COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON PARKS, RECREATION and CULTURAL AFFAIRS - - - Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Monday, June 7, 2010, 1:50 p.m. - - - BILL 090708 - Authorizing Commissioner of Department of Parks and Rec to enter into a license agreement between PECO Energy and the City of Philadelphia for a certain strip of land located near intersection of Nixon Street and Port Royal Avenue to be used as a connector for the Schuylkill River Recreational Trail. BILL 100361 - Authorizing Commissioner of Parks and Rec to enter into an agreement with the Ed Snyder Youth Hockey Foundation for purpose of operating programs at the Scanlon Ice Rink, the Laura Sims Skate House at Cobbs Creek, the Rink at Simons Recreation and Teen Access Center, the Rizzo Ice Rink, and the Tarken Ice Rink. BILL 100363 - Authorizing amendment of certain agreements between the City of Philadelphia and PAID relating to an area surrounded by Pattison Avenue, 11th Street, Terminal Avenue, and Broad Street... BILL 100372 - Authorizing Commissioner of Public Property to lease property bounded generally by Catherine, 12th, Clymer, and Fawn Streets from the PHA and placing it in the Fairmount Park System... COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Blondell Reynolds-Brown, Chair Curtis Jones, Jr., Vice Chair Darrell L. Clarke Maria D. Quiñones-Sanchez Also Present: Councilman James F. Kenney - - - 2 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72
Good afternoon. The City Council Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs is now in a public hearing to hear testimony on Bill No.'s 090708, 100361, 100363, and 100372. The members of the committee joining us this afternoon are: Councilman Curtis Jones, who is our vice chair; and Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sanchez; and I'm told that we will be joined by other member, Councilman Darrell Clarke. And we want to also welcome our colleague Councilman Jim Kenney to these proceedings as well. And given the very different but rich mix of bills this afternoon, I think it's imperative to remind us of the responsibilities of this committee to have actually broadened over the last couple of terms. Essentially the 3 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 responsibilities of this committee calls for looking at all matters relating to the Department of Recreation; the Recreation Coordination Board; City parks, including Fairmount Park; and the recreational program conducted by the Board of Education of the School District; the Board of Trustees of Camp William Penn; professional sports facilities and grounds; matters relating to the Mann Music Center and Robin Hood Dell; the annual Mummers Parade; and matters relating to the management of certain historical spaces as acquired by the City through ownership or custody. So with that said, we want to now ask the clerk to please read the titles of Bill No.'s 090708, 100361, 100363, and 100372.
Bill No. 090708, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into a license agreement between PECO Energy Company as licensor and the 4 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 City of Philadelphia as licensee for a certain strip of land located near the intersection of Nixon Street and Port Royal Avenue to be used as a connector for the Schuylkill River Recreational Trail. Bill No. 100361, an ordinance 9 authorizing the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the Ed Snyder Youth Hockey Foundation for the purpose of operating certain programs at the Scanlon Ice Rink, the Laura Sims Skate House at Cobbs Creek, the Rink at Simons Recreation and Teen Access Center, the Rizzo Ice Rink, and the Tarken Ice Rink, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 100363, an ordinance 21 authorizing the amendment of certain agreements between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development relating to an area surrounded by 5 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 Pattison Avenue, 11th Street, Terminal Avenue, and Broad Street, to revise lot lines and make other technical changes; authorizing amendments to certain subleases for the Wachovia and Arena Parcels; and authorizing the grant to PAID of an easement over certain portions of FDR Park, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 100372, an ordinance 12 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to lease property bounded generally by Catherine, 12th, Clymer, and Fawn Streets from the Philadelphia Housing Authority and placing it in the Fairmount Park System managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you very, very much. So that you can gauge your schedules I should alert that you the bills, as stated, will not happen in the 6 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 order as presented. Given the demanding schedules here, we're going to have those offering testimony on Bill No. 100363 to provide testimony first. And after that, we will hear testimony regarding Bill No. 7 090708. So with that said, let me please ask Alan Greenberger, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, and our Director of Commerce to please open up by providing testimony on Bill 13 No. 100363. DEPT.
Thank you. Good afternoon, Councilwoman Reynolds- Brown and members of the committee. And thank you again for helping us with the schedule.
I really appreciate that. My name is Alan Greenberger, and I'm before you today in my capacity as the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Director of 7 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 Commerce to support approval of Bill No. 3 100363. The intent of this bill is to facilitate mixed-use retail development on the Spectrum Arena Parcel and the Sports Stadium Complex as contemplated by the City's leases covering this property. In 1994, City Council approved a series of three leases via the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development ("PAID") to entities controlled by Comcast Spectacor in order to develop the new arena facility. As part of those leases, a master plan was approved and development rights were granted to the tenant for the construction of a mixed-use complex to include office, entertainment, retail, and hotel functions on a series of parcels surrounding the arena, totaling approximately 15 acres. In addition, the Spectrum lease contemplated its eventful demolition and redevelopment as part of the complex. 8 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 Approximately two-and-a-half years ago, Comcast Spectacor announced its partnership with the Cordish Company in order to implement the intent of the original leases. The Cordish Company, a substantial entertainment retail developer based in Baltimore, that leads the industry in entertainment complex- related development has proposed a 378,000-square-foot complex, including a 300-key hotel spread over approximately 9 structures on approximately 13 acres located immediately north of the arena and fronting Pattison Avenue eastward to the southwest corner of 11th Street and Pattison Avenue. Notwithstanding one of the worst economic climates on record, Cordish has invested substantial resources to design the site, obtain preliminary approvals, and now proposes to phase development in a realistic plan. The first phase will include construction and leasing of approximately 9 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 40,000 square foot on the southwest corner of Pattison Avenue and 11th Street diagonally opposite Citizens Bank Park, together with demolition of the Spectrum and construction of temporary parking thereon. The Planning Commission has reviewed Cordish Company as plan and determined that it is consistent with the master plan. And Comcast Spectacor has provided PAID and the City with appropriate notice of its intent to demolish the Spectrum pursuant to the lease. The Water Department has likewise reviewed and provided conceptual approval of the development plan. The lease amendments before you are technical in nature and are required to enable the development which currently spans the three leases covering the Arena Complex; specifically, the amendments consolidate the development into the Spectrum lease, which, in turn, will 10 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 facilitate financing of the project. In addition, the amendments confirm and vest Comcast Spectacor's development rights and outline a signage package for the project. Finally, although the development was governed by requirements for participation by minority, women, and disabled companies under the 1994 leases, please note that the Administration, through its Office of Economic Opportunity, has renegotiated an updated plan consistent with current goals and policies. Specifically, Comcast Spectacor and Cordish will commit to achieve contracting levels of to 30 18 percent and 8 to 15 percent, 19 respectively, for minority- and female- 20 owned businesses, and construction 21 workforce levels to include 50 percent 22 local residents, 32 percent minority, and 23 7 percent female. Contracting the 24 workforce levels will also be required 25 for permanent workforce and professional 11 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 and supplier services. The Administration strongly supports this amendment and this development.
