COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA JOINT COMMITTEE ON RULES and PARKS, RECREATION and CULTURAL AFFAIRS - - - Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Monday, November 26, 2007, 2:40 p.m. - - - BILLS 070955, 070956 - Re Fox Chase Cancer Center Expansion. (Full text of all bills contained herein.) COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Anna C. Verna, Chair, Rules Darrell L. Clark, Vice Chair, Rules Frank DiCicco William K. Greenlee Jack Kelly James F. Kenney Donna Reed-Miller Brian J. O'Neill Blondell Reynolds-Brown, Chair, Parks and Rec. Marian B. Tasco - - - V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Specialists 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 2 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS, REC. CULTURAL AFFAIRS (Bills 070955, 070956) WITNESS Mark A. Focht, Executive Director......... 11 Fairmount Park Commission Stephanie Naidoff, Commerce Director...... 18 Darwin Beauvais, Esq., Fox Chase.......... 35 William Kramer, City Planning............. 53 Carl Primavera, Esq., Fox Chase........... 59 Charles Denny, Streets Department......... 60 Mark Schweiker, Phila. Chamber of Commerce 70 Joe Frick, " " " " 70 William Sasso, " " " " 70 Dr. Robert Young, Chancellor, Fox Chase... 90 Thomas Garvey, Fox Chase.................. 99 Don Leedy, Fox Chase...................... 106 Wm. Avery, Fox Chase Board of Directors 117 D. Marshall " " " " " 120 Mike Nakowski, Building Trades............ 124 Bernard Griggs (for Pat Gillispie)........ 126 Maria Carasella, Fox Chase patient........ 135 OPPONENTS: Fred Maurer............................... 139 Gerard Waln, family of Robert Waln Ryerss 155 Paul Canty................................ 163 Mary Tracy, SCRUB......................... 175 Doris Simon............................... 194 Jean Gavin................................ 196 Kate Friend............................... 204 Fred Gauss................................ 214 * * * 3
This will be the joint Committee on Rules and also on Parks and Recreation. So whoever will be testifying will be testifying on both bills, so there's no 7 necessity for someone to be testifying twice. I would ask Mr. McPherson, then, to please read the title of Bill 11 No. 070955 and 070956. MR. McPHERSON: Bill No. 13 070955, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designation of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Burholme Avenue, Napfle Avenue, Burholme Avenue, Hartel Avenue, Hasbrook Avenue, Central Avenue, Cottman Avenue, Filmore Avenue, and Shelmire Avenue. Bill No. 070956, an ordinance 22 authorizing the president of the Fairmount Park Commission, the Executive Director of Fairmount Park, and the Public Property Commissioner, 4 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to lease City-owned land south of Shelmire Avenue adjacent to the campus of the Fox Chase Cancer, Inc. to PAID, under which PAID will enter into a sublease with the Fairmount Park Conservancy, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation under which the conservancy will enter into a sublease and other agreements with Fox Chase, pursuant to which Fox Chase will construct, maintain, and operate cancer research and treatment facilities on the property; and authorizing the President of the Fairmount Park Commission, the Executive Director of Fairmount Park, the Public Property Commissioner, and the City Solicitor to enter into additional agreements and take all other actions necessary to complete the transaction contemplated by this 5 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 ordinance, all under certain terms and conditions.
Who's going to testify first? Mr. Kramer, are you testifying on these bills?
This process has been long, to say the least. It is -- I am in full support of this legislation, these two bills. And I just want to say that I'm glad it finally all got worked out. And many people have been frustrated who are involved either with the hospital directly or peripherally 6 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 with the economic development aspects of this, and with the overall expansion and possibilities involved with the expansion. Let me make it very clear that this didn't take a day longer than it had to take. And through the efforts of some people who I brought into the process -- Mr. William Sasso, who I believe is here somewhere -- got into it just for a breakfast meeting and wound up spending hours and hours on it. And former City Department of Streets Traffic Engineer Chief Charlie Trainor, who retired a year-and-a-half ago after 36 years with the City, I don't think we'd be sitting here today. But I want to stress that for all of those people I mentioned that Fox Chase is one of the more wonderful, loving institutions anywhere, but they are also a neighbor. And if this was just being done as an economic development 7 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 project, it wouldn't have been done two years ago. It is not just an economic development issue; it is a neighborhood issue as well. And you will see some people are here today who don't want this at all under any circumstances. I have two issues that I insisted upon from day one; that was that traffic be better, if possible, after this expansion but certainly no 12 worse because I thought that the neighbors were entitled to no less. We are there now. And also that while I believe most of the land from Burholme Park that's being taken for this project is not the park land that's used by residents of the area but is fenced in for a gulf concession that's been there for 50 years or so. That it was incumbent to have either land acquired nearby for park land to replace this ground that is the subject of our hearings today; or, as 8 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 it turned out, we were unable to get land because it becomes a lot more expensive when people see that fat checkbook that they think is out there. So there's a significant trust being set up to accommodate purchases in the future of park land. And this ended there. I respect those that are against this project. They have a totally different view of the world than I do, and -- but I respect it. And for those who have agreed with me all along that this is a great project if we could make the traffic work, I just ask them to accept my explanation as to why it took so long. Thank you.
Thank you. I'd like to publicly announce that I have to abstain from participating in this discussion 9 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 because I serve on the Minority Outreach Board for Fox Chase Cancer Center. I am not on the board of Fox Chase, I have not had any discussion about this with Fox Chase or any meeting with Fox Chase. But to clear up -- but to create -- not to create any confusion, I want to make a public disclosure that I do serve on their Minority Outreach Program Advisory Board.
