COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY3 AND PUBLIC WORKS4 5 6 Room 400, City Hall7 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, December 1, 20108 12:00 p.m. 9 10 PRESENT: COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE, CHAIR11 COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE12 COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO13 14 BILLS 100614, 100777, 100778, 100779, 100785, 100786, 100788, 100789, 100790, 100791, 10079215 and 100793 16 - - -17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2 1
Good2 morning. The Committee on Public3 Property and Public Works will come to4 order.5 Will Mr. Carter please read the6 title of the first bill.7
Bill No. 100792, an8 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of9 Public Property, on behalf of the City of10 Philadelphia, to enter into a lease and11 sublease agreement with the Philadelphia12 Municipal Authority for certain land and13 improvements located on the northwest14 corner of North 15th Street and Arch15 Street, and such other agreements as are16 necessary and proper to effectuate the17 construction and operation of a new18 family court building and to protect the19 interests of the City, all under certain20 terms and conditions.21 (Witnesses approached witness22 table.)23
Let the24 record reflect that a quorum has been25 3 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 established. To my left, Councilman2 Greenlee. To my right, Councilman Jones3 and Councilwoman Tasco.4 Please proceed.5 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:6 Good morning, Chairman Clarke and members7 of the Public Property and Public Works8 Committee. My name is Joan9 Schlotterbeck. I'm the Commissioner of10 Public Property. I'm here today to11 testify in support of Bill No. 100792, an12 ordinance authorizing me as the13 Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to14 enter into a lease and sublease agreement15 with PMA, Philadelphia Municipal16 Authority, for certain land and17 improvements located on the northwest18 corner of North 15th Street and Arch19 Street, and such other agreements as are20 necessary and proper to effectuate the21 construction and operation of the new22 family court building and to protect the23 interests of the City, all under certain24 terms and conditions.25 4 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 The building will consolidate2 Family Court facilities from 1801 Vine3 Street, 34th South 11th Street and other4 locations into a new Family Court5 building located at 15th and Arch6 Streets.7 The Commonwealth of8 Pennsylvania will construct the new9 building at its cost and expense.10 Following construction, the City will11 lease the building from the Commonwealth12 and sublease the building to the First13 Judicial District through a series of14 lease and sublease transactions with the15 Philadelphia Municipal Authority.16 The Department of Public17 Property supports this measure and,18 accordingly, I respectfully ask that19 Council approve Bill No. 100792.20 I'm also requesting a21 suspension of the rules so as to allow22 for the first reading at the next session23 of Council.24 Thank you. We're happy to25 5 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 answer any questions you may have.2
Thank you,3 Commissioner.4 I don't know if you or --5 Mr. Gillison may have to answer these6 questions. We have another ordinance7 relating to this site?8 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:9 Yes.10
Why don't11 you just --12 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: Go13 right into that one?14
Go through15 all of those.16 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:17 This is the one I just handed out an18 amendment to. This is Bill No. 100793.19 Can I continue?20
Why don't21 you tell us what the amendment is.22 I'm sorry. Mr. Carter, please23 read the title of the second bill.24
Bill No. 100793, an25 6 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 ordinance authorizing the Department of2 Public Property to enter into an easement3 agreement with the Pennsylvania4 Department of General Services allowing5 the Department of General Services to use6 portions of 1515 Arch Street under7 certain terms and conditions; authorizing8 the Department of General Services, or9 its designees to construct, use and10 maintain a marquee attached to the11 proposed building to be located at the12 northwest corner of 15th and Arch Streets13 and projecting over the footways of 15th14 and Arch Streets; and authorizing the15 Department of General Services, or its16 designees to construct, use and maintain17 a foundation encroachment under the18 footways of 15th and Arch Street and19 Cherry Streets, under certain terms and20 conditions.21 Bill No. 100790, an ordinance22 amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill23 No. 080760) approved December 22nd, 2008,24 entitled "An ordinance authorizing and25 7 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 directing the revision of lines and2 grades on a portion of City Plan No. 3073 by relocating the westerly curb line and4 house line of Fifteenth Street between5 Arch Street and Cherry Street, under6 certain terms and conditions," by7 revising the terms and conditions stated8 therein and extending the period for9 compliance therewith.10
