COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON RULES Remote location using Microsoft® Teams Monday, December 4, 2023 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON, CHAIR COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA, VICE-CHAIR COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL ALSO PRESENT: COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL
230651, 230713, 230741, 230742, 230743, 230764, 230770, 230771, 230778, 230780, 230782, 230783 - - -
Good morning, everyone. This is the Committee on Rules, Monday, December 4, 2023. I understand that state law currently requires that the following announcement be made at the beginning of every remote public hearing as follows: Due to the current public health emergency, City Council Committees are currently meeting remotely. We are using Microsoft Teams to make these remote hearings possible. Instructions for how the public may view and offer public testimony at the public hearings of Council Committees are included in the public hearing notices that are published in the Daily News, Inquirer and Legal Intelligencer prior to the hearings and can also be found on PHLCouncil.com. Will the Clerk please call the roll to take attendance. Members that are in attendance will please indicate they are present when their names are called. Also, please say a few brief words when responding so that your image will be displayed on screen when you speak.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Mr. Chair. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Chairman. And good morning, colleagues.
Good morning. Thank you. A quorum of the Committee is present and this hearing is now called to order. This is the public hearing of the Committee on Rules regarding Bill 11 Nos. 230651, 230713, 230741, 230742, 230743, 230764, 230770, 230771, 230778, 230780, 230782, 230783. Will the Clerk please read the titles of the bills.
Bill No. 18 230651, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Westminster Avenue, Mantua Avenue, 40th Street, Aspen Street and 44th Street. Bill No. 230713, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, Adams Avenue, Ramona Street, Wyoming Avenue and Whitaker Avenue. Bill 230741, an ordinance 10 authorizing Basic Utilities and Services use on a certain location within a section of East Fairmount Park bounded by the right-of-way of the CSX Railroad, Girard Avenue and 33rd Street. Bill No. 230742, an ordinance authorizing Basic Utilities and Services use on a certain location within a section 20 of West Fairmount Park bounded by Wynnefield Avenue, extended, Belmont Avenue and Parkside Avenue. Bill No. 230743, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Queen Lane, Wissahickon Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard and Henry Avenue, and to amend Section 14-524 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Fourth District Overlay District," and make related changes, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill NO. 230764, an ordinance amending Title of The 12 Philadelphia Code "Zoning and 13 Planning" to revise definitions and 14 rules governing nightclubs and private clubs; create the event assembly facility use category and identify the commercial districts where the use is allowed, and make technical changes; all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 230770, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Callowhill Street, 18th Street, Vine Street and 20th Street, and to amend Title of The Philadelphia 4 Code, "Zoning and Planning" by 5 revising Section Chapter 14-500, 6 "Overlay Zoning Districts," all 7 under certain terms and conditions. 8 Bill No. 230771, an 9 ordinance amending Title 14 of The 10 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning 11 and Planning," by revising certain 12 provisions of Section 14-524, 13 entitled "Fourth District Overlay 14 District," all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 230778, an ordinance to approve amendments to the University of Pennsylvania Master Plan in the area bounded by Chestnut Street, 33rd Street, Walnut Street, and 34th Street related to the Student Performing Arts Center. Bill No. 230780, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Emerald Street, Ontario Street, Braddock Street and Cornwall Street. Bill No. 230782, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Clearfield Street, Witte Street, Ann Street and Amber Street. And finally Bill No. 15 230783, an ordinance approving the plan, estimated costs and proposed method of assessment and charges of the South Street Headhouse District of Philadelphia for and concerning business improvements and administrative services to the Eastern South Street and Headhouse areas of the City of Philadelphia; all under certain terms and conditions.
Before we begin to hear testimony from the witnesses we have for today, everyone who has been invited to the meeting to testify should be aware that this public hearing is being recorded. Because the hearing is public, participants and viewers have no reasonable expectation of privacy. By continuing to be in the meeting, you are consenting to being recorded. Additionally, prior to recognizing Members for the questions or comments they have for witnesses, I will note for the record at this time that we will use the chat feature available in Microsoft Teams to allow Members to signify that they wish to be recognized. In order to comply with the Sunshine Act, the chat feature must only be used for this purpose. Also, before we begin I want to state for the record that Bill Nos. 230713 and 230743 are being held at the request of the sponsor. Will the Clerk please call the panel for Bill No. 230651.
For 230651, we have Paula Brumbelow Burns and we have Andrew Goodman from the office of the sponsor of the bill, Councilmember Gauthier, to explain the amendment for the viewing public.
Thank you very much. Good morning, Paula. Just state your name for the record and please begin your testimony.
Good morning, members of the Rules Committee. I am Paula Brumbelow Burns, Director of Legislation for the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 230651 introduced into City Council on September 28, 2023 by Councilmember Gauthier. Bill No. 230651 amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Westminster Avenue, Mantua Avenue, 40th Street, Aspen Street and 44th Street, which is located in the Belmont neighborhood in West Philadelphia. This bill 12 changes the zoning for three areas -- excuse me, two areas of land in an area originally mapped under Bill 230034. The amended version now includes two of the three changes proposed in the bill. The first change is to provide a measurement to the approved map to clarify the zoning designation at 745 North 44th Street. The second area of map change is through the southwest corner of 40th and Westminster Streets, which is proposed to go from CMX-2, Commercial Mixed-Use to ICMX, Industrial Commercial Mixed- Use, to accommodate the existing uses in that area. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission considered Bill 7 No. 230651 at its public meeting on October 19, 2023 and recommended the bill for approval. I will be happy to answer any questions at this time.
Thank you very much. Will the Clerk call the next witness on this panel.
Good morning, Andrew. Just state your name, record and title -- please state your name and your title for the record and begin your testimony on behalf of Councilwoman Gauthier.
Thank you. My name is Andrew Goodman. I work as Director of Equitable Development for Councilmember Gauthier. Councilmember Gauthier is the sponsor of Bill No. 230651. I have just short comments to describe the amendment that we have before the Committee today. As Paula mentioned, this bill now only covers two different remapping zones within the Belmont community instead of the original three. The goal of our Belmont remapping is to bring base zoning more in line with the existing permitted land uses on these blocks. Our amendment removes one remapping on the 800 block of North 40th Street, which we were originally proposing in order to be in line with the anticipated land use change. But now that that land use change is no longer imminent, we propose to keep the entire block base as its existing zoning designation of RM-1, and that's it. We thank the Committee for its time and consideration this morning.
Thank you very much, Andrew. Any questions or comments from members of the Committee? (No response.)
Hearing none, will the Clerk please call the next panel for Bill No. 12 230778.
Thank you, Paula. Just state your name for the record and begin your testimony please.
Hi. I'm Paula Brumbelow Burns, Director of Legislation for the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I am here to testify on Bill No. 230778 introduced into City Council on November 2, 2023 by Councilmember Gauthier. Bill No. 230778 approves amendments, the University of Pennsylvania Master Plan in the area bounded by Chestnut Street, 33rd Street, Walnut Street and 34th Street related to the Student Performing Arts Center in the University City neighborhood of the University Southwest Planning District. This bill amends the Master Plan for the University of Pennsylvania to allow for the construction of the Student Performing Arts Center on the triangular site at the intersection of Woodland Walk and 33rd Street. The proposal includes the addition of 38,538 square feet of gross floor area and 11,893 square feet of occupied area within the boundaries of the University of Pennsylvania Master Plan. With these changes to the Master Plan, the District remains in compliance with development regulations specified in the zoning code. The amendment is consistent with the comprehensive plan recommendation to encourage institutional development in expansion through policy and careful consideration of land resources. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission considered Bill 12 No. 230778 at its public meeting on November 16, 2023 and recommended that the bill be for approval. I will be happy to answer any questions at this time.