Madam President, may I just add 'cause it's something I meant to say at the previous meeting -- hearing on Holy Family, but it certainly applies even more to this one. When people question our policy of District Council members controlling the fate of legislation in their own district, we have many, many examples but, we have two before us 10 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 today -- Holy Family University and Fox Chase Cancer Center -- that are win/win situations for the institutions and for the community because we respect the wishes of the people that live around the institutions through their district representative. And if there's a need to deal with District Council prerogative or whatever you want to call it, then we should do it internally when a member may be abusing it -- but not when a member is representing the people who live in the area, who otherwise would have no one representing them. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Good afternoon. Please identify yourself for the record.
Good afternoon, Council President Verna and Chairwoman Reynolds-Brown and committee members. I'm Mark A. Focht. I'm the Executive 11 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 Director of the Fairmount Park Commission, and I am pleased to appear before you today on behalf of the Fairmount Park Commission to support Council Bill 070956, authorizing the City of Philadelphia, through the Fairmount Park Commission, to enter into a lease with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID) for a portion of the property located in Burholme Park, a park under the jurisdiction of Fairmount Park Commission, under which PAID will enter into a sublease with the Fairmount Park conservancy and subsequently under which the Fairmount Conservancy will enter into a sub sublease with the Fox Chase Cancer Center, pursuant to which the Cancer Center will expand its cancer research and treatment campus. A paramount mission of Fairmount Park is the protection and preservation of open space for the citizens of Philadelphia and the 12 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 protection of our watersheds. However, the Commission understands that sometimes itself essential to balance its mission with the City's crucial need for economic development. The Commission believes that this bill 8 strikes that balance. The Cancer Center approached the Fairmount Park Commission in 2004, requesting the Commission make available a portion of Burholme Park for the purpose of expansion of the campus center campus. The Commission immediately formed the Burholme Committee to explore whether the Commission could agree to the expansion and, at the same time, provide suitable financial and land contributions for park purposes to balance the development proposed by the Cancer Center. The bill before you today is a result of over three years of negotiation between the Cancer Center 13 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 and the Commission's Burholme Committee. 75 million over the term of the project to support both Burholme Park and the Fairmount system. 25 million paid to Fairmount Park upon the signing of the lease, half of which will be used exclusively for the maintenance, repairing and improvement of the playground, playing fields, wooded parcels, and the Ryers Museum in Burholme Park. The money would also be used to grant an endowment to support future maintenance and improvements of these facilities. 4 acres. 24 The Commission is particularly 25 sensitive to the needs to provide 14 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 increased recreational opportunities in the area closest to Burholme Park to serve the citizens of that district. And, as Councilman O'Neill has referenced, accordingly, the proposed agreement would require the Cancer Center use its best efforts to acquire land near Burholme Park lease within a year of signing the lease with the City to use as park land under the Commission's jurisdiction. If the Cancer Center cannot acquire the property within the designated time, then the Cancer Center will be required to deposit a sum of money mutually agreeable to the City and the Cancer Center to the Fairmount Park Conservancy to be used for park land acquisition and improvements. This funding would be used to acquire or improve park land, as directed by the Commission and approved by City Council, in areas of the City within the following order of 15 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 preference: First, in the vicinity of Fox Chase's current campus; second, in the City north of Cottman Avenue; and third, in any other area of the City. Fox Chase will also be required to deposit $500,000 into an escrow account, which the Commission will use to identify land to acquire for park use citywide, which may also be used to improve existing Fairmount Park land.
Equally important, I want to make a point clear on behalf of the Commission to all members today and the public: The Commission is committed to working with earnestly and diligently with concerned community groups and the Cancer Center to acquire suitable substitute park land to serve the citizens that live near Burholme and the Fox Chase area of the City as well as the war sheds in which the Fox Chase Cancer Center operation is located. 16 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 The Cancer Center is also required, at its sole cost and expense, to either relocate mature trees or replace each tree removed in connection with the expansion project with at least two new trees in Burholme Park so that the new campus buildings are shielded and beautified by a canopy of trees. The Commission takes its fiduciary responsibility over the protection and preservation of park land under its jurisdiction very seriously. On very few occasions over its 140-year history has the Commission considered encroaching on park land, yet the Commission believes that just as a park is an anchor for a thriving community, so is a world-class institution and major employer such as the Fox Chase Cancer Center. The Cancer Center's $800 million expanse positions the City for the creation of permanent jobs and 17 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 the opportunity to generate millions in increased tax revenue for the City and the park. The Cancer Center must expand its current facilities in order to maintain its high standards of service to cancer patients and to maintain its profile as one of the nation's leading cancer research and treatment centers. Therefore, I appear before you today to pledge the support of the Fairmount Park Commission and staff for this legislation and respectively ask that City Council approve Bill No. 16 070956. Thank you. And I'd be pleased to answer any questions.
Thank you very much. I just have one question. I believe it was stated that jobs will be expanded from the current 2500 to 6300. During what phase of development will these jobs be created? noting that it 18 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 is projected that it will take 25 years to complete the project.
I'm Stephanie Naidoff. I'm the Commerce Director. Council President, I don't have the exact schedule on which the jobs will be created, but there are people from Fox Chase who will be testifying, and perhaps they can give you that information.
Yes. Mr. Focht, you were mentioning financial arrangements between the Park Commission and the hospital. I don't know if you're aware of it because you were not involved in the conversations I had, nor was I solved in yours. But because we were not able to find local land at reasonable prices to add to the park, the hospital has agreed to set up a trust with 19 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 $4.5 million that I'm still working on the arrangements with them between now and final passage, so I don't expect a problem. But I just want the record to reflect that the agreement that I reached is above and beyond the agreement that you have.
Right. Well, hopefully, it's even additional outcome, but that's -- at least we're not doing Cheltenham Township land anymore. Thank you.
Are there any other questions from members of the committee?
Yes. 20 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56
Thank you, Madam President. Good afternoon. Council recently passed and enacted legislation that called for the submission of an equal opportunity plan based on legislation that was required by Council. And if my memory serves me correctly based on those provisions, this particular bill should qualify.
