Good morning, Council President, Councilmembers. My name is Ray Johnson. I'm the rightful owner of property in Southwest, Center City, Graduate Hospital. I want to piggyback off Ms. Fassett's commentary in reference to Act 135. She and I spoke at a special hearing last year around this time, March 21, 2024. And even at that time, there was some commentary that Act 135 was the new hustle. So when I noticed something with our Honorable Mayor had proposed I think two weeks ago, she laid out what she called seven star goals. And one of the goals in that particular seven star goal was to reduce blight and vacancy. And when I noticed that, I said this is eerily similar to the blight and abandonment. And I said, this couldn't possibly be. If we're talking about stabilizing communities, this is one of the most egregious pillage acts that are happening in the city of Philadelphia. This is by predatory petition meals, and there's just a few of them that are taking the lion's share of petitions in the city of Philadelphia. I can speak to this confidently because I've been a victim -- no, I hate to use the word victim. I have been subjected to at least a $4.5 million haircut and with no resolution. And I'm asking, do something.
Colleagues, what you just heard is very true. What you just heard is the new hustle. What you just heard if these individuals under Act 135 really wanted to help and remove blight, there's plenty of low-value neighborhoods they could approach, do something for. But what they do is they go into neighborhoods that are increasing in value and then under the auspices of we just want to remove blight, we want to remove you from your house. And we really have to -we deal with so many issues of varying importance, but none more important than stopping the bank robbery before it happens. And if you look at Wynnefield, that's such a neighborhood where these big houses are left to their heirs and often the cost of renovation is humongous. And the idea there is that they will put their money together and begin the renovation, but they swoop in, start renovations and keep the meter running, often at increased prices so that they can never, ever, ever repay it back. We need to -- and I would ask you, Mr. President, to help us, this body, to do a special committee from the Housing Committee to look at this because it is a hustle, that I think there are multiple conspirators involved in this. If they truly wanted to help remove blight, there are plenty of places where that activity would be welcome. But if the only time you want to help is when it hurts somebody else, we got something for you. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Thank you, Member Jones. And I'm going to acknowledge the gentleman inside this body who, once he arrived, he led the effort regarding addressing the issue. And I'll be more than welcome to put together a special committee with him at the helm in terms of leadership of leading the effort. And so, Member Young, can you update us on your hearing that you had around this particular issue and inform the public on the work that you are doing to address it.
Thank you, Mr. President. So, yes, one of the first things I did upon the arrival to this body is bring Act 135 to the forefront, because there are folks in the city who don't understand the magnitude of what's happening with Act 135. And I want to echo everything that Councilman Jones has said. This is the new racket. This is the new pay day. This is the new stripping of the equity and wealth of our communities. And I brought that to the attention of this body and others I believe it was last March when we had a hearing, particularly about we talked about a property that was in Fishtown, right. We all know the values that are happening in Fishtown. But these conservatorship hearings are happening all over the city, in places where their property values are rising. Like Councilman Jones said, they are not happening in areas where the values are low, because again these perpetrators of Act 135 are hiding under the guise of being a nonprofit developer who wants to eradicate blight, but essentially all they want to do is strip the wealth and equity from our communities. I've been working on draft legislation to send to the state. We just want to make sure that folks are clear, this is a state law. This is not a City of Philadelphia law. This is a state law that we need our State Representatives, our State Senators and our Governor to address in order to fix the issues. Like I said, I have been working on some draft legislation. I've been talking to the Chair of the Philadelphia Delegation about putting some pressure on our state to amend this law to make it more fair and equitable to residents of the city of Philadelphia. So that's something that I will not stop working on. As an attorney, I've defended people from these cases and I see that even with a lawyer, you're handcuffed. Once an Act 135 petition is filed, you are now liable for all the fees of the petitioner. That is insane. It is unfair and it's unjust. And so, we're going to continue to work on this matter to make sure that our communities get the justice that we deserve. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. President. And I just want to applaud my colleagues for their work on this issue. And just as a reminder, we had the same issue happen with a property in Germantown which was clearly not neglected, but a petition was filed. And as a result, the City of Philadelphia or the Redevelopment Authority, who was the property owner, was responsible for paying out the cost. At the end of the day, the petition was dismissed, but not without a very hefty price tag from the taxpayers from the Redevelopment Authority to cover this cost. This is the new hustle as Councilman Jones put it so eloquently. This is something that is happening. If you're in a hustle game, then you can pick up a couple bucks. And there's quite a few tutorials that tell you how to do it. I'm not going to tell anybody where to go to find that information, but this information is out there. It's circulating and we need to do something or actually the state, the Commonwealth, we need your help. We really need your help to address this because it really is a property grab and a hustle. So thank you for bringing this issue to the forefront of our attention to all those who spoke today on it. Thank you.
Thank you. And we'll explore with Mr. Christmas to look at a joint committee to make sure we have our state partners at the actual table and we can work on this issue together. Thank you very much, Member Jones, for the recommendation and we'll jump on this immediately. Thank you very much. Chief Clerk, please call the next person.
