COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Monday, April 27, 2026 1:05 p.m. PRESENT: COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR., CHAIR COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA, VICE-CHAIR COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS
250806, 250836, 250918, 251029, 251070, 260026, 260134, 260166, 260210, 260216, 260217, 260240, 260267, 260430 - - -
Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Streets and Services. I note that the hour has come. Mr. Johnson, please call the roll.
Thank you, Mr. Johnson. For the record, a quorum of this committee is present and this hearing is called to order. This is the public hearing of the Committee on Streets and Services considering testimony on Bill Nos. 250806, 250836, 250918, 251029, 251070, 260026, 260134, 260166, 260210, 260216, 260217, 260240, 260267 and 260430. I would like to note for the record that Bill No. 260166 is being held at the request of the sponsor. And this Bill No. 260210 is also being held at request of the sponsor. Are there any opening remarks from my colleagues? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the first bill.
Bill No. 19 250806, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1811 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Would you please call the witnesses to testify on this bill.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Streets; Sarah Chiu, Director of Development at the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
Good afternoon. Please state your name for the record and begin 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 2 No. 250806, introduced by Chairperson Young. This bill authorizes MQZ, LLC, the owner, to install, own and maintain encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe at Javelin, located at 1811 Fairmount Avenue. A total of two tables and eight seats for a sidewalk cafe will be located along the building line of Shirley Street. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed sidewalk cafe, as it will maintain 6 feet of unobstructed footway. This concludes my testimony. Please answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Ms. Chiu. Please state your name and begin your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairmember Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 250806, introduced by Councilmember Young on September 25, 2025. This bill will allow a sidewalk cafe at 1811 Fairmount Avenue. A minimum of 6 feet of clear sidewalk space is to remain after the installation. This action meets the City's Complete Streets Policy. The Planning Commission, as of the meeting on October 16, 2025 recommended Bill 18 No. 250806 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you. Are there any questions for these witnesses on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 12 250836, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1444 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19125, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Please call the witnesses to testify.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Streets; Sarah Chiu, Director of Development at the Philadelphia 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 13 No. 250836, introduced by Chairperson Young. This bill authorizes S&L Real Estate, LLC, the owner, to install, own and maintain encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe at Pearl's on the Corner, located at 1444 Frankford Avenue. A total of 16 tables and 32 seats for a sidewalk cafe will be located adjacent to the building line of 1444 Frankford Avenue. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed sidewalk cafe, as it will maintain feet of clear, 5 unobstructed footway. This 6 concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Good afternoon, Chairman Young and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planner Manager with the Florida City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 250836, introduced by Councilmember Young. on October 9, 2025. This bill will allow a sidewalk cafe at 1444 Frankford Avenue, a minimum of 6 feet of clear sidewalk spaces to remain after the installation. This action needs the city's Complete Streets Policy. The Planning Commission at its meeting on October 16, 2025 recommended a Bill 5 No. 250836 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you. Are there any questions of these witnesses on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill No. 250836? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Johnson, please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 21 250918, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 161 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, under certain terms and conditions.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Streets; Sarah Chiu, Director of Development at the Philadelphia City Planning Commission.
Again, please state your name for the record and begin 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 24 No. 250918, introduced by Chairperson Young. This bill authorizes Mirwais Saidi and Sharara Saidi, the owners, to install, own, and maintain encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe at Emmett, located at 161 West Girard Avenue. A total of 8 tables and 16 seats for a sidewalk cafe will be located along the property line of 161 West Girard Avenue. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed sidewalk cafe, as it will maintain 6 feet of unobstructed footway. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Good afternoon, Chairmember Young and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 250918, introduced by Councilmember Young on October 23, 2025. This bill will allow a sidewalk cafe at 161 West Girard Avenue. A minimum of 6 feet of clear sidewalk space is to remain after the installation. This action meets the City's Complete Streets Policy. The Planning Commission at its meeting on November 20, 2025 recommended Bill 17 No. 250918 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you. Are there any questions of these witnesses on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else in the chamber wishing to testify on Bill No. 250918? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you, Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 10 251029, an ordinance amending Title of The Philadelphia Code, 12 entitled Traffic Code, to provide for designated transportation network company vehicle stands, definitions and prohibitions, clarifying penalties related to bus, taxicab and TNC vehicle stands, amending violations subject to camera-based parking enforcement, and amending parking violations subject to towing, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Please call the witness to testify on this bill.
Corrine O'Connor, Deputy Executive Director at the Philadelphia Parking Authority. (Witness approached witness table.)
Good afternoon, Ms. O'Connor. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Councilmembers. My name is Corrine O'Connor. I'm the Deputy Executive Director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 18 251029. In preparation for many major events scheduled in the City of Philadelphia in the year of 2026, Bill No. 251029 creates opportunity to install zone- specific to transportation network companies to drop off and pick up passengers. Many times more than not when engaging with a TNC, such as Uber or Lyft, you're being picked up or dropped off by the vehicles double-parked, creating congestion. By establishing designated zones in highly congested areas, transportation hubs or near the sports complex, we can alleviate some congestion and make using a TNC a much easier experience, not only for the riding public, but for the driver. The opportunity to create these permanent zones gives us the ability to display zone location on the Authority's website so that when an individual is attending a large event arriving to the inner- city bus terminal, they will have a designated location to go to for TNC trip. The Authority is therefore in support of Bill No. 3 251029 and supports its passage. I'm happy to answer any questions the committee may have. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. O'Connor. Are there any questions of the committee? Chair recognizes Councilmember Ahmad.