I neglected to thank the Chair of the 21 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 Parks and Recreation Committee, who took a half a day out of her summer of '06 to tour the facility with me and the area and the potential park land acquisition spots that never materialized, but I wanted her to get a real feel for the whole project and the scope of it and the neighborhood -- or the neighborhoods, and I expected it to be sooner than months later, but here we 12 are. 13 Thank you. 14
Good afternoon, Council President Verna and Chair Reynolds-Brown and committee members. My name is Stephanie W. Naidoff, and I am Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia. 22 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 I'm pleased to appear before you today on behalf of the City of Philadelphia in support of Council Bills No. 070955 and 070956, which collectively will allow Fox Chase Cancer Center to lease a portion of Burholme Park and will rezone that lease site, allowing for expansion of its medical campus. Philadelphia's competitive advantage as a business location for the life sciences has been described as including, quote, assets other regions can only aspire to develop. This is from a 2005 million Milken Institute study, the Greater Philadelphia Life Sciences Cluster. In this study, Greater Philadelphia, behind only the San Francisco Bay area and Boston, had the third-most dynamic life sciences cluster in the country. Indeed, since 2001, employment in the City's life sciences sector has increased by 7.1 23 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 percent, more than any other sector of the City's economy. However, while Philadelphia clearly has a strong core of knowledge-based industries, we must continue to engage and support this sector of our economy to ensure future growth and dynamism. Fox Chase was founded in 1904 and, in the last 100 years, has become the second-largest employer in northeast Philadelphia, with over 2400 employees. Fox Chase has also become an internationally-recognized center for cancer treatment and prevention, attracting patients, doctors, researchers, skilled employees, and funding from around the world to Philadelphia. Fox Chase researchers have been recognized for their work with numerous awards and honors, including Nobel Prizes for chemistry and 24 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 medicine, a Kyoto prize, the Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Researches, General Motors Cancer Research Foundation prizes, and American Cancer Society Medals of Honor. To address growing patient care and research needs, Fox Chase has launched a 25-year, $1 billion expansion program, with a fully executed, aggressive employment opportunity program that will double its clinical enterprise and significantly increase its research capabilities. When the expansion is complete, Fox Chase will be one of the largest comprehensive cancer centers in the country. It will employ up to 6700 people, its annual budget will exceed $819, and it will occupy nearly 2.7 million square feet of space. A February 2006 economic impact report on Fox Chase by Fairmount 25 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 Capital Advisors quantified the total economic impact on the City during Fox Chase's 25-year capital investment program as being almost $2 billion. Over the course of this multi-phase development, the City will directly benefit from this investment by the creation of over 4,000 jobs, wage tax collection from Fox Chase employees of over $260 million; in fact, by 2031, when the expansion has been completed, the City of Philadelphia will receive approximately $15.4 million annually in wage tax-revenue from Fox Chase operations; also, wage tax receipts from construction-related jobs in excess of $25 million, and $8.2 million in City sales tax receipts from construction sources. The expansion of the Fox Chase Cancer Center has and will increasingly cause significant positive economic and fiscal impacts in the City of 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 Philadelphia, providing the City with resources to grow and thrive on the international stage. I urge you, therefore, to support these bills allowing for the expanding of Fox Chase. Thank you. And I'll be glad to answer any questions.
Thank you very much. Any questions from members of the committee? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. I, too, have the exact same question I have written down regarding an equal opportunity plan and the level of commitment for women and people of color at every phase of this, from construct to permanent jobs. So did I miss it in your testimony? 27 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56
No. I just was commenting on the fact that we hae aggressively negotiated an economic opportunity plan with Fox Chase.
So the specifics: What are the details? What are the agreements? What are the numbers?
With respect to contracts in professional services, the minority numbers are 10 to 20 percent; female-owned businesses, 5 to 10 percent; and disabled-owned businesses are encouraged. These were all negotiated with Fox Chase, I might add, and reviewed by the MBEC office and approved by them. Construction contract goals have been set for the combined project of 18 to 25 percent in minority-owned businesses, 15 to 20 percent in female-owned businesses, and to percent in disabled-owned businesses. Do you want me to go on? 28 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56
Is that going to be submitted in writing as part of your testimony?
Yes. Well, I can certainly submit a report on the equal opportunity plan.
We would certainly welcome that. Additionally, what provisions are in the text of the equal opportunity plan that ensures that women and people of color, when they negotiate at one level, that there is an honoring of whatever is negotiated at the back end once the work is completed and performed adequately?
Like all equal opportunity plans that we enter into, there are compliance functions spelled out, and why don't I give you the full report on the plan, with all of the goals as well as the compliance features.
29 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 We will welcome that and submit that to the Chair of Rules as well and this committee as well thank you.
Thank you, Commissioner. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd like to know, what are the goals of percentages for workforce diversity? And do you have that information?
Yes, the daily numbers. Construction -- with the construction trades, et cetera.
Well, I just 30 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 started with the construction contracts. And construction operations and maintenance ranges are to percent 5 for minority; 10 to 12 percent for 6 female; and to percent for disabled-owned businesses. And the final list of figures that I have here are in the employment ranges; would you like those as well?
Employment ranges 13 are 10 to 20 percent for local 14 residents; 18 to 25 for minorities; 4 to 15 6 percent on females; and 0 to 2 percent 16 on disabled-owned businesses. 17
I think 18 my colleague asked for a written copy of 19 the plan. 20
Yes. We will 21 provide that and provide you with all of 22 the compliance information as well. 23
And how 24 will you modify the plan over the -- you 25 said this is 25 years' worth of 31 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 implementation in terms of building? Will the plan be modified as needed, or -- I'm trying to understand, do you have a goal for each year in the years, or 6 is there just an overall goal? 7
There are overall 8 goals mostly focused on the construction 9 period, but there will be a continuing 10 compliance review process that goes on 11 through the whole life of the project. 12
Okay. 13 And maybe this question is for someone 14 from the hospital. But is there a goal 15 for minority inclusion as it relates to 16 the 4,000 jobs? Are they the permanent 17 jobs, the 4,000, or -- 18
Again, I don't 19 have that information with me, but I 20 will provide that in a written report. 21
Okay. 22 All right. Thank you. 23 Thank you, Madam Chair. 24
Thank 25 you. 32 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 Are there any other questions?