Thank you very much. Any questions or comments from members of the Committee? (No response.)
Hearing none, will the Clerk please call the next panel for Bill No. 25 230780.
For 230780, we have Paula Brumbelow Burns followed by Brandon Savran and Dawn Johnson.
Hey, Paula. Just state your name for the record and please begin your testimony.
Hi. I'm Paula Brumbelow Burns, Director of Legislation with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 230780 introduced into City Council on October 25, 2023 by Councilmember Driscoll. Bill No. 16 230780 amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of areas of land located in an area bounded by Emerald, Ontario, Braddock and Cornwall Streets in the Harrowgate neighborhood of the Riverwards Planning District. This bill will change the base zoning district for 3364 Braddock Street from RSA-5, Residential Single-Family, to I-1, Light Industrial. This bill will enable by-right improvements of a surface parking lot that will serve a charter school across the street. This bill is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan which recommends residential reuse in keeping with most of the block. The I-1 Light Industrial zoning district allows a variety of uses beyond parking that may present a negative impact for surrounding residential homes on the block. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission considered Bill 18 No. 230780 at its public meeting on November 16, 2023 and recommended the bill not for approval. I will be happy to answer any questions at this time.
Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please call the next witness on this panel.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the Rules Committee. Thank you for having me. I'm testifying on Bill 7 230780. My name is Brandon Savran. I'm a senior attorney with Pritzker Law Group and I'm here representing both the property owner and its tenant Big Picture Philadelphia. Big Picture Philadelphia is an organization that runs two special public schools in Philadelphia, charter schools. One is El Centro de Estudiantes in Brewerytown. The other is Vaux Big Picture High School in Sharswood. Big Picture is about to open a third school, a high school, at 3360 Frankford Avenue in Harrowgate. In one moment you'll hear from Dawn Johnson, Big Picture's Director of Operations about what makes Big Picture Philadelphia unique. But I wanted to first provide some context as to the request of this remapping bill 4 this morning. In Harrowgate and its new high school is going to be located in a beautifully restored historic warehouse structure on Frankford Ave. Right behind the new school is Braddock Street. And on the other side of Braddock Street is a vacant lot that was used by a prior owner for car storage at 3364 Braddock Street. Because Braddock Street separates the school from the parking lot, parking is not considered accessory under the zoning code there. And thus, a remapping bill for the Braddock lot must occur to make parking there permissible. One of the challenges of our zoning code with which the Committee may be familiar is that a nonaccessory parking lot is forbidden in almost every zoning district other than industrial districts. So remapping to the I-1 Light Industrial designation is necessary in order to enable parking there. That being said, the school has no intention whatsoever in engaging in industrial activities. This is going to be a staff parking lot, plain and simple. We appreciate the support and work of Councilman Driscoll and his staff and appreciate the Committee's attention and hopeful support of this bill. As a final word, I wanted to let the Committee know that the Harrowgate Civic Association is in support of the school's use of the Braddock lot for parking. And I've provided a letter from Harrowgate Civic to the Councilman's staff to this effect. Thank you. I'd now like to introduce you to Dawn Johnson, Big Picture's Director of Operations.
Dawn, just state your name and title for the record and begin your testimony.
Good morning, Chairman and members of the Rules Committee. I'm testifying on Bill 10 230780. My name is Dawn Johnson and I'm the Director of Operations for Big Picture Philadelphia. The Big Picture school that we are about to open in Harrowgate will serve Grades 9 through 12 and will build on the success we've already achieved at our existing two schools in Brewerytown and Sharswood. Having the staff parking lot available directly at the back door was one of the reasons we chose this site for our third school location. It is critical for this tool for our teacher recruitment. Candidly we are surprised to learn that it would take logistics and action to allow teachers to park in the lot since it's already a parking lot. So we would be very grateful to have your support on this bill today. To tell you a bit about our public schools of Big Picture Schools, our first school that was founded in 2009 to serve students who previously disconnected from their other schools. Vaux Big Picture High School was also launched in 2017 as a neighborhood high school in the Sharswood community. At both schools, BPP's educational model incorporates a robust real-world learning opportunities, resiliency services as well as post-secondary educational supports. We are committed to the educational equality and accessibility and intentionally reject eligibility requirements tied to previous academic performances, standardized test scores, behavioral records and school attendance. Our five license resiliency specialists help remediate barriers by the success by providing students with comprehensive and social emotional learning, mental health, wellness and basic support means. All BPP students are paired with an advisor, we call them teachers, who matriculate with them through to graduation. Class sizes are kept small with a student teacher ratio of 18-to-1. In addition to core classes, advisories meet three times per week to engage in group reflection as well as discussion. Students across all grade levels participate in real-world learning activities two full days per week through our flagship RWL programming. Over the course of the academic year, this includes workplace, site visits, mock interviews, shadow days as well as a two-day per week internship based on each student's specific area of interest, their passion. In conjunction with BPP's RWL program, our post-secondary counselors assist students in designing their post-secondary pathways by supporting them with college and career visionary and action planning. We are also currently offering internships in dual enrollment opportunities by way of Community College of Philadelphia as well as technical certifications. We hope to reciprocate these attributes at our Harrowgate school where our students are going to enjoy a brand facility. We thank you again for your support on this bill and please do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions about Big Picture Philadelphia and our wonderful new school in the Harrowgate area. Thank you.
Thank you very much, Ms. Johnson. I want to acknowledge Councilman Mark Squilla. Do you want to make a comment on your bill -- I'm sorry, not Mark Squilla. Mike Driscoll.
Yes, Chairman. I don't take any zoning changes lightly as you are well aware, but I thought in the aggregate there is a very complementary use for this new school and I support it fully.
Thank you, Councilman Mark Squilla, sponsor of the bill. Any questions or comments from members of the Committee? (No response.)
Hearing none, will the Clerk please call -- and thank the two of you for your testimony. Keep up the good work. Will the Clerk please call the next panel for Bill 230782.
Welcome back, Paula. Just state your name and record -- your name and title for the record and please begin your testimony.
I am Paula Brumbelow Burns, Director of Legislation for the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I am here to testify on Bill No. 230782 introduced into City Council on November 2, 2023 by Councilmember Squilla. Bill No. 230782 amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of land located within an area bounded by Clearfield, White, Ann and Amber Streets in the Port Richmond neighborhood of the Riverwards Planning District. This bill will change the zoning of land on the 3000 block of Martha Street from RSA-5, Residential Single-Family Attached, to RSA-6, Residential Single-Family Attached, to accommodate PHDC/Land Bank-sponsored affordable housing project. This change is consistent with the Riverwards District Plan recommendations that include increasing the supply of affordable housing in downzoning residential blocks where single family use is dominant, especially along smaller streets. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission considered Bill 23 No. 230782 at its public meeting on November 16, 2023 and recommended the bill be for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions at this time.