Not only does it carry out the intent of the original lease, but it will also animate and enliven the current Sports Stadium District, continuing its legacy as the busiest and most efficient sports complex in the country. Full build-out of the proposed project will induce over $100 million of investment into the City's economy, create more than 1300 permanent jobs, and generate approximately $5 million in annual taxes to the City and the School District of Philadelphia. In closing, I'd like to confirm the Administration's strong support for this ordinance. If it pleases the committee, I'd like to introduce representatives of Comcast Spectacor, Fred Shabel, and the Cordish Company, Gary Block, to more fully describe the proposed development 12 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 and ask if it's okay with you to hold off questions and answers until the completion of their presentation. I also want to thank you for your time and consideration and ask that you suspend the rules of Council to permit its first reading at the next meeting of City Council.
We want to thank you for your testimony. And it is customary that we hear all testifiers and then open it up to questions, so we will honor that request. DEPT.
Please, if you would offer your full name for the record and then proceed with your testimony.
Thank you, Mr. Greenberger, Madam Chairwoman, and members of the committee. My name is Fred Shabel, and I am the Vice Chairman of Comcast Spectacor. And, as you know, 13 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 we are the sports and entertainment company that owns the Flyers, the Sixers, and Wachovia Center. Many, many years ago, Ed Snyder, our chairman, had a vision for South Philadelphia, and that was to surround the Wachovia Center with a dynamic mixed-use development of dining, entertainment, retail, and hotel uses. Approximately three years ago, we found the developer that was capable of transforming this vision into reality. The Cordish Company, headquartered in Baltimore, is a fourth-generation-family development company and specializes in entertainment and sports-anchored developments and large-scale urban revitalization projects. You might be familiar with the Baltimore Power Plant, called Baltimore Power Plant Live. In Kansas City, they have what's called the Power and Light District next to the Sprint Center. In Louisville, they have what's called 14 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 Fourth Street Live. All of these projects are analogous to our Philadelphia Live program. And in addition, in Atlantic City, some of you might be familiar with The Walk, 500 square feet of retail, a marvelous accomplishment by the Cordish organization. Over the last two years, Cordish has worked with City officials to design Philadelphia Live, a development that is consistent with the master plan approved by City Council in 1994. We are here today to support the ordinance that would allow the project to move forward. At this time, I would ask Gary Block, Vice President of the Cordish Company and Development Director for the Philadelphia Live project, to address the specifics of the ordinance and the project. Gary?
Good 15 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 afternoon. Welcome to these beautiful quarters. Proceed with your testimony.
Thank you. They are beautiful. A little ominous also, but I'll try to contain myself. Good afternoon, Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown and members of the committee. My name is Gary Block. I am Vice President of Cordish Company and the development director responsible for this Philly Live project. The Cordish Company is very excited to be part of Philly Live with our partners Comcast Spectacor in bringing life to the master plan that was approved by City Council in 1994. During the past two years, we have worked closely with Alan Greenberger and his Planning Commission staff to create what we believe is a dynamic project that we think will form the Stadium Complex. We've also been in continuous contact with other City agencies that have jurisdiction over the project, as 16 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 well as Council President Verna and the local community that she represents. As Deputy Mayor Greenberger testified, we are in front of you today for technical changes to the three leases that govern the area surrounding Wachovia Center. If I may, I think it's easier, if you don't mind if I either get up and point -- I won't have a microphone, but that's okay.
We can assist you with that. (Hand-held microphone provided to Mr. Block.)
I'm going to have my back a little bit towards the gallery, but I just want to orient everybody as to where we are. This plan as you see it, in the Stadium District, is the plan that we presented to the Planning Commission and that was approved. And we are now here in front of you to make this plan a 17 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 reality. That was approved in October of '09. And the last step for us to start construction and get going on the project is to take care of some technical changes as they relate to the lease lines, as Alan had talked about, where there are three leases. So I tried to orient the plan, which I will call an L-shape, to be consistent with the more technical plan, which is our lot line plan, and give you an idea of what we're in front of you for. The lot lines today exist in three parcels -- yellow, blue, and green. All we're really trying to do here today is to consolidate part of the yellow and part of the blue into the green. So what you see highlighted in red is the outline of the project that you see developed here at the Wachovia Center. The reason for us being here is to finance the project. Lenders need to 18 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 have a financeable parcel and not have three different parcels, if we're borrowing money to develop this one piece. So we are literally here to consolidate lot lines so that we can finance the project. It's as simple as that. A couple of points just to make sure everybody understand. The consolidation for the Council does not change any of the development rights that already exist. It doesn't increase or decrease the total development rights that are already a part of this master plan. I just want to make sure that everybody understands that. That's really -- that's the important part of the piece in terms of the lot lines. I can sit back down just to make sure everybody understood that.
While you do that, let me just put on the record how much I appreciate both the efforts 19 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 and attempted efforts to reach out to members of this committee to brief us on the front end, because given the seemingly complexity of the project, it is always useful and helpful to have those who are intimately connected with this to give us an audience. So to PIDC and PAID staff and others, thank you very much.