Thank you, Madam President. Thank you for that information. Under the -- earlier you mentioned the provision, is that that EOP plan should be an attachment to the bill, and I'm assuming that between now and whenever, we can put it in written form. I'm a little concerned that you -- that these ranges have been set from to 25. And given the history 18 in this particular city as it relates to our ability to have reasonable access to trades jobs, my concern is that it will tend to be in the lower range, the 18 percent. My question is: If we said 24 percent, why don't we just say 25 25 percent? Why do you give people an 33 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 opportunity to go to 18 as opposed to simply saying 25 percent since it is, in fact, a goal. And, unfortunately, we're not required by law to require a set-aside. So if you're talking about a goal, why wouldn't you just opt for the higher number?
I think that's a good point, but I also think that in any document like this, we have to provide for flexibility, especially in a project that will go on for as many years as this one will.
Well, why don't we flex it upwards if that's the case? The trends in this city tend to be an increasingly higher level of minorities, and I hate to keep using that term, but DBE WBE in the City of Philadelphia. So if you're going to talk about flexibility to address the changing demographics of the City, I 34 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 would think that you would give an opportunity to be flexible on the upside and not allow for the flexibility to downgrade the numbers. I'm just -- I'm not traditionally used to feeling comfortable with these ranges, particularly when we're talking about goals.
I understand your point, Councilman, but I also would say that, as you know, we have seen many EOPs in which people have exceeded their goals, so there is no ceiling. People do go above --
Well, that's also my point. Why would you put 18 percent and not just say 25 percent?
I think that was the best guess of the people who had been working on this, including the Office of Minority Business Enterprise in terms of what was a reasonable number for this -- 35 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56
I really -- I'm going to say it again, and I'm not going to belabor the point. I really would like to see you set a number, and that number should be on the high side, given the fact that these are not set-asides, these are goals. And if you believe that there's some opportunity to increase the number or exceed the goal, I'm excited about that possibility, but I really don't think you should give people an opportunity to meet the low side, given the history of the City of Philadelphia. Yes, sir?
Darwin Beauvais. I'm here representing Fox Chase. We actually have copies of the executed agreement that we can hand out to the committee.
You have copies of the equal opportunity plan? 36 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56
Yes, the equal opportunity plan. It was executed on the 21st of this month with the City, the Executive Director, Carolyn Nichols, and the Vice President Fox Chase, Tom Garvey, who's actually here. To answer your question, we were looking at the long-range goals, years. This is a project that we 11 realize that we couldn't do your 12 typical 18-month construction, and so 13 we tried to figure out with the ongoing 14 years, with the different phases, with 15 the ebb and flow that would probably on 16 a bad year would try to be a low end; 17 on a good year, we probably could 18 exceed. 19 What we saw in the 20 protections, in trying to protect the 21 essence of the legislation, it's a 22 project oversight committee. This 23 committee, it's our understanding, will 24 be formed and will actually involve the 25 people with MBEC as well as with people 37 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 from City Council as well as the developer and contractor to hopefully, you know, revisit these numbers on an annual basis.
All right. Maybe I'm not making myself clear. You have submitted language that talks about this range of goals, to percent, as an example. 11
I don't 13 understand, if your goal is 25 percent, 14 all right, why don't you just say 25 15 percent? If you want to allow for 16 flexibility upward, then why don't you 17 say a minimum of 25 percent. 18 I don't understand why you 19 have this 18 percent, a low threshold 20 that gives people the opportunity to go 21 to the low side. I don't understand 22 that. 23 I mean, you know, we've always 24 set goals in legislation that have come 25 before this body but we've never given 38 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 flexibility like that. We always say "up to" -- or actually, we say "a minimum of ..." and that's the goal. But you're allowing this to 6 25. Why can't you just accommodate 7 this particular Councilmember -- and 8 I'm sure there other members of the 9 committee and this body -- that would 10 prefer you to just simply say whatever 11 the higher side is in your projections 12 or your goals, to simply state that 13 number and give it the flexibility of 14 moving up during the course of this 15 10-, 15-, 20-year process of 16 construction. 17
And we did -- in 18 our negotiations with the City, we did bring that. The executive director with MBEC did bring that up but, she also understood that --
Well, you're talking to the Council of Philadelphia right now, and I don't want to really address MBEC anymore. They're 39 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 an administrative branch of the government and this is the legislative branch of government. You're now before the legislative branch seeking legislation that, based on the EOP laws, require the submission of such a plan, and the legislative branch is asking you to reflect the higher number as it relates to your projections and your goal.
And I'm letting the Council know that we're willing to look at it, but right now, what we did do was --
Can you 40 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 pull that a little closer. You usually have a very strong and vigorous voice, Mr. Beauvais.
And put these goals in place. But right now, what we do have presented before the Council are the ranges that were executed --
So are you suggesting that we pass the legislation as presented and hope that you address our concerns at a later date, after the bill is passed?
Why don't I suggest, Councilman, that we give you all a chance to look at the plan that's just been put before you, and then we'll meet with you before the Council session next week and get your comments and thoughts about it and see what we can work out in terms of reflecting your --
Well, in this whole process of brinkmanship, I have found that sometimes the public discussion tends to give you a better 41 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 opportunity to get to where you need to get 'cause once we start agreeing to have different discussions with different individuals, who knows where that somehow this whole issue kind of gets translated through different sources. So I'm asking you in a very public way, because this is a public hearing --
I understand that. And I think the problem is that we need to have a meeting with Fox Chase and MBEC and you to try to see what we can do to satisfy your request.