Yes. So we're going from RSA-5 to RSA-6 which has a smaller lot.
Okay. Any questions or comments from members of the Committee? (No response.)
Hearing none, will the Clerk please call the next panel for Bill No. 20 230783.
Good morning, Chairman Johnson and members of the Rules Committee. My name is Phillip Green and I'm the Commercial Corridor Improvements Manager within the Department of Commerce. I'm happy to testify in support of Bill No. 230783 approving the plan, estimated costs and proposed method of assessment of the South Street Headhouse District for another five-year authorization period. Supporting the South Street Headhouse District's reauthorization is in line with the Commerce Department's strong support of Business Improvement Districts citywide. This is our way for property owners and business owners to come together and fund an organization whose mission is to enhance the business district. Typical BID services include regular sidewalk sweeping, plaza maintenance as well as district branding, marketing and special events. The South Street Headhouse District removes thousands of bags of litter off of their sidewalks each year, maintains wire basket receptacles and in recent years, they worked with Commerce to renovate a public plaza just south of the historic Headhouse shambles. BIDs also often work closely with businesses, civic associations and police on crime prevention initiatives and coordinate services with City departments in urgent situations. The South Street Headhouse District is a leading participant in quarterly meetings with their state rep's office, their local police district, their three neighboring civic associations, the District Attorney's Office, L&I and others to address nuisance businesses and coordinate public safety initiatives. Philadelphia faces many challenges and resources are stretched thin across many high-need areas. It's like South Street Headhouse District are the City's partners on the ground. They stabilize their business districts which allows the Commerce Department and other City agencies to allocate a more equitable share of their finite resources and staff power toward commercial corridors in greater need of stabilization. With BIDs like South Street self-funding a staff of dedicated professionals and physical improvements, the City is better positioned to aid commercial corridors facing greater needs. South Street and its businesses need the ongoing support of the South Street Headhouse District and we urge your support for the bill. Thank you for the opportunity to testify. I'm happy to take any questions at this time.
Thank you very much for your testimony. I think we also have someone else who will be testifying in support of this legislation. Brett.
We also have a couple members of the Headhouse -- South Street Headhouse District on the line and some community members who also submitted written testimony. That written testimony has been submitted and circulated to all Committee members. But if Ken Silver, Dana Feinberg and Allison Hindman-Harvey are on and would like to give that testimony verbally, this will be that opportunity.
Ken, just state your name and title for the record. Please begin your testimony.
Yes. My name is Ken Silver. I'm President of Jim's Steaks South Street. We're a cheesesteak restaurant and I guess a tourist attraction. We opened in July of 1976. We have 35 employees who mostly live within walking distance of the restaurant. Jim's is, I guess we'll be considered a destination business and we attract over half a million union visitors a year. I've been on the Board of the South Street Headhouse District for six years. I was the treasurer for four of those years. I became involved because I wanted to be able to participate with both an operator's perspective as well as a property owner. We actually own 400 South Street as well as the building next to us, 402 South Street. The general location of the boundaries of the South Street District are South Street from Front to 12th, Lombard to Bainbridge from 8th Street to 4th Street, Lombard to Christian and the commercial area between 4th and 6th Streets, Bainbridge, Fitzwater, so we're a pretty solid chunk of land there. There are 448 storefronts with a current 85 percent plus occupancy. There are also many multi-tenant properties within the district. We're a diverse mix of restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, event and entertainment venues, bars and pubs, and a number of service-oriented businesses that offer a diversity not easily found elsewhere in the City. South Street Headhouse was established in 1993 and has been operating since then as a direct and municipal authority with a purpose of improving public safety, sanitation, other services to supplement services being provided by the City of Philadelphia. The goal of South Street Headhouse District is to provide a safer, cleaner and well-managed business district for the benefit of the entire community. Through constant improvement, we build an engaging and enticing place to work, visit, shop, invest and live. I'll just go quickly through the summary of our plan features. Our assessment rate is .12 percent of the property's market base valuation for the City. Our projected annual income is to be 1.025 million for 2023 and 1.145 million through 2027. Services provided, we do cleaning and maintenance beautification, marketing, event support, business services. Our plan is in line with our previous five-year plan with very little deviation. However, we have a new emphasis on working with properties to build vacancies and it's a new priority for us. Our annual reporting is to all assessed owners. We audit on a yearly basis and that audit is available through direct mail. It's available in our offices and available at all our monthly meetings and by request. I'd just like to close by saying I personally cannot imagine running my business in its current location without having the South Street Headhouse District providing their critical daily services. We appreciate the assistance provided by Councilman Squilla and his staff and request your support in reauthorizing the South Street Headhouse District. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please call the next witness. I think that will be Dana.
Good morning. Thank you so much. Good morning, Chairman Johnson and members of the Rules Committee. My name is Dana Feinberg. I have been the Relationship and Program Manager for the South Street Headhouse District for almost six years. I live in Queen Village. I've lived in Queen Village for almost seven years and work on approximately 13 events and initiatives annually alongside the South Street Board of Directors, South Street Headhouse District Executive Director, SSHD's digital and marketing manager and our stakeholders, which are dozens of property owners and business owners as well as four neighboring civic associations which are Queen Village Neighborhood Association, Society Hill Civic Association, Bella Vista Neighborhood Association and Washington Square West Civic Association. My role in the organization is to work with many agencies within City government to support existing businesses for economic growth and retail sustainability. When I began my tenure at SSHD, my first paid position after nearly 14 years of community center volunteer 15 work, I worked on specific events 16 and projects. 17 Now, in a constituent 18 services role I am often the first 19 point of contact for new business 20 owners, property owners and even visitors to the district to provide vital City parameters as well as a soft landing into the neighborhood. The onstreet office located at 407 South Street allows for an essentially located community hub, amidst 400-plus vibrant businesses and nearly 30 City blocks in the heart of the South Street Headhouse District within the iconic and often photographed zipperhead building at 4th and South Street. Sustaining the Business Improvement District which is the South Street Headhouse District, to build personal relationships with property owners, business owners and managers inside the shops all and around South Street. The retailers, food and beverage establishments and service businesses, 98 percent of them sole or co-owned proprietors including 152 women-owned businesses and many other diverse business owners have our professional promise to them to listen carefully, share information about the system we created for optimal communication, best practices for compliance within the City of Philadelphia and of course share the role of a BID, which is to provide municipal services beyond what the City provides. The BID works closely with the Philadelphia Police Department to help keep our City's streets safe, the Philadelphia Water Department during water main breaks, PECO during power outages, CLIP for City abatement, assist restaurants to open their doors when the Health Department is slow to respond, to be a City liaison for the business owner regarding permitting and compliance and working with the many other City agencies to help navigate issues so the business community can do the job they set out to do, serve the consumers well. Before, during and especially after the pandemic, the strength of our business community became evident when the doors were shuttered. The BID held weekly meetings providing a forum to collaborate around the challenges and paths to success. Looking back, it was both horrifying and some of my proudest work experiences. The businesses proved to be creative, resilient, dedicated and passionate. And in the end, the SSHD had a net loss of only one business during the pandemic. Yes, the SSHD lost 13 businesses. However, during the 14 span of nearly two years regained 15 16. It was impressive and they are 16 impressive. 17 The Business Improvement District is needed as it provides inclusive events and initiatives that fosters a cohesive community and brings feet to the street. The BID provides annual events like the South Street Headhouse Holiday Tree Lighting, the Festival of Lights, the Easter Promenade, Easter Egg Hunt, the South Street Fest, South Street Night Markets and PumpkinFest.