Thank you. I just missed it. The money that will be collected with the fines, will go to the school district? Could you clarify that? When the money collected, how is that going to be dispersed, if at all?
It depends on the revenue stream that we're referring to. So if someone were to park in a TNC zone that is not an Uber or Lyft or a registered TNC, that would be a parking ticket, which flows through the Philadelphia Parking Authority and then that goes to the General Fund of the City of Philadelphia. If it's a fee of a bus pulling into an inner-city bus zone, then that goes into a different revenue stream between the MOU with the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Sorry. If it's in the bus zone, it goes to a different account?
So it depends on if you're a Peter Pan or a Flix that's pulling into the inner-city bus zones that are being designated at the terminal and they pay that fee to come in and they're registered as a bus through the City of Philadelphia as a business, that would be going through a different budget stream with the City of Philadelphia memo of understanding with the Philadelphia Parking Authority, which I don't ever see that side so I don't want to get too into detail because I don't want to say something that's not correct.
Could we have that information sent to the Chair about the different streams of money that's collected and exactly where they're going? And in terms of efficacy of having these, I know this is -- is this sunsetted for just this time period or is this a tax that will stay a fee that will stay on beyond 2026?
So the fee you're referring to is a parking violation. Is that the question you're asking?
So anywhere TNC zone is located and installed, the reason why we wanted to get this ordinance passed is because of FIFA coming in and we're going to have a lot of activities around Lemon Hill, which would make it easier if someone were to be able to come to a designated spot and get the TNC or be picked up or dropped. But in the meantime when we have large sporting events or concerts, we've been having issues with a lot of TNCs just pulling out randomly blocking traffic, and we've had a lot of city officials and the police requesting to try to get designated zones where we have people just going to a certain spot to try to relieve congestion. So if anybody that isn't doing the correct thing or if a vehicle that isn't a TNC is parking in those zones, that's a parking violation and that parking violation goes through the same revenue stream as any parking violation that's issued in the City of Philadelphia.
So my question was, this parking violation will stay on in perpetuity beyond 2026, it's always going to be there?
So we're going to be collecting -- and the reason I asked that I wanted to see when we have these kinds of sort of detrimental measures put in, does it actually change the behavior of those? I just wanted to know do you collect that data, do you know when we penalize -- I know it works for red light cameras, it works with me. I just wanted to know, as this is how we can justify, all these additional parking violation fees to our constituents to say, well, when we do this, it actually causes your behavior change and it's beneficial for all of us or it doesn't change anything and Parking Authority's just collecting money and we don't know where it's going? So that's the question.
So we could always supply data once the zones are put in. And whenever we install new zones, we always do a two-week -- what we call steer clears. And before just being punitive and issuing that ticket right away, because some people just aren't aware of a new violation that's presented or introduced, so then we try to change that behavior by putting a steer clear, which is a warning saying, hey, you're in a zone that you shouldn't be parked in, in the future this would be a violation. And hopefully, in time that will change behavior. Once it becomes a violation, we can run data to show you, say, 1000 were issued the first week before it goes --
Yeah, because I know they collected that information on the red camera program along Roosevelt Boulevard and was able to show how much improvement traffic safety had experienced because of that. And similarly, for us to justify all of these things is to say they're actually beneficial in the long run. That's why we would like to get some information on maybe your past fines that you've put there and how you are looking to document this so that we can tell our constituents we actually have a rationale for doing this. Thank you, Chair.
Thank you. For the record, I want to note the presence of Councilmember Brooks. And the Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a point of information.
Thank you. Also, I mean, as far as there's a state formula for on-street parking that has a threshold that the money goes to the city before it goes to the school district. TNC, there is a TNC tax that the city does, 1.4%, that goes directly to the school district, but that's on the Uber rides itself. So the enforcement of on-street parking money comes -- after expenses from the Parking Authority, money comes to the city. And I think we received over $40 million last year. But then there's a threshold from that state formula that before money would go to the school district that we would probably need to look at. So I don't think the goal was to enforce our way to give more tickets out to pay for schools, but we want to make sure behavior and safety is at the forefront, and I think that that's the key here. So thank you.
Thank you, Councilmember. Can you tell us what type of signs or markings will be placed in these zones to let folks know that they're actually in a TNC zone?
So the signage would say, No Parking, TNC vehicles only, and would be white with red writing. And then on top it would say, Tow Away Zone.
So the same type of sign as you see when it says No Stopping Any Time and stuff like that.
Okay. Thank you. Are there any other questions of this witness on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill No. 251029? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 21 251070, an ordinance amending Section 12-926 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Center City Parking Regulations," to confirm regulations adopted by the Department of Streets that establish and revise loading zone regulations and additional portions of the Center City area, and to reauthorize changes and additions to such regulations, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Would you please call the next witnesses to testify on this bill.