Well, not just me. I mean, this is about the City of Philadelphia.
Could I piggyback on that, Madam President? 42 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 It would seem to me, having worked on with Fox Chase, on this whole issue of minority inclusion Fox, Chase seems to be the one that would be open to more inclusion. They've work very hard in the last couple of years to -- because my district is right across the street from the hospital, and I've met the people and worked with the employees there as well as the president and administration, and they do care about inclusion. That's why they have the advisory board and also a community action advisory board. It seems to me that -- and I don't know how you came to this, that this is the normal language that goes into these contracts so let's just put 'em in there. And what we're saying is: Look, the City is probably 53 percent minority, and when we go past these job sites, we don't see that reflected in the job sites. It's not reflected in 43 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 this room of people holding up these signs. The diversity is not there. And so the only way that we can get that diversity is that the institution demand that the contractors hiring the people require that we have a larger number of people to reflect what this city looks like. And so I -- I would think that when you go back to Fox Chase, you have a serious discussion about what they would be willing to do. It seems to me that they would be willing to exceed and comply with what Councilman Clarke is talking about. Because we -- I mean, that's the standard -- those are the standard numbers every contractor comes up in here with, 18 to 25 percent, and you probably get 10. So it can be more.
And I think Fox Chase might be willing to do 44 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 that, given my relationship with them and what I saw them do a couple of years ago in a 365-degree turn in outreaching to the to the minority community and particularly in my district, which abuts the -- Councilman O'Neill's district. And I find them to be quite cooperative.
Yes. Members of the committee, I just conferred with my client, and they're willing to reflect the maximum numbers on the executed agreement. (Applause.)
Okay, but I just want to be clear 'cause "a maximum number" means that's all I have to do. And when you talk about "the maximum 45 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 number," as referenced in the range, that should be the minimum number.
The top number that we gave you before will be the stated goal. Is that what you're looking for? Where it says to -- 9
Not 10 necessarily. I mean, it could 11 conceivably be a request for more, but I 12 have a question before you, and I'm no 13 going to try to stick you up, although 14 that's what I'm here to do. 15 When I -- first I think I took 16 issue of was having this range, 'cause, 17 you know, I've just been around a long 18 time and I understand the games that 19 are played, you know, and people tell 20 you this and tell you that, and it's 21 hard enough to get to the minimum let 22 alone the maximum. 23 So if we can establish a 24 number and then operate from that point 25 on in terms of what we can actually 46 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 get, it would be very helpful to at least this member and, I'm assuming, other members of the committee and Council. So when you submit whatever EOP plan that you submit, could you please just give us a set number so that we can function from that.
I'd like to editorialize a little bit and say that I would I hope that -- I know we're getting a new administration and I don't know who will be here and who won't be here, but it seems to me that we ought to be fighting for the people who live in Philadelphia to see that they get a fair shake. The problems cited for the 47 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 increasing crime is because of the lack of employment opportunities in this city. And when we don't fight for those opportunities, you know, we shouldn't in Council have to ask you, what is the economic plan? You should come in and should have executed the best plan that you could get and push for it, and not just say, Oh, by the way, we got to do an economic plan, and here are the ranges, we'll take these. There's got to be a stronger fight for the people in Philadelphia and particularly of the people of color, who are not taking part in the economic development of this city. Thank you.
Thank you. I'd also like to get information on who specifically will monitor the plan. I didn't get a 48 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 chance to read the plan; I just got it and I see that it says MBEC, the Minority Business Enterprise Council so who on that council -- I mean who does that, will monitor the day-to-day goals? And also, you know, we can all talk about the percentage of contractors, and that's great. But, again, the percentage of who is going to be on the job daily -- workforce diversity, as people have mentioned here today. And I'd also like to know, when Fox Chase comes up, of the 2400 employees you have, what's the breakdown; how many are minorities and, et cetera, and is there some plan around inclusion for permanent employment? Those jobs, I think it was 6,000 or more specific jobs. I would like to get that kind of information.
I'll leave the latter part to the Fox Chase people to 49 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 address, but I will tell you that the oversight committee is to be composed of persons selected by both Fox Chase and the District Councilperson.
Thank you, Councilwoman Donna Reed-Miller. Councilman Jim Kenney?
Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm sitting here watching and looking in the audience, and I can see Joe Frick from IBC there; nice to see you, Joe. One of the things I would suggest maybe you guys do is talk to them, 'cause I've served on the IBC Minority Contracting Committee for the past 16 years, and I can't think of another company in the City or this region that is more diverse, more inclusive and works hard and takes it 50 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 seriously. So if you're looking for a model, the IBC model is a terrific model to look at. And I'm sure, they'd be happy -- as they did when our 9-1-1 system failed, helped us with our call operators, our call-takers. They're very willing to help and they have a terrific program that really, really works. So my suggestion is that you avail yourself of that resource.
Thank you very much, Councilman. Any other members of this committee care to pose questions to this particular panel at this time? (No further questions.)
If I can just add one thing. We would like to submit 51 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 this as an exhibit to show what we will -- in substantial form of what we're submitting later.
I need to ask you to please repeat that and speak directly into the mic.
We would like to submit this as an exhibit in an effort to show what we will submit later.
Now I don't understand what we're doing. Currently, we have an equal opportunity plan that reflects the initial numbers given by the Commerce Director?
Yes. And based on the comments, I've just edited this plan. Under the legislation, I understand we have to submit it as an exhibit. 52 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56
With the understanding that we will get a subsequent document which reflects the new numbers, as agreed upon during these proceedings.
Very well. Thank you very much. With that said we will now ask our we.
