COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Friday, May 10, 2024 1:00 p.m. PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBER NINA AHMAD COUNCILMEMBER CINDY BASS COUNCILMEMBER KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMEMBER JIM HARRITY COUNCILMEMBER RUE LANDAU COUNCILMEMBER NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMEMBER MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMEMBER JEFFERY YOUNG, JR. BILLS 240119, 240183, 240184, 240191, 240221, 240239, 240240, 240243, 240250, 240282, 240301, 240302, 240328, 240329, 240331, 240334, and 240335 - - - 240119, ETC.
Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Streets and Services. I note that the hour has come. Before we start, I just want to wish a happy Mother's Day to all the mothers in the room.
Present. Thank you, Mr. Pullin. Also joining us is Councilmember Rue Landau. Note for the record that a quorum of the committee is present and this hearing is now called to order. 240119, ETC. This is a public hearing of the Committee on Streets and Services considering testimony on bill numbers 240119, 240183, 240184, 240191, 240221, 240239, 240240, 240243, 240250, 240282, 240301, 240302, 240328, 240329, 240331, 240334, and 240335. The chair recognizes Vice Chair Squilla for a motion on bill number 240328.
Thank you Mr. Chair. At the request of the sponsor, Councilmember Gauthier, I move that bill number 240328 be withdrawn.
It has been moved and properly seconded that bill number 240328 be withdrawn. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Chorus of ayes.)
All opposed? Ayes have it. The motion carries and bill number 240328 has been withdrawn. Mr. Pullin, would you please read the title of the first bill?
Bill number 240221 entitled "Authorizing the procurement commissioner to 240119, ETC. enter into a contract for the construction of a sewer and appurtenant work required to provide public sewer service in the 600 and 700 Blocks of Hendren Street, under certain terms and conditions."
Mr. Pullin, would you please call the next witness to testify on this bill?
The first witness to testify is Laura Copeland, assistant deputy commissioner for the Philadelphia Water Department.
Good afternoon. Could you please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony?
Sure. My name is Laura Copeland. Good afternoon, Chairman Young and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I am Laura Copeland, assistant deputy commissioner for education, community engagement, and government affairs for the Philadelphia Water Department. I'm here to testify in support of bill 25 number 240221, sponsored by Councilmember Jones, 240119, ETC. authorizing the procurement commissioner to enter into a contract for the construction of a sewer and appurtenant work required to provide public sewer service in the 600 and 700 Blocks of Hendren Street. The impacted properties on these -- on these blocks of Hendren Street are currently served by private septic tanks, which are reaching the end of their service life and will require the installation of a public sewer as soon as possible to provide sanitary service to the properties. There is no access to the rear yards for septic tank repair, maintenance, or replacement. And the property size does not allow for proper septic tank installation. If unaddressed, this situation has the potential to result in unsanitary conditions that could ultimately require condemnation of the properties. PWD respectfully requests that this bill be reported favorably out of this committee and that the rules of council be suspended to allow for first reading of this bill at the next session of City Council. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I'm 240119, ETC. happy, happy to answer any questions.
Thank you, Ms. Copeland. Are there any questions of this witness by members of the committee? Councilmember Bass.
So my colleague and I, Councilman Squilla, were just conferring because we, we have a number of private sewers that have these same situations in which -- you know, trying to get them onto the public line, essentially. And so, can you talk a little bit about how we're able to do that in this particular case and other situations and how we might be able to bring more of these private sewers online to the public system? Because in parts of South Philadelphia, in parts of Germantown, they're very prevalent. So if you could just give us some insight into that.
Thank you for your question. I actually have a colleague here with me today. His name is Alex Vencius. He'll be 240119, ETC. here to answer any questions with regard to that.
Thank you. Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony.
Yes. My name is Alex Vencius. So the -- first off, to address this specific situation, there's currently no private sewer here. These are all on-lot systems, so septic tanks. So there's, there's, there's no 12 sewer infrastructure in the street on, on Hendren Street right now. So I think when you refer to a private sewer, I think you're meaning a sewer that was built by private development, which has continued to serve properties that is not under city's ownership or ownership of the water department. So -- and this specific case is a -- is a little -- is a little different from that. So as far as addressing those, those private sewers, I'm not sure if that's really within the scope of, of this, this bill.
Okay. So -- I see. So these are -- because they're septic 240119, ETC. systems. And that's separate from the sewer systems, the private sewer systems?
But -- so -- but, I, I guess, you know, what we really want to figure out is how do we get some of these private sewer systems online?
Well -- so how -- we, we have done that for a number -- I think Olive Street was a recent one. It was street in Fairmount that was served by private sewers. And that, that was -- that came about as a similar unsanitary condition that was identified by one of the, the property owners. But I think typically, how a lot of this happens is the, the residents form a petition. And they, they petition the city to get a public sewer built in the street. So the Water Department -- as far as the Water Department assuming ownership of private sewers, the -- you know, assuming ownership of -- and maintenance of those sewers is, is -- could be problematic, because we weren't -- we don't know what standards those sewers were built to, which is 240119, ETC. why, rather than assume ownership of private sewer, we would typically prefer to --
Just -- yeah, rebuild, yeah, with, with the backing of the community, which comes from the petition.
Well, I think that, you know, gathering a petition won't take any problem at all. I don't want to belabor the point because I know we have a lot of bills to hear today, but I, I just -- you know, I'm glad to hear that the Water Department is open to having these kinds of conversations about bringing these systems online. And we've -- I know we've talked about it in the past, and we've had varying degrees of conversation and success. But if you just did one recently, you said in Fairmount, then I have a lot of hope that, you know, we can move some of those activities up to Germantown or over to South Philadelphia so we can get -- see more of the same because there's definitely a need, so -- thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you, 240119, ETC. Councilwoman. If you could -- if you could send over to us, I guess, what the procedure is in order to have a private sewer come online or a new -- a new public sewer be built, that would be helpful for us as a -- as a council as we, you know, talk to our constituents.
I have one question too. When that happens, and it's a private sewer, the private residents are responsible to rebuild that private sewer. But if it does become a public sewer, who pays for the installation of the public sewer? The city?
Yeah. Public sewer would be paid by capital funds. There is an assessment fee per city for Philadelphia Code that we levy to the - to the property owners. It's a --
Yeah. It's based on your frontage to the street. 240119, ETC.
I don't remember off the top of my head what the dollar amount is. It -- I think it's the same amount as it was when it was originally written. So it has -- it's, it's, it's -- has little consequence to, to actually impacting the total cost of the sewer at, at, at this day and age. But it is still per Philadelphia Code that we, we assess those properties at that, that cost. So that can be done either via -- the contractor will collect those fees as they're building it or -- I think there's the option to charge the, the residents on their, their water sewer bill.
Thank you. Are there any other questions for these witnesses? 240119, ETC. Seeing none, thank you for your testimony.
Mr. Pullin, would you please read the title of the next bill?