Please11 proceed.12 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:13 Good afternoon, Councilman Clarke and14 members of the Public Property Committee15 and Public Works. I'm joined here today16 to my left with Frank Morelli from the17 Streets Department. He will also be18 testifying on behalf of this bill.19 My name is Joan Schlotterbeck.20 I'm the City of Philadelphia Public21 Property Commissioner. I'm here today to22 testify in support of Bill No. 100793, an23 ordinance authorizing me as the Public24 Property Commissioner to enter into an25 8 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 easement agreement with the Pennsylvania2 Department of General Services allowing3 the Department of General Services to use4 portions of 1515 Arch Street, under5 certain terms and conditions; authorizing6 the Department of General Services, or7 its designee to construct, use, maintain8 a marquee attached to the proposed9 building to be located on the northwest10 corner of 15th and Arch Street and11 projecting over the footways of 15th and12 Arch Street; and authorizing the13 Department of General Services, or its14 designees to construct, use, maintain a15 foundation encroachment under the footway16 of 15th Street and Cherry Street, under17 certain terms and conditions. That will18 be 15th and Arch and Cherry Streets.19 A long-term easement agreement20 will include pedestrian egress and21 ingress across the One Parkway parcel for22 a staff entrance, bicycle storage on the23 One Parkway parcel, construction and24 maintenance of underground utilities, and25 9 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 construction of the building with2 northwesterly facing windows. There will3 also be an agreement regarding4 encroachment over and under the sidewalks5 for a wrap-around marquee and6 foundations.7 I also ask that the Committee8 amend Bill No. 100793, as requested by9 the Commonwealth and indicated in the10 proposed amendment document distributed11 to the Committee members. These changes12 modify the height of an encroachment on13 Arch Street, recognizes the fact that the14 Philadelphia Department of Labor and15 Industry will be issuing permits for the16 project and makes other various technical17 changes.18 The Department of Public19 Property supports this measure and,20 accordingly, I respectfully ask that City21 Council approve amended Bill No. 100793.22 I'm also requesting a23 suspension of the rules so as to allow24 for the first reading at the next session25 10 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 of Council.2 Thank you.3
Thank7 you, Mr. Chairman.8 Commissioner, just one9 question, if you know. I just quickly10 looked at the amendment. On the second11 page I see it takes out the Department of12 Licenses and Inspections as what the laws13 have to follow on this. Is there any14 particular reason for that or is it15 because the state runs it?16 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:17 It's because it's a state -- yes.18
So the19 City regulations wouldn't apply there, it20 would be state? I guess I'm just21 wondering why L&I wouldn't be involved at22 all.23 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:24 The state is using their License and25 11 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Inspection requirements. I think they2 override ours.3
Did we7 ever do that before?8 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:9 I've never done it before. That doesn't10 mean it hasn't been done before.11 COUNCILMAN GREENLEE:12 Commissioner, you've been around forever,13 come on.14 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:15 Well, how dare you.16
And I17 have too, so...18 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:19 Yeah. I guess, maybe we've done it with20 the Convention Center. I don't know.21
Yeah. I24 mean, since the Councilman brought that25 12 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 up, do we know if the state code is2 consistent with The Philadelphia Code,3 particularly as it relates to L&I4 matters?5 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:6 Would you believe I don't know the answer7 to that?8 Does anybody know the answer?9 (Witness approached witness10 table.)11
The reason12 why I'm asking that question is, I mean,13 the reality is if there's something that14 happens to the building that impacts a15 citizen because of code or someone who16 has to come in the building, they're not17 going to look at the state, they're going18 to look at the City of Philadelphia and19 they're probably going to look at the20 District Councilperson first and then my21 colleagues second.22 So I just want to make sure23 that we're within Philadelphia Code.24
Councilman, Vince25 13 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Fenerty from the Parking Authority.2 We own the land. I've sat3 through the majority of the meetings.4 From the initial project where there was5 a private developer when the plans were6 taken over by DGS, they had to do what7 DGS Commissioner O'Reilly said was8 scrubbed to meet all the state9 specification and codes. The architects10 and engineers scrubbed them -- that is11 their terminology -- to meet all the12 state specifications and building codes,13 which are similar but have some14 difference from the local municipal code.15 And Ms. O'Reilly had said in various16 meetings the state Department of License17 and Inspections, or their version of L&I,18 takes over and makes sure everything is19 safe and everything is run properly on20 projects which the Department of General21 Services builds.22 That is, to the best of my23 knowledge, which was told to us in all of24 the meetings.25 14 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1
And the2 City feels comfortable with that?3 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:4 Yes.5
That6 arrangement?7 Okay. Thank you.8 Councilman Jones.9
Thank you,10 Mr. Chairman.11 A couple of quick questions.12 One, that's the parking lot that is right13 behind the municipal building that we14 use, 1515, correct?15 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:16 Yes.17
How many18 stories are we talking about there? And19 I'm not a member permanent. I'm a20 temporary member of the Committee, so if21 some of these questions are slightly22 redundant, it is because --23 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:24 It's 14 stories with a garage below.25 15 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1