As always, I'm going to talk about generational wealth so you know where I'm going. And I'm on board with Councilwoman Lozada as far as her mixed-use. And I'm hoping that there's no loopholes in that. And so, therefore it will benefit us. So with me making sure that I pick one of your things on the agenda, we want development in Philadelphia, but we want to make sure that development benefits Philadelphians. It's not supposed to be about outside developers while citizens in Philadelphia are being pushed out. And that's what we see that's going on. Mr. Johnson is the man that I mentioned many months ago. This is my first time seeing him. And I've been talking about him and other people. Yes, the Act 135 is horrible, because as one of the people came to speak many months ago, her mother went into the hospital. And when she came out, someone was taking over our house, Act 135. This is the new hustle. We can't get it fixed at City Council, but we need you all to hear us, to partner with us because now we have to go to Harrisburg. Thank you, Councilman Jones. Thank you, O'Rourke, because I know you have something up your sleeve for us. Thank you, Jeffrey Young. That's why y'all are part of the Fab 5 or 6, and we really need your help with this. Generational wealth is being stolen. Yes, we need the development, but the way you all are developing and allowing developers to come in is actually creating more unaffordability. Okay. And that's the problem. So we have to start doing our rehabbing first because that creates affordable housing better and creates jobs. Also, you have to support the small landlords like me. If we're not in place, then they have no competition. They can make the price whatever they want to. I want to also bring attention to the fact of the aggressive ticketing by PPA and the street-sweepers. This has to stop. You can't bleed us like potatoes or what have you. Our wonderful Mayors's 15-member Tax Commission Board, they're talking about 20-year abatements for developers. So I'm just putting it out there. Don't take my word for it. Read. The Citizens Newspaper and also WHYY always pay attention to what's going on politically. I also spoke about Ray Johnson, Act 135. Court systems are in cahoots with the Act 135 policies. This stuff has to stop, also eminent domain. I guess I'll be back next week, but thank you. Okay. (Applause.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Thank you, Ms. Wanda Walker.
We have Muti Ajamu-Osagboro, Yovana Bustamante, Phil Lockett Freeman, Deanna Ramsey and Ogbonna Hagins also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Oh, this is a -- first of all, I'm General Muti Ajamu-Osabgoro from the great state of North Philadelphia, city of Richard Allen. This is a beautiful day to be Black, oh my goodness. I'm seeing all this love in the room right now. I'm loving it. We're going to keep pushing though. I'm here to talk about 240333. It's an ordinance amending Section 14-533, of The Philadelphia Code, titled /MIN, which is MixedIncome Neighborhoods Overlay District, to update the illustrative maps to reflect recent redistricting changes, all under certain terms and conditions. Again, it's legislation that uses language that is cryptic. We need to know what's going on. What we've heard in the last maybe half an hour is folks coalescing about this house theft. Again, we got to watch our language. We've heard multiple times folks referring to this as a hustle. No, it's a con, it's fraud, it's theft. And our District Attorney Larry Krasner, is aware of it and we just got to push him even more to actually take full-blown action, because this thing's been going on for a minute and a lot of us been in the trenches for like a year or more. But the language that's -- what we talking about is a disenfranchisement, a death by a thousand cuts of Black and Brown people, pushing those historically in contemporary Black and Brown areas pushing them out, taking their wealth and stopping the process of generational wealth. We're going to -anything that you need, Mr. President, we going to give you. Big up to Councilmember Jones. Big up to Councilmember Young. North Philly in the building representing, holding it down. And always the inimitable, the uncomparable Councilmember O'Rourke. Appreciate you. And that's my time. And we'll be back, and we're going to continue to raise the bar and push hard. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Good afternoon, everybody. I'm here in full support of Councilmember Brooks' privileged resolution recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month. Thank you for having me here. My name is Yovana Bustamante, and I'm the founder and Executive Director of Posibilidades Infinitas, a nonprofit organization that uplifts Spanish-speaking Latino families on the spectrum, ensuring their voices are heard and respected. And I'm here today, the more important thing, I'm standing before you as a powerful mother of three incredible individuals, two grown adults, one almost (inaudible) all in the autistic spectrum disorder. And I'm hear in full support of Councilmember Brooks' privileged resolution recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month. Because we don't just need awareness, we need too acceptance, inclusion and equity. Autism acceptance means policies that protect, uplift and include not just during April but every single day. It means creating a space where autistic individuals and their families are just not working but (inaudible). Some may say they are sick of the (inaudible) when every day or rise are challenged, even by the every system means to protect us. My children and every autistic person in Philadelphia deserve better. They deserve to live in the city where neurodiversity is celebrated, where access and (inaudible) and where their bosses matter. Let this resolution be more symbolic. Let it be a stay forward in the future and will all dignity and respect and belong for all community. Thank you so much for having me here. (Applause.)
