COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE ON PARKS, RECREATION3 AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS4 - - -5 Room 400, City Hall6 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Monday, June 1, 20097 1:30 p.m. 8 - - - 9 10 PRESENT: COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN, CHAIR11 COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE12 COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR.13 COUNCILWOMAN MARIA QUINONES-SANCHEZ 14 15 BILLS 090098, 090192, 090210, 090327, 090330 and 09044316 RESOLUTION 090057 17 18 19 20 - - -21 22 V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services23 Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 60024 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.267025 2 1
Good2 afternoon. The City Council Committee on3 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs is4 now in a public hearing to hear testimony5 on the following bills: Bill Nos.6 090098, 090192, 090210, 090327, 0903307 and 090443. Also, the Committee is8 prepared to report out its9 recommendations for Resolution No.10 090057.11 Joining us today in this12 afternoon's meeting are Councilmembers of13 this Committee. To my left, Councilwoman14 Maria Quinones-Sanchez, and to my right,15 Vice-Chair Councilman Curtis Jones and16 Councilman Frank DiCicco.17 We will now ask the Clerk to18 read the title of Resolution 090057.19
090057, resolution20 authorizing Council's Committee on Parks,21 Recreation and Cultural Affairs to hold22 public hearings for applicants seeking23 nomination to serve on the Commission on24 Parks and Recreation, and further25 3 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 authorizing the Committee to recommend2 for Council's consideration nominations3 to be forwarded to the Mayor.4
Today it5 is my absolute pleasure to start this6 hearing by announcing the Committee's7 recommendations to City Council and the8 Mayor for the new Commission on Parks and9 Recreation. The record should reflect10 that the pool was absolutely amazing.11 There were a total of 194 individuals12 that this Committee heard from. When we13 started down this path, we never, ever14 imagined for a second the quality and the15 quantity of candidates that care about16 serving this city.17 You should know that the pool18 was wonderfully diverse, and all of the19 skill sets, as is stipulated in the20 legislation, will be reflected in the21 final 25.22 So I've been honored, along23 with my colleagues, to be a part of this24 process, and there's always your staff25 4 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 that but for them, we would not be here.2 And I would be extremely remiss not to3 give a huge thank-you to David Forde and4 Hal Fichandler for the important work5 they've done in ensuring that we end up6 with a final product of 25 that we can7 all be extremely proud of.8 I'll say again for the record9 that we made sure that every single skill10 set that was stipulated in the11 legislation is reflected in the final 25.12 That mattered to us, as well as making13 sure that this group of 25 looks like14 Philadelphia.15 And so they are: Noel Abejo,16 Charles Baltimore, Max Berger, Luther17 Collins, Andrew Denison, Nancy18 Goldenberg, Debra Wolf Goldstein, Jeffrey19 Hackett, David Hollenberg, Alexander20 "Pete" Hoskins, John B. Kelly, III,21 Anthony Langford, Matthew McClure,22 Michael McCrea, Leslie Anne Miller, Carla23 Puppin, Carol Rice, Carlos Rodriguez,24 Wendy Rosen, James Straw, Sarah Clark25 5 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 Stuart, Joseph Syrnick, Ronald Thomas,2 Maria Walker and L. Trena Woodson.3 The next step is that City4 Council will make these formal5 recommendations to the Mayor via a6 resolution on Thursday, June 4th. The7 Mayor will then select nine candidates8 from this list to serve on the9 Commission.10 I cannot emphasize how11 encouraged we all are for the future of12 our parks, because if you had a chance to13 hear the testimony, followed up with the14 reading of the application, the passion15 was extremely evident. So we're pleased16 now to move this process to the next17 step, which is the introduction of the18 resolution on Thursday, June 4th.19 (Applause.)20
We will21 now ask David to read the title of Bill22 No. 090098.23
090098, an24 ordinance renaming and designating the25 6 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 Fotteral Square Playground as the "James2 Young Memorial Playground."3
Councilman4 Clarke is not here to speak, if he would5 like, on the bill. So we will now, if we6 could, please ask Mr. Leo Dignam, please,7 to come to the witness table.8 (Witness approached witness9 table.)10
Good11 afternoon. If you could please state12 your name for the record and proceed with13 your testimony.14 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER DIGNAM:15 Good afternoon, Chairwoman. My name is16 Leo Dignam. I'm the Deputy Commissioner17 of the Department of Recreation, Program18 Division.19
And please20 proceed with your testimony on this bill.21 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER DIGNAM: We22 are in favor of renaming Fotteral Square23 after James Young. It's a small park at24 11th and York, and there's been a lot of25 7 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 improvements made to the park. It was2 originally named after a real estate3 expert back several decades ago, maybe a4 little bit more than that. We found5 nobody in the community that was against6 renaming it, and we're in favor of this.7
Any8 questions for this witness from members9 of the Committee?10 (No response.)11
Anyone12 else here to testify on Bill No. 090098?13 (No response.)14
Very well.15 Thank you for your testimony.16 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER DIGNAM:17 Thank you.18
You're19 welcome.20 We will now move on to Bill No.21 090192.22
090192, an23 ordinance renaming and designating the24 park located at the intersection of25 8 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 Germantown Avenue, York Street and North2 8th Street as the "Danny Boyle Community3 Park."4
Thank you.5 Again, Councilman Clarke is not6 here to offer testimony on this bill.7 Again, we will ask Mr. Leo Dignam to come8 forward and anyone else who cares to9 testify on Bill No. 090192.10 (Witnesses approached witness11 table.)12