And by way2 of volume, I'm assuming the purpose of3 this and from what I've read is to4 consolidate different locations to create5 some efficiency. How many employees are6 we talking about at this facility?7 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:8 About 1,100 employees.9
About 1,100.10 In context to what we see at CJC, is11 there more volume, less volume, about the12 same by way of caseload at that facility?13 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:14 About the same amount of traffic and15 cases.16
And it's my17 understanding by way of design of the CJC18 building -- and I was around back then;19 my name is actually on that contract20 under the MBEC -- that there were some21 cost-cutting measures that took one of22 the sets of elevators out. We are not23 doing that in this one by way of design?24 That sometimes when you go over CJC, you25 16 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 see that long line of people trying to2 get in and out of the building. In this3 design we're not going to have that4 particular problem?5 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:6 No. No. Absolutely not.7
The8 administrators from the court system took9 a trip to Dauphin County Courthouse, I10 believe, to look at that courthouse,11 which has a better design plan and garage12 plan than does the CJC, and I believe13 Mr. Lawrence went on that --14
I did not, but,15 Councilman, I encourage you to go to the16 CJC now. We've made major modifications.17 There is no crowd in the lobby any18 longer.19
I'm going to20 make it my business Monday to be over21 there, take a look at that. If you've22 done that --23
Nine o'clock in24 the morning I'll go.25 17 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1
-- somebody2 needs to give you a raise, for real.3 I raise these questions to get4 to this one: We're talking about 15th5 and Arch. We're talking about an area6 that I've experienced major traffic7 pattern problems getting in sometimes and8 possibly even on a Friday night getting9 out, because Center City has gotten a lot10 more popular, and that's a major artery.11 Have we done a study to see12 what -- what was the number of employees?13 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:14 Eleven hundred.15
And what was16 the number of caseload that's going to be17 shifted from south of Market to north of18 Market right at a major artery? What's19 going to be the impact there and what20 things have we done to address that?21
Why don't22 we --23 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:24 Well, for one thing, we're widening the25 18 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 street. I mean, do you want to hear from2 Frank Morelli a little bit?3
Why don't6 we have somebody talk more about the7 operations of the actual facility.8 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:9 That will be Dave Lawrence.10
Because I11 think these questions are along those12 lines.13 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:14 Yeah. That will be Dave.15 But what's actually happening16 on 15th Street to work with this, we17 all -- people from Streets Department can18 address those issues.19 (Witness approached witness20 table.)21
Good morning.22 I've Dave Lawrence. I'm the Court23 Administrator for Philadelphia.24 The operation of the Criminal25 19 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Justice Center and the Family Court2 facility are different types of3 operations by virtue of the types of4 cases they hear. Much of what goes on in5 the Family Court facility relates to the6 collection of child support activities,7 accounting activities. The CJC will8 bring in about 5,000 people a day through9 their turn-styles. We will probably do10 about the same volume, maybe a little11 less at the new Family Court facility.12 The modifications that I13 alluded to have completely eliminated any14 lobby congestion.15
In the CJC. I'm17 happy to say it really didn't cost much18 money at all, and we should have done it19 15 years ago.20 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:21 And he should also give me a lot of22 credit because I helped get it done.23
I pat the24 Commissioner on her back.25 20 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 The court has not done a2 traffic analysis of what might happen3 with traffic congestion in the area. I4 do know that the overwhelming number of5 our employees and the people who frequent6 our courthouses use public7 transportation. By and large, it's an8 easy city to get around via SEPTA. So9 the court personnel and I don't think the10 clientele will create a lot of additional11 traffic.12
All right.13 It's Councilman Clarke's district. If14 he's happy, I'm happy. All right.15 Thank you, Mr. Chairman.16
Thank you,17 Councilman.18 I just want to make sure19 that -- Mr. Gillison, I know you were20 part of the earlier discussions. Some of21 the issues that we discussed with the22 near neighbors and actually had some23 understanding, that's going to be24 reflected in this final version and that25 21 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 will be documented somewhere? I know we2 had a meeting on -- what's that street?3 DEPUTY
Mole6 Street, yeah, the residents of Mole7 Street and there were some concerns about8 the flow of pedestrian traffic leading in9 and out of the facility and some of the10 vehicular traffic issues.11 DEPUTY
That's12 correct, and I know that the Streets13 Department is here to testify in support14 and they can tell you exactly the traffic15 studies that were done and all of the16 adaptions that have been made. But the17 answer to your question, Councilman, is18 yes.19 Everett Gillison, Deputy Mayor20 for Public Safety.21
Okay.22 Since you're here, one of the questions23 that came up, because, as you know, there24 was this -- we had some interruptions in25 22 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 this project for ancillary reasons. One2 of the issues, we talked about the3 workforce during construction phase and4 there was some question as to whether or5 not the state's requirements would6 supersede the City's. Did we ever get7 clarity on that, DGS?8 DEPUTY