Bill number 240240, titled "Amending section 9-203 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled Sidewalk Sales, to revise and clarify certain provisions related to city parks and recreation facilities and make related technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions."
Thank you, Mr. Pullin. Please call the next witness.
The next witness to testify is Susan Slawson, commissioner for the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Good afternoon, Ms. Slawson. Please state your name and proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Susan Slawson. Good afternoon, Chair Young and members of the committee. My name is Susan Slawson, and I serve as the commissioner of Parks and Recreation. Joining me today are Deputy Commissioner Susan Buck and park stewardship 240119, ETC. administrator, Elisa Ruse-Esposito. I'm pleased to appear before you today on behalf of Mayor Parker's administration and the department in support of City Council bill 6 number 240240 introduced by Councilmember Gauthier. The bill revises and clarifies certain code provisions related to vending and PPR facilities. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Philadelphia's parks have served as a lifeline to our residents in so many ways, places to play, to serve, to connect, and among many other things, to vend. While the staff of PPR does a herculean job, work providing desirable programming, safe facilities, and engaging outdoor spaces, the patrons of our park spaces have certain needs that can be best met by industrious sidewalk vendors who set up shop. While we celebrate their entrepreneurship and appreciate how their offerings can enhance the attractiveness of PPR facilities, we must provide a process for when and where people set up to vend and where around our parks. Transparent, reasonable, accessible, 240119, ETC. yes, but also acknowledging the needs of other vendors, other park users, pedestrians and PPR staff. Councilmember Gauthier has worked closely with the previous and current administrations regarding the tensions in Clark Park that have risen from unauthorized and unregulated vending. The situation is chronic and acute but by no means unique to that community. We have served -- observed existing users being crowded out, sidewalks blocked, approved events undermined, and green spaces overrun. If enacted, bill number 240240 would address those tensions by prohibiting vending on sidewalks on/or adjacent to any PPR park, playground, or recreation center without the approval of PPR. The department can operate a single process, transparent, reasonable, and accessible for determining how people vend, when they vend, where, and under what conditions at our facilities. We believe that this legislation will achieve goals of both the park administration and 240119, ETC. Council of balancing fair, thoughtful access to commercial opportunities for small sellers. And this will also continue to enhance our public spaces. To that end, we ask you to support the creation of a single, balanced approach to regulating vending at PPR facilities by providing a favorable recommendation of bill number 240240 and that the rules of council be suspended to allow first reading at the next session of the City -- of City Council. Thank you. And we are happy to answer any questions.
Thank you, Commissioner Slawson. I do have one, one question. So will the -- these vendors are -- they're still required to have the city vending licenses and, and required business licenses in order to vend next to these rec centers?
Yes. And that's some of what we want to try to make sure, that they are - - there are vendors that go through the process. And they get their license, and they have everything they're supposed to have. And then there are other vendors that pretty much just 240119, ETC. show up. And we want to make sure that this is a fair opportunity for everyone. So they will be required.
Thank you. Are there any other questions for this witness?
A quick question about -- do you maintain a list of vendors for a particular area? For example, not every vendor shows up every day? Is the license for a time period or is it an annually-renewed license? And if there are gaps in the schedule, do we allow other people to -- or is it too much scheduling to do? How does that work?
I'm going to ask for -- they're trying to decide who's coming -- Elisa Esposito to come up. I will say that the process is, you have to put in for the vending license within a certain amount of time. And based on when you put it in, that's when we will -- so it's not -- but I'll, I'll let Elisa. So I won't 240119, ETC. ramble. Go ahead and introduce yourself.
Hello. I'm Elisa Ruse-Esposito. I'm the park stewardship administrator at Philadelphia Parks & Rec. So essentially, what we're hoping to accomplish through this bill is that it just requires they would go through all the same processes to have a sidewalk vending license. It just means there's another level of coordination with our department. And so, they're getting a permit with our department for being on the sidewalk. This is to reduce conflicts between other permitted activities that are happening in the park the same day. And that just helps us manage the schedule.
So in other words, if there are new, new vendors coming up, they would not be able to get the license even if they wanted to, if it were full?
Oh, so in terms of our permitted markets, there are capacity limits to permitted markets, but it's depending on the park and the size available. Most of them have same day walk-ups. 240119, ETC.
So they would be able -- if we had -- if there's space and they put in, because they're new, that would not prohibit them from getting -- being able to permit, permit in that area?
Yeah. This is how a lot of small businesses start off. So we don't want to dampen too much of that. So that's why I was asking. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you, Councilmember. Any other questions for these witnesses? Seeing none, thank you for your testimony.
Mr. Pullin, would you please read the title of the next bill?
Bill number 240302, titled "Establishing a no parking regulation on the south side of Wises Mill Road between Henry Avenue and Forbidden Drive." And also bill 25 number 240329, titled "Establishing a no parking 240119, ETC. regulation on the west side of North 34th Street between Indiana Avenue and Clearfield Street."
Thank you. Could you please call the next witness, Mr. Pullin?
The next witness to testify Noelle Marconi, legislative affairs director for the Department of Streets.
Good afternoon, Ms. Marconi. Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimonies on bill 12 number 240302 and 240329.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi, and I am the director of legislative affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on bill number 240302, introduced by Councilmember Jones. This bill establishes a no parking anytime regulation on the south side of Wise Mill Road between Henry Avenue and Forbidden Drive. The Streets Department has no objections to the proposed amendment and will place the signage within the 60 days. This concludes my testimony. 240119, ETC. And I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Are there any questions for this witness on bill number 240302? Seeing none, Ms. Marconi, please proceed with your testimony on bill number 240329.
Good afternoon Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi, and I'm the director of legislative affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on bill number 240329, introduced by Councilmember Jones. This bill establishes a no parking any time regulation on the west side of North 34th Street between Indiana Avenue and Clearfield Street. Department of Streets has no objections to the proposed bill and will place the signage within 60 days of the passage of this bill. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Are there any questions of this witness 240119, ETC. on bill number 240329? Seeing none -- is there any other testimony bill number 240329? Seeing none, Mr. Pullin, please read the title of the next bill.
Bill number 240282, titled "Granting permission to Germantown Jewish Center to demarcate the boundaries of a Germantown eruv district, to construct and maintain a clear nylon cord and/or plastic tubes and other ancillary facilities, including a maximum of 10 poles along, over, and in certain public rights of way and City streets, and/or to attach such demarcation facilities to existing facilities owned by other entities authorized by other City ordinances, subject to such owners consent, all under certain terms and conditions."
Thank you, Mr. Pullin. Please call the next witness for this bill.
The next witness to testify is Noelle Marconi, legislative affairs director for the Department of Streets.