One other question. During the testimony, in terms of the -- and I know this is a multi-year proposal. In terms of the operations -- and I just don't -- thank God I don't know much about Fox Chase Cancer Center in one respect, but I'm 53 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 glad that they're doing -- willing to build this wonderful facility. In terms of participation and full-time opportunities, what's the current employee --
I do believe that we're going to allow Fox Chase Cancer Center to -- (Indiscernible; parties talking over each other.)
Yes. Our planning commissioner, Mr. Bill Kramer. Thank you.
Good afternoon, Madam Chairman and members of the joint committee, I am William Kramer, Acting Division Director of the Development Planning Division of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I am here today to testify on Bill No. 070955, which was introduced 54 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 by Councilmember O'Neill on November 1, 2007. Bill No. 070955 amends the zoning maps of the City of Philadelphia by changing the zoning designation of a 19-acre portion of land currently used as park land, adjacent to the Fox Chase Cancer Center from a destination of recreational to a destination of IDD, institutional development district. The proposed rezoning would permit a much-needed expansion of the current Fox Chase Cancer Center. The Center is located in the block bounded by Napfle Avenue, Burholme Avenue, Hartel Avenue, Hasbrook Avenue, Central Avenue, and Shelmire Avenue, and encompasses 20.5 acres of land. The expansion includes an adjacent area between Shelmire and Cottman Avenue, raising the total area to 39.9 acres. The expansion of the campus is expected to occur in five phases over a 25-year period, with employment to increase from its current level of 2500 55 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 jobs to approximately 6300 permanent jobs. Bill No. 070955 not only changes the zoning of the property but also requires an amendment to the IDD Master Plan for the Fox Chase Cancer Center. The amendment proposes a 10 new structures containing 1.9 million 11 square feet of building area. The 12 structures will contain the assorted 13 uses associated with the cancer 14 treatment facility that is involved in 15 continuing research, including patient-care facilities, research facilities, offices and parking. Currently the district provides 1993 parking spaces on the campus, and in full development of the plan, 37068 spaces will be provided. Bill No. 070955 was considered and approved by the Planning Commission at its meeting of November 20, 2007. At the same meeting, an amendment to 56 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 the Master Plan for the institution was also adopted. At the request of the Law Department, we request the bill be amended to include some technical corrections, and further would like to replace the Master Plan provided with a more detailed version of the same. I have copies of the amendments and Master Plan that I had submitted to the Clerk prior to my testimony. This concludes my testimony. I would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Kramer, Councilman Brian O'Neill spoke to the half-day tour we took many, many months ago so that I could have a scope and big-picture view of this. And he was objective in sharing that there were many points of 57 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 view. What type of steps did the Planning Commission take -- just speak briefly to the type of steps the Planning Commission took in its outreach to the community to hear those varying perspectives.
At the Planning Commission meeting on the 20th, which was a public meeting, just as this is, we allow anyone to testify, and there were three individuals who did testify in opposition to the passage of this bill and adoption of the Master Plan. We were understanding -- or we had been aware that the community meetings had occurred in the community, and this is something that has been going on for quite some time. If I'm not mistaken, it was two or three years ago that the institution came in and gave us, as an informational item, the run-through of what their proposed Master Plan was, 58 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 again, three or four years ago, and it has been working through and meeting with the community and presenting it over time. And our meetings are publicly notified, and there were people there in opposition, and the Commission decided to vote in support of this bill.
Thank you very much. Thank you for your testimony.
Thank you. Mr. Kramer, with the amendments that you are proposing, were copies given to members of the committee?
Thank you. Any questions of Mr. Kramer? Any comments? Councilman O'Neill? 59 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56
I'm just wondering why we don't have our visual here for everyone to be able to see the existing hospital, the expansion area, the park, and surrounding streets.
Is that what's coming over? I just want to make sure -- I think it's a lot easier for everyone to understand, I think.
Just for the record, Carl Primavera. I hope you're not distracted, but we have Ewing Cole in the process of setting up what we hope to be very informative presentation boards/we also have handouts that we will be giving when it's our turn to testify.
Thank you. Mr. McPherson, is Mr. Denny our next witness? MR. McPHERSON: Yes. 60 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56
Yes. Good afternoon, Madam Chair and members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. My name is Charles Denny and I am the Acting Chief Traffic Engineer for the Department of Streets, and I'm here to offer testimony on Bill No. 070956. On August 20, 2007, the Traffic Engineering Unit of the Streets Department met were Mr. Thomas Garvey, Vice President of Community and Government Relations at Fox Chase Cancer Center in the presence of designated -- or neighborhood consultant, Mr. Charles Trainor III, the former, the former Chief Traffic Engineer with the Department of Streets. The following points were discussed and agreed to regarding the Fox Chase expansion project into 61 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 Burholme Park: The expansion will spread over several phases and years. Under the initial phase, traffic impact will be comprehensively studied, and a full mitigation measure recommended in consultation with the community and the Streets Department. A few of these measures identified at the meeting are: All signalization along Cottman Avenue between Oxford Avenue and Central will be fully upgraded with appropriate designs, will be developed by the Fox Chase consultants for the City's review and approval. This will assure a safe and efficient flow of traffic on this major material street. The Streets Department and Fox Chase are in agreement to install new traffic signals at the intersection of Cottman Avenue and Park Drive and also at Central Avenue and Shelmire. The Fox Chase Cancer Center will be responsible for all of the costs 62 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 pertaining to the design and construction of the signals. Fox Chase Cancer Center will work with Joseph Scofield of the Jeanes Hospital to reroute their main driveway so as to share the main entrance at the intersection of Central Avenue and Shelmire. The new signal will be installed here. Fox Chase Cancer Center agrees to bear all costs pertaining to the new driveway design, construction, and signalization. Fox Chase Cancer Center will obtain written commitment from Jeanes Hospital pertaining to this subject matter. Under Phase 2, the Fox Chase consultant will study Oxford Avenue and its impact on traffic circulation. These are just some of the mitigation measures discussed and agreed upon as of now. The Streets Department or Fox Chase Cancer Center 63 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 reserves the right to identify other measures as this project moves forward. The Streets Department will work with Cheltenham Township to ensure that the effects of the expansion are coordinated and mitigated, and will also work with PennDOT as well since Cottman Avenue is a state highway as well as Oxford Avenue. Fox Chase Cancer Center will bear all of the costs pertaining to the design and construction of all mitigation measured agreed to now and in the future. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today, and I welcome any questions.