The DGS9 does supersede. However, I've had10 conversations with Secretary O'Reilly and11 have, under the best value, a way that12 they are putting this out, they have13 agreed to working with us, and the good14 thing is is that what we've done out in15 the West Philadelphia Youth Study Center,16 we've shown how to get additional17 minority participation at a very high18 level. I've also talked to Peter -- I'm19 trying to remember Peter's last name with20 the state. He is the person that runs21 the EOP portion of the state values, and22 they've assured me that we'll be working23 quite closely to make sure that all of24 the goals that we put forward from the25 23 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 City will be reflected in the contracting2 and building of that facility.3
Thank you,7 Mr. Chairman.8 Before you go, I'm assuming9 that we are vacating a building that we10 had a lease in and that we did not own,11 correct?12
What was the15 annual cost and then with this16 consolidation savings by way --17
Please don't18 hold me to the exact rental figure. It's19 in the area of $4 million a year, and20 that is monies that would presumably --21 and I'm probably going to kick myself at22 some point for saying this -- come out of23 our budget and go to the City for the24 maintenance of the operation of the25 24 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 building.2 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:3 That is correct.4
So do you5 think there will be any offsetting -- so6 is it your assertion that the whole $47 million is going to go into -- I'll give8 you that.9
Madam10 Commissioner has very strong feeling on11 that, as does the Deputy Mayor. We are12 working closely with the City to make13 this a cost-neutral building to the City.14 We're reviewing our maintenance15 activities, our custodial activities.16
Well, we17 absolutely think it's going to be cost18 neutral. We were trying to find cost19 savings.20
Yeah. Okay.23 We'll hold. That's fine. I'm glad to24 hear that, though.25 25 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2
Thank you,3 Councilman.4 Any other questions by members5 of the Committee on these three bills?6 (No response.)7
Good afternoon,10 Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee.11 My name is Frank Morelli, Survey Bureau12 Manager of the Department of Streets, and13 the Department of Streets would like to14 offer the following testimony on Bill No.15 100790.16 This is not an Administration17 ordinance, but an ordinance requested by18 Thomas P. Witt of Cozen O'Connor, 190019 Market Street, representing the20 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department21 of General Services.22 The purpose of this ordinance23 is to amend a previous ordinance, Bill24 No. 080760, which authorized the widening25 26 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 of 15th Street, between Arch and Cherry2 Street, from 50 feet to 70 feet. The3 widening of 15th Street in this area will4 facilitate traffic movement and will be5 done in conjunction with the construction6 of the new Family Court building on the7 west side of 15th Street at this8 location. The Commonwealth of9 Pennsylvania has assumed control of the10 development and construction of this11 project.12 The proposed amendment will13 revise the terms and conditions of the14 authorizing ordinance and will extend the15 time period for compliance for an16 additional two years.17 This ordinance is supported by18 the Department of Streets and is19 recommended to your Committee for20 favorable action.21
Anyone else25 27 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 to testify on this bill?2 (No response.)3
There being4 none, thank you very much for your5 testimony.6 Mr. Carter, please read the7 title of the next bill.8
Bill No. 100614, an9 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of10 Public Property, on behalf of the City of11 Philadelphia, to amend an existing12 sublease agreement between the13 Philadelphia Municipal Authority as14 landlord and the City of Philadelphia as15 tenant, for use of certain office space16 located at 1327 through 39 Chestnut17 Street, under certain terms and18 conditions.19 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:20 Good afternoon, Chairman Clarke and21 members of the Committee on Public22 Property and Public Works. My name is23 Joan Schlotterbeck. I am the24 Commissioner of Public Property. I'm25 28 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 here today to represent the Department2 and testify in support of Bill No.3 100614, an ordinance authorizing me as4 the Commissioner, on behalf of the City,5 to amend an existing sublease agreement6 between the Philadelphia Municipal7 Authority as landlord and the City of8 Philadelphia as tenant, for the use of9 office space at 1327 to 39 Chestnut10 Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under11 certain terms and conditions.12 The District Attorney's13 Juvenile Division located at 1401 Arch14 Street recently relocated to the main15 offices of the District Attorney located16 at 1327 to 39 Chestnut Street. The17 co-location and consolidation will allow18 for increased efficiencies in the19 operations of the District Attorney's20 Office.21 The Department of Public22 Property supports this measure and,23 accordingly, I respectfully ask that City24 Council approve Bill No. 100614.25 29 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 I am also requesting a2 suspension of the rules so as to allow3 for the first reading at the next session4 of Council.5 Thank you.6
There being10 none, Mr. Carter, please read the title11 of the next bill.12