Good afternoon, Ms. Marconi. Please state your name and proceed 240119, ETC. with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi, and I am the director of legislative affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on bill number 240282, introduced by Councilmember Bass. This bill authorizes Germantown Jewish Center to demarcate the boundaries of a Germantown eruv district, to construct and maintain a clear nylon cord and/or plastic tubes and other ancillary facilities, including a maximum of 10 poles along, over, and in certain public rights of way and city streets, and/or to attach such demarcation facilities to existing facilities owned by other entities authorized by other city ordinances subject to such owner's consent. The eruv boundaries will make maximum use of existing physical features which can be used for demarcation of an eruv for the Germantown area consistent with Jewish religious law, including currently installed utility lines, 240119, ETC. existing walls, and fences and river banks and other embankments. And certain areas such as existing boundaries will be supplemented by a clear nylon cord to connect such existing features and create a continuous boundary. And in some areas, planters may be mounted on utility poles subject to the owner's consent to create the property form of boundary lines prescribed by Jewish religious law. A maximum of 10 new poles and a few extensions of existing fence posts may be also erected. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed eruv so long as all agreements with the appropriate city departments are executed. This concludes my testimony. And I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Are there any questions of this witness? Councilmember Bass.
Thank you. And thank you for your testimony today on behalf of the Streets Department. With everything going on right now, I believe it's important to adjust -- to address the diverse needs of our community, 240119, ETC. ensuring that all residents feel respected and included. And the establishment of an eruv is not just a matter of religious significance. It is about fostering an environment of understanding and accommodation for our Jewish neighbors. And eruv serves as a symbolic boundary, allowing Orthodox Jews to carry out certain activities on the Sabbath that they otherwise wouldn't be able to do outside of their homes. It is important to recognize the impact of what religious freedom does to help our communities grow together. By supporting the creation of an eruv, we are demonstrating that Germantown is a place where everyone's beliefs are respected. This eruv will also bring about a sense of unity and solidarity and contribute to the cultural richness of our neighborhood. We need to embrace diversity, not turn a nose to it. I want Germantown, and frankly, the entire city to be more vibrant and inclusive, a community for all. So I urge my fellow councilmembers to support the establishment of an eruv in Germantown. Let us stand together in solidarity 240119, ETC. with our neighbors and uphold the values of religious freedom and inclusivity that define the City of Philadelphia. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilmember. Are there any other questions for this witness on this bill? Seeing none, are there any other members of the public wishing to testify on this bill? Seeing none, thank you Ms. Marconi. Mr. Pullin, could you please read the title of the next bill, please?
Bill number 240250, titled "Authorizing the installation, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments along 700 Block of Sansom Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, under certain terms and conditions."
Thank you, Mr. Pullin Would you please call the next witness to testify on this bills?
The next witnesses to testify are Noelle Marconi, legislative affairs director for the Department of Streets and Sarah Chu, development director for the City Planning Commission. 240119, ETC.
Good afternoon. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimonies.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi, and I'm the director of legislative affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on bill number 240250 introduced by Councilmember Squilla. This bill authorizes the Center City District, CCD, to install, own, and maintain encroachments in the vicinity of the 700 Block of Sansom Street, the encroachment, under certain terms and conditions. The proposed encroachments include three decorated gateway signs including one to be eliminated, 31 planters, and a proposed pedestal, overhead lighting and banner poles encompassing the area along the west curb line of South 7th Street, along the north and south curb line of Sansom Street and along the east curb line of South East Street. Department of Streets is not opposed to 240119, ETC. these proposed encroachments as the required minimum clear unobstructed footway for each encroachment will be maintained. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Ms. Chu, please begin your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairman Young and members of Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chu, city planner with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on bill number 240250 which was introduced by Councilmember Squilla on April 4th, 2024. This bill will, will allow various encroachments on the 700 Blocks of Sansom Street. This includes multiple signs of pedestal support on the sidewalk and planters within the parking lane. A minimum of six feet of clear sidewalk space is to remain after the installation. The city's Art Commission has approved these proposed signs. The city Planning Commission, at its meeting on April 18th, 2024, recommended a bill number 240250 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions at this 240119, ETC. time.
Thank you. Are there any questions for these witnesses on this bill? Are there -- seeing none, are there any other witnesses or any -- is there any other public testimony from the audience? Seeing none, Mr. Pullin, would you please read the name -- the title of the next bill?
Bill number 240243, titled "Authorizing an encroachment in the nature of a staircase in the vicinity of 1951 East Monmouth Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19134, under certain terms and conditions."
Hold on, Mr. Pullin. I'm sorry. There are a couple who are - - there are someone looking to testify on bill 18 number two 240250.
Good afternoon, my name is Paul Levy from the Center City District. I'm joined by Rich Goldberg who's the president of Jewelers' Row Association. I will be very brief because you've heard from the Streets Department already. I have copies of my testimony with images if you would like, but I'm just here to 240119, ETC. testify in favor of this bill. We went through an extensive planning process starting back in '19, 2019 in partnership with Jewelers' Row, which we considered many different alternatives. We secured a half a million dollar RCAP grant for this project. The CCD committed $1.5 million. And we've installed virtually all of these improvements. We learned after the installation that we required an encroachment ordinance, which is why we are here today. We took this in front of the Art Commission. You will see attached to my testimony the approval from the Art Commission itself. The las -- the key part of this is to increase the visibility of Jewelers' Row for people in Independence Hall. We can see we've done, on , additional lighting. We put new lighting strips, LED strips on the light poles that you can see on the picture on , planters, banners so people at Independence Hall discover that there is a Jeweler's Row. The last piece, which we really have not yet done, which we do definitely need 240119, ETC. require your approval for, is on the second part, bottom of the second page, is a gateway arch sign. It's visible in both directions. It says, "Jewelers' Row." So we're really pleased to have worked in partnership with Jewelers' Row. And I'd like just Jeff to jump in.
Rich Goldberg -- Rich Goldberg here. So I'm third-generation owner at Safian & Rudolph Jewelers and president of the Jewelers' Row District. Being around this my whole life, I've seen my grandfather's generation where Jewelers' Row was the only place to go. And it's struggled over a number of years to really draw the crowds and the Philadelphia population. And thanks to Paul's help, we've come up with this plan that has really improved the visibility and attractiveness of Jewelers' Row. And our main goal is to really make this a destination again, one block from Independence Hall and to be able to draw on the next generation. So having these new planters, these 240119, ETC. lights, and hopefully soon the gateway sign will really help to redefine our district and help over 100 businesses within our few blocks. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions for these witnesses? Seeing none, thank you so much for your testimony.
I just want to thank Councilman Squilla for his leadership to introduce us. Thank you very much. Appreciate your support.
Thank you. Are there any other witnesses, any other public testimony on bill number 240250? Seeing none, Mr. Pullin, please call the title of the next bill.
Bill number 240243, titled "Authorizing an encroachment in the nature of a staircase in the vicinity of 1951 East Monmouth Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19134, under certain terms and conditions."
Thank you, Mr. Pullin. Please call the next witnesses. 240119, ETC.