Richard Montanez, First Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Streets. (Witness approached witness table.)
Thank you, Mr. Montanez. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairman Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Richard Montanez. I'm the First Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Streets. I'm here to offer testimony on Bill No. 251070, introduced by Chairperson Young. This bill amends Section 9 12-926 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Center City Parking Regulations," to confirm regulations adopted by the Department of Streets that establish and revise loading zone regulations in additional portions of Center City area. This bill 17 confirms regulations adopted by the Department of Streets that establish and revise time-limited and other rule-restricted parking, stopping and standing, including the establishment of time- restricted loading zones in the Center City area bounded by Spring Garden Street and the Delaware River, and to reauthorize changes and additions to such parking rules in the Center City area by the Department of Streets on an ongoing basis. The department supports this legislation. This concludes my testimony. I am pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Mr. Montanez. How does this bill or how does the extension of the parking regulations, I guess, improve safety in parts of Center City? What is the key? Can you give us the purpose of wanting to extend these loading zones and things like that?
This allows the Streets Department to control or regulate the curb space without having to come to City Council for Center City. We have multiple changes that come on a daily basis into the Streets Department, whether it's loading zones for businesses or changing the regulated time period from two-hour parking to half-hour parking in order for businesses to have the turnover that they need, and it also allows us to accommodate such a thing as e-commerce, where we're creating loading zones for e-commerce, your Amazons, your FedEx, your UPS.
Thank you. Are there any other questions of this witness on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill No. 251070? UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible).
So I do think some folks have signed up for public comment. I think we do have you listed for public comment, but I'll let them -- just come and give your testimony now. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible).
It's fine. Please state your name for the record and give us your testimony.
Hi. I'm Isabelle Melvin. I'm a member of 5th Square and the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia and I'm in favor of Bill 251070. This bill 17 codifies the city's authority to place loading zones in all of Center City. And I travel by bicycle all throughout Center City and loading zones will be a great improvement. I'm really happy about this bill. The random stops in the bike lane make me feel unsafe and vulnerable because I have to go into the car lane to pass. So thank you very much.
Thank you. Ms. Robinson, please state your name for the record and begin --
Good afternoon. My name is Judith Robinson and I'm taking this opportunity to speak on Bill 50806. Just to get an opportunity --
Ms. Robertson, I'm sorry. We've already heard testimony on that bill. We're on Bill No. 251070. So if you don't mind, if you could --
Well, no, I can go with that one. I could go with that one because I'm looking for -- all of this is the Streets Department, and everything that I'm going to say relates to all of these bills. So I could go with that one. 250 --
If you don't mind, Ms. Robinson, I would ask if you can wait until the public comment period then if you don't have a comment specifically on this bill if you want to talk about --
So again, because you're speaking on multiple bills, I would ask if you wait until public comment period --
No, no. 23 We don't get a chance to speak and you all get a chance to speak all the time. So I just want to get in and out on this one bill --
Encroaching on the sidewalk. I'm not going to wait. I don't want to wait.
I'm going to give you your chance to speak if you allow for public comment.
Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the next bill.
(Inaudible). You all on the Streets Department, deal with it. Deal with enforcement of people all on the sidewalk, even the bikers are on the sidewalk. You got scooters on the sidewalk. You got cafes on the sidewalk. Where are the pedestrians supposed to walk? That's what my question is to you all today. I can't come here every time I get a chance to think about this, because every day I got people coming from New Jersey with Jersey tags parking on the sidewalk in North Philly. Can we get some enforcement? That's my question to this body.
If you reach out to our office, I'm telling you we send it straight to the Parking Authority and we know for a fact they do enforce.
It's ridiculous. It's already (inaudible), it's out of order and you need to do something about it in your 5th district. Okay.
Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 3 260026, an ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bike Lanes," to authorize a bicycle lane and removal of parking on Columbia Avenue, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Please call the witnesses to testify on this bill.
Nicholas Cole Appleman, Transportation Policy Analyst at the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems. (Witness approached witness table.)
Thank you, Mr. Appleman. Please state your name for the record and give us your testimony.
Absolutely. Cole Appleman, Transportation Policy Analyst with OTIS. Good afternoon, everybody, Chairperson Young and the members of the Streets and Services Committee. As I just stated, my name is Cole Appleman. I'm a Policy Analyst with the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, even though it's better known as OTIS. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 260026 sponsored by Councilman Squilla. In addition to CM Squilla, I would like to thank you all for your ongoing engagement with our office and our efforts. It really is greatly appreciated. This bill, in particular, the bill titled Designation of Bicycle Lanes, will remove four parking spaces from the north side of Columbia Avenue, and add a separated bicycle lane from Allen Street to Richmond Street, of course all under certain terms and conditions. This is part of the Greater Columbia and Palmer Neighborhood Bikeways Project. This project aims to create traffic-calmed neighborhood streets with slower speeds and safer conditions for people of all ages and abilities to use. OTIS has received 900 public survey responses during the three years of community engagement affiliated with this project. In addition to our survey, Fishtown Neighbors Association did do a poll of their own members and revealed that 69.3% of their members are supportive of this project. In addition to that, we did also receive a letter of support from Fishtown Neighbors. And on top of all those additional items, Councilmembers Young and Lozada have also been briefed about the project as a whole. However, I do want to point out that this specific legislation today is not pertaining to your districts. It's strictly in the 1st. Thank you very much for the opportunity to testify. And I'll take any questions at this time.
