18:6 68:6, 163:19 74:9,13 pathway 75:15 19:15 16,24 169:2 75:23 108:24 21:10 69:8 170:8, 77:15 perform 23:5,11 72:13 10,12 patience 81:21 75:24 24:6,15 83:10, 171:9 115:23 83:8 permanen 25:2,8, 20 172:5, patients 87:19 t 12 84:4,10 8,10 158:16 88:13 79:2,14 27:20 85:4 173:3 159:4,7 89:10 persever 28:2 92:16 174:6 pause 93:22, ance 33:9 106:9 175:17, 169:16 24 5:3 34:8,17 108:23 23 97:15 paycheck person 35:3,4, 109:7 180:16 103:20 117:5 98:19 6,9,11, 110:15 181:14 106:22 172:16 17,22 112:16 182:16 peace 107:5 192:19 36:10, 116:7, 185:4 5:5 108:5, 11,13, 18 186:3 peaceful 14,20 person's 16,19 117:23 187:7, 115:21 109:12 107:17 38:21 119:9, 20 peer 111:8 personal 39:15 16 190:22 160:17 112:23 26:18 41:12 122:20 192:8 114:18 108:11 Pelt 42:2,16 123:2 193:18 135:18 194:5 124:11, 194:15 Stated Meeting 39 09/18/2025 Philadel 24 181:9 79:17 27:21 possessi phia's 179:6, 183:18 podium 111:7 on 18:17 7,8 places 15:22 Politics 33:5 19:21 182:2 32:8 16:3,21 12:16 37:4 20:5 190:13 180:14 64:14, 156:8 poll 21:19 Philly's 181:5 22 posting 166:18 24:19 75:18 65:13, 113:3 placing polluter 80:9 15 188:3 Phillyco 9:17 162:14 107:11 70:16, lleges. plan potentia 116:17 18 pollutio com. S.