Next witnesses to testify are Noelle Marconi, legislative affairs director for the Department of Streets and Sarah Chu, development director for the City Planning Commission.
Again, good afternoon. Please state your name. Proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi, and I am the director of legislative affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on bill number 240243 introduced by Councilmember Lozada. This bill authorizes MNR Holdings PA-3 LLC or the owner's designee, the owner, to install, own, and maintain encroachments in the nature of a staircase at 1951 East Monmouth Street, all under certain terms and conditions. One proposed staircase will be located adjacent to the building of 1951 East Monmouth Street and will encroach a distance of approximately three feet, seven inches towards the south along the 240119, ETC. north footway of Emerald Street. The Department of Streets does not oppose to this proposed staircase as it will maintain an unobstructed footway of seven feet, inches. This concludes my testimony. I'm 7 pleased to answer any questions you may have. 8
Thank you. Ms. 9 Chu, please proceed with your testimony. 10
Good afternoon, Chairman 11 Young and members of Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chu, city planner with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on bill number 240243, which was introduced by Councilmember Lozada on April 4th, 2024. This bill will allow a staircase at 1951 East Monmouth Street. A minimum of 8 -- 7 feet, 11 inches of clear sidewalk space is to remain after the installation. The proposed encroachment meets the complete street policy. The Planning Commission, at its meeting on April 18th, 2024, recommended bill number 240243 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions at this time. 240119, ETC.
Thank you. Are there any questions or comments from members of the committee for these witnesses? Seeing none, thank you for your testimony on this bill. Are there any -- are there anyone else in this chamber here to testify on bill number 240243? Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Pullin, please read the title of the next bill.
Bill number 240301, titled "Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 6516 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19149, under certain terms and conditions."
The next witnesses to testify are Noelle Marconi, legislative affairs director for the Department of Streets and Sarah Chu, development director for the City Planning Commission.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and 240119, ETC. Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi, and I'm the director of legislative affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on bill number 240301 introduced by Councilmember Phillips. This bill authorizes Warren Matz and Marlene Matz, the owners, to install, own, and maintain encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe at -- on, on Charcoal located at 6516 Castor Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions. A total of two tables and eight seats for a sidewalk cafe will be located along the north sidewalk of Castor Avenue along the property line of 6516 Castor Avenue. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed sidewalk cafe as it will maintain 10 feet of unobstructed footway. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you. Ms. Chu, please proceed with the testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairman Young and members of Committee on Streets and 240119, ETC. Services. I'm Sarah Chu, city planner with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on bill number 240301, which was introduced by Councilmember Phillips on April 18th, 2024. This bill will, will allow a sidewalk cafe encroachment on 6516 Castor Avenue. A minimum of feet of clear sidewalk 9 space is to remain after the installation. The 10 encroachment meets the city's complete street policy. The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider this bill at its meeting on May 16th, 2024 with a staff recommendation for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions at this time.
Thank you. Are there any questions from -- of these witnesses by members of this committee? I do have one question. So they're only asking for two tables, essentially? And we have to go, we make the -- I guess, the business owners go through this process, the legislative process for -- even if they wanted one table outside, they still have to go through this encroachment process? I mean, I just think that's a little -- 240119, ETC. we got to figure that out because I just think that we should make it a little bit easier for a mom-and-pop business to allow -- you know, to just set up a table and a chair outside their business so their customers can just sit and enjoy a cup of coffee, a donut or something. We got to make it a little bit easier than having to go through the legislative process, which can take months and months. So that would be something that I hope that members of this committee can support as we look forward to change some of these regulations and rules. But I thank you for your testimony on this bill. Is there any other members, any, any other folks in the chamber looking to testify on bill number 240301? Seeing none, Mr. Pullin, can you please call the title of the next bill?
Bill number 240239, titled "Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 2201 Christian Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146, property, under certain terms and conditions."
Mr. Pullin, please call the name of the next witnesses to 240119, ETC. testify on this bill.
The next witness is to testify are Noelle Marconi, legislative affairs director for the Department of Streets and Sarah Chu, development director for the City Planning Commission.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi, and I'm the director of legislative affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on bill number 240239 introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Johnson. This bill authorizes AKR Properties to install, own, and maintain encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe at the Sidecar Cafe located at 2201 Christian Street, all under certain terms and conditions. A total of 7 tables and 20 seats for a sidewalk cafe will be located along the west sidewalk of South 22nd Street along the curb line 240119, ETC. and property line of 2201 Christian Street and then north sidewalk of Christian Street along the property line of 2201 Christian Street. Department of Streets does not oppose to this proposed sidewalk cafe as it will maintain the minimum of 7 feet unobstructed footway along 22nd Street and a minimum of 9 feet, 6 inches along Christian Street. This concludes my testimony. And I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Ms. Chu, please proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairman Young and members of Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chu, a city planner with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on bill number 240239, which was introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for Council President Johnson on April 4th, 2024. This bill will allow a sidewalk cafe at 2201 Christian Street. A minimum of seven feet of clear sidewalk space is to remain after the 240119, ETC. installation. The proposed encroachment is within the furnishing zone and meets the complete, complete street policy. The City Planning Commission, at its meeting on April 18th, 2024, recommended a bill number 240239 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions at this time.
Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions of these witnesses on bill number 240239? Seeing none, is there -- anyone in the chamber is looking to testify on bill number 240239?
Good afternoon, sir. Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
My name is Richard Gliniak. Good afternoon, Chair Young and members of the committee. I'm actually in -- I'm here in support of this passage of this sidewalk cafe. I'm also a Democratic Committee person and also on the Neighborhood Association Board. And I'm sure if the board had time to consider this at the regular meeting. They would 240119, ETC. be in support of this as well. The Sidecar Cafe has always been a good neighbor ever since they opened up many years ago. And we definitely -- and I support the passage of this bill and this sidewalk cafe.
Thank you so much for your testimony. Are there any questions of this witness by members of the committee? Seeing none, thank you for taking time out to come down here, sir.
Is there anyone else in the chamber looking to testify on bill 15 number 240239? Seeing none, Mr. Pullin -- Mr. Pullin, please call the -- please read the title of the next bill.
Bill number 240119, titled "Authorizing encroachments in the nature of two new light poles and three existing light poles in the vicinity of southeast and northwest corners of John F. Kennedy Boulevard and North Broad Streets and the northeast corner of John F. Kennedy Boulevard and North Juniper street, all under certain terms and conditions." 240119, ETC.
Thank you. Please read the name of the next witnesses.
The next witnesses to testify are Noelle Marconi, legislative affairs director for the Department of Streets and Sarah Chu, development director for the City Planning Commission.