Thank you. Are there any questions or comments from members of the committee? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify on Bill 22 No. 260026? (Witness approached witness table.)
My name is Isabel Melvin. I'm a member of 5th Square and Bicycle Coalition and I'm really happy to support and hope that you authorize a bike lane on Columbia Avenue from Richmond Street to East Allen Street. I can feel confident on my bicycle to my nephew's house on Memphis Street. Thank you.
Thank you. So there are folks who are signed up for public comment. So once we get to our public comment period, then we're going to call you up for public comment. Thank you. Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 22 260134, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-923 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Smart Loading Zones," authorizing the Philadelphia Parking Authority to install smart loading zones in the area of Center City, bounded by Spring Garden Street, Bainbridge Street, the Schuylkill River and the Delaware River for the purpose of improving the appropriate use of loading zones and reducing traffic congestion, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Please call the witness to testify on this bill. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
Corinne O'Connor, Deputy Executive Director at the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Good afternoon, Councilmembers. My name is Corinne O'Connor. I am the Deputy Executive Director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 3 260134. In 2025, an ordinance was passed to include the installation of smart loading zones on specific streets in Center City. The zones are monitored by cameras with a maximum time limit of one hour for those vehicles that are registered. The Authority has seen that these zones are an effective tool in creating turnover for deliveries of goods and short-term parking for those picking up or dropping off passengers. Bill No. 16 260134 will allow this program to expand throughout the Center City boundaries between Spring Garden and Bainbridge Streets, from Schuylkill River to Delaware River and will support our goal of reducing congestion. The Authority therefore is in support of Bill No. 260134 and supports this passage. I'm happy to answer any questions Councilmembers may have. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. O'Connor. Are there any questions of this witness on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you, Mr. Johnson. Would you please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 15 260216, an ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership and maintenance of a dumpster encroachment in the vicinity of 509-19 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Please call the witnesses to testify in this bill.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Streets; Sarah Chiu, Director of Development at the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
Thank you, Ms.Marconi. Please state your name and begin 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 20 No. 260216, introduced by Councilmember Squilla. This bill authorizes 509 Vine Street, TCE LP Stone Hedge Advisors, a PA Limited Partnership, the owner, to install, own, and maintain encroachments in the nature of a dumpster encroachment located at 509-19 Vine Street. Total of two dumpsters will be located along the property line of 509-19 Vine Street. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed dumpster encroachment, as it will maintain 5 feet of unobstructed footway. This concludes my testimony. And I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Good afternoon, Chairman Young and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Florida City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 260216, introduced by Councilmember Squilla on March 12, 2026. This bill will allow a dumpster enclosure encroachment at 509-19 Vine Street. A minimum of 5 feet of clear sidewalk space is to remain after the installation. This action meets the City's Complete Streets Policy. The Planning Commission at its meeting on March 19, 2026 recommended Bill No. 14 260216 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you. Are there any questions of these witnesses on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Johnson, are there any other witnesses?
Thank you. Seeing none, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 5 260217, an ordinance authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 2655 South Juniper Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19148, under certain terms and conditions.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Streets; Sarah Chiu, Director of Development at the Philadelphia 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 to offer testimony on Bill No. 260217, introduced by Councilmember Squilla. This bill authorizes Huang Ming and Cheng Chiao Ming, the owners, to install, own, and maintain various encroachments in the nature of a canopy and sidewalk cafe at Avenue Steaks, located at 2655 Juniper Street. An existing canopy made of permanent construction will be located along the curbline of 2655 Juniper Street, leaving 13 feet 9 inches of clear and unobstructed footway. Total of 3 tables and 12 seats for a sidewalk cafe will be located along the curbline of 2655 Juniper Street, leaving 9 feet of unobstructed footway. Department of Streets is not opposed to these encroachments, as the minimum unobstructed footway meets the Complete Streets Policy. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Good afternoon, Chairman Young and members on the Streets and Services Committee. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Florida City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 260217, introduced by Councilmember Squilla on March 12, 2026. This bill will allow a sidewalk cafe and a canopy at 2655 South Juniper Street. A minimum of 9 feet of clear sidewalk space is to remain after the installation on Juniper Street. This action meets the City's Complete Streets Policy. The Planning Commission at its meeting on March 19, 2026 recommended Bill No. 260217 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you, Ms. Chiu. Are there any questions of these witnesses on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Johnson, please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 16 260240, an ordinance removing the parking lane and prohibiting stopping on the south side of Cinnaminson Street, from Mitchell Street to Pechin Street.
Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Please call the witness testifying this bill.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Streets.