Thank you. Thank you for saying that. It's two years' worth of work that has gotten us to this point. It's hard to obviously outline it in the brief time that we have, but I appreciate the comments. Also, as part of this ordinance, we are seeking approval of a signage package that is attached to the lease amendments that are a part of this ordinance. So there are no boards for that, but I just wanted to make sure that we all understood why we're here. We're here for, obviously, the lot line changes as well as the signage package. 20 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 One other element I think I should reemphasize as part of what Alan Greenberger stated. We've agreed to a new enhanced employment opportunity plan. We feel it's very important. It's something that we do as part of our development's public-private ventures across the country. It's something that we have significant experience in, in implementing these types of programs across the country, and we feel confident that we will be able to achieve those numbers here also. I am going to jump up one more time. So for the ordinance that is being passed, those are just the two items that we're here in front of you for. But I did want to take a couple of minutes, if I may, to reiterate what Alan was saying about what our timing is going to be, what our plan is for today given today's environment. We have designed a Phase I approach, as Alan had stated in his 21 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 opening testimony. The goal of the Cordish Company and Comcast Spectacor is to get started immediately. With your approval, it will allow us to go forward. It will be the last part of the process for us to be able to take the Spectrum down, demolish the Spectrum, and start what we want to be calling Phase I of Philly Live. Phase I of Philly Live is going to be a 40,000-square-foot building. It will mirror the approved Planning Commission plan. We'll put parking in place of the Spectrum parcel once the Spectrum is down and create a 40,000- square-foot, what we call, marketplace. The plan is to demolish the Spectrum prior to the end of the year. And with the demolition of the Spectrum, we will roll into the construction of Phase I of Philly Live. So I just wanted to be clear, where Alan was reiterating what we've already gotten approved by the Planning 22 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 Commission that we were going to start with Phase I and then hopefully go from there.
Okay. Does that conclude your testimony? Not to rush you; I'm just asking.
Actually, that's it. Thank you for your time today. I welcome any questions you may have, and I appreciate you accommodating our schedules.
I'm excited, and I want to put that on the record. I have had an opportunity to travel down to Atlantic City and see some of the work that was done there, and it added a whole new series of options for families to go and spend some times. Everyone isn't a beach person, everyone won't be a sports person. There will be some of us that want to drop coin in the 23 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 City of Philadelphia; and in so doing, help our tax revenue. The other interesting component about this is that this has an opportunity to be a destination. I would be curious to talk about some of your ideas when it comes to signage and how you plan to approach that.
One thing, if you refer to Atlantic City, you'll see that across our projects across the country, we really focus on signage being part of architecture; we don't do the two in separate efforts. Whenever we design a building whenever we try to create a destination, we feel that the signage is very integral to the architecture. So if you go down to Atlantic City, you'll see for a retail/outlet center, it's very unique; it's probably like no other outlet center in the country, where we took the architecture and did fantastic signage and integrated that as part of the development. 24 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 We feel we'll do the same thing here. If you look at the signage package that's attached to the ordinance, which the Planning Commission has reviewed and is recommending, it's tasteful signage, it incorporates all sorts of different types of signs, it focuses mostly internal. It will create a destination type. I think, as we were talking about, Councilman, the other day, there's all sorts of great ideas we can come up with to make it a sense of place with the signage. So, for instance, when a home run is scored or a touchdown is scored or a big basket or a goal is scored -- I was leaving that for last, that's the most important. When a goal is scored, we can have an element that's an icon that can ring a bell or can create a sound or can really create a sense of place that you want to be a part of when that typical event is happening. 25 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72
Particularly now that our teams have been winning a bit, these places are like an expanded tailgate party with a little bit of higher-end class. And not that there was anything wrong with those tailgates at all, but I think that this creates a destination. And I understand in your plan that you're going to creatively use green space in that. Could you elaborate on that?
Sure. As part of storm-water management, we're required to do certain things, to create green space. And it's a little bit more difficult to see from here, but the green areas on the plan, in the top left represent areas that when we take down the Spectrum and we develop the first phase of Philly Live will be green areas where we'll hold certain events. They'll have things going on that will activate -- whether they be 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 flea markets or whether they be entertainment situations, where there's a game going on, it's an opportunity to be outside, it's an opportunity to congregate with families and to have events where you might have a papa shot or shoot a goal or, you know, throw a football through a hole, but an opportunity to get people outside and to have activities.
Now, in addition, you talked about, because of the economy, Phase I, which I understand is in the upper part of the L?
And then you would sometime in two years, 18 months or so, consider Part 2?
Yeah. Who knows how quickly we can do it. But in all of our projects, we try to plan for a 12- to 18-month from opening to start construction of a second plan. We've been very fortunate in 27 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 all of our projects that have been successful to be able to move into second phases within that time frame of to 5 months. 6 And that's the plan, to take 7 the first phase and then roll into the 8 next phase, which would be that plan you 9 see to your right. 10
And none of 11 this requires the taking of a street or 12 anything; we're not doing any of that 13 today? 14
You're 18 very welcome. Just as a footnote to Councilman Jones' question regarding signage -- and I have no doubt that Councilman Kenney will have already suggested this, but let me just underscore the value of having a conversation with Meryl Levitz of the 28 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Bureau and the Philadelphia Convention Center, since destination is a reality here. They bring enormous experience and experience and experience in blowing that up in a way that richly benefits that community. So put that on your radar screen to have that conversation with them.
One other point, Madam Chair. It is conceivable that at some point in time that if all teams made the playoffs or they're in the beginning of the season, that there could be all three venues operating at the same time; is that correct?
To some degree. However, we have a limit of total population of total fans at one time in the complex. (Indiscernible; parties talking 29 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 over each other.)
So you could have a hockey game and a football game, and that works. But for all three to be totally full, the master plan would have to be looked at. I'm not sure what that number is; somebody here might know that. But it is controllable.
And have you been working with the Planning Commission to talk about access and egress planning, like maybe even street sign directional changes, depending on when the venues are letting out? Has there been some discussion? DEPT.
There's a series of discussion that have been going on before and will continue, actually, with the Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities and the Special Services District to make sure to look at different ways of managing traffic flow. 30 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72
So conceivably, we could change streetlight timings and just close the street one way. If, for example, we won a game at the Eagles and they were letting in or letting out, you could change the direction on Broad Street to be one way for a period of time to get to those I-95 and -- DEPT.
Yeah. I don't want to answer for the specifics, but there's probably a whole series of things that need to be discussed. Our experience and what people in the Mayor's Office of Transportation has told me is that the real issue is primarily on football game days, crossover events there, tailgating. Those are the big management issues that need to be addressed.
Actually, a tradition in a lot of places, 31 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 yeah. It's the same issue in a lot of cities.
Councilman Jones, there's also an ongoing traffic study being implemented right now, so we are working -- us and Spectacor are working with the rest of the constituents of that traffic study to input any information we can based on what we're doing to make sure the study is a hundred percent.
And by way of parking spaces, you're within the acceptable range?
And I am sure the residents down there are breathing happily about that. Councilwoman Sanchez and Councilman James Kenney.