Thank you. Ms. Marconi, please proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi, and I'm the director of legislative affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on bill number 240119 introduced by Councilmember Young. This bill authorizes trustees of title to the Masonic Temple and other real estate of the Grand Lodge, the owner, to install, own, and maintain encroachments and the nature of light poles located on the southeast and northwest corners of JFK Boulevard and North Broad Street and in the vicinity of the northeast corner of JFK Boulevard and North Juniper Street, their 240119, ETC. property, all under certain terms and conditions. Two new light poles will be installed to illuminate the facade of the Masonic Library and the Museum Temple located at 33 North Broad Street, aka 1 North Broad Street. The new light poles will be located at the northwest and southeast corners of JFK Boulevard and North Broad Street. Two existing poles will be refit with new lighting fixtures to illuminate the facade of the temple. One other existing pole will remain and will have no lighting fixtures installed. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed encroachment, as the passable sidewalk space will remain as existing. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Ms. Chu, please proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairman Young and members of Committee on the Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chu, city planner with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here 240119, ETC. to testify on bill number 240119, which was introduced by Councilmember Young on February 29th, 2024. This bill will allow new light posts and existing three existing light posts in the furnishing zone in a vicinity of southeast and northwest corners of JFK Boulevard and North Broad Streets and northeast corner of JFK Boulevard and Juniper Street. The proposed encroachment is within the furnishing zone and meets the city's complete street policy. The City Planning Commission, at its meeting on March 21st, 2024, recommended bill 15 number 240119 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have now.
Thank you so much for your testimony. Are there any questions for these witnesses on bill number 240119? Seeing none -- is there anyone else in the chambers wishing to testify on bill number 240119? Seeing none, thank you so much for your testimony. Mr. Pullin, would you please read the title of the next bill?
Bill number 240331, titled 240119, ETC. "Amending Section 9-215 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Streeteries, modifying requirements related to the city's revised standards and requirements associated with the use of portions of the right of way for outdoor dining."
Thank you. Before we call the witnesses, the chair recognizes Councilmember Landau.
Thank you so much. Thanks for having me on the Streets Committee, and thanks for giving me a second. Just wanted to say a couple of remarks. You, you might remember that a few weeks ago, we held a hearing on outdoor dining in Philadelphia. And as a result of that hearing, I introduced a bill 17 which will be heard by the Streets Committee today. This bill modifies the section of the Philadelphia Code for streeteries. As a city renowned for its culinary diversity and innovation, Philadelphia's outdoor dining scene can be an awesome addition that benefits residents and visitors alike. I also know that outdoor dining can be safer and more accessible for many people who may be 240119, ETC. immunocompromised and want to eat safely outside or who use a wheelchair and can more easily access a dining table at the ground level. We commend the prior administration and council for creating a dining program in early 2023 to allow for a process for restaurants and cafes to apply for a streetery license, allowing our restaurants to use the street space in front of their building for outdoor dining, which is what the license does. However, we've heard from restaurants all over the city that the onerous process and sometimes restrictive regulations can leave business owners feeling lost at sea. My team and I are looking at every angle on this issue. And I look forward to working with the administration and my colleagues over the next few weeks and months to help improve these processes and support restaurants who are looking to expand dining options outside. The ordinance you are considering today is a small measure that will have big impacts for our small businesses in Philadelphia. Currently, restaurants are entitled only to take up the street space closest to the 240119, ETC. curb known as the right of way for the street in front of their building. Under the proposed amendment, restaurants will have the option of expanding into the right of way, abutting the adjacent property to that restaurant, meaning both the space in front of their building and expanding into the space in front of the building next door. If adopted, expanded streeteries in front of an adjacent property would be allowable with the permission of the next door property owner. The expansion would be subject to regulations developed by the administration like the current streetery license, licenses. I'm committed to working with the administration to make sure those are implemented in a way that's streamlined and user-accessible so restaurants can get up and running with their expanded streeteries as soon as possible, with the weather getting warmer. We're going to hear today from restaurants, especially very small restaurants, who would greatly benefit from expanded space to serve customers and grow our economy. 240119, ETC. We'll hear from BIDs and the diverse chambers who are supportive of this bill as well. This legislation recognizes the importance of outdoor dining spaces in Philadelphia's cultural landscape. Thank you to my colleagues for considering this legislation and reaffirming our commitment to creating and supporting a thriving hospital hospitality industry, safe and vibrant city streets in all our neighborhoods, while safeguarding the interests of our residents and entrepreneurs. Thank you very much, Chair.
You're welcome, Councilmember Landau. Mr. Pullin, would you please call the first witness to testify on bill 17 number 240331?
First witness to testify on 240331 is Karen Fegley, deputy director of policy and strategic initiatives for the Department of Commerce.
Good afternoon, Ms. Fegley. Could you please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony?
Yes. Good afternoon, 240119, ETC. Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Karen Fegley, deputy commerce director. I'm here to offer testimony on bill number 240331 introduced by Councilmember Landau. The proposed amendments intend to make streeteries more user-friendly for our restaurant community, as Councilmember has explained. And we appreciate and support the amendment's allowance for the administration to require -- add requirements by regulations, such as indemnification against legal claims and written permission by the by the -- by the adjacent property owners. As we state in our streetery guide, Philadelphia's thriving restaurant scene has helped our city become an international destination. I know you all know this. Many of our restaurants are locally-owned and reflect the people, places and global flavors of our population. Restaurants create jobs, enhance the economy, and create a sense of community in neighborhoods all over Philadelphia. Outdoor dining has been a mainstay of 240119, ETC. Philadelphia's dining culture for decades, from sidewalk awnings of cheesesteak shops and water ice stands to the cafe tables and shade umbrellas of upscale restaurants. Utilizing the public right of way for private dining is a privilege for restaurants as an enhancement to their seating capacity. The administration recognizes that our existing outdoor dining program has challenges. While many restaurants have been happy to fully return to indoor service when they were allowed to after the pandemic, we -- or at a point in the pandemic, we know that others would like to provide outdoor options. And they're frustrated by the rules or the licensing process. We have far fewer streeteries than anticipated. That's a fact. That said, I want to go on record and correct some information that we shared during the pandemic. It was previously stated and often repeated that Philadelphia issued 800 temporary licenses for streeteries, and that number has just been thrown around. But at the time, there were actually far fewer actual, actual 240119, ETC. streeteries. For expediency, the city utilized an existing license called a temporary sidewalk cafe license to respond to the emergency. And the things permitted under that license included streeteries, as well as temporary parking lot dining, temporary loading zones for takeout restaurants, even temporary outdoor operations for childcares and gyms. As we reconciled the data, there were also numerous duplicate requests that had been counted. And so, I just want to state that, I believe, there were about 250 streeteries operating at their height. And a citywide visual survey by our Streets Department found 134 streeteries in January 2023. So also for the record, Philadelphia was among the first cities to enact a permanent Streetery Program, and we did that. We put that in place. And we prided ourselves on getting that done because we wanted to make it clear that we want these amenities to remain, yet sometimes being first means we have to circle back and make some corrections. And thus, we really appreciate 240119, ETC. Councilmembers Landau and Young for prioritizing revisions and supporting our restaurant community. So I would like to share some of the program revisions that Commerce and the administration are prioritizing, in addition to - - you know, outside of this legislation. In line with the PHL Open for Business initiative, we're always seeking ways to streamline the application and approval processes for businesses, make it easier to do business in Philadelphia. We hope to have some changes soon to reduce steps where we can. And additionally, any restaurant interested in pursuing outdoor dining can contact the mayor's business Action Team in the Commerce Department.