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 14 No. 260240, introduced by Councilmember Jones. This bill authorizes the removal of the parking lane and prohibition of all stopping on the south side of Cinnaminson Street, from Mitchell Street to Pechin Street. Department of Streets is not opposed to this parking regulation, and signs can be posted within 60 days. 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 on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you, Mr. Johnson. Please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 13 260267, an ordinance authorizing an encroachment in the nature of a staircase in the vicinity of 611 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147, under certain terms and conditions.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Streets; Sarah Chiu, Director of Development at the Philadelphia 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 to offer testimony on Bill No. 260267, introduced by Councilmember Squilla. This bill authorizes Nomad Real Estate Holding or the owner's designee, the owner, to install, own, and maintain encroachments in the nature of an enclosed staircase located at Kampar Restaurant at 611 South Seventh Street. This bill will allow a proposed enclosed staircase to be located along the property line of 611 South 7th Street. Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed encroachment, as it will maintain 4 feet 4 inches of unobstructed footway. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Good afternoon, Chairmember Young and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 260267, introduced by Councilmember Squilla on March 26, 2026. This bill will allow an addition to the existing staircase encroachment at 611 South 7th Street. This encroachment is on the third floor and will not impact the sidewalk's condition for pedestrian uses. A minimum of 4 feet 4 inches of a clear sidewalk space is to remain after the installation. The Planning Commission at its meeting on April 16, 2026 recommended Bill No. 260267 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you. Are there any questions of these witnesses on Bill No. 260267? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Johnson, please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 23 260340, an ordinance authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 323 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, under certain terms and conditions.
Noelle Marconi, Director of Legislative Affairs at the Department of Streets.
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 18 No. 260340, introduced by Councilmember Squilla, on behalf of Council President Johnson. This bill authorizes Pennsylvania Ballet Association, the owner, to install, own, and maintain various encroachments in the vicinity of 323 North Broad Street. Various encroachments, including benches, planters and bollards will be adjacent to the property of 323 North Broad Street. Total of six benches and two planters will be located along the curbline of 323 North Broad Street, leaving a minimum of feet 4 10 inches of clear unobstructed 11 footway. 12 A maximum of 62 bollards 13 will be located along the curbline of 323 North Broad Street, leaving a minimum of 6 feet 5 inches of clear unobstructed footway. Department of Streets is not opposed to these encroachments, as the minimum unobstructed footway meets the Complete Streets Policy. Proposed amendments to this bill 22 are reflected in this testimony. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Are there any questions of this witness on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Johnson, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Mr. Chairman, there are no more bills for the committee's consideration today.
Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Hearing none, we will now transition to our public comment session. Mr. Johnson, would you please call three at a time, if you don't mind. Please call the first people to testify on our public comment today.
Stefan Zajic, Mason Carter and Miles Owen. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
Good afternoon. Could you just please state your name for the record and begin with your comment.
Thank you. Hi. My name is Stefan Zajic. I've lived in Philadelphia for most of my life, and in Fishtown for the last years. I'd like to thank 13 Councilmember Squilla for 14 introducing Bill 260026, and I'd 15 like to ask you all to advance and support this bill to create a short stretch of bike lane on Columbia Ave near Penn Treaty Park. I pass through this intersection on a bike many times each week, and my family, which includes two kids, often bikes through here as well to get to Penn Treaty Park and the Delaware River Trail. Penn Treaty Park is a particularly great destination for bicycles because it includes the Delaware River Trail, which is a safe way to travel all the way down the Delaware River to Center City or South Philly. Many neighborhood kids learn to ride their bikes in the park, and many adults access the trail to commute or for recreation. This bike lane is part of a larger project trying to create safer bike routes in Fishtown, including better connections to the park and trail. The initially proposed route for cyclists to get from Penn Treaty Park back into the neighborhood was to have them cross Delaware Ave and then ride on the sidewalk along Columbia Ave to Salmon Street. However, the community and the neighborhood did not like that idea and asked for a change, and I have to say I agree with them. First of all, it's illegal to ride your bike on the sidewalk in Philadelphia. And second, the stretch of sidewalk is particularly narrow between Richmond and Delaware Avenue and there are often people there walking to the park. So the neighborhood asked the project planners for this short stretch of bike lane to give cyclists and pedestrians alike safe routes to and from the park. I'd like to emphasize that this idea came directly out of local community meetings on the Neighborhood Bikeway Plan. Please advance and support this bill. It's a small step, but it will make me, my family and our neighborhood a little bit safer. It matters to me and it matters to my neighbors. Thank you for listening.
Thank you for your comment. Please state your name and please begin.
Yes. My name is Mason Carter. And I just have a question. Am I speaking to several of the bills that I'll be providing?
Yes, you can speak to whatever bills that you came down to testify on.