They bring thousands of folks from inside and outside the City to South Street and neighboring streets. The BID also facilitates innovative uses of space such as transitioning Live Nation's TLA from a music venue to a Penn Medicine community vaccination site. That site delivered thousands of COVID vaccinations to people in the community, including many business owners and workers and their families within the South Street Headhouse District. The SSHD's promise to keep the streets clean and safe is through our partnership with ACAM Sanitation Services as well as with special interest projects. ACAM provides imperative daily street cleaning and trash pickup, both essential and paramount to our mission to create a clean and safe community. The installation of 150 light poles on South Street and 4th Street are an important safety element to keep the streets well-lit for businesses and pedestrians. If any of the daily services were halted and we did not have these special projects, our commercial corridor would be unsightly dark and unsafe. I support the South Street Headhouse District reauthorization because community is everything. Inside each brick-and-mortar are human beings that could have chosen to hang a shingle in any other neighborhood. Instead they chose us, and we have a personal, professional responsibility to their community partnerships -- to be their community partners. We appreciate the assistance provided by Councilman Mark Squilla and his staff and request your support in reauthorizing the South Street Headhouse District.
Thank you very much, Dana, for your testimony. Do y'all have anyone else here to testify on this panel regarding this particular piece of legislation? (No response.)
I want to acknowledge Councilman Mark Squilla, the sponsor of the bill. Councilman Squilla, do you have any comments you would like to note for the record?
Thank you, Mr. Chair, yes. And I want to thank everybody who put this together hopefully for another solid four years and then moving the South Street Headhouse District forward, so thanks everybody who helped out in this and looking forward to continue working together to make the BID even more successful. Thank you.
You're welcome, Mark. Good job as always. And thank you, Dana. And thank you, Ken. I'm a vegetarian/vegan now. However, I used to hang out at Jim Steaks on many a given evenings when I was hanging out down South Street. So thank you, Ken, for keeping your company there. I know y'all had some challenges in the past regarding a fire, but thank you for sticking and staying and being a staple on South Street.
You're welcome. If there are no more questions or comments from members of the Committee? (No response.)
Will the Clerk please call the next panel for Bill No. 230741.
Paula, can you state your name for the record and please begin your testimony.
My name is Paula Brumbelow Burns, Director of Legislation for the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 230741 introduced into City Council on October 26, 2023 by Councilmember Curtis, Jr. Bill No. 18 230741 authorizes Basic Utilities and Services use on a certain location within the section of East Fairmount Park bounded by the right-of-way of the CSX Railroad, Girard Avenue and 33rd Street in the Brewerytown neighborhood of the Lower North Planning District. This bill will enable the Philadelphia Water Department to control the plant construction of the East Park Booster Pump Station. The proposed pump station is adjacent to an existing pump station of the same name located at Girard Avenue and 33rd Street in Fairmount Park. The existing pump station provides supplemental drinking water supply to an area west of the Schuylkill River at lower elevation, i.e., West Philadelphia, University City, Southwest Philadelphia and the airport. And it is critical to supplying the residents of that area. The existing station was constructed in 1935 and much of its equipment has reached the end of its expected service and requires replacement. Rehabilitating the existing pump station was determined to be infeasible because the existing station needs sustained service throughout construction and additional spaces needed to meet modern building codes. The proposed pump station will replace the existing pump station and will have additional capacity which will increase resiliency during emergencies. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission considered Bill No. 13 230741 at its public meeting on November 16, 2023 and recommended the bill for approval. I will be happy to answer any questions at this time.
Thank you very much. Any questions or comments from members of the Committee? (No response.)
Hearing none, will the Clerk please call the next bill for No. 2 -- the next panel for Bill No. 230742.
Paula, just state your name for the record and please begin your testimony.
I'm Paula Brumbelow Burns, Director of Legislation for the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 230742 introduced into City Council on October 26, 2023 by Councilmember Jones, Jr. Bill No. 230742 authorizes Basic Utilities and Services used on a certain location, a section of West Fairmount Park bounded by Wynnfield Avenue, Belmont Avenue and Parkside Avenue near the Wynnfield neighborhood within the West Park Planning District. This bill will enable the Philadelphia Water Department to construct and operate a new drinking water pump station referred to as the Georgia's Hill Pump Station near the intersection of North Georgia's Hill Drive and South Georgia's Hill Drive in Fairmount Park. The Georgia's Hill Pump Station will provide a backup supply to an area west of the Schuykill River at higher elevations, which includes Overbrook and Wynnfield. PWD Water Revitalization Plant includes a goal to have at least two water sources for each pressure district, which would be achieved in the Belmont High Service District by constructing the Georgia's Hill Pump Station. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission considered Bill 21 No. 230742 at its public meeting on November 16, 2023 and recommended the bill be for approval. I will be happy to answer any questions at this time.
Thank you very much. Any questions or comments from members of the Committee? (No response.)
Hearing none, will the Clerk please call the next panel for Bill 9 No. 230771.
Paula, just state your name and title for the record and please begin your testimony.
I'm Paula Brumbelow Burns, Director of Legislation for the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 230771 introduced into City Council on November 2, 2023 by Councilmember Jones, Jr. Bill No. 230771 amends The Philadelphia Zoning Code by changing the zoning by revising certain provisions of Section 2 14-524, entitled "FDO 4th District Overlay District," in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of the Lower North Planning District. This bill will prohibit roof decks in the northwest corner of the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood that falls within the FDO 4th District overlay. This portion of the neighborhood is comprised almost entirely of rowhouses. This bill matches the area of the community that is located within the 5th Council District. It is included in the Strawberry Mansion Neighborhood Conservation Overlay that includes these provisions. This bill brings consistency of limitations to roof decks in the neighborhood. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission considered Bill No. 25 230771 at its public meeting on November 16, 2023 and recommended the bill be for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions at this time.
Thank you very much. Any questions or comments from members of the Committee? (No response.)
Hearing none, will the Clerk please call the next panel for Bill No. 13 230764.
And before you begin your testimony, Paula and Raheem, I want to acknowledge the sponsor of the bill, Councilman Isaiah Thomas.
Mr. Chair, good morning. Thank you for allowing me to join the Committee today and thank you for giving me a few minutes just to speak about this legislation. During the pandemic, the Horticulture Task Force was created and there were a number of recommendations that came out of a report that a group of volunteer artists did for the City of Philadelphia. One of those recommendations -- I'm sorry. One of those recommendations consisted of the nighttime economy position which we have right now. And based on that work, we have been able to accomplish a number of things, including a bill that's in front of us today that our team or the Commerce Department will elaborate about. So thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate it. Thank you to members of this Committee and I'm also on standby to be able to answer any questions that folks may have. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Paula Brumbelow to please begin your testimony.