Our business navigators are going to now stay with that restaurant every step of the way, joining them in the meeting with the Streets Department engineers and ensuring that issues are resolved along the way to accelerate approval times. Many businesses don't realize that there are three streetery options when we're talking about this, right. There are what we call structures, what we call platforms and what we 240119, ETC. call pavement streeteries. The latter two are really easy versions and do not require building permits or Art Commission review. So if designs don't have an overhead covering or walls, they can have their permits in, in days. And to encourage those 8 easy versions, we are also going to engage design 9 experts to design a standard streetery model. 10 Restaurants would not be required to use that 11 model, but it would greatly accelerate the 12 approval process. 13 We continue to speak with other cities, 14 watch how their programs are working so that we 15 can consider the best tools for Philadelphia. 16 It's tricky to balance the vibrancy, amenities, 17 and revenues that come from outdoor dining with 18 the very real responsibilities to near neighbors, 19 to safety, accessibility, and our maintenance of 20 the right of way. So I'm trying to abridge my testimony because I know it's a long hearing. So I've submitted in, in writing some more options, things that, that we think could help the -- accomplish that balance, expanding by-right areas, making all streeteries open-air 240119, ETC. and seasonal. And again, happy to -- anyone in the administration is happy to discuss this with any of you. I just want to reiterate my appreciation to City Council for supporting the business community, for facilitating the ease of doing business, and acknowledge the multiple city departments, Law, Planning, Health, L&I, Fire, and especially Streets that have contributed to the creation and ongoing administration of Philadelphia's outdoor dining program. Thank you. Happy to answer any questions.
Thank you so much, Ms. Fegley. Are there any questions of this witness by members of this committee?
Croaky voice. A question about the permission from the adjacent property owner. Is that grandfathered if they lose, if they sell their property, meaning if property ownership changes?
No. I mean, we have to 240119, ETC. write exactly how this is going to work, but our expectation would be that it would be something that would have to be renewed every year or if they're -- and/or if there was a property ownership change.
We've also considered -- we'll, we'll consider adding a requirement to have the permission of, like, the first floor tenant of the adjacent property, knowing that sometimes there are out-of-town landlords who may agree, but, you know -- and the tenants change and that sort of thing. So that's something we still have to work out.
I just want to thank you again for working with us so much and also, most importantly, for having your business navigators with your mayor's business Action Team being the one stop shop for the restaurants to go 240119, ETC. to, to help navigate this whole process. The way you're streamlining this is fantastic. And I know the restaurants -- I've talked to so many of them. They already appreciate it.
That's great. Thank you for putting that idea in our ear during our budget hearing.
And I, I just want to make a comment or question. Is that something that could be done with other industries as well?
Yes. Yeah. Absolutely. I'm getting ahead of myself a little. But we, we did announce --- you know, the mayor renamed our Office of Business Services as Mayor's Business Action Team. So they continue, as they have always been, available to any business to help, to call by phone or email. We, you know, have a hotline. We're going to have within that team -- the official announcement is coming in a few days, but business navigators who are going to be, like, a specialized unit within that team that are really going to do the problem solving. 240119, ETC. So whereas our, our regular business service managers are out there in the neighborhoods every day, educating businesses, answering questions, we're going to have a few folks that are specialists and are assigned to work with -- there's going to be people dedicated from every other city department too to work with them and just really make sure we're resolving those issues every step of the way. I'm sure we'll --
I think that would be very helpful for our small business community here, particularly when it comes to, like, small restaurants or daycares, trying to navigate the --
-- zoning process or other regulatory processes. I mean, to have someone from the city walk through each step of the way could save them a lot of time and money, 240119, ETC. essentially. So I want to thank the, you know, the mayor's administration for putting that idea forward and helping our small businesses. Are there any other questions of this witness by members of the committee? Thank you so much, Ms. Fegley, for your testimony. Mr. Pullin, could you please call the names of the next witnesses to testify on bill number 240331?
The next witnesses to testify are Job Itzkowitz, executive director of Old City District, Ben Fileccia, senior vice president of strategy and engagement at the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, Spoonie O'Neal, owner of O'Neal's Tavern, and Ashley Thomas, owner of the Royal Restaurant Group.
Thank you so much. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chair Young and all members of the Committee on Streets and Services. My name is Job Itzkowitz, and I'm the executive director of the Old City Special Services District. I'm here to testify in 240119, ETC. support of bill number 240331 related to use of portions of the right of way for outdoor dining. I also want to thank Councilmember Landau and, and the whole body for their continued work on outdoor dining, as this is an issue that not only affects Philadelphia's economy in terms of job creation and tax revenue, but at its core speaks to the kind of city that we want to live in. Though I was not able to attend last month's hearing about streeteries in general -- maybe that's for the best because I submitted a lengthy written testimony -- I will not try to be overly repetitive here today. By way of background, the Old City Special Services District operates as a municipal authority and business improvement district in the Old City neighborhood. Now in its 27th year, Old City District continues to support the dynamic Old City neighborhood. OCD serves to supplement but not replace both the services provided by the City of Philadelphia and the responsibilities of property owners, contributing to a healthy environment for 240119, ETC. businesses to be successful, for, for visitors to enjoy their experience there, and for residents to maintain a positive quality of life. Perhaps more than many issues, the successful outdoor dining program serves all three of these ends. In the spring of 2020, OCD helped form the Philadelphia BID Alliance. The BID Alliance came together in large part because Philadelphia's BIDs realized they needed to start planning and advocating for outdoor dining as pandemic restrictions ended. At that time, the BID Alliance developed a four-point policy proposal that would address the needs of the restaurants on our commercial corridors but would also have broader applicability to the diverse restaurants across the city. Those points were sidewalk seating by right, something that Chair Young just alluded to during a previous bill, sidewalk seating at an adjacent property by right with property owner's permission, use of the parking lane in front of the business for seating by right and use of the parking lane in front of an adjacent property for 240119, ETC. seating by right with property's owner's permission. And so, what we were advocating for in 2020 -- I'm here wearing my OCD hat -- we're still advocating for today. In anticipation of the expiration of the emergency legislation that council passed in 2020, in 2021, City Council passed legislation to establish streeteries, allowing for outdoor dining in portions of the public right of way. This legislation marked a significant step towards promoting public safety, accessibility, and economic vitality. The subsequent launch of the permanent Outdoor Dining Program in January 2023, facilitated by that legislation, aimed to regulate streeteries and sidewalk cafes while prioritizing public safety and accessibility. However, data reveals that only a handful of restaurants renewed their streetery licenses for 2024. That's true in Old City, as it is elsewhere. At its peak, Old City had about a dozen streeteries, maybe more. Today it has one, and that one just opened in the last few weeks. There's several 240119, ETC. reasons why streeteries have not opened at the same rate as during the pandemic, but I want to focus on one issue relevant to the issue in today's hearing. It's geometry. In Old City, as in many Philadelphia neighborhoods and commercial corridors, our storefronts are no more than 8 feet wide. 9 So if you think about, like, your row 10 house -- I live in a row house -- it's 16 feet 11 wide. Sometimes the commercial corridor is a 12 little bit wider, but we're not looking at 50 13 feet of width for most of these restaurants.