Sounds good. Thank you. First is Bill 16 251029, yeah, I'm very much in support of these TNC vehicle stands. I think that we see other cities that have done it, from my experience, both as a user of them to know where to go specifically for that, so obviously good Wi-fi finding and signage will be very important in the implementation of this. But we know that the congestion is horrible during these events. And so, this is very much needed to just improve the organization of it. And so, I'm looking forward to seeing the hopefully positive results, but I've seen other cities do it well so I think we'll do it very well as well. Next is 251070. I think as someone that has been a great supporter of these added loading zones, I'm glad to see that it's potentially going to be codified for really the rest of Center City. I think that helps with people really getting used to this new way that we're doing things. As someone that has used the loading zones properly, it's been a great relief to know that they're designated places. But then also as a biker, I've seen that the Spruce- Pine bike lanes have seen really good improvements for safety along there. And so, I think being able to keep that up and then just making that a standard around all of Center City will really help for people to get used to it and we'll continue to see the improved results of that. So thank you for considering that. And then just a couple more. 260026, also in support of the Columbia Avenue bike lane. As someone who likes to go on long bike rides from Germantown, where I live, down over to Fishtown, and then going through onto Columbia Avenue, I love that really safe, direct connection to Penn Treaty Park, but at the same time making sure and, you know, I know that it was said that the neighborhood bikeway has seen nice support amongst the Fishtown neighbors. I think that we see when there are incomplete bike networks around, that creates a lot of potential conflicts and dangers between cyclists and cars. So the more we can make sure that these nodes are fully complete, this will be nice for that. And it sounds like it's only going to eliminate four parking spots. And so, that seems fairly negligible on the parking front. So happy to hear that as well. And then finally 260134, just adding these smart loading zones does seem like a good idea, seem to have been working well so far. And so, just making sure that that's more common along these places. I know that Bainbridge Street specifically, you know, I live in Germantown now but I lived near there for six years, so the loading zones were abused constantly all the time for non-loading purposes. And so, it'll be great to actually have that system in place to really help with deliveries, traffic flow, etc. Thank you for your time today.
Good afternoon. Sorry, I'm getting over a cold so hopefully you can hear me through the mic with the mask on. My name is Miles Owen. I am a resident of Brewerytown in District 5, a regular user of our roads and transit systems. And I'm here today as Division Zero Committee Co-Chair of Fifth Square Advocacy to speak in favor of the loading zone bills for Streets Department and the PPA. Sorry, I don't have the bill nos. in front of me. In just the past few years, e-commerce and food ordering businesses have exploded in popularity and caused tremendous stress on our roads and along our curbs. This means thousands more heavy trucks in our roads, which cause congestion when double-parked in our neighborhoods. This means that we need loading zones now more than ever. These bills are absolutely necessary and smart policy to modernize the use of curb space in our city to make roads safer. Setting aside areas for trucks to unload will get them out of the car and bike travel lanes and reduce people making last- minute lane changes to avoid a double-parked truck. Opponents claim that road users can move around these trucks, but anybody who's had to swerve around a truck in a car lane or a bike lane or been stuck behind one on a one-way street knows that it's unsafe and has led to crashes and traveler injuries and fatalities. Modernizing our curb space is necessary for all road users to safely and efficiently travel throughout Center City. Thank you very much.
Thank you for your comment. Mr. Johnson, would you please call the next people to testify on public comment.
Kathleen O'Neill, Janneken Smucker, Isabel Melvin. After that, we'll have Ray King. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
Good afternoon. Please state your name for the record and begin with your comment.
Hi. Kathleen O'Neill. Thank you for the privilege of speaking today. I'm here speaking in support of and asking for your support of the loading zone bills, 251070, 251029 and 260134. I've been a bicycle commuter to work as well as riding my bike around the city for about 40 years. I can tell you from my personal experience, the bike lanes are de facto loading zones. So the loading zones are absolutely needed in Philadelphia. And what's the point of a bike lane if vehicles can -- and believe me, they do -- park in a bike lane at any time? And what protection is there for the cyclist and whether the signage alongside a bike lane says no 24 stopping or no parking, vehicles park there all the time. And I know there's some opposition to these bills, particularly from some of the residents on Pine and Spruce. And they want to know why now, why can't they continue to be able to stop in a bike lane and unpack their car, drop someone off. Well, times have changed. If you think about it, the amount of deliveries we have. And on top of that, we have distracted drivers, aggressive drivers. We've got Ubers, Lyfts, groceries are delivered, Amazon deliveries, meal deliveries. And in riding home from work, I would say from 12th and Pine to either 2nd or 4th, depending where I'm going south, there's usually at least four cars, so if we had loading zones, blocking the bike lanes, forcing me to go out into traffic. So our bike lane -- our streets rather, they're a public good. They're not a private amenity for people to park. And if we have the loading zones, everyone will be okay in the Spruce and Pine corridors. They're going to be like the rest of their neighbors in South Philly and Queen Village where you've got cars on both sides of the streets and they manage to get their deliveries. So I ask you for the support in passing these loading zone bills.
Thank you. Please state your name for the record and begin with your comment.
My name is Janneken Smucker. I am a resident of Fishtown. I live on Columbia Avenue, about a block from where these bike lanes will go in. I've lived there for over years and I'm an avid cyclist. I'm delighted to have the Delaware River Trail, easily accessible, adjacent to the neighborhood. However, you have to cross six lanes of traffic to get there and there's no easy way, especially crossing back into the neighborhood on Columbia Ave since the street runs the opposite direction, so this will be a great improvement. This is Bill 260026 that Councilman Squilla has proposed. And I've been part of the community engagement process over the last three years and I'm really delighted that we're putting forth this bill. It will really make it safer and easier for bicycle commuters like me to access the trail and get safely back into the neighborhood. Thank you.