I am Paula Brumbelow Burns, Director of Legislation for the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I am here to testify on Bill No. 230764 introduced into City Council on November 2, 2023 by Councilmember Thomas. Bill No. 230764 amends The Philadelphia Zoning Code by revising definitions and rules governing night clubs and private clubs and creating the event assembly facility use category and it will apply citywide. This bill will clarify the definition of night club and several related-use categories in Chapter 14 of the Code. This action is intended to alleviate unintended regulatory pressure on businesses since the nature of some of those commercial activities has evolved since the text was originally written. This text change was prompted by code actions against businesses that would reasonably not be considered a night club by contemporary definitions, such as instructional dance studios, retail or restaurant establishments with a musical performer and event facilities like catering halls. This section of the code was intended to regulate a very different business model than what the interpretation of the code currently allows. Thus, the need was identified to clarify in the code what constitutes a night club, to update the definition to include public entertainment venues to clarify the definition of banquet and catering halls and to separate banquet uses from night club uses. The Planning Commission's staff was involved in the efforts to refine the code alongside the City's Commerce, Licenses & Inspections and Law Department. These changes to the code are consistent with the comprehensive plan as it helps to -- it creates clarity, policy support in government responsiveness to commercial businesses. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission considered Bill No. 14 230764 at its public meeting on November 19, 2023 and recommended the bill for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes the next witness of the panel Raheem Manning. Just state your name and title for the record and please begin your testimony.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the Rules Committee. My name is Raheem Manning. I'm the Director of Nighttime Economy in the City's Department of Commerce. I'm here to testify in support of Bill 7 No. 230764, which amends The Philadelphia Zoning Code by revising the rules and definitions related to night clubs, private clubs as well as catering in the event facility use category. What does this legislation accomplish? Well, first it revises the zoning use definition of night clubs and public entertainment venues to better reflect modern business models such as karaoke lounges and restaurants that transition to public entertainment in the evening. It also creates commonsense exemptions in the misuse category. These include instructional dance classes and businesses that provide musical performances as an accessory use, such as a violin at a restaurant while you're eating dinner. Lastly, it creates event assembly facility use category. Previously all of the venues fall into the night club definition, banquet halls and other spaces that host private events such as weddings, birthday parties now have separate zoning use. Last year Licenses & Inspections initiated the Ease of Doing Business effort in response to confusion for business owners. This legislation would not be possible without the ongoing partnership between Commerce (inaudible)team, Licenses & Inspections, Planning and Law. This group explored zoning codes in other cities. We sought direct feedback from nighttime operators and evaluated the impact of various business models. In the new year, the same group will reconvene to create educational materials to conduct a public engagement campaign. We want to thank Councilmember Thomas for introducing this bill and working diligently with the Kenney Administration, to continue to support our nighttime economy. And I thank the Committee for hearing me and I'm available for questions.
Thank you very much. Any questions or comments from members of the Committee? (No response.)
Okay. Hearing none, will the Clerk please call the next panel for Bill 19 No. 230770.
For 230770, we first have Paula Brumbelow Burns. And then the next panel will include William McDowell and Ronald Patterson.
Paula, just state your name and title for the record and please begin your testimony.
My name is Paula Brumbelow Burns, Director of Legislation for the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 230770 introduced into City Council on November 2, 2023 by Councilmember Jones, Jr. for Council President Clarke. Bill No. 230770 amends The Philadelphia Zoning Code and Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Callowhill, 18th, Vine and 20th Streets, and to amend Section 20 14-500 overlay zoning districts in the Logan Square neighborhood of the Central Planning District. This bill is part of a package of bills that will allow for the redevelopment of 1801 Vine Street, the former Family Court building and 1901 Wood Street, the lot behind the Parkway Central Branch of the Free Library. These properties were subject to an RFQ, RFP process for redevelopment. The redevelopment project will include an expansion of the Free Library to house the Children and Family Center, a new home for the African American Museum of Philadelphia, a hotel in the former Family Court building, and mixed-use development underground parking and a public plaza. Bill No. 230770 remaps two parcels of land to CMX-4, clarifies how the Parkway Buffer Area of the Center City Overlay applies to 1901 Wood Street, allows structures up to 360 feet on a portion of the site and allows for nonresidential roof decks without special exception approval. Planning Commission and Law Department staff worked on an amendment to the language of this bill to clarify the Art Commission Review. This amendment is technical in nature and does not change the bill's substance. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission considered Bill No. 230770 at its public meeting on November 16, 2023 and recommended the bill be for approval with amendment. I'll be happy to answer any questions at this time.
Thank you very much. Will the Clerk begin to call the witnesses on this next panel.
On the next panel we have William McDowell and Ronald Paterson. Also signed up, we have Evens Charles and Nicholas Chalko but I do not see them in the Teams meeting, so we will let the first two begin.
Just state your name and your record -- state your name and title for the record and begin your testimony. Good morning, Ron.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and my Councilman, members of the Committee. My name is Ronald Patterson. I'm with the law firm Kler Harrison Harvey Branzburg in Philadelphia, 1835 Market Street. With me is Mr. William McDowell who's with National Real Estate Advisors, and I'm here on behalf of them as well as Frontier Development and Hospitality. As Paula mentioned and did a good rehash, this regards legislation to remap the block of 1900 Vine Street to Callowhill, 19th Street to 20th Street and a portion of 1901 Wood Street. The remapping from R-4 to CMX-4 to allow for the development that was offered by the City via the RFP which was awarded to my clients to renovate the Philadelphia Free Library, to renovate and revise the Family Court building, to construct a new African American Museum and to construct three additional mixed-use buildings which Mr. McDowell will talk about. I was wondering if we could have him share his screen to show you to renderings. It would also relieve the Parkway overlay zoning district to allow for buildings to exceed 125 feet in height. As Paula mentioned, we worked closely with Planning Commission also in drafting the bill. With the concept of placing a bubble over the property so that anything within that bubble will be permitted as a matter of rights so we would not need any zoning board relief. There are companion bills being heard by City Council tomorrow, one to vacate and clean up some right-of-ways and street remnants within the property and the second to authorize the sale on the (inaudible) from the City property to our clients. We've also secured an EOP plan, which I believe is attached to the bill and we began discussions and presentations with Logan Square Civic Association to work hand-in-hand with them with a design. Of course we would have to return to them many times for design review to discuss the designs and impacts and work towards a community benefits agreement. So unless there's any questions from me on the legal side, with that said I turn it over to Mr. McDowell who can give you a brief overview of the project.
Chair recognizes Mr. McDowell. Please state your name and title for the record. MR. McDOWELL: Good morning. My name is William McDowell and I'm a Senior Director at National Real Estate Development here in Philadelphia. I'd just like to say good morning to Chairman Johnson and members of the Rules Committee. I'm happy to be here this morning on behalf of this project. I do have some graphics but I don't have the share command authorized. So, Ron, I don't know whether you do or not.