Bill No. 100777, an13 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of14 Public Property to accept from CSX15 Transportation, Inc. an easement for an16 at-grade crossing at Race Street between17 23rd Street and the Schuylkill River, an18 easement for an at-grade crossing at19 Locust Street between 25th Street and the20 Schuylkill River and an aerial easement21 in the vicinity of Spruce and 26th22 Street, all under certain terms and23 conditions.24 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:25 30 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Good afternoon, Chairman Clarke, members2 of the Committee on Public Property and3 Public Works. My name is Joan4 Schlotterbeck. I'm the Commissioner of5 Public Property. I'm here today to6 testify in support of Bill No. 100777, an7 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of8 Property to accept from CSX9 Transportation, Inc. an easement for an10 at-grade crossing on Race Street between11 23rd Street and Schuylkill River, an12 easement for an at-grade crossing at13 Locust Street between 25th Street and the14 Schuylkill River and for an aerial15 easement in the vicinity of Spruce and16 26th Streets, all under certain terms and17 conditions.18 The City, in resolution of19 federal litigation, has agreed to20 construct a pedestrian bridge in exchange21 for CSX's agreement to permit the Race22 and Locust Street at-grade crossing to23 remain open.24 The Department of Public25 31 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Property supports this measure and,2 accordingly, I respectfully ask that City3 Council approve Bill No. 100777, and I'm4 also asking for a suspension of the rules5 so as to allow for first reading at the6 next session of Council.7 Thank you.8
Thank you.9 Commissioner, on this agreement, the10 installation/construction of the aerial11 and the at-grade crossing, was there any12 other dollars other than City dollars in13 this deal? My recollection is that we14 got some support from the state.15 (Witness approached witness16 table.)17
And18 possibly the federal -- I remember State19 Senator Fumo and Senator Specter being20 involved, and they usually bring21 resources to the table.22
My name is Darin23 Gatti. I'm with the Streets Department.24 I'm the Chief Transportation Engineer.25 32 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 There was two funding sources2 for these two projects. The grade3 crossings themselves is being funded with4 a $600,000 grant from PennDOT and the5 bridge project is a combination of City6 funding and state funding. I believe7 there is $1.2 million of state funding in8 the bridge project, and it was originally9 going to be -- the rest of it was going10 to be City funds, but now there's a TIGER11 grant that covers the remainder of the12 bridge project. So there's very little13 City funds on these projects now.14
Okay.15 That's what I thought. Thank you.16 Any questions?17 (No response.)18
Anyone else19 testifying on this bill?20 (Witness approached witness21 table.)22
Good morning,23 Mr. Chairman and members of the24 Committee. My name is Joseph Syrnick.25 33 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 I'm the President of the Schuylkill River2 Development Corporation, which is a3 non-profit working with the City to4 revitalize the tidal Schuylkill River5 corridor.6 I'm pleased to come before you7 today to testify in support of Bill8 100777, which would permit the City to9 accept easements from CSX Railroad, which10 easements will facilitate the11 construction of both at-grade and grade12 crossings of the CSX Railroad's east side13 railroad tracks.14 Specifically, these easements15 would allow for safe crossings of the16 tracks for people entering or leaving17 Schuylkill Banks, the riverside trail and18 greenway adjacent to Center City.19 I submitted to you earlier20 testimony which had with it a photograph21 of the railroad tracks that would cross22 there. If you don't have it, I have some23 additional copies here, if you'd like to24 have them.25 34 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 But in any event, we at SRDC2 support this project, and I would ask3 that you would approve this ordinance.4 Thank you.5
Thank you9 very much for your testimony.10 Mr. Carter, please read the11 title of the next bill.12
Bill No. 100778, an13 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of14 Public Property on behalf of the City to15 convey 741 South Chadwick, 745 South16 Chadwick Street, 1129 South Sydenham17 Street, 1314 South Bancroft Street, 131518 South Colorado Street, 1321 South19 Bancroft Street, 1411 South Colorado20 Street, 1429 South Bouvier Street, 150221 Ellsworth Street, 1534 South Opal Street,22 1620 Reed Street, 1624 Fitzwater Street,23 1626 Fitzwater Street, 1712 Dickinson24 Street, 2013 Kimball Street, 210225 35 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Carpenter Street, 2106 Carpenter Street,2 2116 Carpenter Street, 2138 Carpenter3 Street and 2236 Kimball Street, for fair4 market value, under certain terms and5 conditions.6
Thank you.7 Please proceed.8 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:9 Good afternoon, Chairman Clarke and10 members of the Committee on Public11 Property and Public Works. My name is12 Joan Schlotterbeck. I am the13 Commissioner of Public Property. I'm14 here today to testify in support of the15 previously referenced bill numbers -- I16 mean, addresses in Bill No. 100778.17 This ordinance authorizes me as18 the Commissioner on behalf of the City to19 convey these properties, for fair market20 value, all under certain terms and21 conditions.22 The properties will be marketed23 and sold through a competitive bid24 process to the highest bidder. The sale25 36 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 of these scattered parcels will generate2 revenue for the General Fund and increase3 property tax revenue.4 The Department of Public5 Property supports this measure, and6 accordingly, I respectfully ask that7 Council approve Bill No. 100778.8 I'm also requesting for a9 suspension of the rules so as to allow10 for the first reading at the next session11 of Council.12 Thank you.13