We have Phil Lockett Freeman, Deanna Ramsey, Ogbonna Hagins, Keith Crippen, Wick Savage and J.J. El-Far also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, Council. My name is Phillip Lockett Freeman. And I'm here and rise today to support Councilman Jones for keeping his eye on the Citizen Police Oversight Committee and getting involved with the land banking at the bottom of the sheet here about all the hardships and Councilwoman Bass, because it's still going on in my neighborhood. I'm still fighting the gentrifiers. We call them gentrifiers because they're using the same hustle and they're going after senior citizens. I used to be a committee person in that community. And all my seniors are gone and so are their houses. And now that I'm left by myself, I'm Rambo in the neighborhood because the gentrifiers are trying to get my spot now. I got cameras. I got everything running, because I'm going to make the news when they try to come after my spot. But I want to make sure Councilman Jones and them stand behind the Citizens Police Oversight Commission because that's what's keeping me alive in my neighborhood right now. We got a lot of work to do on this generational wealth. To me it's a no-brainer. I want to get out the way. My house is old and I'm old, so I want to get out the way. But they put us at the bottom of table of negotiation. We can't do anything. And I'd be glad to get out the way, but the way that things are set up, I'm going to have to fight. And I told you all I would be back and I'm coming back. And, Councilman Jones, I want to thank you. Cindy Bass, I want to thank you for not throwing me in the trash. And we'll see you both on the battlefield. Thank you, Council. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Good afternoon, habibis. My name is J.J. El-Far. I am a proud District member of District 2. I want to thank Councilmember Landau for bringing this proclamation today for Arab American Heritage Month. Arab Americans have deep roots in the United States and we continue to face misrepresentation and bias. This month we're celebrating our heritage and we're pushing for accurate representation in media, politics and education. We are really deeply concerned with the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Arab Americans, especially in Philadelphia, are calling for ceasefires, humanitarian aid and Palestinian self-determination. Justice and human rights must be at the forefront of our leaders' decisions. As a community shaped by immigration, we fight for fair immigration policies, refugee protections and the rights of new arrivals seeking safety and opportunity in our city. Arab Americans are Muslim, Christian and beyond. We stand in solidarity with Black and Latino and indigenous and other communities to stand and fight systemic injustice together as allies. Please support your local Arab American businesses. We have a bunch in Philadelphia. There are bookstores and restaurants. Keep supporting them. Advocate for our policies that affect Arab Americans and challenge racial profiling. Stand against injustice and celebrate with us. Attend our cultural events, learn our history, amplify our voices. Watch Mo on Netflix. Go see him when he comes to the Kimmel Center next month. And we are here to say that opposing Israeli Occupation or protesting the genocide is not anti-Semitism. It is not the same thing. (Applause.)
You can be against the occupation and in support of the state. Arabic is not a dangerous language. Palestine is not a bad word. It's pronounced Arab, Arab. Everybody, Arab, Arab. We're Arab. Yes, we invented hummus. Don't forget it. You're welcome. Take a stand and examine the people who fund you, your funders, the influences on your institutions and wonder if you are in a position to speak truth to power, to affirm Palestinians' right to exist, to return and be proud of our culture no matter where our family immigrated to, whether it's Philadelphia or any other city. Heritage Month is our celebration, but justice is a lifelong commitment. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Good morning. Ogbonna Hagins, fourthgeneration chattel slavery survivor. I wanted to talk about the Catholic League Championship, the Father Judge Championship. And it's great. I'd like to congratulate them. But there's an issue within our public school system. I went to my son's track meet yesterday and last week. And I found out from one of the coaches that we have two fields, the Gratz field and another field that's not operable. So now, how do we have our youth aspire to be the greatest and to possibly get a scholarship from sports, because of course our academic levels are very, very low. 6 out of 10 can't read, write or do math on a high school level. The American Freedmen, that unique group, whose ancestors saved this nation where -- we have the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendment. That's our treaty with the United States government. But most of you, I know, don't know the Reconstruction amendments that specifically deal with that unique group of people that we call Black people. See, all Black people don't have the same rights, you see. So what are we going to do? See -- and the reason I say we don't have the same rights is because under the 13th and 14th and 15th Amendments, they were only talking about the slaves. They were not talking about all Black people. So many times you guys may think that I'm against immigrants. I'm not against immigrants, if they come here legally, right. But we have to know that they all don't have the same rights. And it's very important for you guys to understand the rights of the people you're representing. You've made an oath to uphold the Constitution. And if you made an oath, you have to uphold that oath. Ogbonna Hagins, unseated council president, President of the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition and fourthgeneration chattel slavery survivor. Over and out.
Quick point of information, Council President. I heard the public comment mention issues related to fields and facilities with the School District. I do want to just highlight that that is a significant problem that City Council has been looking to address and we will be having some information coming out by the time we vote on a budget as it relates to what will happen with those facilities, especially looking at Councilmember Jones in track and field spaces. That is a significant problem. It's Gratz field. It's Germantown Supersite in Councilmember Bass' or Phillips District, not sure which one -
So we are -- and Olney field. Thank you, Council President. So that is a significant issue that we're looking at and we will have an update for the general public by the time we pass a budget this year. So I do want to thank the public comment. And thank you, Council President, for allowing me to provide a point of information on that particular issue.
Thank you, Chairman Thomas. Councilmember Bass and Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, colleague. I did want to make mention to Mr. Hagins and anyone else that Gratz field is in the works for funding, so it's getting ready to happen. Conversations are happening with the School District to make sure that it happens and it has not been lost on our sights. I just want to make sure he was aware of that. Thank you.
Thank you, Member Bass. Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. I just want to make a statement, right. We do have to hear from everyone in this chamber and I am respectful. And I'm going to take that personal because I had a direct conversation with the gentleman. But we also have a responsibility in this chamber to secure the safety of everyone and there are certain things that sometimes people say at that podium that can challenge or prevent us from doing so. And so, I've said this once and I'll say it again. While we have to hear everyone's opinions in this chamber, we must do so responsibly and we must do so with respect. Thank you, Council President.