Welcome13 back.14 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER DIGNAM:15 Thank you.16
State your17 name for the record.18 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER DIGNAM: My19 name is Leo Dignam. I'm Deputy20 Commissioner for the Department of21 Recreation, Program Division, and we and22 the Department of Recreation are in favor23 of renaming the park. Actually, the24 original name was Vandergrift Park. We25 9 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 could not find in our vast archives the2 reasoning for naming it Vandergrift Park.3 And Officer Law has really done a4 tremendous job there over the past few5 years, in conjunction with our6 Maintenance Division, to make major7 improvements to that community park. So8 we are definitely in favor of renaming it9 the Danny Boyle Park.10
Thank you.11 Good afternoon. Please state12 your name for the record and you're13 welcome to offer testimony.14 OFFICER LAW: Police Officer15 Anna Mae Law, currently assigned to the16 26th District. I'm the Community17 Relations Officer there.18 In February of 1991, Danny19 Boyle was killed as a result of a car20 stop at the 2400 block of Germantown21 Avenue. The park up until February of22 '03 -- I'm sorry; February of '06 was a23 nuisance park. It was drug dealers, drug24 users, deplorable conditions.25 10 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 I was asked if I can do2 anything with the park regarding a plaque3 dedication, which was done in May of4 2006. Since that time, I have had5 fencing replaced, benches replaced, new6 lighting, trash collected every week7 there. I myself, along with community8 service workers, go there weekly and keep9 the park -- the park is, I can tell you,10 is free of drugs and alcohol. And I'm11 supported by many, many members of the12 37th Ward, along with the Pentecostal13 church and the Evangelist church that's14 also located in that intersection. And15 we continue to work hard. Some concrete16 work has just recently been done, so17 we're moving forward.18 The park is now being used by19 the Hartranft Elementary School and Boys20 Club almost on a weekly basis, for they21 can come out and play and have lunch. So22 we have nice gatherings, family23 gatherings. Even after mass, people can24 come into the park now as a community25 11 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 park.2 So we're asking that it be3 named officially the Danny Boyle4 Community Park.5
Any6 questions from members of the Committee?7 (No response.)8
My only9 comment would be it certainly sounds like10 a community collaborative effort, and11 they always make the difference, because12 surely government can't do it alone13 anymore. So I salute the good work of14 that neighboring community.15 Anyone else to testify on Bill16 No. 090192?17 (No response.)18
We thank19 you both for your testimony.20 OFFICER LAW: Thank you.21
We will22 now ask the Clerk to read the title of23 Bill No. 090210.24
090210, an25 12 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 ordinance renaming and designating the2 McAlpin Playground located at 36th and3 Aspen Streets as the "Miles Mack4 Playground."5
We would6 like to ask Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell7 to offer testimony on this bill.8
Thank9 you, Madam Chairwoman, and thank you to10 members of the Committee for this honor.11 I would also like to thank all12 the members of his family and community13 who are here today as we consider Bill14 090210 renaming the McAlpin Playground15 located at 36th and Aspen Streets as the16 Miles Mack Playground.17 In the fall of last year,18 McAlpin was the scene of a shootout that19 erupted during a basketball tournament of20 the X-Tra Miles Developmental Basketball21 League founded by Mr. Miles Mack in 200422 to provide a constructive alternative to23 youth violence. Miles Mack, 42, was shot24 and killed as he tried to shield one of25 13 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 his players from gunfire.2 Renaming the playground in his3 honor is but a small token of our true4 debt to Mr. Mack, who literally gave his5 life protecting and caring for6 neighborhood youth.7 While best known for his work8 with the summer basketball league he9 founded, Mr. Miles Mack was a respected10 role model and pillar of the Mantua11 community. On behalf of members of his12 family -- and I'm going to ask all those13 who are here to stand as I name them,14 including his brother Morgan Mack, his15 sister Sidney Mack, his parents Michael16 and Sandra Mack, as well as Pete Bridges,17 James Brown, Keith Duckett, Butch Ellis,18 President of MASCO, Mantua Aspen Street19 Community Organization. They're all here20 to testify to present support in the21 renaming of the McAlpin Playground in his22 honor.23 I extend my heartfelt welcome24 and thanks to them for being here, and I25 14 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 offer my sincere conviction that this is2 an effort to prove that our community3 loss and his losing his life will not be4 in vain. As such, we request that the5 Committee give favorable consideration to6 the legislation renaming McAlpin7 Playground the Miles Mack Playground, and8 further ask for a suspension of the rules9 to allow first reading of this10 legislation at our next session of11 Council.12 Thank you, Madam Chairman,13 certainly Councilman DiCicco and14 Councilman Jones. Thank you.15
You're16 very welcome, Council Lady.17 Please, we would like to ask18 Sandra Mack and Pete Bridges to approach19 the witness table.20 (Witnesses approached witness21 table.)22
Good23 afternoon and welcome to these24 proceedings.25 15 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1
You're3 certainly welcome to state your name for4 the record and offer any remarks you5 desire.6
My name is Sandra11 Mack. I'm Miles Mack's mommy.12 Miles loved the community of13 Mantua and he loved the kids in Mantua.14 Miles, along with some very15 fine other young men from my community,16 gave unselfishly to these children,17 financially, emotionally.18 My son loved the kids in19 Mantua. They used to come to my house on20 Saturday morning, the little ones,21 kicking on my door, banging on my door,22 Is Miles up in here?23 I would tell them, Miles does24 not live here. I'll call him. And I25 16 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 say, Miles, if you don't come get these2 kids.3 He'd say, Mommy, you didn't4 fuss at them, did you? Because they need5 plenty of love and they need to believe6 in themselves.7 And that's what he believed in.8 He lost his life doing what he loved9 best, being with those kids.10 I thought about them renaming11 the playground after Miles, and at first12 it wasn't that important, and then I13 thought about it. I'd like for the kids,14 when they go in the playground, to always15 remember that there was a man that loved16 them. No matter how bad they were, he17 loved them.18 Thank you.19