Mr. McDowell, I just requested Council Support make you a presenter. It may just take one moment. MR. McDOWELL: Okay. Thank you. Just a little bit of background. I'm here on a joint venture between National Real Estate Development and Evens Charles with Frontier Hospitality & Development. Evens is a joint venture partner with us. We've been working together for almost two-and-a-half years now. In pursuing this project, we were selected in late summer as the developer and we were thrilled with that decision. It's a large project. It's an ambitious project, and let me --
Mr. McDowell, you should be -- yes, sorry. You should be able to share now. MR. McDOWELL: Got it. Okay. Can you see that?
Yes. MR. McDOWELL: Okay. I'll just go through a few select images so people can understand the truly -- the breadth of this project. This is a vision that has developed over time in conjunction with the Council President, with the Free Library, with the African American Museum and also with some other stakeholders. The Barnes is right across the street and there is all the cultural institutions along the Parkway. And this really is to in my words a rising time, this all shifts here. Having the African American Museum move to the Parkway I think is going to be transformative to the Parkway and to the neighborhood. As you can see on this project, there are two distinct sites, 1801 Vine Street which is on the lower right-hand side of the building. That is the Family Court building which is proposed to be turned into a hotel. And Evens Charles, that was significant relationships with a number of leading hotel chains, namely the Marriott and has ambitious plans for the renovation of that building into a 217-room 7 hotel. On the upper left is 1901 Wood Street. That's currently a parking lot with some buildings that are maintenanced, shed for the library. Those structures will be demolished and this site will be transformed to contain the addition to the Free Library for Children and Families Center, the African American Museum on the upper left- hand corner and then a residential development with ground floor retail on the corner of 19th and Callowhill. This is an image of the African American Museum as you're looking down Pennsylvania Avenue with the Barnes on your right. This is looking towards Center City. You can see the Free Library on the right-hand side and the residential tower in the background. This is the Family Court, an image that you've seen for a long time and hopefully one where after we're done, the lights will be on. And this will be an amazing companion as it always was intended to be to the Free Library. This is an image looking north from a shot up above Logan Circle. This is the image looking up 20th Street of the African American Museum showing its connection to the Parkway and its position alongside the rest of the cultural institutions and in particular, across the street, the Calder Gardens which is under construction across the street, across the Parkway and then the other institutions that surround it. This is an image of the Children and Families Center. This is an addition to the library. It does not touch the historic library facade, but it is connected underground and will provide amenities that the Free Library has long sought for its facility. This is some of the public (inaudible) causes. This will have programming jointly between the Free Library, between the African American Museum and the residential development that mixes those cultural uses with retail that would open up from the base of the residential tower, and this would be open to the public. You can see this is a shot looking west with the Barnes in the background, which will truly activate this site into what we believe will be really a 24/7 development similar to what we've done on East Market Street between 11th and 12th. These are the actual components of the project so you can see the arrangement. And one of the reasons that we chose to do a tower development, we held that over to 19th Street so we sort of kept it away from the actual Parkway view and was to be able to create public spaces for the benefit of everyone in the neighborhood, opposed to filling up the site with structures. So this allows Carlton Street to continue through as a pedestrian walkway and again to have active and public entrances for the African American Museum. These are the zoning diagrams. This is what Paula was explaining. And this is really the details of what we've been working with the Planning Commission on for the bill that's in front of you today. I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have.
And again, this is the metrics of the actual component of the building.
Thank you very much. I just had a question regarding -- and I don't have the EOP plan in front of me, but just give me an overview of what the EOP plan looks like. Is there any -- in terms of equitable ownership of people of color developers that is part of a particular project and what does your professional services commitment look like around your EOP, just asking? MR. McDOWELL: Yep. No, that's a good question. And this is something -- I think this is truly one of the most diverse large developments in the City's history. Evens Charles, graduate of Temple University and knows Philadelphia very well, has an amazing story which he told at the news conference, the Mayor, the Council President, has built a significant hospitality company. He's anxious to come to Philadelphia and (inaudible). He is a true equity partner not just in the hotel portion, but he is a full equity partner in the entire development. Underneath that layer, we have three other firms that are part of this product, BKP Development with Kyle Easley and Bryheim Murray who are going to be also equity partners in the development as well as Smith & Roller with Tayyib Smith, who's significantly helping out on the development of the African American Museum. All of them have the opportunity for equity participation in the overall development. Underneath all of that is a commitment, both on the professional services side of up to 40 percent participation by MBE, WBE and DBE firms. And then we have a true joint venture on the construction side between Hunter Roberts, LF Driscoll and McKissack. So again -- and McKissack having a true fee, partnership on this. And underneath that is the commitment for the engagement of minority female workers in the construction of the project and minority and female firms as subcontractors to the overall development.
Well, thank you, William McDowell. I think this project is going to set the bar regarding equitable development and participation as it relates to how we do development here in the City of Philadelphia. And I'm a firm believer that we have to erase the monster that brought in the tale of two cities where some parts of the City are doing great when it comes to development and some parts aren't doing so great based upon the levels of participation and how we build this City. And so, I know a lot of key players that you just mentioned who are participating in the project, but it's good to hear it for the record. I just want to thank you and I thank Council President Darrell Clarke who isn't here but also took the lead on this particular project. I thank him for his leadership around making sure this is a diverse inclusive project as well as my good friend outstanding lawyer Ron Patterson from the great part of South Philadelphia. And so, with that being said any other questions or comments from members of the Committee? (No response.)
Okay. Hearing none, we will now proceed to go into our public comment section and we thank everyone for participating. And we will take a moment to allow for the Tech team to set up the system for public comments.
Mr. Chair, due to the volume I believe Council Support will need a couple of minutes. Darian, just let us know whenever you and Council Support are ready. COUNCIL TECH SUPPORT: Will do. Thank you. (Brief recess.)
State your name and your testimony. Good morning, Sarah.
Good morning. My name is Sarah Mitchell. I live in the 33rd -- 3300 block of 33rd Street. We are against the rooftop thing. We don't want that in our neighborhood. I'm a long-time resident and we don't want it in our neighborhood. We're against it. We are definitely against it. Okay.
Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.
Fred Witton or Whitton, if you are on, you may begin your testimony. (Background interruption.)
If you're not speaking public comment, can you please mute your phone. And, Brett, if the individual isn't --
Yes. State your name for the record and please begin your comment.
Okay. My name is Frederick Whitton. I live in the 3300 block of West Philly High Avenue. And I'm here to testify about the Bill 230771. As a 45-year resident of the neighborhood, I'm in support of maintaining the historical integrity of the houses on 33rd Street. As in my time living in the neighborhood, over 35 percent of the families also share a 30-year or more time in the neighborhood. As a result, we have become a very close-knit family and we provide support to areas in this neighborhood like Ethel Allen, and we have also decided to beautify the neighborhood which includes sidewalk flower pots, improved lighting for the lots, cleanliness and cleaning the streets every week. As a result, we feel that we would like to maintain the integrity and value. So we are in support of Bill No. 230771.
Thank you very much for your public comment. Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.
State your name for the record and you can begin, Joetta.
Good morning. My name is Joetta Johnson. I am the Block Captain of the 3300 block of West (inaudible) Street. And I am here to testify in support of Bill No. 230771.
I am testifying that I am against the rooftop decks in allowance with our historical houses that are being demolished and damaged in the neighborhood due to the reconstruction of tearing down our historical properties. And I would like to support this bill. No 21 rooftop decks in our neighborhood. Thank you.