Thank you, Member Lozada. Will the Clerk please call the next speaker.
We have Keith Crippen and Wick Savage. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Wick Savage. Good afternoon, Councilmembers and Council President and other guests in the chambers. There's been a crisis in Philadelphia for some time. And this week, it brought it very, very personal home to me and my family. I have a son that was murdered. I have a son that was wounded. And throughout the city of Philadelphia, recreation centers are not safe. I have an 8-year-old grandson, great-grandson, that asked me in November to order him a device. And I'm going to display that device to the body, and it's nothing for you to be harmed about. It's no danger to anyone in this chamber. This is a toy weapon. The City of Philadelphia banned these clips. The toy manufacturers are mimicking real weapons, selling them to our community. Thank God that my grandson asked -- my greatgrandson asked his grandfather to get him one of these BB guns. I took the effort to spray paint this weapon. You can't tell the difference between a real weapon and this toy. They are starting them at the early age of before 8 years old that this is a game. It's not a game. My dear friend Councilwoman Bass said, hey, the enemy is sleeping with you. It's happening in all your homes. My dear friend Driscoll, simple bad behavior, he said, will not be tolerated in his community. Folks want to drive on a race track, on public streets. It's not happening in Philadelphia. I ask for a little more time, Council President. I have to make this one statement. If people want to enjoy Philadelphia, they have to behave themselves and this should be no different than the Wild Wild West days. You left your guns at home or you would be dealt with. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hello. This is Keith Crippen. I want to just come off of what he just said and it's very important. That's why I'm here. Because out of years, I've done a lot of afterschool programs in the schools. I've done 81 shows in the schools. And majority of schools could not pay for the shows and I paid for it out my pocket. And that's one of the things I did because I care about these kids. The more afterschool programs we have, the better our kids are. So I took the leap of faith and I'm doing a Germantown Fashion Arts Festival from Germantown of culture, all the way to Germantown of arts, with all of our children, models, kids of arts. And then the afterparty is going to be inside Treasures. One thing I want to say to the people of Philadelphia. We have to understand sports is wonderful, but what about fashion shows. What about playing the harp, the flute, the whole nine yards? But sometimes we don't have that, but we love our sports because the future is already laid out for them. When you become the epitome of the school, a lot of things become very easy for you in the school. But I want to just say like this, this event that we're throwing on June 28th is going to change a lot of children's lives, and I believe it. And I believe with the help of some of y'all in here, y'all know me, y'all see me, I shake your hands. And I want to say to Mr. Kenyatta Johnson, I really want you to appreciate what I sent to you, that you really appreciate it. So I just want to let everybody know that I've shaken majority all of your hands in here. I've talked to y'all. I've been to y'all events, and I just want y'all to know that these kids need stuff of this magnitude. So if we go big, maybe they can be special and go on for the next 30 years. And I just want to say to you I really appreciate everybody I shook their hands with, and thank you for everything. Thank you.
Council President, there are no further names for public comment.
That concludes the public comment period. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Calendars. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250168.
A resolution honoring the Father Judge High School Boys' Basketball Team for winning the 2025 Philadelphia Catholic League Championship and celebrating their remarkable achievement.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Driscoll for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250168 honoring and supporting those Father Judge guys.
Big win on Saturday, Mr. President. I enthusiastically move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. And for the record, that's Resolution No. 250168. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250277.
A non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2942 and 2944 West Wishart Street, 3323 West 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Allegheny Avenue, 3212 North 33rd Street, and 3216 North Newkirk Street located in the 4th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Curtis Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250277.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read any additional resolutions on today's Calendar.
A privileged resolution honoring the United States Senator Cory Booker for his courageous and historic 25-hour Senate floor speech, standing in defense of America's core democratic principles and constitutional values, while surpassing the previous 24 hour 18 minute record set by Senator Strom 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Thurmond in opposition to the Civil Rights Act. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution recognizing the Active People, Healthy Nation Initiative, a national effort led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, and the American Heart Association and reaffirming the City of Philadelphia's commitment to championing policies, programs and investments that promote physical activity, improve public health, especially for children, and ensure equitable access to recreation for all residents. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips. COUNCIL PRESIDENT 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Phillips for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring, recognizing and celebrating the Omicron Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for 40 years of service and impact in the City of Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Phillips on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the next resolution.
A privileged resolution honoring the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Center School celebrating its 20th bi-annual "Carpe Diem" honoring all the judges and students who participate in this remarkable and beneficial event. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I'm actually going to hold that resolution.
Okay. The resolution will be held. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings investigating the current state of higher education as this pillar of the Philadelphia economy and cultural landscape undergoes generational change. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas. 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you, Council President. And I want to thank a lot -- almost all of my colleagues for agreeing to co-sponsor this. I'm going to explain it when we do speeches on the floor. But I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Member Phillips, your 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING light is on. Would you like to be recognized?
Would the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution honoring and recognizing the All-Star Labor Classic and Philadelphia's Organized Labor for 37 years of charitable service to students and the community. Introduced by Councilmember Thomas on behalf of Council President Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. And congratulations to all of the young 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING people who've been selected to play in this phenomenal event. And I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution recognizing April 2025 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING as Fair Housing Month in the City of Philadelphia and celebrating the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Introduced by Councilmember Landau on behalf of Council President Johnson.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: Those opposed? (No response.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Arab Americans in Philadelphia. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Rue Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the next resolution.