Anyone else17 to testify on this bill?18 (No response.)19
Bill No. 100779, an22 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of23 Public Property, on behalf of the City,24 to accept from the Children's Hospital of25 37 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Philadelphia or its successors or2 assigns, fee simple title or a lesser3 property interest in any portion of the4 real estate owned by CHOP and located on5 the South Street Bridge, east of the6 Schuylkill River, west of railroad tracks7 owned and operated by CSX Transportation,8 Incorporated and north of a railroad9 bridge opened and operated by CSX10 Transportation, Incorporated, under11 certain terms and conditions.12 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:13 Good afternoon, Chairman Clarke and14 members of the Committee on Public15 Property and Public Works. My name is16 Joan Schlotterbeck. I'm the Commissioner17 of Public Property. I'm here today to18 testify in support of Bill No. 100779.19 This ordinance authorizes me as the20 Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to21 accept from Children's Hospital of22 Pennsylvania, a/k/a CHOP, or its23 successors or assigns, fee simple title24 or a lesser property interest in any25 38 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 portion of the real estate owned by CHOP2 and located south of the South Street3 Bridge, east of the Schuylkill River,4 west of the railroad tracks owned and5 operated by CSX Transportation, Inc. and6 north of a railroad bridge opened and7 operated by CSX Transportation, Inc., all8 under certain terms and conditions.9 This space will be used to10 extend the Schuylkill River Trail to a11 temporary point of the terminus south of12 the South Street Bridge. The Schuylkill13 River Trail currently terminates at14 Locust Street. The City owns the real15 estate along the east bank of the16 Schuylkill River from Locust to South17 Street but not beyond South Street.18 Because the land between CSX Railroad19 tracks and the river from Locust and20 South is too narrow for a recreational21 trail in certain locations, a boardwalk22 extending over the Schuylkill River has23 been proposed. This boardwalk could not24 reconnect back to the fast land until a25 39 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 point south of the South Street Bridge.2 This ordinance authorizes Public Property3 to acquire a real estate interest in4 enough of the land south of the South5 Street Bridge to connect to the boardwalk6 and create a temporary terminus for the7 Schuylkill River Trail. The trail is8 anticipated to extend further south as9 property is acquired and funding10 identified. The boardwalk project is11 being managed by Schuylkill River12 Development Corporation.13 The Department totally supports14 this project and, accordingly, I15 respectfully ask that Council approve16 Bill No. 100779.17 I am also requesting a18 suspension of the rules so as to allow19 for the first reading at the next session20 of Council.21 Thank you.22
Thank you.23 Any questions?24 (No response.)25 40 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1
Anyone else2 to testify on this bill?3 (Witness approached witness4 table.)5
Good afternoon6 again, Mr. Chairman and members of the7 Committee. My name is Joseph Syrnick.8 I'm President of the Schuylkill River9 Development Corporation, which is a10 non-profit working with the City to11 revitalize the tidal Schuylkill River12 corridor.13 I am pleased to come out in14 support of this bill, which would permit15 the City to accept a property interest,16 possibly an easement, from Children's17 Hospital for land situated on the east18 side of the Schuylkill River just below19 South Street.20 This land is needed for a21 landing area for the proposed boardwalk22 that would be built out over the river to23 extend the Schuylkill Trail southward24 from Locust Street to just south of South25 41 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Street.2 I provided in my testimony a3 rendering of how this boardwalk would4 look. I have copies here if you need5 them. But the land in question is just6 on the lower right-hand corner there.7 That land is owned by Children's Hospital8 and is needed to bring the boardwalk back9 to land.10 We at SRDC support this project11 and ask that you pass this enabling12 legislation.13 Thank you.14
Thank you,18 Mr. Chairman.19 I just want to thank you for20 your work with the Schuylkill River.21 That river connects to my district, and22 that trail is going to be an exciting23 addition and continuation of connections24 all the way up to and past King of25 42 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Prussia. So that bridge -- some day I'll2 get an opportunity to walk on it, maybe3 not the whole length of the trail, but I4 will take a portion of it. Maybe some of5 the Councilpeople will do a relay and6 walk their portion of it and something7 that we can pull together to promote such8 a great pedestrian walkway in the City of9 Philadelphia. I don't know many other10 cities that will be able to compete with11 that trail once it's completed.12
Thank you,13 Councilman. In the beginning of my14 testimony, I said that we were working in15 conjunction with the City. So the City16 deserves great credit also for being17 really the leaders in putting this whole18 trail together, and, of course, being a19 constituent of yours, I'm very familiar20 with the trail up through Manayunk and21 all. It's a great trail and it's just22 going to get better. So I think the City23 also deserves great credit for its24 leadership.25 43 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Thanks.2
There being8 none, Mr. Carter, please read the title9 of the next bill.10