Thank you for your comment. Is there anyone else in chambers wishing to testify today on public comment?
Calling again Isabel Melvin, Ray King. After that, Jennifer Tobin, Wesley Noonan-Sessa and Dennis Devine. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
Isabel Melvin. I did already testify, but I could also add the two other, 260134, the PPA smart loading zones for all of Center City. Thank you very much for -- whoever put this forward. I think it's really good. And also, 251029, the camera enforcement and towing of vehicles in bus, taxi cab and TNC vehicle stands. Thank you very much.
Sure. My name is Jennifer Tobin. I live in Fairmount. I'm in District 5. I'm here to urge you to pass the loading zone bill 251070. I bike up and down Fairmount. I live on Fairmount Avenue. I bike there daily and it's a real problem having cars and trucks blocking the bike lane, causing me to have to go into the car lane to continue my traveling. The drivers who are driving at that time when I'm trying to swerve in or not swerve in, but go in, they either are distracted and they don't notice me trying to get into what they consider their lane or they're aggressively maneuvering to prevent me from getting into what they consider their lane. And it's not their lane. It's everyone's lane. And I only have to go into it because someone is blocking the bicycle lane. I think loading zones will make all traffic, bicycle traffic, car traffic safer and smoother and it will also make things safer for pedestrians. I see it every day biking in Center City, and I really feel like the 5th District should be included in this loading zone scheme. Also, in favor of the smart loading zones in Center City, that makes a lot of sense to me. And the bicycle lane on Columbia Avenue, I don't go up there that much, but I do sometimes bike around in Fishtown, so would appreciate having the bike lane on Columbia Avenue as well. Thank you.
Thank you for your comment. And for the record, for the loading zones, particularly in Center City, the 5th District portions are included in the loading zone for these bills.
Mr. Johnson, please call the names of the next public commenters.
Last call for Ray King, Wesley Noonan Sessa and Dennis Devine. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
Thank you. Please anyone, state your name for the record and begin with your comment.
Hi. I'm Wesley Noonan-Sessa, the owner of 18th Century Restorations, Inc., a preservation general contracting company that operates in the Delaware Valley, including Philadelphia. I also live in Brewerytown, part of District 5. I am testifying in regards to Bill 9 251070 for loading zones. Having loading zones streamline the logistics at projects located in the blocks with loading zones on Spruce and Pine last summer without impacting other road users, when the streets were reverted to its previous parking arrangement in the fall, we noticed a significant increase in expenses for our clients who lived and owned the buildings on these blocks. While we were working in this area, several package delivery drivers were lamenting the removal of the loading zones at the top of the block because of the ease of pulling into them. Thank you. I also support Bill 260026 for the bike lane on Columbia Ave. I bike through a bunch.
Thank you for your comment. Please state your name and begin.
Hi. Thanks for having me. My name is Dennis Devine. I'm a Fishtown resident. Forgive me if I'm a little loopy. I'm a nurse at HUP and I worked overnight, the night shift. And so, I come here grateful that some of the other testifiers spoke with gratitude about Bill 260026, about the little rump bike lane leading into Penn Treaty Park. And I'm glad that they spoke with gratitude because that's not my perspective. Mine is irritation and impatience, befitting my sleepless position right now. I come from a household that's four people, six bikes for eight years, zero cars, right. And I feel a little bit like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football when Lucy keeps taking it away, because that was -- we made a decision to try to go car-free sort of based upon what we thought was the promise of all these incoming bike lanes that have not materialized. I've been part of this Fishtown Bikeway planning process since it started, trying to advocate for safer routes for me, my children, my friends, neighbors to traverse my city and my neighborhood and my street for as long as it goes. And what we're left with is a half loaf, that we end up having to get into arguments with my neighbors about something that barely scratches the surface of what we need. I'll give you an example, a little context. I'm at a Fishtown Neighbors Association meeting and people are like oh, all this change, it's so sudden, right, like, we can't handle all this change. You heard it, four parking spaces leading into our most important green space in the neighborhood, Penn Treaty Park, connecting up with a network of bike trails along the Delaware River that the city is invested in. But they're like, oh, so sudden change. I'm like, I was sitting at a master plan for the Central Delaware Design meeting 18 years ago where they talked about Columbia Avenue being this important central connector to the Riverfront, and they talked about a bike lane coming. And they talked about all kinds of stuff that had me dancing with visions about, like, oh, okay, it'd be safe to bike here someday. And instead, what we get is this tiny little section of protected lane leading into whatever, you know, have to hope that the cars slow down behind us when we're sharing the lane going up to it. I take this route every day when I go to work and back, you know, on my shift. This is the right route to come out of Penn Treaty Park. It's the correct route. It's a safe way. My wife, we both work in University City. We bike every day and we're not the only ones. There's a lot of people who take this route. We could go faster through the streets of the city, but after a ride through the city, whatever, even Pine and Spruce, you know, we need these loading zones yesterday. But it's like a little treat to go behind Sugar House or Rivers Casino to go along the river and not have to deal with cars for a sec and then you pop out in Penn Treaty Park. It's just a little longer, but it's nice because you're not fighting off cars trying to kill you. And by the way, I almost got hit twice on my way biking here, right. So I take my life in my hands every time I get on the road on my bicycle, my only means of community of transportation besides SEPTA in this city. The next thing I want to say is, in 2021 this city padlocked the playgrounds, right. Our kids are stuck at home on their virtual schools, not getting any exercise. And I started a thing called the Fishtown Bike Gang. I mean, it just started as me taking my kids and a couple of their friends on bike rides, and I always try to take them to protected bike lanes where I could because, you know, it's safe and it's kids. It grew from 4 to 6 to 40 and 50 kids with some adults. I would be leading them on bike rides around the city and always to the Delaware River Trail. That was always an essential part of our ride.