You mentioned initially the existing signals on Cottman Avenue between -- I don't know if you actually said the words "Five Points" but between Five Points and Central Avenue. And my understanding, a little more specifically than you put on the record, was that the hospital, with the City's approval, will be replacing those signals with more modern technology and also installing fiber optics connecting those signals so we'd get maximum flexibility and traffic movement out of that. Is that correct?
Most of the work will be with modern controllers and fiber optic cable.
Okay. Thank you. And when you say "most of the work," does that mean that some of the work won't? 65 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56
Most of the hardware is not that old there, the signal posts and the signals, so they may not need to be changed, but there may be a change here and there.
And to the extent necessary, the signals will be replaced to be able to operate most efficiently with the fiber optic connections.
Okay. The last thing: You didn't mention it and it's something really from PennDOT. The Governor's Office actually got involved in this. Are you aware of PennDOT's 66 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 agreement to remove parking off of the south side of Cottman Avenue?
Okay. Have you seep the letter from Deputy Secretary Rhina Cutler?
Okay. Well, I'm going to make sure you see it right now, and I'm going to ask you to just read the second paragraph. I'm going to submit the whole letter but the second paragraph, I believe, is the key part, and if you could read that. I don't think there's anybody here from PennDOT; otherwise, I'd give them the honor. This was sort of the third leg of the traffic agreement. You mentioned the two new driveway signals and the wider driveways. You didn't mention the driveways specifically as being wider but I know they are. And having new traffic signals. 67 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 The second was what I just discussed with you about the fiber optics and improving the physical signals that are there now on Cottman Avenue. And the last one was being able to put a turn lane in the center of Cottman Avenue between Park Lane and Central Avenue to facilitate better movement there and requiring taking parking off of the south side. And could you read that second paragraph. I'll make sure everybody on the committee has a copy of it and will also submit it for the record. But I don't know if the Chair wants the whole letter. This was little the last stumbling block in the negotiations with the hospital.
All right. The second paragraph of the letter from Rhina Cutler, Deputy Secretary for Administration for PennDOT to the Councilman Brian O'Neill. 68 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 The initial phase of the buildout directly impacts operation of Cottman Avenue, Central Avenue intersection. PennDOT owns the right-of-way on Cottman Avenue and agrees to remove the current parking within the right-of-way. The stopping/parking prohibition is needed to accommodate the additional lane for current and projected eastbound traffic volumes. Fox Chase Cancer Center will be responsible for the cost and implementation of stopping parking prohibitions and lane markings.
Okay, thank you. Are there any questions from the committee -- Jimmy, did you get a copy? And I just want to say, is it your understanding, as it is mine and hopefully the record will reflect when future witnesses appear here, that all 69 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 traffic improvements will be in place as part of Phase 1 of this project, the ones we're talking about now, not something that may come up later, but things that we know about today.
Thank you. Any other questions or comments from members of the committee? (No further questions.)
Madam Chair, if I may. Our partners from the Chamber have a timing problem. Can we have their panel called next? It would basically be Mark Schweiker, Joe Frick, Bill Sasso, and Miss Earley.
That 70 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 will be fine.
And Al Taubenberger. Thank you very much. (Witnesses come forward.)
Thank you so much for your patience. Please identify yourself for the record.
I'm Mark Schweiker. I'm President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. And to my left is Al Taubenberger; you probably know who Al is.
Joe Frick, President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross, and current Chair of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
Bill Sasso, former Chairman of the Greater Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of Holy Redeemer Health System, a community hospital 71 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 located just north of Fox Chase.
Madam Chair, just for the sake of brevity -- and I know you've got other aspects of the presentation and plan to examine. I will mention for the record our comments are available to each of you and to each member of the Council. Thank you so much for the opportunity to provide our feelings. I think the folks to my left and right perhaps will add some additional commentary, but just as an overview, I'll offer just a couple of broad thoughts. We're happy that this day has arrived. I know I've had extensive conversations with Councilman O'Neill, and we're happy the day has arrived because of -- take a look at the docket. We probably go back to 2005, when we had discussions about what was 72 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 best for Fox Chase and certainly for the residents, which should be underscored here. So I -- I'm sure we can hold this up as an example of an exchange and an arrangement that was made possible because of the regular exchange of views and trying to find a common approach here. So with that, let me just say that as a Chamber president, there are few institutions that bring renown and fame to a place, a city, a region like a medical institution generally and specifically Fox Chase. As someone, like you, born and raised here, we've all heard our parents talk about how unique this place is. One doesn't have to go anywhere for the latest in medical compare. And Fox Chase -- if there were such a list of accomplished institutions, Fox Chase would be at the top of that list. And, no doubt, when 73 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 it comes to, you know, lifesaving cancer research and life-enhancing cancer methodologies, Fox Chase is quite a place, and it's an accomplished place. So I'll not go on too much, but I know Joe Frick would probably add to that. Secondly, for the sake of brevity, and not to review the numbers, but there are very few endeavors and projects that can present themselves in such a way that they can talk about going from 2400 jobs to well over 6,000 in a span of perhaps to years. 17 No question it's a step in the right 18 direction. 19 And also let it be said that 20 these are jobs that regions covet. Any 21 chamber president, any business leader, 22 any entrepreneur, and, I would think, 23 any government leader would say that 24 these are wonderful, family-sustaining 25 jobs. 74 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 And so, on behalf of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, we would ask you to you take a good, long, hard, and encouraging look at what those jobs represent -- not just to the Fox Chase area in northeast Philadelphia but to an entire region. And finally, it's important to know that Fox Chase, I think, is holding to their word that they want to continue to provide their important care here. There are plenty of places that probably would do their best to romance Fox Chase and say, "Bring your operation here." You know, bring -- And if you remember an historical note. At one time, there was talk about 35 acres originally, then it dropped to 25, and now it's 19.4. The point I'm making there is, I think all of us who care about having a healthy, attractive, and resurgent 75 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 economy know that certain institutions lead the way. Certainly, in our areas, as the Commerce Department Director had noted, when it comes to the life sciences realm, that particular cluster of Fox Chase is a unique place and home literally to trendsetters and remarkable people who earn Nobel Prizes in medicine. There are few institutions in the world that match what Fox Chase does. So from my standpoint -- and I do represent a constituency with thousands of members both in the City and around the region -- we are delighted to be here and to offer our support for this endeavor and certainly to encourage passage of the two bills at play today here in this committee hearing. Thank you.