Yes. Keith22 Bridges, former Supervisor of McAlpin23 Playground for 27 years.24 I first met Miles when he was25 17 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 13 years old. He played on my basketball2 team, and we traveled. I know one day we3 had a game and he wasn't there, so one of4 the players said, You have to go talk to5 his mother. And let me tell you6 something, this is a great family that he7 came from. When I left out of that8 house, his mother took me through9 something, and I knew right then and10 there that he was the right guy.11 He came along and he played in12 my league. He coached in my league. And13 I'll never forget that when I retired, he14 put his arm around me, he said,15 Mr. Bridges, he said, I'm gonna take the16 torch up and I'm gonna keep it going for17 you. He said, If anything ever happened18 to you, we want to name the playground19 after you.20 And here we are naming it after21 him.22 And not only was it about23 basketball, like his mother said, him and24 his friends, they would every Father's25 18 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 Day -- you should be there. They would2 have an affair for all the fathers,3 whether they were part of the community4 or not. They could come and eat and5 share their thoughts. And not only that,6 twice during the summer they would feed7 the community. The kids that didn't have8 nowhere to go, didn't have nothing to9 eat, they would feed them. And he would10 always take the young men that were the11 bad ones. He wouldn't take -- he would12 take the bad ones and he would train13 them.14 And I would say this: I am so15 proud of him. I miss him. He was like a16 son to me. He come from a good family,17 and it's an honor to have me here to18 speak the little words I have to say19 about him, and it would do the community20 a great pleasure by naming the playground21 after him. You couldn't pick a better22 role model.23
Any24 questions or comments from members of25 19 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 this Committee?2 (No response.)3
As someone4 who grew up in Mantua, I didn't know him,5 I knew of him, and it's huge that young6 people -- he never gave up on the young7 people in that community. So he's left8 us an enormous example to follow.9 Be well. Thank you for your10 testimony.11
Leo13 Dignam.14 (Witness approached witness15 table.)16 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER DIGNAM:17 Leo Dignam, Deputy Commissioner for the18 Department of Recreation.19 The City of Philadelphia lost a20 great volunteer in Mr. Mack. After Pete21 Bridges left, he retired a couple years22 ago, he was really a mainstay and great23 supporter of our programs and did a24 tremendous job in that neighborhood, and25 20 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 we wholeheartedly support the renaming of2 McAlpin Playground the Miles Mack3 Playground.4
Thank you5 for your testimony.6 Anyone else here to speak on7 Bill No. 090210?8 (No response.)9
We will10 now ask the Clerk to read the title of11 Bill No. 090327.12
090327, an13 ordinance authorizing the President of14 the Fairmount Park Commission and the15 Executive Director of Fairmount Park, on16 behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to17 enter into a Master Lease providing for18 the lease by the City to the Philadelphia19 Authority for Industrial Development of20 the Northwestern Equestrian Facility in21 Fairmount Park, under which PAID will be22 required to enter into an agreement23 pursuant to which PAID will sublease the24 property to the Northwestern Stables,25 21 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 Inc. for the occupation, operation,2 maintenance and management of the3 Facility, all under certain provisions.4
Thank you.5 If we could please ask Mark6 Focht, Fairmount Park, to move to the7 witness table.8 (Witness approached witness9 table.)10
14 My name is Mark Focht and I am the15 Executive Director of Fairmount Park, and16 I am pleased to appear before you today,17 on behalf of the staff of Fairmount Park,18 in support of Council Bill No. 2 Northwestern Stables is3 situated at the northwestern edge of4 Wissahickon Valley Park, at Germantown5 and Northwestern Avenues, and serves as a6 gateway to the Park. Northwestern7 Stables, Inc. has held a year-to-year8 lease on the property with the City and9 Fairmount Park since April 1st, 1993. In10 2006, the organization went through a11 transition, which resulted in the12 formation of an engaged, proactive Board13 of Directors and professional management14 of the stables. 21 Northwestern Stables, Inc. did achieve22 and, in many cases, exceed these23 milestones. 5 An example of these milestones6 include creation of a management plan,7 revision to the organization's management8 structure, an increased maintenance9 commitment to improve the facilities and10 an expanded range of program offerings to11 enhance its interactions with the12 Philadelphia community. By offering13 below-cost or no-cost rates to the Police14 Athletic League and Department of15 Recreation, to name just two16 organizations, Northwestern provides17 equestrian experiences to urban children18 who may not otherwise receive such an19 opportunity. 5 Northwestern Stables, Inc. 17 Under the five-year sublease18 with PAID, Northwestern Stables, Inc. is19 fully responsible for the operation,20 management and repair of this equestrian21 facility. The sublease also has a22 five-year option to renew, which is at23 the City's discretion. 8 Therefore, today I appear9 before you to pledge the support of10 Fairmount Park staff for this legislation11 and respectively ask that City Council12 approve Bill No. 17 Thank you. 20
Any21 questions from members of this Committee?22 Councilman Curtis Jones.23