14 Under the regulations, the current regulations, 15 accounting for ADA accessibility, crash-proof 16 barriers, avoiding fire hydrants and other 17 requirements, there's really limited space for 18 seating. 19 That limitation creates an economic 20 barrier for streetery creation. A restaurant may not obtain a sufficient return on investment to justify the significant investment required to build the streetery. Offering those restaurants more opportunities to utilize the street in front of neighboring properties offsets that barrier. 240119, ETC. Customer seating increases significantly but costs do not. In anticipation of the 2023 municipal elections, the BID Alliance put forth its 2023 policy agenda, which included the following policy plan on outdoor dining. Legalize outdoor dining on every commercial corridor. Outdoor dining is a lifeline for restaurants and is enjoyed by their customers. The city should enact policies to make outdoor dining as easy as possible for restaurants and cafes. The city should allow cafe seating by right on all commercial corridors and cafe seating at the neighboring properties with owner permission. The city should also include streeteries by right in all commercial corridors and allow neighborhood parking -- neighboring parking spaces with permission. Permanent buy right outdoor dining will create economic opportunities for the city, such as the ability to collect additional revenue through tax revenue from employment and sales, application fees, renewals, and compliance. It will also continue to benefit restaurants 240119, ETC. throughout the city. This body determined that streeteries are a public good when it legalized them on a permanent basis in 2021. However, the economics of the regulations that followed that legislation resulted in fewer streeteries than advocates and certainly restaurants.
Mr. Itzkowitz, hold on, please. Chair recognize Councilmember Squilla.
You remember reading -- I'm on the last paragraph. All right. And the next line was, I applaud this body. All right. I applaud this body for taking the next logical step in shaping legislation that will benefit Philadelphia by supporting the successful creation of more streeteries. Thank you for allowing me to testify this afternoon. And I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you. Mr. Fileccia, please proceed with your testimony.
Thank you. Good morning 240119, ETC. -- good afternoon, Chairperson Young, Vice Chairperson Squilla, and esteemed councilmembers. My name is Ben Fileccia, senior vice president of strategy and engagement at the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association. It's a pleasure to be with you again and especially so soon. PRLA represents over 400 operators in Philadelphia and more than 5000 members statewide. Before I start, I just want to give a shout-out to Karen Fegley and Justine Bolkus from Commerce. They have been such a tremendous support to the hospitality industry over the past few years, at times giving white glove service to the, the restaurants. And, and honestly, we could not have done it without those two. And, and I, I really just want to make notice -- make note of that because they are such tremendous examples of, of what a city can do. And, and I applaud their efforts, and I just want to make sure they are recognized for that. Today, as the association representing restaurants, hotels, and the broader tourism industry in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, we are 240119, ETC. here to offer our support for Councilmember Landau's bill number 240331, which expands options for streeteries by allowing streeteries in Philadelphia to explore the use of space adjacent to their operating restaurants. Last time we gathered, industry members and I stressed the urgency of this conversation. We're grateful to see that urgency echoed by you all. Special thanks to Councilmember Rue Landau for leading the charge and bringing this issue to the forefront. While we've discussed numerous improvements to outdoor dining programs today, we want to underscore the importance of adjacent use and the flexibility it offers to hospitality operators here in Philadelphia. Allowing adjacent use will inject vitality into the industry, benefiting operators, employees, and visitors alike. It means more seating, translating to increased opportunities for restaurant operators and more jobs for staff. Many operators have expressed interest in establishing streeteries but have been hindered by limited abutting space, rendering it economically unfeasible. 240119, ETC. Councilmember Landau's legislation presents a practical solution to this challenge and one that is based off of feedback from the impacted industry. Advancing this legislation will enhance the accessibility for visitors and consumers. Outdoor dining often provides a more spacious, accessible, and convenient experience compared to indoor seating, especially in older or historic establishments with tight and cramped interiors. To illustrate the significance of adjacent use, let me share a couple stories from our members. A great operator on 15th Street, Good Dog Bar, had a beautiful streetery using the adjacent bank property. This allowed them to hire additional staff and serve more of our community. They went from having 48 additional seats to now 8 additional seats. They look forward to expanding their streetery again and hiring more staff in the coming months. Mike's BBQ, a nationally-renowned, locally-owned corner barbecue restaurant on 11th and Morris, had previously been allowed to have a couple of picnic benches in front of their 240119, ETC. restaurant. Unfortunately, since they are a corner property, they were forced to remove them. With the passing of this bill, Mike's will be able to once again serve guests alfresco in front of their neighbor's property with permission. Owners and operators have tirelessly advocated for city government to enable the use of adjacent property in the Streetery Program, especially those in unique locations like corner properties and historic neighborhoods. Today, this committee has the opportunity to address the presenting need. PRLA proudly supports Councilmember Landau's efforts to advance this legislation on adjacent use. And we stand ready to assist the city as we collectively move forward.
We look forward to working with the administration and Council in any way we can as regulations are drafted and considered. And we're happy to help in any way to ensure that the industry is engaged along the way. We also look forward to hearing directly from some of our owners and operators at the meeting today, who can attest to how this 240119, ETC. legislation will positively impact their business. Thank you, Councilwoman Landau, this committee, and all Council for your leadership in this important initiative.
Thank you so much. Will Ms. Thomas and Mr. O'Neal please present your testimony?