I just wanted to, for the purposes of record, to congratulate you and thank you for coming 32 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 before us with a EOP plan that is well thought out. It is sometimes daunting to me the level of conversation we have to have with folks about the need for, in particular, to your detail of the hiring the local residents. So I want to acknowledge that and hope that you set a standard or keep raising the standard --
-- as to folks coming before us. And something that we discussed at our meeting, and I just wanted to put on the record, how important it would be that this particular site, the Philly Live, provide opportunities for Philly-based staples to be a part of your entertainment center. For many folks who come in for the game, this may be their only kind of visit to Philadelphia, so it would be nice to make sure that we have those 33 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 Philly staples and the diversity within the neighborhoods-based businesses to have an opportunity to participate in that. So I just wanted to put that on the record. I know it's something that we talked about, but if someone came to Philadelphia only for the Flyers game and had an opportunity to bring their family, that they really can get a taste of Philadelphia.
We really, as I said in our meeting, you hit the nail on the head. Every city that we go into we pride ourselves on taking that city's culture, that feel of the city into our project. So you will see, if you go to any of our projects around -- you see Atlantic City, we had a whole program for locals to be able to open a business, and that was in a project that was really nationally based with those kinds of retailers -- the Polos and the Nauticas 34 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 and those things of the world. But we have -- if you look around, you'll see we have a lot of residential people who live there, who have opened up businesses. And we do that around the country, as we discussed.
One other point, Madam Chair. It is often a point of discussion among Philadelphians and those that come outside of Philadelphia, and I think this venue may have an opportunity to rest this issue: Who has the best cheese steak? (Laughter.)
And I think we might issue a challenge in that facility. And I would ask my colleagues each to identify the one cheese steak manufacturer and producer in your district, and let's finally rest this issue once and for all in South Philly, 35 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 where it should be decided. Thank you, Madam Chair.
I think we'll take that challenge. I think there's something we can do there, Councilman Jones.
Well, I laid a gauntlet down in the 4th District. We have a couple of contenders, both Larry's and Jim's, that will be formidable opponents.
And I'll use that as a segué and ask Councilman Kenney to I.D. one from South Philly. Councilman Kenney?
Thank you, Madam Chair, for the opportunity to make a comment. One question: How much city or state money is in this deal?
I know you did. 36 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72
This is your first foray, I guess, with the Comcast Spectacor folks, but through my long period of time in government and politics, I've always admired the fact that Mr. Snyder and Comcast Spectacor paid their way when they built something. Back when Wachovia was being discussed, I think the City put up the land and demolition of a dilapidated municipal facility that we were going to have to demolish at some point anyway. And Comcast Spectacor built it with their own coin. That is refreshing in the sports world and in the sports complex world, and I want to thank you not asking our taxpayers for anything while you create tax ratables and employment for Philadelphia residents and for people in 37 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 the region. So I think that it's important that the record be clear that there is no 5 public money in this deal. You're on your own, and we appreciate your faith and commitment to Philadelphia. The only minor downside of this whole thing is, I'm going to have to take a vacation somewhere out of town when the Spectrum comes down. It's just been -- and I've been -- and you've been teasing me all in the last few months with the Broad Street bully stuff and then the Spectrum history. I mean, it's just amazing that I saw my absolutely first rock concert in my life -- it was Yes, Close to the Edge album, and I'm dating myself. I can't tell you the number of Billy Joel concerts. When the Spectrum first opened, my dad was an usher part-time there. I got my first professional hockey stick, a Gary Dornhoefer slightly cracked stick, 38 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 which I used for an entire year of street hockey once receiving it. So there's just so many wonderful memories. I know that progress needs to take place, and that needs to come down, but it's going to be a sad day. But just -- I want to thank you for your involvement with this company. I want to thank you, Fred, and Mr. Snyder for all the wonderful things they brought to the City -- again, on their own dime. Thanks.
Is there any other testimony on this bill? (No response.)
Well, let me close, then, by underscoring two things: One, knowing that the City has put no money in this, we really do thank you for taking the issue of MBE/WBE participation seriously and re-looking at 39 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 what those numbers have been in the past and indicating very, very specifically how you intend to meet them, number one. Number two, let me ask that you would have a conversation with the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture because we do have both starving artists, emerging artists, and well-established artists who have much to give typically; and typically, all they want is an opportunity. So if you would have that conversation -- you or a or designee on your team would have a conversation with the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture. Any other questions or comments from members of the committee on this bill? (No response.)
We will now move to hearing testimony on Bill No. 40 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 090708. If we could please call up our panel for Bill No. 090708. My notes tell me that that is our city's executive director for Fairmount Park and the leadership for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. (Witness comes forward.)
Again, good afternoon, Chairwoman Brown and committee members. My name is Mark Focht. I'm the Executive Director of Fairmount Park. I am pleased to appear before you today on behalf of the Department of Parks and Recreation in support of City Council Bill 090708. This bill 22 authorizes the City of Philadelphia, operating on behalf of the Department of Parks and Recreation, to enter into a trail license agreement with the PECO 41 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 Energy Company for a portion of 16-foot-wide right-of-way located between Port Royal Avenue and Nixon Street in the Shawmont section of the City. The agreement facilitates construction of an important one-quarter- mile section of the Schuylkill River Trail within the right-of-way. The term of the license agreements is years. 11 This trail segment will 12 complete a critical missing link in the 13 region-wide 128-mile long Schuylkill 14 River Trail, 19 miles of which are 15 located within the City of Philadelphia. 16 The trail connects the City and 17 the surrounding communities and provides 18 important non-vehicular access to 19 attractions in Philadelpia such as 20 Manayunk Schuylkill Banks and Center City 21 as well as direct connections to regional 22 destinations such as Valley Forge 23 National Historic Park. 24 Presently, trail users must use 25 Nixon Street, a City street, to connect 42 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 from the Manayunk Canal toe path to the Port Royal to Montgomery County line section of the trail, both of which are under the jurisdiction of Fairmount Park. When completed, users will have a safe, dedicated trail. This project meets the goals contained in Green Works, the City's sustainability plan. Trails promote healthy recreation and connect residents to our waterways and parks, critical resources for the health of our city. In addition, the Schuylkill River Trail is used daily by commuters, decreasing dependency on automobiles and contributing to a reduced carbon footprint for the City of Philadelphia. The Philadelphia segment of the trail is used by approximately 670,000 individuals annually for recreation, commuting, and relaxation. Completing the Schuylkill River Trail has long been a goal of the Department of Parks and Recreation and our partner organizations, 43 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 including the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and the Schuylkill River Greenway Association. In February of 2009, this City Council passed a resolution introduced and sponsored by Councilman Jones in support of completing the Schuylkill River Trail and acknowledging its role in economic development, recreation, community revitalization, and environmental restoration. The project team has proven experience designing trails throughout the region. The trail alignment has been carefully planned with input from the community and City Council. Safety measures include stop-ahead signs, always-stop signs, bollards, bike pedestrian signs, a privacy fence behind the residents, and a continued coordination with the Streets Department. In addition, a drainage system and landscaping will be part of the construction to beautify the area 44 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 I would add as an aside that many of these enhancements grew out of site visit we held with Councilman Jones on April 10th, when we spent two hours out, with community members, looking at the site. Recently this project was awarded full construction funding by the Federal Highway Administration's Transportation Initiative Generating Economic Recovery, or the TIGER program, as part of the American Resources and Reinvestment Act, known as the Federal Stimulus Program.