No; just a24 statement, that Northwestern Stables25 26 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 being in the 4th Councilmanic District, I2 never cease to be amazed as to the look3 on people's faces whenever we would go up4 to the stable and they would be in a5 state of disbelief that something so6 beautiful could be in the heart of an7 inner city community. And it just is8 important that we maintain that kind of9 presence there and that the facility10 continue to get the kind of support that11 it needs to be an asset to the City of12 Philadelphia. And I'm just glad that13 we're continuing in a multi-year lease to14 give people a degree of confidence to15 invest capital and to make it a beautiful16 facility.17
If we25 27 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 could please ask Anne-Marie Corner,2 President of the Board of Directors for3 Northwestern Stables, to please come to4 the witness table.5 (Witnesses approached witness6 table.)7
Please11 state your name for the record and12 proceed with your testimony.13
16 I'm pleased to appear before17 you today on behalf of the Stables in18 support of Council Bill No. 22 Northwestern Stables is a23 community organization that has been in24 existence since 1993. 18 Our current operations comprise19 three main areas: The lesson program,20 boarding and summer programs. The lesson21 program runs six days a week year round22 and has approximately 75 to 100 riders23 participating each week. The majority of24 these riders are children. 1 English hunt seat riding, learning to2 walk, trot, canter and jump a horse, as3 well as grooming and horsemanship. Our4 riders compete at local horse shows, and5 we've had several champions over the6 years. Our lessons last approximately7 two hours, and we encourage8 responsibility, good horsemanship. 11 Our second major activity is12 horse boarding. The boarder barn has13 capacity for around 22 horses. are our riding camps. Camp includes riding instruction, arts5 and crafts, water activities, and it's6 been sold out every year that we've7 offered it. 10 But we also offer two community11 camp programs that are provided free of12 charge. 10 In addition to these three main11 activities, we also run a number of12 community events, including a horse show,13 attended by riders not only from our barn14 but from other barns in the Fairmount15 Park system. We host the Wissahickon Day16 Parade. We host an annual winter bazaar17 with pony and carriage rides. We host18 visits from Brownie troops, classrooms19 and other groups. 1 an army of volunteers, some of whom have2 come here today. And in addition to the3 time donated by our volunteers, including4 our Executive Director, who works full5 time for half pay, we're grateful to6 parents, boarders and riders for the many7 hours they spend improving the barn. We8 host clean-up days in spring and fall,9 where last year over 60 volunteers10 cleared the grounds at the barn and in11 Harper's Meadow. 16 In 2007, we raised $14,000 for17 the replacement of the footing in the18 indoor ring. 19 The base was fixed and regraded, and new20 dust-free footing was trucked in. 12 So in conclusion, I'd like to13 reiterate that we have a committed and14 skilled Board that has experience in15 running businesses, both for-profit and16 not-for-profit, with significant17 experience with horses, and this has18 brought about good governance and an19 improvement in the programs offered at20 the barn. 4
You are5 welcome. We thank you for your6 testimony.7 Any questions for this witness?8 (No response.)9
Good10 afternoon. Please state your name for11 the record and proceed with your12 testimony.13
My name is Lauren14 Taverna. My daughter Carly has been part15 of the lesson program for almost nine16 years now. She started riding at17 Northwestern when she was eight years18 old. After six years, we got her horse19 Lulu. She is used in the lesson program,20 and that helps offset the costs of owning21 a horse, which is something that22 Northwestern does to encourage the23 responsibility of horse-riding.24 Three years ago when we got our25 35 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 horse -- we're also a boarder and a2 lesson rider. From the day -- from the3 first day that we went to the barn, we4 loved it. Everyone was extremely nice5 and helpful. Carly and I have made6 friends, including the staff, riders and7 the other parents. We're like a family.8 We all look out for each other and for9 our horses.10 When we had our lesson show and11 our fall fundraiser, everyone helps out.12 You never need to look very far for13 someone to lend a hand. It's a great14 feeling that we all feel like part of15 Northwestern community, and the barn16 would not be such a good place without17 everyone helping each other.18 For the past few years, I have19 been helping out with the summer camps.20 It's great to see how the children come21 in at camp loving being around the horses22 and enjoying learning all that they can.23 It's especially wonderful to see the kids24 from PAL, the Police Athletic League,25 36 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 come in and experience something that2 they might not have been able to do3 otherwise. These are children who have4 rarely seen horses, let alone ride on5 them, and it's a wonderful feeling to see6 these children grooming horses, feeding7 them, learning the basics of riding.8 At Northwestern, we feel like a9 family, a big community. We are helping10 each other. We love the riding program,11 and we all support the fundraisers. We12 feel that we each have a part to play in13 helping children understand the joys of14 caring for the horses and the lifelong15 lessons that come with that.16
Thank you17 for your testimony.18 Any questions for these19 witnesses?20 (No response.)21
Thank you,22 ladies.23 Anyone else here to testify on24 Bill No. 090327?25 37 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 (No response.)2
We will3 now ask the Clerk to read the title of4 Bill No. 090330.5