Councilwoman Verna 76 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 and members of the committee, I'm pleased to be here today in my dual capacity, representing both the Chamber of Commerce and Independence Blue Cross. And I don't think it's any secret in this room that health care is the number-one issue both nationally and locally, the number-one polling issue in our country and in our region, 'cause folks are worried about the future of health care access, quality can, and affordability. It's also no secret that health care is a huge economic driver nationally and for our region. Today, 16 percent of our gross domestic product in this country is spent on health care and health care-related services, two trillion dollars, and it is expected to rise to four trillion dollars, or 20 percent of our gross domestic product by 2015. And we are fortunate that a big part of our regional economy is 77 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 health care, and we are also fortunate that in Philadelphia and in this region to possess an abundance of world-renowned, high-quality health-care institutions in Southeastern Pennsylvania. These institutions not only provide much-needed high-quality care to our residents, but they also provide, as was mentioned before, progressive, meaningful, high-paying jobs in our region. Fox Chase, years ago, 15 treated 740 new patients a year. By 16 2010, they expect to treat as many as 17 15,000 new people each year. 18 What you may also know is that 19 80 cents of every health-care dollar is 20 spent on 20 percent of the people who 21 are dealing with or managing chronic 22 diseases. And as you're also aware, 23 cancer is at the top of the list. 24 And cancer is Fox Chase's one 25 and only business. And their focus on 78 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 innovative research, progressive treatment, the best in class technology ensures that our region and the City of Philadelphia continue to benefit on the fruits of their labor. And this institution will continue to be well-positioned now and into the future to help folks in our region and beyond who are battling this disease. And Fox Chase reflects well on both our city and our region. And projects like this remind us all of the importance of having public and private partnerships not only to deal with this issue of addressing the future needs of health care in this region, but also to continue to build our regional economy so that we all can continue to grow and prosper. So I'm here today to support passage of both of these bills so that health care can continue to be delivered in a most progressive 79 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 environment as it is today at Fox Chase for another hundred years. Thank you very much happy for having me here today.
Thank you, Council President Verna and the chairpersons of the joints committees. I always tell the young lawyers in my office that it's probably more important to know when to keep quiet than it is to know when to say something. And given the eloquence of those that have preceded me, I will be brief. As I indicated, I am here in a number of different capacities, but I think probably the most important capacity is as Chairman of Holy Redeemer Health System, a neighboring health-care organization. We at Holy Redeemer, being a 80 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 community hospital, know firsthand the importance of an organization like Fox Chase Cancer Treatment Center. It is absolutely in the vanguard of cancer treatment and in the vanguard of cancer research. It is essential for them to accomplish their mission of caring and curing cancer patients, that they be permitted to go through this expansion program. That is why I'm here that in addition to my capacity as former Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, a businessman, and, I'd like to think, a lifelong supporter of projects that are important to the City of Philadelphia. I think some very good questions have been put forward by the Councilmembers here today. I know you will get answers to your satisfaction, especially when it comes to the issues about diversity, not just in the construction projects that are going to 81 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 be happening at Fox Chase but also in their own workforce over which they have direct control. They have one of the most innovative advance programs in place, and they have people helping them to achieve their objectives in increasing diversity, from the medical staff right on down to the nurses to the administrative people who present a face to the people that need their help and caring. So I would strongly endorse these two bills and ask you to support them. Thank you.
Madam President and chairs of the committees and members of the committees, I am here today as a lifelong resident of the Burholme-Fox Chase area of the City of 82 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 Philadelphia and as president of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Both I and the Chamber offer support for these two bills you have before you today. Fox Chase is not only one of the top three employers of Northeast Philadelphia; they are also the only scientific and medical institution dedicated soley to advance cancer care, combined with world-class scientific research. The importance of these types of jobs to our city and region cannot be overstated. The importance to the strength and stability of our local communities also cannot be emphasized enough. While they are certain an important employer, they are also a long-standing member of our community. They have always demonstrated their interest and support for both businesses and neighborhood interests. 83 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56 As their planning process has moved forward over the past several years, they've held many, many public meetings to receive input and, they have, in fact, incorporated many good ideas as a result of these meetings. They have a long history of working with the community, with the park as a good neighbor. I am pleased to encourage your support for these bills and hope that Fox Chase will soon be able to begin detailed planning for their patients and our community. I would also like to add personally -- I would be remiss if I didn't -- that my neighbor, who lived across the street for many, many years, was diagnosed with bladder cancer. And he said, "Al, I am so glad that I only have to travel minutes for treatment as opposed to hours." It's very important to our community. Thank you very much. 84 11/26/07 RULES/PARKS and REC - BILLS 070955, 56