The Department of Parks and Recreation staff is working as partners with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, PennDOT, and the Federal Highway Administration to complete this important project The department believes that all residents should have access to outdoor recreational opportunities. By 45 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 constructing this missing section of the Schuylkill River Trail, we are providing City residents with enhanced safe recreational opportunities and providing a critical link in the greater regional Schuylkill River Trail network Today I appear before you to pledge the support of the Department of Parks and Recreation for this legislation and request City Council approval of Bill 12 No. 090708. I respectfully ask that the ordinance be amended to ensure that the agreement complies with the long-term contractual rules of the Home Rule Charter; I believe you have received a copy of the proposed amendment earlier today, but I have copies with me if you need them for your review In addition, I ask that the rules be suspended so that the ordinance 23 may be passed upon second reading of City Council. Thank you very much. I'd be 46 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 pleased to answer any questions.
Councilman Curtis Jones, do you care to offer comment and/or questions on this matter?
I just want to thank the coalition of people that have worked very hard on this, including the City administration, the volunteers, residents in that area because I think, at the end of the day, we are creating a human highway that may bring people all the way down through Philadelphia and particularly in the 4th District that is environmentally pleasing and esthetically astounding. And I had a opportunity to walk out there with you guys and just see the diversity that this city has to offer. And the more people that get a chance to walk through it, the more people will have a better appreciation for the commitment that the founding fathers made in keeping the parks and recreation a safe, healthy place for people to be, and 47 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 the good job that our current commissioners and people that work out in the various departments, including Water, do to keep it that way. So I am excited. And it was not without a lot of angst that this proposal was walked through and then ultimately agreed upon. So I want thank you for all of your time you spent with us. I have pictures of it; it's on my Facebook, so it's memorialized. So I just want to thank you for your work.
For the record, can we state how much of the Recovery Act money is being invested for this trail?
One moment, please. It's a one million-dollar investment in 48 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 federal stimulus funds to complete the trail.
Is any additional dollars being leveraged as a part of that investment?
Not specifically for this project. This is the one-quarter-mile missing link that's being funded by the federal stimulus funds.
The Councilwoman, with one thing she is consistent and wanted to know, out of that million dollars, whether there were any opportunities for local companies, female companies, and minority companies 49 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 to take advantage of any of that work?
The construction documents are being completed now. When they are finalized, they will be sent to OEO to set participation ranges as they do with every construction project.
And most of the nature of that work is going to be railing, fencing, and paving.
And so, they will present opportunities for paving, railing, and fencers to do that kind of business.
Okay. I am a user of the trail. I am enormously excited. And it really can be a destination for visitors to our city who are not necessarily with conventions. So is there any linkage yet with your office and Meryl Levitz' organization? 50 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72
Yes. We work regularly with GPTMC on promoting events in the park system. And you're about to hear in a moment from a representative from the Bicycle Coalition who also works with us and GPTMC to promote biking opportunities for our visitors.
Sarah Clark Stuart, Campaign Director for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. (Ms. Clark comes forward.)
Good afternoon, Madam Chairwoman. Thank you, Councilwoman Jones and Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez. I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to testify here this afternoon. My name is Sarah Clark Stuart, 51 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 and I'm Campaign Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. I'm also honored to serve on the Parks and Recreation Commission created last summer as a result of legislation created by this committee. So thank you for giving me that opportunity. The Bicycle Coalition has 1600 due-paying members and represents the interests of hundreds of thousands of bicyclists in the region who bike. And I am pleased to appear before you today to support Council Bill No. 090708. I will try not to read my testimony; it is in front of you. But I also want to mote that I have provided a map of the Schuylkill River Trail within Philadelphia that highlights the critical gaps that exist, but also highlights the sections of the trail that have been provided funding from the TIGER Grant that the City of Philadelphia won this past February. And up at the top right 52 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 left-hand corner is the subject of today's hearing, the part of the trail between Shawmont Avenue and Port Royal Avenue. As I know, most of you are very familiar that Philadelphia has several critical gaps, and I have been working with a number of different organizations for the past couple of years to try to close these gaps. And this committee and many members of this committee have been extremely supportive of that effort. Councilman Jones introduced a resolution, 090134, that urged all federal-, state-, and local-elected officials to help officials to help complete this trail. And you, Councilwoman, introduced 090530, authorizing the committee to hold hearings in formal working group. So you have been extremely supportive in this wide effort to help complete the trail within the City of Philadelphia. 53 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 We held a wonderful forum last February of '09 that Councilman Jones spoke at, and it was standing room only, in the middle of February, at which Commissioner DiBerardinis and Executive Director Focht also spoke at regarding the need to complete the trail and their commitment to do so. And following that forum, we've had an online petition that over 4,000 people have signed, expressing their support for completing the trail. All of that work that was done last spring really laid the groundwork for the City of Philadelphia to apply to the federal government for this TIGER Grant. And I can't emphasize enough to you how proud you should be for the City of Philadelphia to win this grant. Over 1400 applications were submitted from around the country; only 51 were awarded. It was a phenomenal, phenomenal achievement for the City to get this 54 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 grant. Every single elected official who I went to and asked for a letter of support provided it, from Senator Specter and Casey, all the way across the board, including you, yourself, Chairwoman; Councilman Jones; Council President Verna; and Councilwoman Krajewski. So, again, I just am reemphasizing that the support is very wide -- widespread. And what's so fabulous about this money is that it's a hundred percent grant. I mean, it does not have to be matched. It is a critical jolt of capital that the City is very hard- pressed to find these days. So it's incredibly important for the City to make this a successful project and complete all of these different segments. There are seven segments that the City has to work on between now and February 2012, and this is one of them. There are a number of reasons 55 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 why this segment in particular is important. But the one that I want to speak to right now is safety.