090330, an6 ordinance authorizing the President of7 the Fairmount Park Commission and the8 Executive Director of Fairmount Park, on9 behalf of the City, to enter into a10 Master Lease providing for the lease by11 the City to the Philadelphia Authority12 for Industrial Development of a portion13 of the west corner of Arch Street, 16th14 Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and15 under which PAID will be required to16 enter into an agreement pursuant to which17 PAID will sublease the property to The18 Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance19 Foundation, Inc. for the development,20 construction and operation of an21 educational facility and memorial park to22 foster remembrance and understanding of23 the Holocaust, all under certain24 provisions.25 38 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 (Witness approached witness2 table.)3
Thank you.4 Thank you very much.5 Mark Focht, Fairmount Park.6
Good afternoon7 again. Mark Focht, Executive Director of8 Fairmount Park. I am pleased to appear9 before you today, on behalf of the staff10 of Fairmount Park, in full support of11 Council Bill No. 12 In 1964, the City of13 Philadelphia became the first city in14 North America to erect a public memorial15 to the Holocaust. The memorial stands at16 the west side of the intersection of Arch17 Street, 16th Street and the Benjamin18 Franklin Parkway. 7 Many survivors and liberators, who bore8 witness to the atrocities of the9 Holocaust, have since passed away. The10 sons and daughters of survivors and11 liberators are also growing old. New12 generations of Philadelphians have been13 born, whose only knowledge of the14 Holocaust may be what they learned in a15 brief session of a class, or even less16 than that. 1 of the current memorial. The2 Foundation's plans were to create a3 memorial that will honor the victims of4 the Holocaust and perpetuate memory of5 the Holocaust. 7 Initially, the Remembrance8 Foundation envisioned a plaza where9 individuals and groups could quietly10 contemplate the Holocaust. Last year,11 Remembrance Foundation officials proposed12 a more ambitious project. The plan, as13 currently envisioned, is to construct a14 building with educational programs to15 promote more active learning. The16 Foundation has retained the17 world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie to18 design the building. 1 substantial amount to construct, program2 and maintain the new building. As3 currently envisioned, the facility will4 be about two stories tall, which includes5 one story below grade, and will use a6 portion of the space underneath the7 sidewalk in the public right-of-way to8 maximize use of its site. The Foundation9 will operate and maintain the building10 and plaza solely as its own cost. The11 new building would be controlled by the12 Remembrance Foundation, but its programs13 would be open to everyone. The building14 would occupy most of the raised, planted15 area in the triangular slice of land at16 Arch, 16th and the Parkway. The17 Remembrance Foundation would also improve18 the open plaza area around the Monument19 to Six Million Jewish Martyrs. The plaza20 would be open to the public. Fairmount21 Park would seek to adopt regulations to22 preserve the memorial as a solemn place23 of learning, remembrance and24 contemplation. 3 The Remembrance Foundation4 would have the right to use the open5 plaza area up to 30 times each year to6 hold events that promote remembrance of7 the Holocaust, including the annual8 Holocaust Memorial observation. 12 The terms of the agreement13 would be 40 years, and the Remembrance14 Foundation would have the ability to15 renew the term for an additional 4016 years. 2 Therefore, I appear before you3 today to pledge the full support of4 Fairmount Park staff for this legislation5 and respectively ask that City Council6 approve Bill No. 14
Mark15 Focht, as you well know with all matters16 that come before City Council,17 irregardless of the scale of the18 transaction, a number of Councilmembers19 have consistent questions around MBE/WBE20 participation.21 What has been the role, if any,22 of the Fairmount Park Commission with23 this interest?24
You will hear in a25 44 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 moment from the Foundation officials,2 which have developed an EOE, which they3 would like to present as part of their4 testimony as attachment to the5 legislation.6
So7 Fairmount Park has not had those kind of8 discussions with --9
I'm sorry,10 Councilwoman. What you will hear is the11 results of our conversations with the12 Foundation. And it's their document,13 it's their commitment to the EOE, so they14 would like to present it to you.15
Very well.16 Okay, then.17 Any questions from members of18 the Committee for Mr. Mark Focht19 regarding the Philadelphia Holocaust20 Remembrance Foundation?21 (No response.)22
If we2 could please ask Harvey Sternberg to3 please approach the witness table.4 (Witnesses approached witness5 table.)6
You're11 welcome. Please state your name for the12 record and you're welcome to proceed with13 your testimony.14
My name is15 Harvey Sternberg. I'm here as a16 volunteer and a Board member of the17 Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance18 Foundation.19 We thank Mr. Focht for his20 statement, and we have very brief21 remarks, comments in addition as solace.22 PHRF is dedicated to honoring23 survivors of the Holocaust and the memory24 of those who perished.25 46 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 A new technology-rich2 educational facility is planned at the3 location of the Monument on the Parkway4 at the intersection of 16th Street and5 Arch Street. The Monument will remain in6 its original location on the corner.7 The expanded site is a small,8 irregularly shaped quarter acre,9 currently elevated and unavailable to10 pedestrians, adjacent to the Verizon11 switching facilities.12 The building is planned as an13 experiential audio video center for14 enlightenment regarding the Holocaust,15 genocide, human rights and tolerance.16 The Foundation recognizes the17 prominence and importance of this18 location and has accordingly engaged the19 services of a world-class architect,20 Moshe Safdie, to develop the building21 design.22 The design will be a dignified23 and compelling tribute, worthy of the24 subject matter, well suited to the25 47 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 high-profile location on the Parkway and2 respectful of the Park and its visible3 openness.4 Approval of any structure must5 proceed through all appropriate City of6 Philadelphia agencies, including, but not7 limited to, the Planning Commission, the8 Art Commission and City Licenses and9 Inspection.10 The