Okay. Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please call the next person with public comment.
Paula, please state your name for the record and begin your comment. (No response.)
Paula Jones, if you are on and available, you may begin your testimony. (No response.)
If not available, let's go to the next person please.
Speaking on 230770, we have Matthew Walker. COUNCIL TECH SUPPORT: Matthew Walker was not on the call. He disconnected earlier. I think I messaged --
Yes. My name is Adipia Rachit Kumar and I'm speaking in support of Bill 16 No. 230770.
Oh, no, no. Okay. So my comment is basically that I am in support of the bill because I believe that high density development is necessary for revitalizing our neighborhood. I understand this Committee will oversee the opposition from a few small vocal minority of residents who are basically opposed to any change whatsoever and who complain about conserving the history of the neighborhood, but the truth is that cities need to grow and develop. They can't remain stagnant. And I believe that the purpose of this bill is intended to support and would have significant benefits for our neighborhood far in excess of the cost of changing a few views. Therefore, I urge the Committee to support the bill. Even though I know it's been postponed, but I would like you to keep in mind that it's a minority of people who oppose the bill and you should support it. Thank you. That ends my comment.
Thank you. Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.
Yes, Mr. Chair. Also, just to clarify for the last speaker and the viewing public, Bill No. 230770 is not being held. It is being heard today. It was another item, 230713 that is being held. So next to speak on Bill 14 No. 230770 we have Mehran Yazdanian.
Hi. This is Mehran Yazdanian and I'm at 2000 Hamilton Street. I'm supporting on some but not supporting for the bill. I think that the African American Museum is wonderful to have and also the renovation of the Family Court, but I'm dead against the high-rise, dead against the zoning type regulations. My question is that I wanted City Council to revisit the height of the residential tower that is above what the area has been zoned for. So if you have a zoning law for the height, we should adhere to it. I urge the City Council to adhere to the zoning height regulation that we currently have. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.
Yes. My name is Robert Sutton and I appreciate the opportunity to provide comment on Bill No. 230770. I've lived in the Logan Square neighborhood for about 18 years, first on Cherry Street and then now in Cityview Condominiums. I've been active with the Logan Square Neighborhood Association throughout that time and was part of the Steering Committee that worked in partnership with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission to develop the Logan Square Neighborhood Parkway Plan, which was completed back in 2009. This plan was developed to provide for growth in new development but also to protect the positive aspects of the low-rise historic neighborhood and the open space characteristics of the Parkway and the nearby areas. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a special area, not just for residents of the neighborhood, but the entire city and region. It's a place that people come to relax, to celebrate, to demonstrate, to join political rallies, to learn and be inspired, the museum, library. All of this happens in an area that is green and filled with trees and with wide views and plenty of sunlight and fresh air. This didn't happen by accident but by wide (inaudible) foresight over the entire history of the City. The original plan for William Penn's green country town provided that the major commercial development will be concentrated along Market Street and Broad Street. That's where the subway lines were later constructed, and that's where the regional rail lines have their stations. And those are the areas where the City Plan currently provides for the highest density development. Even The Alexander built by Church of Latter Day Saints development over on 16th Street, which will be just slightly higher than 360 feet, limit the rezoning would provide for is closer to Broad Street in this area and relatively closer to public transit options. This is -- to have a tall building along 19th Street would really stick out like a sore thumb in the vision of the whole Parkway directly behind the library, and the view from Logan Square would be drastically changed and the perspectives along the entire Parkway would be different. I think that that needs to be rethought. I'm sure it can be. There have been other proposals that would exceed height limitations before when the Dalian was proposed, it was proposed as a 44-story building and a later 77-story, but it complied with the height limitation of 125 feet. At 2100 Pennelton, it was also a proposal for much taller buildings. It ended up being a very good development within the 125-foot height limitation. The same thing with the new Granary, which was initially proposed as an overbuild on top of the historical Granary, but they worked with the Neighborhood Association, worked with the 125-height limitation and it became a very good development, so I'm sure that it's possible and I think that we can work something out with National and Frontier to see that a plan is developed that they will be more proud of and that the neighborhood can be more proud of and that the City as a whole can appreciate, recognizes the historic intention that the Parkway area be an extension of the park, the green line into the City right down to the commercial heart of the City, but respecting that that requires a buffer zone which has been provided for by regulation over the years, and more recently when there was more intense development pressure in this area, the 125-foot height limitation. I also am concerned that this is not a fully formulated plan and it is premature to provide upzoning in this case when we're not really sure what the final plan would emerge to be. We don't know what we would be getting when we grabbed this significant upgrade of zoning. And I think that also endangers the buildings that we are most concerned about, the library itself and the Family Court itself. Because for the library, it is according to this bill now subject -- would also have the height limitation raised.
This would put pressure on the library. If not right now, some time in the future to have some overbuild above the library. And the same thing might happen with respect to Family Court because it would also be subject to the CMX-4 zoning. CMX-4 zoning would apply to the library and Family Court and the breaking through the height limitation would apply to the library as well as the 1901 Wood Street area. I think that it needs to be thought out, reviewed and it's premature to grant zoning of this project at this time. I look forward to working with developers here. It seems like they have wonderful ideas. The idea of the African American Museum in Philadelphia is very good. The library expansion also is quite positive. I think that we could work it out, but it's too early. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Are you finished your testimony? (No response.)
Mr. Chair, I believe that was the conclusion of his testimony. I can call the next speaker if you are ready.
Okay. Moving on, I was told by Support that she is not connected. So next for 230770 we have Gary Bressler.
Good morning. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak. I don't want to repeat everything the last gentleman said because I basically agree with what he said. My wife and I have lived in Logan Square area over six years. One of the draws of the area was knowing there was a height restriction with regard to building in the area so that the views in the area would not be lost. In fact, I just purchased a condominium being aware of that. I, like many in the Logan Square area, was aware that the City had protected these views and protected the neighborhood and hope that the City would continue to do so. Please do not betray this trust. Please don't take away the views we have of the City and that many of us have of Billy Penn sitting on the top of City Hall. It was put on the top of City Hall so we can see him and don't make it so we can't. Other builders such as the builder of the Dalian have been able to create first-class profitable apartments with very healthy rental charges while tearing into the height requirement. I lived there for six years and they were able to increase the rent and still be almost fully occupied. The developer obviously recently went into this venture knowing of these height restrictions, and there's insufficient justification to change them now. Thank you for allowing me the time to speak to the Committee.
Thank you very much for your testimony. Will the Clerk please call the next person please.
Hi. Good morning. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to speak. My name is Hope Gold Shafer and I am from the 2,000 block of Hamilton Street. I ask that Bill No. 230770 be tabled or withdrawn. It creates commercial zoning overlay. The current is residential zone from Vine to Callowhill between 19th and 20th. Specifically, my concern is to request the removal of Section 25 14-529, Paragraph 6 which permits a commercial use rooftop desk. If enacted, this would allow unprecedented business concerns directly next to existing homes that is not subject to residential zone restrictions. This is a business potentially which would be insulated from any concerns of its neighbors regarding widespread daily noise, pollution, traffic, tires, delivery trash removal disturbances, parking scarcity and other damages to the character of the neighborhood. While I am excited for in the course, scope and goal of this project, I welcome the African American Museum and library extension, increase housing and commercial growth for our neighborhood, please consider that a proposal that is drawing this much concern clearly needs to reviewed further before enacting such a significant and impactful change on a quiet neighborhood embracing the carefully designed Parkway buffer zone. This commercial overlay if allowed will not give residents a real critical voice in the changes that will strongly impact our daily lives in perpetuity. Please withhold or amend Bill No. 230770. Thank you for your consideration. That's the end of my testimony.