Many of the gaps in the Schuylkill River Trail are in the northwest section of the City, and these gaps are very difficult to tackling due to space constraints. And as a result, at many points of the trail, cyclists have to ride in the street with traffic, on narrow streets, with no bike lanes and no 13 shoulders. And although thousands of experienced cyclists ride along these sections comfortably, many others do not, and particularly families with young children, especially those young children who are riding on their own bikes for the first time These sections of trail are really a deterrent, and they cause families to just not want to go on them at all and limit many people to the loop and not go beyond the loop at East Falls Bridge. 56 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 In fact, automatic counters that are located on various points along the trail have documented that south of East Falls Bridge, weekly uses on the trail are between 16,000 and 24,000; but on the Manayunk Canal, it's only 2500. Currently, at the end of the Manayunk Canal toe path, the trail goes on-road on Nixon Street to Port Royal Avenue. And as charming and as special as Nixon Street is, it's a neighborhood street; it's not a multi-use path. And as Mark Focht mentioned, I did visit the site with Councilman Jones and himself. And there's parking on the street, there's car doors opening, there's people walking in the street. It's not -- it's a lovely place, but it's not a great place to be riding through on your way. And so, by creating this segment of trail up higher off the road, behind the residences, it's going to make the entire experience much more 57 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 comfortable for everybody. So I just want to close by saying that thousands of cyclists and hikers fully support making the Schuylkill River Trail a seamless off-road recreation and transportation corridor. And on their behalf, the Bicycle Coalition supports this bill. Building this will close an important gap, it will fulfill an important federal grant that Philadelphia, the region, and Pennsylvania must successfully carry out. And we are working very hard with the Parks and Recreation Department and other partners to help Philadelphia achieve this goal. And I know that you want to help them achieve that goal as well. And I hope that by voting positively on this bill, you will do that. So thank you very much. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
We thank 58 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 you for your testimony as well. On the issue of security -- well, two questions. One, have residents been informed that this new experience will be happening in their community?
Yes, they have been informed. They've had several meetings with the Parks and Recreation Department and have talked through all of these different issues.
Okay. And on the issue of security, does that include lights or cameras anywhere along that tract that this $1 million is going to fund?
Councilwoman, no, this project does not include lighting, this section of the trail. The sections of the trail that lead up to this are not lit, so we wouldn't light just this one quarter-mile section. So there's no lighting or 59 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 security cameras on this section of the trail.
And there might be some who would argue that given this unique opportunity, why not consider lighting and security? I'm throwing that out there because of still infrequent though rare news reports we hear where folks have been -- they're out recreating and then bad things happen.
So when we have new opportunities for new dollars, there may be some value in doing the non-traditional and adding where you can lights, cameras. It's an idea.
That's why I offer it up. Okay. Anyone else to testify on Bill No. 090708? (No response.)
Okay. We thank you for your testimony. 60 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 We will now move to hear testimony on Bill No. 100372. And I would like to invite up again Mark Focht, Executive Director of Fairmount Park; and Joan Schlotterbeck, Commissioner for the Department of Public Property and/or her designee.
Good afternoon again. Thank you. Chairwoman Reynolds-Brown and committees members, Mark Focht, Executive Director of Fairmount Park. I am pleased to appear before you today again on behalf of the Department of Parks and Recreation in support of Council Bill No. 100372. This bill authorizes the Department of Public Property, operating on behalf of the Department of Parks and Recreation, to enter into a 99-year ground lease, with the Philadelphia Housing Authority acting as landlord, for a parcel of land bounded by South 12th Street, Catharine Street, Fawn Street, 61 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 and Clymer Street. This parcel is to be used soley for the construction, development, maintenance, and operation of what will be known as Hawthorne Park. Hawthorne Park is the green capstone in a total neighborhood transformation going back over a decade. Beginning in 1998, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded PHA a Hope VI Revitalization Grant to rebuild the former Martin Luther King, Jr. public housing site in the surrounding area. When completed, the three phases of the revitalization will have 136 new rental units and 109 homeownership units. A stated goal of the revitalization is to build a socioeconomically diverse community whose architecture blends seamlessly into the larger urban fabric. This creates a healthy, vibrant neighborhood that connects the transit and amenities like open space. While this neighborhood is 62 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 well-served with active recreational space, the City's sustainability blueprint, Greenworks, has noted the lack of passive park space in the area. To this end, PHA has agreed to set aside a portion area for a public park. The addition of this new park will also help the Department of Parks and Recreation build towards the bold goal set by Greenworks that 500 new acres of open space in the City by 2015. Beginning in 2005, Fairmount Park, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, began working with the Hawthorne Empowerment Coalition and other community members to develop an accessible, safe, and well- designed public space. The project team, lead by (indiscernible) landscape architects has created a unique park that accommodates for a variety of use and users. The space will accommodate outdoor movies, concerts and performances, while also 63 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 featuring game tables and spaces for quiet relaxation and contemplation. Other design features will help keep storm water out of the City's exiting storm water system. Design of the park has been completed, and full construction funding is in place, thanks to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development through State Representative Babette Josephs, and City Councilman Frank DiCicco. The project has been approved by the Philadelphia Art Commission. And pending City Council approval of this ground lease, we intend to bid this project in late summer, early fall. The Department of Parks and Recreation firmly believes that every neighborhood deserves a safe, clean, and well-designed park such as Hawthorne. Today, I appear before you to pledge the 64 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 support of the Department of Parks and Recreation for this legislation and respectfully ask that City Council approve Bill No. 100372. In addition, I ask that the rules be suspended so that the ordinance 8 may be passed upon the second reading of Council. Thank you. And I'd be pleased to answer any questions.
Let us please then invite up Joan Schlotterbeck, Commissioner of the Department of Public Property and/or her designee. (Commissioner Schlotterbeck is not present at this time.)
Very well. Let's invite Pat Bullard, Chairperson for the Beautification Committee of the 65 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 Hawthorne Empowerment Coalition. (Witness comes forward.)