project and programming are11 intended as a destination from our own12 neighborhoods and from around the world.13 The Foundation will work with14 the Philadelphia School District and15 other school districts and universities16 to ensure that appropriate educational17 materials reach students now and in the18 future.19 With dynamic and changeable20 audio video content, meaningful lessons21 will be presented to students, families,22 tourists, corporations and government23 agencies.24 Collaboration has begun with a25 48 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 number of local and national2 organizations, including Steven3 Spielberg's Shoah Foundation, that are4 dedicated to combatting prejudice by5 teaching tolerance and humanity.6 The Foundation's facility will7 complement its distinguished neighbors in8 the Parkway/Museum District and provide9 another venue to contribute to the10 collective draw for visitors.11 No funding will be requested or12 required from the City of Philadelphia.13 The Foundation has created an14 Equal Opportunity Plan for the project,15 with the advice and assistance of16 Councilman Clarke's office. The project17 will be environmentally sound and energy18 efficient, with LEED certification for19 the building and green areas for the20 public. And we have a copy of the draft21 EOP with us that we'd like to offer into22 evidence today as well.23 Thank you.24
Thank you25 49 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 very much for your testimony.2 We'll hear from Joan Stern.3
Respectfully,4 members of the Committee, I am not here5 to offer formal testimony. I serve as6 counsel to the Foundation, and I'm just7 here to answer any technical questions8 you might have.9
And as a10 matter of record, Councilman Clarke's11 office has been intimately involved in12 the development of the plan?13
As a15 matter of practice, we typically ask the16 District Councilperson that is17 representing that enterprise to put18 comments on the record, so I want to19 extend that same opportunity.20 Councilman Clarke.21
Thank you,22 Madam Chair.23 Good afternoon. We actually24 were reviewing the Equal Opportunity Plan25 50 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 as you spoke to look at some of the2 reflections of the numbers, and I3 understand it is comparable to the Sister4 Cities project that was referred,5 proposed as recently as maybe this week.6
I'm a9 little -- on the professional services10 side, I probably need to have a little11 more detailed conversation, because those12 numbers are in single digits. So I'd13 like to get a better sense of why those14 numbers are not -- why they are in single15 digits. But on the construction side,16 they're pretty decent numbers. So we're17 hoping that you can reach those goals and18 obviously will be prepared to be19 supportive in any way, shape or form. I20 know the City's OEO office will be very21 supportive in identifying those22 applicants or those construction-related23 activities that can be in the position to24 provide opportunities.25 51 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 I want to say that I'm excited2 about the prospects of having this3 project in such a prominent location.4 We're looking forward to moving online.5 I always like to say that this is the6 best Council district in the City of7 Philadelphia. It's second only to the8 Council districts that all of you live9 in.10 I'll just make sure I take care11 of our politics.12 So I just want to say, Madam13 Chair, I'm very excited about the14 possibility and the prospects of getting15 this done in a timely way. So thank you.16 Thank you for your support.17 COUNCILWOMAN BROWN:18 Absolutely.19 And while we recognize that the20 City is not contributing financially to21 it, we've just learned the hard way here22 that if we don't ask the questions on the23 front end, many come with good intent,24 but it's ultimately work product,25 52 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 documents, that show the intended2 purpose.3 Let me commend you on the4 collaboration with the Philadelphia5 public school system and knowing that has6 value at the door of the launch of this7 project. It's extremely important. And8 I would suggest that you also, as you9 grow your community outreach, look to10 charter schools as well, because they too11 can benefit from knowing about this12 important history.13 So thank you both for your14 testimony.15 Any other questions from16 members of this Committee?17 (No response.)18
We thank19 you very much, and congratulations on20 this first step.21
We'd now23 like to ask the Clerk to please read the24 title of Bill No. 090443.25 53 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1
090443, an2 ordinance authorizing the Executive3 Director of Fairmount Park Commission,4 the Recreation Commissioner, the Public5 Property Commissioner and the Director of6 Commerce to execute an amendment to the7 lease dated November 1st, 1993, between8 the City and the Philadelphia Authority9 for Industrial Development ('PAID'),10 authorized by Bill No. 505 of 1993, and11 under which PAID entered into a sublease12 with the Fairmount Park Historic13 Preservation Trust, Inc. (the 'Trust'),14 under which, in turn, from time to time,15 the Trust has entered into sub-subleases16 with third parties who have restored17 historic houses and other properties in18 Fairmount Park in exchange for long-term19 leases, under certain provisions.20
Thank you21 very much.22 (Witness approached witness23 table.)24
Mr. Mark25 54 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 Focht, please proceed with your2 testimony.3