Bill No. 100785, an11 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of12 Public Property, on behalf of the City,13 to accept from Scattergood Foundation14 easements in portions of land owned by15 Scattergood Foundation upon which Friends16 Hospital is located, under certain terms17 and conditions.18 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:19 Good afternoon, Chairman Clarke and20 members of the Committee on Public21 Property and Public Works. My name is22 Joan Schlotterbeck. I'm the Commissioner23 of Public Property. I'm here today to24 testify in support of Bill No. 100785, an25 44 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner,2 on behalf of the City, to accept from3 Scattergood Foundation easements in4 portions of land owned by Scattergood5 Foundation and upon which Friends6 Hospital is located, under certain terms7 and conditions.8 This easement will support the9 Parks and Recs Department in their effort10 to create a one and a half mile, 12 foot11 wide and 2 feet shoulders on each side,12 which will connect to the existing trail13 in the Tacony Creek Park north of the14 Roosevelt Boulevard.15 The Department of Public16 Property supports this measure and,17 according, I respectfully ask that18 Council approve Bill No. 100785.19 I am also requesting a20 suspension of the rules so as to allow21 for the first reading at the next session22 of Council.23 Thank you.24
Thank you.25 45 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Any questions?2 (No response.)3
Anyone else4 to testify on this bill?5 (No response.)6
Bill No. 100786, an9 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of10 Public Property on behalf of the City to11 convey 100 North 55th Street, 104 North12 58th Street, 253 North 60th Street, 30113 North 60th Street, 339 North 62nd Street,14 355 North 62nd Street, 414 North 61st15 Street, 417 North 62nd Street, 545 North16 63rd Street and 5500 Lansdowne Avenue,17 for fair market value, under certain18 terms and conditions.19
Thank you.20 Please submit your testimony.21 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:22 Good afternoon, Chairman Clarke and23 members of the Committee on Public24 Property and Public Works. My name is25 46 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Joan Schlotterbeck. I'm the Commissioner2 of Public Property. I'm here today to3 testify in support of Bill No. 100786, an4 ordinance which authorizes the5 Commissioner of Public Property on behalf6 of the City to convey all of the7 previously referenced addresses for fair8 market value, all under certain terms and9 conditions.10 The properties will be marketed11 and sold through a competitive bid12 process to the highest bidder. The sale13 of these scattered parcels will generate14 revenue for the General Fund and increase15 property tax revenue.16 The Department of Public17 Property supports this measure and,18 accordingly, I respectfully ask that City19 Council approve Bill No. 100786.20 I'm also requesting a21 suspension of the rules so as to allow22 for the first reading at the next session23 of Council.24 Thank you.25 47 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1
No. Thank2 you, because these properties are in my3 district.4 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: I5 know that, sir. Thank you very much.6
Are there10 any questions from the Committee?11 (No response.)12
Seeing none13 or hearing none, can you read the next14 bill, Mr. Carter.15
Bill No. 100788, an16 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of17 Public Property on behalf of the City to18 convey 413 Mercy Street, 432 Sigel19 Street, 518 Pierce Street, 538 Dudley20 Street, 2038 East Susquehanna Avenue,21 2045 East Fletcher Street, 2074 East York22 Street, 2129 East Susquehanna Avenue,23 2317 Coral Street, 2327 South Franklin24 Street, 2427 Frankford Avenue, 2431 Coral25 48 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Street, 2548 Coral Street, 2624 Collins2 Street, for fair market value, under3 certain terms and conditions.4 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:5 Good afternoon, Chairman Clarke and6 members of the Committee on Public7 Property and Public Works. My name is8 Joan Schlotterbeck. I'm the Commissioner9 of Public Property. I'm here today to10 testify in support of Bill No. 100788, an11 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of12 property on behalf of the City to convey13 all the previously referenced parcels,14 for fair market value, under certain15 terms and conditions.16 The properties will be marketed17 and sold through a competitive bid18 process to the highest bidder. The sale19 of these scattered parcels will generate20 revenue for the General Fund and increase21 property tax revenue.22 The Department supports this23 measure and, accordingly, I respectfully24 ask that Council approve Bill No. 100788,25 49 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 and I am also requesting at this time a2 suspension of the rules so as to allow3 for the first reading at the next session4 of Council.5 Thank you.6
Anyone else10 to testify on this bill?11 (No response.)12
Bill No. 100789, an15 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of16 Public Property on behalf of the City of17 Philadelphia to convey to the18 Philadelphia Authority for Industrial19 Development, all or part of a parcel of20 land and any improvements located on the21 southwest corner of North Christopher22 Columbus Boulevard and Race Street, for23 further conveyance, under certain terms24 and conditions.25 50 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:2 Good afternoon, Chairman Clarke and3 members of the Committee on Public4 Property and Public Works. My name is5 Joan Schlotterbeck. I'm the Commissioner6 of Public Property. I'm here today to7 testify in support of Bill No. 100789, an8 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner on9 behalf of the City of Philadelphia to10 convey to the Philadelphia Authority for11 Industrial Development, all or part of a12 parcel of land and any improvements13 located on the southwest corner of North14 Columbus Boulevard and Race Street, for15 further conveyance, under certain terms16 and conditions.17 The property will be sold to18 the Philadelphia Fringe for $750,000 and19 the proceeds will be deposited into the20 General Fund.21 The parcel includes a historic22 structure formerly used by the Water23 Department as a pumping station.24 Philadelphia Fringe intends to develop25 51 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 the premises into office space, a theatre2 and a cafe, with both indoor and outdoor3 programming. The use proposed by the4 Philadelphia Fringe will help to create5 and enlivened gateway from Center City6 and Old City to the Delaware Waterfront.7 The Department supports this8 measure and, accordingly, I respectfully9 ask that Council approve Bill No. 100789.10 I'm also requesting a11 suspension of the rules so as to allow12 for first reading at the next session of13 Council.14 Thank you.15