My name is Pat Bullard, and I represent the Hawthorne Empowerment Coalition of Philadelphia. I am pleased to appear before you today on behalf of the Hawthorne Empowerment Coalition in support of Council Bill 15 100372. The establishment of a passive open space is important to this community, as the neighborhoods grows and continue to see add new living space. Without acquired outdoor place for relaxation, the neighborhood will become too congested and crowded. We believe that the creation of this park completes the transformation of this neighborhoods as well as bringing 66 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 the community together in a space for art, entertainment, music, outdoor movies, relaxation, gardening, spontaneous play, and quiet solitude. The creation of this park ensures us an opportunity for a healthy neighborhood in which to raise our children and grandchildren. HEC has been working with Fairmount Park and the project team for several years now to first reserve the land as open space, then to help imagine what the park might look like. The design has gone through some changes since the beginning, but the community has always felt that we had a voice in the process and the opportunity to help shape a park suitable for our neighborhood, and we are excited about the result and believe it captures the needs of the community. We have worked with Fairmount Park, the Department of Parks and Recreation, City Council Councilman Frank 67 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 DiCicco, as well as State Representative Babette Josephs. And we thank them for their dedication and continued support. And we know it's no small accomplishment to turn commercially-attractive land into a park. We are also grateful for funding for construction from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Today I would like to declare the support of the Hawthorne neighborhood and respectfully ask that City Council approve Bill No. 100372. Thank you.
Well, we thank you for your testimony, Miss Bullard. And as a former community member/leader/activist, we thank you for your leadership in the community where you sit. Always, when captains -- block 68 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 captains step up and work collaboratively with elected officials, good things happen, and we commend you for that. It does not go unrecognized. Anyone else to have testimony on this bill? (No response.)
Any questions from members of the committee? (No questions.)
Okay. Thank you again. Let's now move to the last and final bill this afternoon for this hearing, and that is Bill No. 100361. And we want to invite up the leadership for the Department of Parks and Recreation. (Witnesses come forward.)
Commissioner DiBerardinis, good afternoon. COMM. DiBERARDINIS: Good afternoon. 69 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72
And our Recreation Commissioner as well, welcome. COMM. DiBERARDINIS: Thank you.
You're welcome. COMM. DiBERARDINIS: Good afternoon, Councilwoman Brown and members of the committee. My name is Michael DiBerardinis, Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation. And with me today is Susan Slawson, Recreation Commissioner. And it is a pleasure to be here. We appear before you today to present testimony in support of Bill No. 17 100361, which, if adopted, would authorize the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into an agreement with the Ed Snyder Youth Hockey Foundation. The agreement will be for four years, with the option to renew for an additional four years, and it will require the City to match the 70 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 Foundation's investment up to $1 million for capital improvements at the facilities. The Snyder Youth Hockey Foundation is a nonprofit organization for the purpose of conducting programs at the following ice-skating rinks: Scanlon, Laura Sims at Cobbs Creek, the Rink at Simons Recreation Center, Rizzo Ice Rink, and Tarken Ice Rink. At the Scanlon, Simons, and and Sims rinks, the Foundation will supply full-time staff and equipment; while, at the other two rinks, the Department will provide the staffing, support, and equipment needs. The Foundation-provided programs will help to expand current offerings, which, in essence, currently teach youth how to play ice hockey and to introduce a wider variety of children, youth, teens, and families to the fun and enjoyments of skating. Because of the Foundation's 71 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 generous support, the Department will commit to the running of a seven-day-a- week operation at all its rinks to expand ice-skating, public ice-skating; this will begin next season. This represents an additional day of public skating at all our rinks. During these difficult times and into the future, the continued support from the Ed Snyder Youth Hockey Foundation will be extremely valuable to the City of Philadelphia and to our young people. The Department of Parks and Recreation is extremely grateful for their commitment. The Department would also like to thank the following District Councilmembers for their ongoing support of our ice-skating rinks in their Councilmatic districts. That would be Councilwoman Tasco, Councilwoman Blackwell, and Councilman Quiñones- Sanchez. At this time, I would like to 72 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 offer up a proposed amendment to the bill, which is an agreement which has been negotiated between the parties. I request that Council suspend the rules so that the ordinance may be passed upon the second reading of Council. Thank you for this opportunity to discuss this important partnership with you today, and we look forward to your questions.
We thank you, Commissioner. (Addressing Commissioner Slawson.) Do you care to offer testimony? COMM. SLAWSON: I would like to.
Please state your name for the record and proceed. COMM. SLAWSON: Yes. Good afternoon, Council Chair Reynolds-Brown and members of the committee. My name is Susan Slawson, Recreation Commissioner. 73 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 I would like to just mention that in January of 2009, when we were under severe difficult times financially and we were going to have to close three of our ice rinks as a result of funding, it was the Ed Snyder Youth Hockey Foundation that came onboard after I went and asked what they could do to support us, to ensure that we were going to keep these ice rinks open. And they stepped up with just one visit, and they supplied the staffing for three of the facilities that we were going to have to shut down. Not only do they supply staffing, but all of the equipment that the young people use during the times that they're having a part of this program is all free of charges. They're not paying for any visits, they're not paying for any of their equipment. And I think they planned to build somewhere else. But as a result of them coming, Mr. Snyder himself came out 74 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 to our facilities, sat in the stands, and he watched our young people visit other facilities in the City and compete against each other. And he realized that the investment would make more sense to invest in our communities as opposed to building one facility somewhere else. And this is how this came about. He realized the investment would really be our children. It's not really about the infrastructure; it's about ensuring that our kids and our communities, young people, young African-Americans, young Latinos that don't always have an opportunity to play ice hockey, to play during the summer and learn how to roller-skate, this is what this does for the City of Philadelphia and for Parks and Recreation. And I wanted to read that into the record just to kind of acknowledge the fact that the support was vital, and it's important right now. Thank you for giving me this 75 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 opportunity.
Well, my only comment is: For the record, the 4th District does not have an ice-skating rink, although we support it wholeheartedly in the 3rd District, which is across the street, outside of our district, in Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell's district. And it's a fine opportunity for young people to get that experience. Thank you. COMM. SLAWSON: Thank you.
He would not be honoring his duty if he did not make it clear plain and clear that he would appreciate that for his young people as well. Councilman James Kenney.
Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for allowing 76 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 me another walk down Memory Lane 'cause it's important to put in context what commissioner Slawson just talked about. Back in 1970 or so -- you have to understand, hockey is my sport. I mean, I love all of our professional sports teams, but I was standing on a car in 1973 at Broad and Pattison, cheering on our first cup and our second. And in 1970, when I first got exposed to the Flyers, everybody who played hockey in the City of Philadelphia or in the region looked like me -- a lot younger, but looked like me, my complexion. And you have to understand, hockey is a very expensive sport. And I remember my parents struggling to provide the equipment that was necessary. And the other issue is ice time. When I was playing in the '70s, ice time was nonexistent, so you had to wind up going to practice at 2 o'clock in the morning, and you played your games at 77 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 1 o'clock in the morning on a Saturday night/Sunday morning. So you had to travel late at night, it was difficult to find space, and it was very expensive. And it's important, the work that they're all doing to get more kids in our city involved in the sport, which is very, very important. Our kids, no 10 matter where they come from, should have an opportunity to participate in any sport there is and learn the sport, whether it's the stuff we went through with the rowing with, you know, the river stuff on the Schuylkill or anything else like that. But in addition to that, it allows our kids from Rizzo Rink to travel to Simons, and the kids from Simons to travel to Tarken, and the kids from Tarken to go to Laura Sims to play each other, to get to know each other, to compete against each other, you know, and tough, but to have respect for each other in another venue. 78 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 The other thing it does -- and this is what I think the Flyers Youth Hockey Program, coupled with the Recreation Department, does: It's not only about hockey; it's about after school, it's about studying, it's about computers, it's about expanding your mind. You put the two sports together, you add in people of color, young kids and minorities, and add in women, young girls, and you add in the after-school programs; now you have an opportunity to go and get a scholarship somewhere that you didn't have the opportunity to do. If you're a good basketball player or a good softball player, a good football player or whatever, you have an opportunity maybe to get your college paid for. But when you are shut out because of money and because of access to a sport like ice hockey, where women get scholarships, young men get scholarships 79 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 to college, it just expands exponentially the opportunities for our kids in this city to really maximize their potential. And I want to thank the Recreation Department and, of course, Comcast Spectacor and the Snyder Foundation. Without them, it doesn't work. And I remember talking to Mr. Shabel a number of years ago about building a big facility somewhere down in South Philly near the NovaCare Center. And because of the economy and other things, it just kind of sputtered a little bit. But then when Mr. Snyder wound up viewing what these kids actually do, the investment's much better made there. So I want to thank all involved. It's been a very inspiring group of folks and inspiring opportunities for me to go to these events to see these kids, and we have -- couple times a year, they have these kind 80 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 of get-togethers for the funders of the Snyder Foundation, the corporate people who put up some of the money and help raise funds. And they bring these young people there to speak, to interact with the corporate types, the suits.
And these kids are shaking your hand, looking you in the eye, making presentations. It's just fabulous to watch. And it's not the only way these kids are going to do better, but it's one of the major ways they didn't have a chance to do better, and they have it now. So I know I'm a little verklempt about it, but it does my heart good to see this opportunity for our kids. Thank you.
Thank you very, very much, Councilman Kenney. Those are those intangibles that most folks don't recognize because 81 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 there's a dollar sign beside them. But it's those intangibles that have long, long-term positive outcomes. So we salute the leadership, both of and you, and also the corporate citizenship of Mr. Ed Snyder. It's remarkable. Thank you very, very much. PANEL MEMBERS: Thank you.
Anyone else to testify on Bill No. 100361? (No response.)
With that, then, this concludes the public hearing on the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. And soon as I can get one or two of my colleagues to come back so that we can have a vote, we can move these bills out of committee. So I'm going to ask any members of the committee that can hear me but I can't see you, we do need your presence so that we can bring closure on these important matters. 82 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 This concludes the public hearing on the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. We will now go into the public meeting. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion on the amendment to Bill No. 090708.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that Bill No. 090708 be amended. (Motion duly seconded.)
All in favor? Any nays? (No nays.) All right. Bill No. 090708 has been amended. We now ask Councilman Curtis Jones for a motion on Bill No. 090708, as amended.
I move that Bill No. 090708, as amended, be voted out of committee with a favorable 83 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 recommendation, and further, that the rules of Council be suspended as to allow the first reading at our next Council session. (Motion duly seconded.)
It has been properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 090708, as amended, be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at the next scheduled session of City Council. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Those opposed? So this bill has been moved out of committee with a favorable recommendation and further that the rules of City Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. Councilman Jones, please make a motion on the amendment for Bill No. 84 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 100361.
I make a motion that Bill No. 100361 be amended. (Motion duly seconded.)
All those in favor, aye? Those opposed? (None opposed.) We now ask Councilman Jones to make a motion on Bill No. 100361, as amended.
I move that Bill No. 100361, as amended, be voted out of committee with a favorable recommendation, and further, that the rules of Council be suspended so as to allow for first reading at our next Council session. (Motion duly seconded.)
Bill No. 25 100361 has been properly moved and 85 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 seconded that it be reported out of this with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session. All those in favor, say aye. Those opposed? Seeing none, this bill has been properly moved and seconded. And furthermore, the rules of Council have been suspended so as to permit first reading at our next scheduled session of City Council. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez for a motion on Bill 17 No. 100363.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that Bill No. 100363 be moved out of committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended to allow for first reading at our next public session. (Motion duly seconded.) 86 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72
Bill No. 3 100363 has been properly moved and seconded and it will be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. Further move that of rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next scheduled session of City Council. All those in favor, say aye. Those opposed? Seeing none, this bill has been properly moved and seconded, and furthermore, the rules of Council will be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session of City Council. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez for a motion on Bill 19 No. 100372.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that Bill No. 100372 be moved out of committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended to allow first 87 6/7/10 PARKS/REC. BILLS 090708, 100361, 63, 72 reading at our next public session. (Motion duly seconded.)
Bill No. 5 100372 has been moved properly seconded. It will be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation, and the rules of Council will be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next scheduled session. All those in favor, say aye. Those opposed? Seeing none, this bill has been properly moved and seconded, and furthermore, the rules of Council have been suspended so as to permit first reading at our next scheduled session. This concludes this hearing. We want to thank you all for your attendance. (Proceedings end at 2:45 p.m.) * * * 88 C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings of the City of Philadelphia Council Committee on Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me on Monday, June 7, 2010, and that this is a true and correct statement of same. __________________________________ JOSEPHINE CARDILLO Registered Professional Reporter (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)