Good afternoon4 again. Mark Focht, Executive Director of5 Fairmount Park. I am pleased to appear6 before you today, on behalf of the staff7 of Fairmount Park, in full support of8 Council Bill No. 9 Part of the mission of10 Fairmount Park is the preservation of the11 historic houses and other historic12 properties within the Fairmount Park13 system. 17 Unfortunately, it can be18 extremely expensive to preserve historic19 properties. There are more than 20020 historic structures within the Fairmount21 Park system. Altogether, the22 preservation needs of those historic23 properties would overwhelm the City's24 budgetary resources. 1 1993, the City, City Council and2 Fairmount Park officials developed a3 program that make a list of historic4 properties in the Fairmount Park system5 available for lease. Specifically, a6 private organization can lease a historic7 property in Fairmount Park in exchange8 for investing significant funds to9 restore and maintain the property. 13 Under Bill 505, the City signed14 a lease agreement with the Philadelphia15 Authority for Industrial Development,16 PAID, which signed a sublease with the17 Fairmount Park Historic Preservation18 Trust, Inc. 3 The Psychoanalytical Center of4 Philadelphia is a non-profit organization5 which sub-subleases Rockland Mansion in6 East Fairmount Park. Since 2002, the7 Center has invested more than $1 million8 to restore this magnificent historic9 mansion. The Center also maintains the10 mansion and its surrounding grounds. 19 The terms of the original20 agreement authorized by Bill 505 is 199321 to 2033. 1 potential tenants. Many tenants would2 consider investing substantial funding to3 restore a historic property but, in4 exchange, need terms longer than 24 years5 to amortize their investment. The City's6 gap financing program offered through the7 Commerce Department requires leases of no8 less than 30 years. 1 extend the term of the agreements to2 2055. 11 Under Bill 505, the Preservation Trust12 has five years to designate a historic13 property for sublease. The original14 designation period was five years. It15 was extended for two more five-year16 periods, but the last of those extensions17 has expired. 1 amendments to the agreements authorized2 by the bill if those changes would not3 increase the City's obligation under the4 agreement or reduce the benefits to the5 City under the agreements. If the City6 Council President believes that a7 proposed amendment would make a material8 change in the deal, the City Council9 President can refer the proposed change10 to the full City Council for its11 approval. 4 Therefore, I appear before you5 today to pledge the full support of6 Fairmount Park staff for this legislation7 and respectively ask City Council8 approval of Bill No. 13 Thank you. 16
Very well,20 Mark Focht. We thank you very much for21 your testimony.22
Let's25 61 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 please ask Lucy Strackhouse, Executive2 Director, Fairmount Park Historic3 Preservation Trust, to approach the4 witness table.5 (Witness approached witness6 table.)7
Good8 afternoon, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds9 Brown and Committee. Thank you for the10 opportunity to provide testimony today.11 The Fairmount Park Historic12 Preservation Trust traces its origin back13 to discussions that began in the late14 1980s in regards to solving the15 overwhelming issues with restoration and16 adaptive reuse of over 200 structures in17 Fairmount Park. The Fairmount Park18 Commission hired Urban Partners, Jackson19 and Kine, the Philadelphia Historic20 Preservation Corporation to report on the21 potential applicability of adaptive reuse22 of buildings in Fairmount Park. The23 report concluded that a new24 public-private partnership was needed to25 62 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 manage and attract investment to these2 buildings.3 In 1992, Philadelphia City4 Council acted on these recommendations by5 passing Bill 505, with an original master6 leased list of 43 properties. Seed7 capital was provided by the William Penn8 Foundation, the Stockton Rush Bartol9 Foundation, the Pew Charitable Trusts,10 and the Trust was officially incorporated11 in 1992.12 The mission of the Trust, a13 non-profit organization, is to provide14 leadership, technical assistance and15 advocacy to preserve, develop and manage16 historic properties and other cultural17 resources in Philadelphia's Fairmount18 Park. The Trust began to market historic19 properties and offer assistance to20 stewardship organizations throughout the21 Park. One of the first leases signed in22 1997 was with the Cancer Wellness23 Community and the Susan B. Morgan24 Foundation for Ridgeland Mansion. In25 63 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 return to a long-term lease, the Cancer2 Wellness Center invested more than $13 million in capital improvements and4 restored the mansion and adjacent barn5 for use as a counseling center.6 In the 1990s, the Trust7 instituted an architectural conservation8 program to fulfill a need for qualified9 restoration work on all historic Park10 properties. We work with stewardship11 organizations throughout the Park and12 offer services such as project13 management, masonry and wood14 conservation, graffiti removal and15 preservation consulting.16 Today, the Trust manages 1217 long-term leases and over 30 historic18 structures. Some examples of our19 long-term leases are the Fox Chase Farm20 with the School District of Philadelphia,21 the Friends of the Wissahickon and the22 Valley Green Inn, and Centennial Cafe at23 Ohio House, with Ohio House Partners.24 One of our most recent projects is the25 64 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 adaptive reuse and leasing of Bathey2 House in East Falls, which is on South3 Ferry Road, and that will be used as a4 cafe and it will also provide public5 bathrooms and it will be a recreational6 rental outlet. We're hoping to see that7 open within the next six months.8 Since 1992, the Trust has9 secured or provided the vehicle for10 investment into Fairmount Park of well11 over $10 million.12 Thank you. I'm happy to answer13 any questions.14
Please15 tell me, how long have you served in the16 capacity as Executive Director of the17 Fairmount Park?18
I have been19 Executive Director since September of20 2006 and was Interim for the six months21 prior to that.22
Yes, Madam25 65 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 Chair. We were able to steal her away2 from Canada and get her to come down.3 And I just want to thank you4 for some 16 months ago taking me on a5 tour of some of the facilities within the6 Park, and I discovered that the7 Rittenhouse was where the first paper8 mill was and the Bathey House and its9 rich history, the Ohio House, which is a10 part of the Centennial District, which is11 in the 4th District, which has celebrated12 over a million visitors to come through.13 So we're real happy to have you14 as a part of that, and support your15 efforts to keep those facilities as16 hidden treasures, and we're going to make17 sure that more people discover them. And18 we look forward to working with you on19 that.20