A resolution declaring April 4, 2025 as Women in Tech Day in the City of Philadelphia and recognizing the importance of women in technology, emphasizing their contributions, promoting STEM education and careers for women and girls and 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING expanding gender equity in the technology field. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the next resolution.
A resolution declaring April 2025 as National Poetry Month in the City of Philadelphia and recognizing the profound impact of poetry on Philadelphia's cultural, educational and social landscape. Introduced by Councilmember Landau.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Landau for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution recognizing April as National Donate Life Month in the City of Philadelphia, and honoring the lifesaving impact of organ, eye and tissue donation as well as celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Gift of Life Donor Program. Introduced by Councilmember Lozada.
The Chair recognizes 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Quetcy Lozada for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution.
A resolution recognizing April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month in the City of Philadelphia and commending the work of advocates who are people living with autism and who are breaking down barriers to a fully inclusive society. Introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke on behalf of Councilmember Brooks.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A resolution celebrating the launch of Philadelphia Fair Lease on the City of Philadelphia's Landlord Gateway. Introduced by Councilmember O'Rourke.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Rourke for a motion 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING on the resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of the next resolution.
A 4/03/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution honoring and congratulating the Father Judge High School Boys' Basketball Team for winning the 2025 PIAA 6A Championship. Introduced by Councilmember Driscoll.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a motion on the resolution.
I move for the adoption of the resolution, Mr. President. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the next resolution.
Council President, there are no further resolutions in my possession.
That completes our Calendar for today. Are there any speeches on behalf of the Minority? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nicolas Nic O'Rourke.
Thank you for your indulgence, Mr. President. Zero Fare is a Philly special, if you will. It was built from the ground up. In just under two years, this City has been able in the hands of 22,000 neighbors. What's ironic is that there's talk, as we all know, about cutting the program in the same month when the program plans to distribute an additional 12,000 more fully-loaded Key cards. This means that the program can actually serve 35,000 Philadelphians when it's running at full capacity. That's efficient. That's straightforward service delivery for people who need it the most. It's a significant investment in SEPTA, particularly at a time when our transit system has told us and that we've had to take action to help facing its dire fiscal situation. But more importantly, at least to me, it's an actual anti-poverty strategy. The pilot program is changing lives, saving lives. I a flourish. One program participant who reached out to my office this week after being homeless for two years told us and I quote, "This program helped me get back and forth to work and to appointments. " We shouldn't be talking about cutting this program. We should be talking about expanding it. I'm committed to fighting for the program this budget season, showing why it matters. And if you've benefited from Zero Fare, as I mentioned a couple of nights ago, please share your testimony with us. We want to hear from you. You can call our office at 215-686-3452. Again, that number is 215-686-3452. We want to hear from you. Stop by City Hall in Room 319A. Come talk to us. Fill out a short Google form. We stories. A number of us have made this point in the course of our hearings. But why is the plan to nix this program before we know its benefits? Why would that make sense? I believe that we'll see a tremendously positive impact outlined in Zero Fare's pilot report when it comes out next year, that is. But even as we await the results of that report, we should note we've logged over 6 million Zero Fare rides since this thing started. By that figure alone, 6 million. Isn't Zero Fare worth keeping around until we have more data about it? We know that stable access to housing is the bedrock of economic stability, and we do try to legislate that way. I have the a body that seems to take this seriously. We ought to acknowledge that access to transit, access to SEPTA is the foundation of economic mobility in Philadelphia, and we ought to write laws to reflect that. So that's why I am planning to introduce legislation to create a Transit Access Fund, which will create a dedicated funding source for the Zero Fare program and any future initiatives that provide public transit access for households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. As the name suggests, we're using our existing Housing Trust Fund as a model. 5% that we contribute every year. 5%, half of a percentage point. You add that up, 1%, one. Beyond political headwinds and shifting administrations, I'm proposing that we set aside 1% in this One Philadelphia. Every year for the pillars of economic survival, particularly for our most vulnerable residents, 1% set aside for the 23% of Philadelphians that we always remind ourselves are sitting in poverty in the poorest big city in the USA. Whether they're working or not, I don't think it's too much to ask. In fact, considering what public transit means to any city, certainly the poorest big city in the USA, I believe it's the right thing to do.
Colleagues, my team will our plans after this Council session and I invite your collaboration. I invite your support. I've already seen it happening on this floor as we've continued for the saving of Zero Fare. Thank you for your labor. Thank you for your service to the City. This effort will take all of us. Thank you, Mr. President. )
Thank you, Member O'Rourke. Very well said. Speeches on behalf of the Majority? Councilmember Phillips, Dr. Phillips.