You would think with a group of obvious kids, elementary school- aged kids, Philadelphia car drivers would slow down, wouldn't go right up behind people, behind kids on bikes, but they don't. They're honking, they're scaring kids. They have no patience and we're trying to follow the rules. Okay. And this is on this exact segment of street. A couple years ago the first time this was broached at a Fishtown Neighbors Association meeting, a person who lives on the street said, I've never had a problem with anybody with any cars behind me riding my bike on this segment. And Eric Rudy, the fantastic, recently-retired Fishtown Recreation leader, says, well, I got hit on that street. And then my kid who I dragged there, who would never speak up in public said, me too, you know. And it turns out many people had had the same experience. We need this protected bike lane, this tiny little segment yesterday. And then we need a whole lot more. Thank you very much. I just really need this city to be safer, because Barbara Freides' death I think about. I pass that ghost bike every day on my bike into work, and it doesn't seem to phase anybody. We need these protected bike lanes yesterday. Thank you.
Thank you for your comment. Please state your name for the record and begin.
Good afternoon. My name is Julio Rodriguez. Thank you, Councilmembers. My day job is working for the Bicycle Coalition. We're a bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization. I'm here to speak in support of 260026, 251070, 260134 and 251029. You've heard a lot of testimony from folks that ride their bikes that have seen people impacted by traffic violence. And what you guys are voting on today are practical, targeted interventions that help create designated space, reducing chaos and making our streets safer. As of this year alone, there have been traffic deaths 4 in the city. That includes nine 5 pedestrians, four hit-and-runs and 6 a cyclist. 31 people are no longer 7 with us. That's unacceptable. 8 That's almost on par with the 9 number of homicides in the city. 10 Advocates have been asking for more 11 Vision Zero funding, and we 12 appreciate all of you for all of 13 the hard work with all of the 14 budget opportunities that you're 15 doing. I hear it. I'm really glad 16 that I can actually go after work 17 and speak to my Councilmembers. So 18 thank you for doing that. 19 I know that there's two 20 this week and we understand the 21 funding limitations, but these proposals help us get to safer infrastructure without adding more money towards the Vision Zero line item. If you've ever ridden a bike in the city, you know how things can go wrong very quickly. One moment you're in the bike lane and all of a sudden a car is right in front of you and you weave into traffic and what can happen? So many things. You end up in the hospital or worse off. I'll wrap up by sharing just last week I attended the funeral of someone that was killed riding their bike. His name was Glenn. He was killed on Aramingo Avenue. Yes, there was a bike lane with some flex posts and some broken flex posts, but that wasn't enough. A protected concrete bike lane could have saved his life. The point is more infrastructure will help us save lives. So please pass these bills, which are a real step towards making our streets safer. Thank you.
Thank you for your comment. Mr. Johnson, is there anyone else on the public comment list?
There are no 7 other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you. I would like to thank all the witnesses for joining us today. We will now end the public hearing and go into the public meeting. I note for the record that a quorum is present. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla for a motion on an amendment to Bill No. 260340.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I offer a technical amendment to Bill No. 260340. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of the committee. I move that the amendment to Bill No. 260340 be adopted. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 260340 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. An amendment to Bill No. 260340 has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a motion on Bills 250806, 250836, 250918, 251029, 251070, 260026, 260134, 260216, 260217, 260240, 260267 and 260340 as amended.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill Nos. 250806, 250836, 250918, 251029, 251070, 260026, 260134, 260216, 260217, 260240, 260267 and 260340 as amended, reported from this committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the first reading of these bills at the next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that Bill Nos. 250806, 250836, 250918, 251029, 251070, 260026, 260134, 260216, 260217, 260240, 260267 and 260340 as amended, be reported from this committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit for his reading of these bills at the next session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. And Bill Nos. 250806, 250836, 250918, 251029, 251070, 260026, 260134, 260216, 260217, 260240, 260267 and 260340 as amended, will be reported from this committee for a favorable recommendation with a request that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading at the next session of Council. This concludes the public meeting and the business before the Committee on Streets and Services. Thank you very much for your attendance. Thank you.
Great job. - - - (Committee on Streets and Services concluded at 2:16 p.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