I've had22 the good fortune to serve as a Board23 member prior to your arrival, which is24 why I raised the question. So let me25 66 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 salute you for the important work that2 you all continue to do. It's wonderful.3
Thank you5 very much.6 Any other questions for this7 witness?8 (No response.)9
Very well.10 This concludes our public hearing and we11 will now move into our public meeting.12 Councilman Clarke, could I13 please have a motion on Bill No. 090098.14
Thank you,15 Madam Chair.16 Madam Chair, I move that Bill17 No. 090098 be reported out of Committee18 with a favorable recommendation and19 request for a rules suspension as to20 allow reading at the next session of21 Council.22 (Duly seconded.)23
Bill No.24 090098 has been moved and properly25 67 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 seconded.2 All in favor say aye.3 (Aye.)4
Therefore,8 Bill No. 090098 will be reported out of9 this Committee with a favorable10 recommendation and a further11 recommendation that the rules of Council12 be suspended to allow first reading at13 our next scheduled Council meeting.14 I would like to ask Councilman15 Clarke to please make a motion on Bill16 No. 090192.17
Thank you,18 Madam Chair. I move that Bill No. 09019219 be reported out of Committee with a20 favorable recommendation and with a rules21 suspension as to allow reading at the22 next session of Council.23 (Duly seconded.)24
Bill No.25 68 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 090192 has been moved and properly2 seconded.3 All in favor say aye.4 (Aye.)5
Therefore,9 Bill No. 090192 -- the bill is approved.10 Thank you. Therefore, Bill No. 09019211 has been moved out of Committee with a12 favorable recommendation and further13 moved that the rules of Council be14 suspended so as to permit first reading15 at the next scheduled session of City16 Council.17 I'm going to ask Councilman18 DiCicco to please make a motion on Bill19 No. 090210, with a suspension of the20 rules.21 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you,22 Madam Chair. I move that Bill No. 09021023 be reported out of this Committee with a24 favorable recommendation and that the25 69 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 rules of Council be suspended so as to2 permit first reading at our next regular3 session of City Council.4
Bill No.8 090210 has been moved and properly9 seconded.10 All in favor say aye.11 (Aye.)12
The bill16 is approved. Therefore, Bill No. 09021017 will be reported out of this Committee18 with a favorable recommendation and19 further moved that the rules of Council20 be suspended so as to permit first21 reading.22 We will now ask Councilman23 Curtis Jones to please make a motion on24 Bill No. 090327.25 70 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1
Thank you,2 Madam Chairman. I move that Bill No.3 090327 be reported out of the Committee4 with a favorable recommendation and the5 rules of Council be suspended to permit6 first reading in the next scheduled7 Council meeting.8 (Duly seconded.)9
This bill10 has been moved and seconded.11 All in favor say aye.12 (Aye.)13
The bill17 is approved. Bill No. 090327 will be18 reported out of this Committee with a19 favorable recommendation and further20 moved that the rules of Council be21 suspended so as to allow first reading at22 our next scheduled Council session.23 I would now like to ask24 Councilman Clarke to please make a motion25 71 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 on Bill No. 090330, with a suspension of2 the rules.3
Thank you,4 Madam Chair. I move that Bill No. 0903305 be reported out of Committee with a6 favorable recommendation, with rules7 suspension as to allow reading at the8 next session of Council.9 (Duly seconded.)10
Bill No.11 090330 has been moved and properly12 seconded.13 All in favor say aye.14 (Aye.)15
Bill No.19 090330 will be reported out of this20 Committee with a favorable recommendation21 and a further recommendation that the22 rules of Council be suspended so as to23 permit first reading at the next24 scheduled session of City Council.25 72 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 I'd like to ask Councilman2 Clarke to please make a motion on Bill3 No. 090443.4
Thank you,5 Madam Chair. I move that Bill 090443 be6 reported out of Committee with a7 favorable recommendation and a request8 for rules suspension as to allow reading9 at the next session of Council.10 (Duly seconded.)11
The bill12 has been moved and seconded. Bill No.13 090443 will be moved out of this14 Committee with a favorable recommendation15 and a further recommendation that the16 rules of Council be suspended so as to17 permit first reading at our next18 scheduled session of City Council.19 All in favor say aye.20 (Aye.)21
The bill25 73 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 is approved.2 Councilman Jones, could I have3 a motion on Resolution 090057 reporting4 the Committee's recommendations for the5 Parks and Recreation Commission.6
I move for7 the adoption of the resolution.8 (Duly seconded.)9
090057. I11 move for the adoption of the report with12 a favorable recommendation.13
Resolution14 090057 has been moved and properly15 seconded.16 All in favor say aye.17 (Aye.)18
Resolution22 090057 has been reported out of this23 Committee with a favorable24 recommendation.25 74 6/1/09 - PARKS - BILL 090098, etc.1 This concludes the meeting of2 the City Council Committee on Recreation,3 Parks and Cultural Affairs.4 Thank you for your attendance.5 (Committee on Parks, Recreation6 and Cultural Affairs concluded at 2:357 p.m.)8 - - -9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 75 1 CERTIFICATE2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the3 proceedings, evidence and objections are4 contained fully and accurately in the5 stenographic notes taken by me upon the6 foregoing matter on June 1, 2009, and that7 this is a true and correct transcript of same.8 9 10 11 12 13 ______________________________14 MICHELE L. MURPHY15 RPR-Notary Public16 17 18 (The foregoing certification of this19 transcript does not apply to any reproduction20 of the same by any means, unless under the21 direct control and/or supervision of the22 certifying reporter.)23 24 25