Thank you very much. Will the Clerk please call the next person for public comment.
Hi. My name is Pam Parsonian. Thank you, Chairman Johnson and the Rules Committee for the opportunity to express my comments. I live in the Family Court neighborhood on 19th Street and Hamilton. It would be fantastic for our neighborhood to repurpose the Family Court building into a hotel, moving the African American Museum into a new home and to expand our Library's Children's Department above ground. However, I'm opposed to the 30-floor residential building because it will shade our very open neighborhood with gorgeous sunsets. It will also could set a precedent or could set a precedent for more skyscrapers and ruin our big sky feeling. The proposed 360-foot building will block light and views for many neighbors and I have to say even my own home on the 10th floor that I purchased for the south facing views of my beloved City of Philadelphia. I also think it may be visible from the Ben Franklin Parkway, and ruining what was said as a gorgeous vista in our neighborhood. But I at this moment can't know that. Mr. McDowell noted last week in a Logan Square Neighborhood Association meeting that a 600-unit residential building is being proposed to help fund this ambitious and I believe wonderful project. I understand that and humbly suggest more low-rise buildings and do away with that middle park-like area proposed since we already have many lovely parks in my neighborhood, including Logan Circle and the Matthias Baldwin Park. Thank you so much for listening and all of your work to keep our City lovely. I'm done.
Anyone else here to comment on these particular bills today?
We have one more speaker, Mr. Chair. For 230770, we have Mike Raschick.
Mike, please state your testimony for the record and begin your public comment.
Hi. My name is Ralph Michael Raschick. I live at 2001 Hamilton Street just north of the Barnes Institute. I am 76 years old, and my wife and I moved to Philly three years ago from Duluth, Minnesota to be close to our daughter and her family. We could have located in the suburbs but love Philadelphia and our neighborhood adjoining the Parkway. I oppose the proposal -- excuse me. I oppose the proposal to allow for a 35-story residential structure being built in our neighborhood. It would distract from the unparalleled majesty and openness of the Parkway for all Philly residents. Also, allowing this change in zoning would open our neighborhood to future high-rises. In this regard, when we met with the project developer at a neighborhood meeting last week he told us that the reason they wanted a 35-story high-rise to be included in the project was purely financial. This justification opens the door to future construction of large high-rises in the neighborhood driven by pure (inaudible) property motives and not by what is in the best interest of Philadelphians as a community. Thank you. I'm finished.
Thank you very much. Is there anyone else here to comment on the bills put forth here today? (No response.)
Mr. Chair, I just want to restate for the viewing public, if that's all right, just for clarity those who signed up for 230713, that item is being held. So if you signed up for 230713, that item is being held. Thank you.
If there are no other questions or comments from members of the Committee and if there is no one else here to testify on the bills brought before us today, I want to thank all the witnesses for their participation today. We value your input. I now invite all panel of witnesses to please disconnect from the meeting before we go into our public meeting. We will now pause the proceedings briefly as multiple participants leave the hearing. This concludes the hearing of the Committee. We will now convene the meeting to consider the action to be taken on the bill 20 before this Committee today. Will the Clerk please call the roll to take attendance. Members that are in attendance will please indicate that they are present when their names are called. Also, please say a few brief words when responding so that your image will be displayed when you speak.
Good morning, Mr. Chair. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Thank you. We will now go into our public meeting. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Cindy Bass for a motion on the amendment to Bill No. 5 230651.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 230651. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of the Committee, and I move that the amendment to Bill 13 No. 230651 be approved.
The Chair notes for the record that Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson seconds the motion. It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill 1 No. 230651 be approved. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The 9 ayes have it and the motion carries 10 and the amendment to Bill No. 11 230651 has been approved. 12 The Chair recognizes 13 Councilmember Cindy Bass for a 14 motion on Bill No. 230651 as 15 amended. 16
Thank 17 you, Mr. Chairman. 18 I move that Bill No. 230651 19 as amended be reported from this 20 Committee with a favorable 21 recommendation and further move 22 that the rules of Council be 23 suspended to permit first reading 24 of this bill at the next session of 25 Council.
The Chair notes for the record that Councilmember Brian O'Neill seconds the motion. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 11 230651 as amended be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on Bill No. 230741.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 230741 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council.
The Chair notes for the record that Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson seconds the motion. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill 24 No. 230741 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on Bill No. 230742.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 230742 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council.
The Chair notes for the record that Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson seconds the motion. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 230742 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on the amendment to Bill 5 No. 230764.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the amendment to Bill No. 230764. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of the Committee. And I move that the amendment to Bill 13 No. 230764 be approved.
The Chair notes for the record that Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson seconds the motion. It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill 22 No. 230764 be approved. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on Bill No. 230764 as amended.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 230764 as amended be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council.
The Chair notes for the record that Councilmember Kathy Gilmore Richardson seconds the motion. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 230764 as amended be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on the amendment to Bill 23 No. 230770.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I offer that an amendment to Bill No. 230770 -- I offer an amendment to Bill No. 230770. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of the Committee and I move that the amendment to Bill No. 230770 be approved.
The Chair notes for the record that Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson seconds the motion. It has been moved and properly seconded the amendment to Bill 17 No. 230770 be approved. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The amendment to 230770 has been approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on Bill No. 2302770 as amended.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 230770 as amended be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council.
The Chair notes for the record that Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson seconds the motion. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 25 230770 as amended be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on Bill No. 230771.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 230771 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council.
The Chair notes for the record that Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson seconds the motion. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 230771 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on Bill No. 230778.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 230778 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council.
The Chair notes for the record that Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson seconds the motion. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 20 230778 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on Bill No. 230780.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 230780 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council.
The Chair notes for the record that Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson seconds the motion. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 6 230780 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on Bill No. 230782.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 230782 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council.
The Chair notes for the record that Councilmember Brian O'Neill seconds the motion. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 19 230782 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion on Bill No. 230783.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 230783 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council.
The Chair notes for the record that Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson seconds the motion. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill No. 5 230783 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this bill at the next session of Council. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. Before we conclude, please let the record reflect that Bill Nos. 230713 and 230743 are being held at the request of the sponsors. I want to thank everyone for taking time out of your schedule and participating in this last Rules hearing for the year of 2023. And this will be my last opportunity to serve on such a beautiful, great and critically important Committee. So I thank all of you for your service. Thank you very much.
Yes. Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. We truly appreciate your service --
-- and the service of your team members as well.
Mr. Chairman, your service as Chair and your staff's support of that service has been exemplary and you're to be congratulated and recognized for it. It's a very difficult Committee and you handle it with -- you handled it all four years and was never any different, if you know what I mean.
Thank you very much. Thank you and everyone have a great day. (Hearing concluded at 11:55 a.m.) 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. __________________________________ TANEHA CARROLL