Ms. Thomas first. Good morning -- good. good afternoon Chairperson Young, Vice Chairperson Squilla, and fellow councilmembers. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you all today. My name is Ashley Thomas. I'm the director of HR, licensing, and compliance for the Royal Restaurant Group. We have no approved streeteries yet. I've applied for four, but we do have sidewalk cafes at Triangle Tavern, Dos Segundos, and Cantina Los Caballitos. We want to add them to Khyber Pass Pub in Old City and Blazerz Food Joint in -- on South Street because nobody wants to sit inside a hermetically-sealed box on a 70- degree day. I appreciate the invitation and opportunity to share some of my thoughts and 240119, ETC. feedback on Councilmember Landau's legislation to authorize the use of adjacent property, as it relates to Philadelphia's Streetery Program bill 5 number 240331. I am also happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you all may have. We have 1 bar that is 17 feet wide and in front of it is a BILCO door, one of those death, basement trap doors. So this leaves us room for exactly one teeny-tiny bistro table with two seats. Our neighbors do not mind at all if we put tables in front of their place and we did at the beginning of the pandemic. A streetery would let us have three tables outside. And using the adjacent area would allow us to have five tables outside. Any one of us could now take both parents with us to lunch because right now, we can't with two seats. I would -- I would really love to make this a possibility. Like Ben noted in his testimony, allowing for adjacent use will help inject vitality into the industry, make the streets safer with constant outside presence, and make it cleaner as well. This in turn will 240119, ETC. benefit operators, employees, and visitors. Owners and operators have tirelessly advocated for city government to enable the use of adjacent property, especially those in unique locations like corner properties and our teeny- tiny historic neighborhood. Today, we hope the committee will take the opportunity to act on the this need. Thank you Councilmember Landau. And big thanks to the entire committee for inviting us to participate. We look forward to helping however we can moving forward. Happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you so much. Mr. O'Neal, please proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon. my name is Greg Rand, R-A-N-D. Good afternoon, Chairperson Young, Vice Chairperson Squilla -- it's always a pleasure to see you again -- and fellow councilmembers. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you all today. As I stated, my name is Greg Rand, but everybody knows me by Spoonie. I am the owner-operator of O'Neal's Pub off of 240119, ETC. South street on 3rd in the South Street Headhouse Business District. We currently operate a small legal streetery in front of our establishment and would love to have an addition to our streetery at the adjoining property. I appreciate the invitation and opportunity to share some of my thoughts and feedback on Councilmember's Landau's legislation to authorize the use of adjacent property as it relates to the Philadelphia Streetery Program, bill number 240331. I am also happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you all may have. Let me first say O'Neal's Pub is coming up on 45 years of business. And I myself have been working in the Headhouse District for 38 years. During the terrible time of COVID, we had a streetery at two adjoining properties, including in front of another restaurant, which saved us. Our neighbors and our fellow businesses enjoyed that streetery. And I'm here to ask you to please consider being in favor of this bill, not just for us but the restaurant industry as a whole. It would open so many more doors. 240119, ETC. Councilmember Landau's legislation makes sense. It's practical for the city, will enhance the outdoor dining programs in Philadelphia, and will allow restaurants to expand operations and create new opportunities. Like Ben noted in his testimony, allowing for adjacent use will help inject vitality into the industry. That in turn will benefit operators, employees, and visitors. Owners and operators have tirelessly advocated for the city government to enable to use the adjacent property, especially those in unique locations like corner properties and historic neighborhoods. Today, we hope the committee will take the opportunity to act in this need. Thank you, Councilmember Landau. And a big thanks to the entire committee for inviting us to participate today. We look forward to helping however we can moving forward. Happy to answer any questions that you may have. Thank you.
Thank you so much. Are there any questions of these witnesses by members of the committee? No? Seeing none, 240119, ETC. we really appreciate your time to come down here and testify on this bill.
Is there anyone else in the chamber here to testify on bill 7 number 240331?
I have -- Richard Gliniak. Mr. Chair, too, I just want to thank everybody who came out and testified. Thank you for taking the time and effort of the -- of business owners to come out here and share their interest and how, how important this bill is to them. So it -- very much appreciate it. Thank you.
I just wanted to put one thing on the record for the, the last panel, is that -- you know, I already shared with the owner of O'Neal's that when we talk about the vitality that comes to city streets, we also talk about safety. I'm often walking past his place where -- I've never met him before today, but that -- there's people out there because he's 240119, ETC. always had seats outside. And it actually just makes the streets safer and, and, and more vibrant, so thank you.
Thank you so much, Councilmember. Please proceed with your testimony.
Yes. Good afternoon again, again, Chair Young and committee members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Richard Gliniak. As I said before, I'm a Democratic Committee person. I'm also a member of the South, South Neighborhood association there in the Graduate Hospital area. And I don't have a lot to say, but I do want to say as a frequent restaurant patron, I strongly support streeteries, sidewalk cafes, and parklets. And I strongly support this common sense bill number 240331. It is about walkability, and this would definitely enhance the walkability. It's a -- we are very fortunate to be in one of the most walkable cities in the nation, in, in my view. And this would go a long way. It is -- it is shocking to me that they were not already 240119, ETC. allowed to open up at the adjacent properties with that owner's permission, of course. This, this is a common sense bill, and I strongly support it. Thank you so much, all of you.
Thank you so much for your testimony. Are there any questions of this witness? Seeing none, thank you. Is there anyone else in the chambers wishing to testify on bill number 240331? Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Pullin, would you please read the titles of the next bills to be heard?
Bill number 240183, titled "Establishing parking regulations vicinity of Hoffman Street between South 19th Street and South 20th Street, Pierce Street between South 17th and South 18th Street, Pierce Street between South 21st Street and South 20th Street Sigel Street between South 22nd Street and South 23rd Street, McClellan street between South 18th street and South 17th Street, McClellan Street between South 19th Street and South 18th Street, McClellan Street between South 20th Street and South 19th Street, Jackson street between South 15th Street and South 16th Street, Jackson Street 240119, ETC. between South 19th Street and South 20th Street, Mckean Street between South 20th Street and South 21st Street." And also bill number 240184, titled "Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of South 18th Street between Reed Street and Wharton Street, South 18th street between Dickinson Street and Reed Street, South 18th street between Tasker Street and Dickinson Street, Oakford Street between South 24th Street and South 25th Street, Oakford Street between South 22nd Street and South 23rd Street, South 19th Street between Dickinson Street and Tasker Street, South 21st Street between Tasker Street and Morris Street, Manton Street between South 20th Street and South 19th Street, Bancroft Street between Tasker Street and Morris Street, Alter Street between South 22nd Street and South 21st Street." And also bill number 240191, titled "Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of Norris Street between Belgrade street and Gaul Street, Ritter Street between Dauphin Street and Norris Street, York Street between Mercer Street 240119, ETC. and Thompson Street, Hagert Street between Cedar street and Gaul Street, Wishart Street between Frankford Avenue and Emerald Street, Delancey Street between South 2nd Street and Front Street, Front Street between Spruce Street and Pine Street, Spruce Street between South 2nd Street, and South 3rd Street." And also bill number 240334, titled "Amending Chapter 12-2700 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Permit Parking Districts by changing certain boundaries and establishing new permit parking districts, all under certain terms and conditions." And also bill number 240335, titled "Amending Chapter 12-2700 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Permit Parking Districts by extending the authorized duration of temporary parking permits and setting new permit application fees, all under certain terms and conditions."
Thank you, Mr. Pullin. Would you please call the witnesses to testify on these bills?
The first witness to 240119, ETC. testify is Lester Emerson, deputy managing -- deputy manager of the Philadelphia Parking Authority.