Thank you, Council President. I just want to remind session today in conjunction with Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada and Curtis Jones, there's going to be a Legacy luncheon with Big Brothers and Sisters in the caucus room. So looking forward to seeing everybody to learn more about Big Brothers and Sisters. In addition to that, I just want to thank everyone in our community who showed up to Finley Recreation Center on Tuesday night for our meeting. It was an emergency meeting. We had City officials there, but most importantly we had all of our neighbors there who had ideas on how they can help a family remain safe. Rec centers are notoriously safe. Contrary to what people may see, it is one of the city. We want to keep people under -- to keep people to understand that fact, that that we will find ways to make sure that it becomes an incredible public space at all times. And also, I just want to say lastly I've been doing a lot of reflection. And I'm really interested in learning more from the community about things that we can do to keep our young people engaged. We have a lot of programs in the city of Philadelphia. I'm going to be doing some work around making sure that folks know these programs exist for young people. But most importantly, we have to do a better job in making sure folks understand that even in our rec centers where there were -it's a state-of-art rec center, a shooting took place, right. And so, it's not just the idea of they need something to do. It's also about how do we get more support around families, parents, adult mentors. There's going to be a lot more that's going to be needed than just they need something to do. So I just want to throw that out there for everyone to know. And I look forward to listening to our neighbors. Thank you all so much.
Thank you, Dr. Phillips. And just commend you for the outstanding emergency meeting to address the issue of gun violence, particularly amongst our young people in your District. We've got to keep the pressure on to make sure we're doing a better job as a City to protect our most vulnerable assets, which is our students. The Chair recognizes Member Jones, Chairman of Public Safety.
Thank you for that introduction, Mr. President. I had the privilege of hosting a town hall with my colleague Cindy Bass one Saturday up at Dare to Imagine. I raise this because sitting there for the hours that we were there, certain things came through. There was a feeling of anger about what's going on with No. 47 in Washington. There was a sense of confusion about the 300-plus executive orders that were coming down the pike. It was like throwing 50 tennis balls trying to hit them and they're getting by. There was a sense of need for a and chambers like this to counteract what they feel is an assault on their way of life, not just individual, a whole wave of antiurban life. And what I sensed when we sat up there was that we have to do a better job of articulating that gameplan. They don't need us to lay down in the streets. That old playbook he's ready for. We try that again, he wants us to have civil unrest like that because he can then justify his next move. We have to create some new playbooks. And what I would say to the people that Member Bass and I talked to is to remember the five Cs. We're going to fight them in chambers just like this. And if you look at what we did today, a lot of that is that kind of treatment that we are receiving. We are doing what we're supposed to do. We just need to kind of be intentional in our focus that this is why we are doing it. That's number one, in chambers like this and at the State House. The second C is in courtrooms. We got all these wellpaid lawyers. I love them. God loves lawyers because he made so many of them, right. But they got to start coming together. Whether you are with the NAACP, whether you are with Education, Department of Education, these lawyers have to get together and say, which of these moves can we counteract in court and should we put together our collective intelligence towards that effort, saving money, saving effort and causing at least a of those 300-plus executive orders. The other C is in commerce. If you move away from DEI, it's okay for me to take my wallet and move away from you. (Applause.)
We have the purchasing power that exceeds the country and nation of Canada. Black and Brown people spend a lot of money. There once was a report that was done by the U.S. Department of Commerce that broke down ethnically who bought the most grits, who bought the most cornflakes, who spent money on this type of car. They stopped that document. They stopped publishing that document because it gave people like Jesse Jackson too much guidance and too much power to say, where is your commitment to the market, no matter what the color, that's bringing you your profit. To whom much is given, much is expected. They stopped. So that is with our commerce. The final is what WURD does on a daily basis, communication. That's another sin. If you don't know what you don't know, then you just don't know. And the more we know, if we know better, we can do better. And so, that's another form of C, communications that we have to maintain, because everybody from WURD to Jimmy Kimmel, they're coming after. And we need to be cognizant of that. If we do those things, I am always optimistic we're going to be all right. But we have to be intentional, again, from these chambers to the courtrooms to the an intentional focus on we're not taking this. The Republicans, my bestie back here, you know, you got to give credit where credit is due. They beat our behinds in every state. If we were using an analogy from the neighborhoods we hail from, they came in, took our lunch, dared us to move while they ate it all way through the dessert and said, you gonna like it. But it's time for us to raise up. It's time for us to organize. We can't be selfdestructive and start pointing at it's your fault, your fault. No. If we hang separately -- we should hang together or we will all hang separately. And we just got to get our gameplan. I thank Cindy Bass for the 8th District, the Mighty 8th District, which outvotes most Districts in this city, to start to quell the fears of the constituents that both of us share. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Well said, Member Jones. Thank you for your leadership. Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. I want to circle back to my resolution earlier today and I want to thank everyone who gave public comment today. It was very moving to hear the stories about the impact the organization has had in their lives and about organ especially thank my Chief of Staff, Carlyn Crawley and her dad, who is a retired Lieutenant Colonel after serving 20 years in the U.S. Army. Thank you so much, sir, for your service. Thank you. (Applause.)