Anyone else19 to testify on this bill?20 (No response.)21
Bill No. 100791, an23 ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of24 Public Property on behalf of the City to25 52 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 convey 816 North 16th Street, 826 North2 12th Street, 918 North 19th Street, 10153 North Leithgow Street, and 1116 North 4th4 Street for fair market value, under5 certain terms and conditions.6 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:7 Good afternoon, Chairman Clarke and8 members of the Committee on Public9 Property and Public Works. My name is10 Joan Schlotterbeck. I'm the Commissioner11 of Public Property. I'm here today to12 testify in support of Bill No. 100791, an13 ordinance authorizing me as the14 Commissioner on behalf of the City to15 convey the previously referenced16 properties for fair market value, under17 certain terms and conditions.18 The properties will be marketed19 and sold through a competitive bid20 process to the highest bidder. The sale21 of these scattered parcels will generate22 revenue for the General Fund and increase23 property tax revenue.24 The Department supports this25 53 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 measure and, accordingly, I respectfully2 ask that Council approve Bill No. 100791.3 I am also requesting a4 suspension of the rules so as to allow5 for the first reading at the next session6 of Council.7 Thank you.8
Anyone else12 to testify on this bill?13 (No response.)14
There being15 none, thank you very much. I would ask16 that you please stay around. We have to17 re-establish a quorum.18 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:19 Sure. Not a problem.20
We will21 take a seven-minute recess.22 (Short recess.)23
This24 concludes the public hearing on the25 54 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 Committee of Public Property and Public2 Works. We will now go into the public3 meeting.4 Let the record reflect that5 Councilman DiCicco has joined the6 Committee hearing.7 Councilman Greenlee, I would8 like to ask for a motion on the following9 bills: No. 100792, 100793, 100790,10 100614, 100777, 100778, 100779, 100785,11 100786, 100788, 100789 and 100791. There12 will be an amendment offered for Bill No.13 100793.14
Thank15 you. I move that the bills that were16 just read by the Chairman be reported out17 of this Committee with a favorable18 recommendation and that the rules of19 Council be suspended to permit first20 reading at our next session of Council.21 (Duly seconded.)22
It's been23 moved and seconded.24 All in favor?25 55 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 (Aye.)2
The ayes6 have it. Let the record reflect that the7 bills just read into the record will be8 reported out of Committee with a9 favorable recommendation.10 One bill, Bill No. 100793, will11 need an amendment.12 Councilman Greenlee, we'll ask13 for a motion on the amendment to Bill No.14 100793.15
Thank16 you, Mr. Chairman. I move the adoption17 of the amendment to Bill No. 100793.18 (Duly seconded.)19
It's been20 moved and seconded the amendment on Bill21 No. 100793 has been approved.22 Councilman Greenlee.23
Thank24 you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No.25 56 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 100793, as amended, be reported out of2 this Committee with a favorable3 recommendation and the rules of Council4 be suspended to allow for first reading5 at our next session of Council.6 (Duly seconded.)7
It's been8 moved and seconded.9 Those in favor?10 (Aye.)11
The ayes15 have it. Bill No. 100793, as amended,16 will be reported out of Committee with a17 favorable recommendation.18 Thank you all very much.19 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK: I20 actually wanted -- John and I wanted to21 go on record as thanking Councilman22 DiCicco, Councilman Jones, Councilman23 Clarke for allowing us to continue the24 pilot programs in your districts and for25 57 12/1/10 - PUBLIC PROPERTY - BILL 100614, ETC.1 you for joining -- it's very successful2 and it's going to be new money. As you3 were looking for new money, it will be4 new money.5 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It's no6 longer a pilot program.7 COMMISSIONER SCHLOTTERBECK:8 Right. That's true. It's very9 successful, yes.10
Off the11 record.12 (Discussion held off the13 record.)14 (Committee on Public Property15 and Public Works concluded at 12:50 p.m.)16 - - -17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 58 1 CERTIFICATE2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the3 proceedings, evidence and objections are4 contained fully and accurately in the5 stenographic notes taken by me upon the6 foregoing matter on December 1, 2010, and that7 this is a true and correct transcript of same.8 9 10 11 12 --------------------13 MICHELE L. MURPHY14 RPR-Notary Public15 16 17 18 (The foregoing certification of this19 transcript does not apply to any reproduction20 of the same by any means, unless under the21 direct control and/or supervision of the22 certifying reporter.)23 24 25