My office has put together a one-pager on how you can sign up to be an organ donor. This action could save several lives and I encourage everybody to consider joining the National Organ Donor Registry today. Immediately following this meeting, Big Brothers and Big Sisters' Power Up Program is hosting a legislative lunch in the caucus room. Everyone is welcome. This is a fantastic program that I merits of firsthand when I sat in one of their breakout groups earlier this year. I encourage all of my colleagues and their staff to attend so they can learn more about their resources. And lastly, my office is hosting our Second Annual Philadelphia Your Future Fair. It's a teen resource fair which will equip students with all of the documents they need to enter the workforce, along with resume clinics, mock interviews and opportunities to connect with employers, schools and apprenticeship programs. I invite all of you to stop by this Friday at the Feltonville Recreation Center. Thank you, Council President. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: You're welcome, Member Lozada. Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
It's correct, Council President, I know I don't normally do big speeches, but I got a couple of things I have to address today. Number one, I want to start by discussing -- well, first of all, thanking my Councilman, Councilman Phillips, for his leadership in the 9th District. For those who don't know, there was a series of unfortunate shootings involving young people across the city of Philadelphia this past weekend once it got nice. And we know that that's something we'll have to continue to think about as we prepare for the summer. But the good thing is planning right now. We've already been talking to PYN and other youth providers to make sure that support systems and resources are available for the young people. But thank you, Councilmember Phillips. We appreciate that. Outside of just the gun violence that happened in the 9th District, it was also incidents in the 8th District. So I want to thank my colleague Councilmember Bass for her leadership in that part of the city, and also announce that myself, along with Councilmember Bass and State Rep Carroll, we will be having a food giveaway and a resource fair. This is something I do every quarter. We try to do it four times a year. So this year we're starting off in the 8th will be at Lonnie Young Rec Center, which is the same rec center that unfortunately was victims to some of the violence that I was referencing earlier. , and then we'll go until supplies last. So this is a great event, an opportunity to give away some food and share some resources. And again, I want to thank my colleague Councilmember Bass as well as State Rep Carroll for partnering for that particular initiative. Also on Saturday, and I didn't plan on mentioning this, but since it was brought up in public comment I want to thank Dr. Oz Hill as well as Dr. Watlington and the entire team over at the School District because this Saturday we'll be having an important pivotal decisions around the future of facilities here in the city of Philadelphia. And I heard somebody in public comment talk a little bit about our athletic spaces. And we'll be looking to have dialogue and make decisions about not just athletic spaces but the facilities in general. So please know that that's an important topic and the work is going to continue on that. We have $6 billion with a B worth of damages to our facilities. And while none of us in this body created this problem, we did inherit it and it's ours to fix. April 14th, I want to plant this seed now. m. We're asking folks to arrive at 12:30. We'll be at the Museum of the American Revolution. The reason that we're there is because we really want to highlight the historical context of 2026. Yes, there will be a lot of events and parties and things of that capacity and we've done a good job of highlighting that. But we also want to recognize the history of not just the country, but the City of Philadelphia and those who made our city what it is. With that being said, Council President, I introduced a resolution today, specifically looking to create a task force. And I haven't done a task force in a long time so I'm not necessarily excited about the workload that comes with it. But the reality is, is -- I think Councilman Jones said it earlier when he was speaking -- we do have a lot of problems that we're dealing with. And just listening to the speeches today, you heard folks talking about gun violence. We heard folks talk about issues related to housing. I see a couple other people queued up. I'm sure they'll talk about other issues.
But the issues related to higher academia are serious problems to a city who brands ourselves as a city of eds, meds and beds. Recently, we've seen University of Science merge with St. Joe's University. We watched the announcement of the closing of not just the University of Arts, which we all know about, but also Rosemont College is closing. Cabrini University is closing. are pillars to not Philadelphia, but more or less to the region. And when we think about the revenue that we collect in the City of Philadelphia, specifically the wage tax that all of these universities pay, when we think about the fact that the universities are the biggest driver to increase population in the city of Philadelphia. Had an opportunity to visit Paul Robeson High School yesterday, and I had a chance to talk to the young people about voting and the importance of voting. And I try to go to as many high schools as I can across the city of Philadelphia to talk to seniors about voting, not just when we're voting for President, but every year, twice a year. opportunity to learn about a young man at Paul Robeson who had planned on going to Rosemont University. Well, his entire plans have now changed because Rosemont University athletically is going to be totally different now because of the merger with Villanova. Also had a chance to talk to leaders at St. Joe's University as well as Drexel University. And I was able to listen to St. Joe's as they discussed with me the important decisions that they have to make around NIL. If you don't know, all of the universities have to choose what they're going to do or not do as it relates to opting in or out with the NCAA. Its new protocol in NIL has completely changed the athletics, which in turn has a direct impact on the finances of the university. I'm not speaking about this because I'm a coach and because I love sports. I'm speaking about it because I care about the economics of our city. And when our universities stand up and wave the red flag and they say, we are concerned about our present and our future, I, Council President, understand the direct correlation between the work that they do and the impact that they have on the City of Philadelphia. As I close out, I think about Drexel University. And I had a chance to talk to the folks at Drexel University. And I listened to them talk about the rape program that they have there, that they no longer keep at the university. I think about the work that Councilmember Lozada and before Councilmember Lozada, Councilmember Sanchez. I think about the work that they did to help save St. Christopher Hospital. If you don't know, St. Christopher Hospital comes under the umbrella of Drexel University. So when our universities talk about the fact that they're in trouble, it's not just the status of the institution. It's the impact that these universities have on the City and on the region. So with that being said, Council President, I want to put out there an open invitation to my colleagues in City Council, not just members of the Education Committee, to our state partners, in the region, and I want to ask you to join forces with this task force to assess the issues that local universities are facing and collectively brainstorm how do we survive this crisis, because we know as Philadelphians we will survive because that's what we do. Thank you, Council President. And thank you, colleagues, for entertaining me.
Very well said, Member Young. Thank you very much for your leadership on this very critical issue. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Landau.
Thank you, Council President. I first want to just nod to all my colleagues and just lift of your amazing comments today. Particularly just want to say to Councilmember O'Rourke, the Fair Lease has been a project so many of us have been working on for so long. Thank you for acknowledging it. Today is finally being up on the gateway. It is essential. And also, to Councilmember Thomas as somebody who has a son who's a junior in high school starting to look at colleges that are now facing cuts to their funding just based on their DEI initiatives. We're really shrinking the pot and it's an emergency and something we have to look at. So thank you so much for that. Council President, today we made April Fair Housing Month in Philly, marking the anniversary of Act of 1968. I was pleased to introduce this on behalf of you, Council President. And I've always said and will continue to say, housing is a human right. Throughout my career, I fought for housing justice because I understand that having a safe, stable home impacts every part of our lives, our health, education, career opportunities and overall well-being. That's why we in Philadelphia remain steadfast in our commitment to creating fair housing policies that not only prioritize but also expand access to affordable housing for everyone in our city, especially for those who have been impacted by historic policies that racially segregated our city and, yes, that includes the modern day hustles that are in, trying to do the same thing just looking differently. The work that we do is not just about building and preserving homes. It's about building opportunities for a better, more equitable future for all Philadelphians. Today I also introduced a resolution recognizing April as Poetry Month here in Philadelphia. We are a city that has produced literary giants like one of my faves, Sonia Sanchez and Kai Davis, and often we only think about visual arts when we talk about arts and culture. But artistry can take on so many forms and faces. In fact, the artist behind the famous love statue in LOVE Park, Robert Indiana, himself described his art piece as a one-sentence poem. I encourage this month to embrace the poetry of Philadelphia no matter how it comes to you. It's also Arab American Heritage Month in Philadelphia. Thank you to Councilmember Squilla, who is not available today, for introducing this resolution with me. Philadelphia's Arab American community has made and continues to make countless important contributions that have deeply impacted the culture of the city. City Council is proud to honor you this month. And finally, tomorrow we recognize Women in Tech Day, a moment to highlight the extraordinary contributions of women, nonbinary and those who identify as women, who are shaping the future through technology and innovation. Technology and Information Services Committee, I know how valuable it is to ensure that tech innovators, especially individuals of color, are represented in their field. Representation matters, equity matters and we must continue to uplift the brilliant individuals leading this way in tech, from classrooms to boardrooms, from coding labs to start-ups. Cheers to all those leading change in the field and thank you for listening. Appreciate you. (Applause.)
You're welcome, Member Landau. Councilmember Jeffrey Jay Young.
Thank you, Mr. President. reiterate what was said earlier today about the Act 135 stuff. So I really think that remediating blight should be provided by the public sector, and that's what this Act was formed under, the guise of remediating blight. But it's extremely rare that when the public service is shifted to the private sector, that it lowers costs for the public. That is extremely, extremely rare, right. So we want to continue to work on this issue to help our citizens regain their equity and allow them to have transferable wealth. But I want to also thank the residents of the 15th Ward, the residents of Fairmount, Francisville and the Spring Garden communities for attending our town hall that we held a couple days very, very wellattended. I want to thank the Mayor's Administration for representing. We had the Office of Clean and Green, Sanitation, the 9th Police District, L&I, DBHIDS, Streets. We also had the Police Public Nuisance Enforcement Unit there that gave critical information to that community regarding some quality-of-life things that they're experiencing. We're holding the same town hall in the 47th Ward. I believe it is on April 8th. I just want to get the exact information for the constituents who are listening. That town hall will be April 8th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at General George G. Meade School located at 1600 North 18th Street. So that's 18th and Oxford in North Philadelphia. same quality-of-life issues that you may have talking about streets, public safety, trash. Any of your community concerns, we want to address them there to make sure that we continue to improve your public health, safety and welfare in the 5th Council District. My office is also holding a shredding event at our District office located at 2815 Ridge Avenue. So if you have any documents you need shredded, if you have any e-waste, any electronic waste that you would like to dispose of, you can bring them to my District office on Saturday, April 19th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. That's Saturday, April 19th, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Our office is located again at 2815 Ridge Avenue in Sedgley Plaza. 12th, my office is in partnership with United Missionary Baptist Church and Christian Hope Partnership will be doing an Easter egg hunt Athletic Rec Center. Athletic Rec Center is located at 1400 North 26th Street, and that event is from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Please bring your families out to that wonderful event. Again, that's April 12th from 1:00 to 4:00 at Athletic Rec Center. And just talking about rec centers, the Department of Parks and Rec is having a job fair at the Dell on April 12th as well from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m. So we talk about a need to have folks and workers at our rec centers. If you are committed to your community, please sign up. Please apply for a job with our Rec. We need you. Our children need you. Our city needs you. Please come to that job fair April 12th from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m. held at the Dell. Again, there are plenty of opportunities where you can get involved in your city if you do not like what you're seeing, please, please, please. This is the first step that you can make to help change your city for the better. And again, if anyone has any other issues in the community, they can always reach out to my office. Give us a call at 215-686-3442. We'll be happy to serve you. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you. As there are no more speeches, the Chair recognizes motion to adjourn.
The Chair recognizes Council -- wait, I got this. Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. I want to thank everybody for their hard work. ) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. m. C. J. m. S.