My name is Allison Houghton and I'm here on behalf of Bethesda Project. I just wanted to thank every Councilmember, Councilmember Landau, Councilmember Gauthier for introducing the resolution and for the continued partnership and advocacy on behalf of Philadelphians experiencing homelessness. Bethesda Project provides emergency shelter, housing and supportive services across 11 sites in Philadelphia. Last year we served more than 1200 Philadelphians and our mission is to be family with those who have none, and it is something that we take really seriously in every aspect of our work across all of our living sites. Thank you for recognizing the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity and for helping to evaluate the important work of the local nonprofit sector during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month. We are proud to stand beside Philadelphia City Council and our other homeless services providers and hunger aware -hunger -- I saw Philabundance was here, and that's why I'm shouting them out -- services providers in Philadelphia and beyond. So thank you, everyone. (Applause.)
Hello. Happy 30th birthday, City Council President Johnson.
My name is Jeremy Blatstein and I'm here today in support of Bill No. 250648. Now, some might look at this bill and call it spot zoning because we're talking about rezoning a single lot on Broad Street from ICM-X to CMX-4. But what I want to stress is that this is actually about a broader principle. The City of Philadelphia last overhauled its zoning map back in 2012. And ever since then, we've been layering on these zoning overlays that restrict where housing can be built. Some districts did implement the 2035 plan, but the overlays counteracted any progress that was made. It shouldn't be the norm that you have to go to a City Councilmember or go through the lengthy ZBA process just to do basic development in Philadelphia, especially along our transit corridors. If we're serious about the growing Philly to 2 milli vision, yes, that means growing our population to 2 million, maybe not in five years but it should be a guiding star, then we need to be pro growth, pro housing and pro jobs. That means making it easier, not harder, to build by-right and it means this Council needs to take a hard look at how we rezone and allow more housing to be built without unnecessary obstacles. In short, let's not create more problems by making developers jump through hoops or risking lawsuits over ZBA rulings. Let's make Philadelphia a place where growth is straightforward and opportunities are plentiful. And last but not least, we're talking about SEPTA, but not actually SEPTA today, right. We're talking about the Greyhound Bus Station. That's a good thing, that it's going back to where it was, the centrally-located location and it will be the easiest and most direct path for people to come in and out of Philadelphia leading up to 2026. And happy birthday again, sir. Grow Philly to 2 millie. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Ogbonna Hagins. I'm a fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. As you consider Ordinance 250709, which amends the enforcement section of the Code to address the continuation of nuisance business enforcement following a change in ownership, it is important that we recognize what true enforcement means under the Constitution. Philadelphia is home to over 700,000 American Freedmen, the progeny of the emancipated, whose ancestors built this city and nation under bondage. That's why I also want to acknowledge Resolution 250781, which was passed by this body more than three weeks ago and calls for hearings to establish the Office of Freedmen Affairs. This office would serve as a modern extension of the Freedmen's Bureau, ensuring that enforcement in this city aligns with the Reconstruction amendments and that the rights of the American Freedmen are fully protected and enforced at the local level. Ordinance 250709 speaks to enforcement, but the Constitution already defines what enforcement truly is. The 13th, 14th, 15th amendments each conclude with the same command, Congress shall have the power to enforce. When the Council fails to enforce the rights of the American Freedmen, it is not upholding the oath that you swore to uphold. And let's be clear, many of the so-called nuisance businesses covered by this ordinance operate in Freedmen neighborhoods. These establishments, often owned and operated by non-Freedmen, so-called New Americans extract wealth from our communities, they do. It's a modern day badge of slavery, these nuisance stores. So on November 15th, we're hosting a political wellness checkup so that those in attendance here, including the Councilmembers, can come and learn the Reconstruction amendments that protect the American Freedmen. Already codified and mandated in law, all you got to do is enforce them. Ogbonna Hagins. Over and out.
That concludes our public comment section -- oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead.
I'll try and do this in two minutes. Don't start my time yet. Let me get my paper together.
So good afternoon or good morning. This is the day which the Lord hath made. Let us all rejoice and be glad in it. My name is Dawn Chavous and I am so honored to be here. Hello, Council President Kenyatta Johnson and members of City Council. I'm here to wish my husband a very happy birthday. I told him -(Applause.)
I told him that he should take the day off to celebrate and he said, Nope, duty calls. I'm here to serve the people and I have to and I have work to do, but that's who he is. Kenyatta, you work so hard. People see you here and sometimes on social media -- well, a lot on social media, but they don't see the early mornings, the late nights and all of the hard work you do day-in and day-out seven days a week. And sometimes it is a thankless job. But I'm here to say thank you. Thank you for your love, thank you for your dedication, thank you for your thoughtfulness -
Thank you for always putting others first. Thank you for treating people with dignity and respect, even when the energy is not always returned to you. Thank you for your kindness and your compassion. Thank you for centering your faith and letting it guide your words and actions. You are an amazing friend, a devoted husband and a loving father. And today we celebrate you on your birthday. This is his actual birthday, October 30th. So happy birthday. (Applause.)
I'm not done yet. I'm not done yet. I have a little surprise. Three other people signed up for public comment, and I have a few friends here with me, Darryl Roberts, Desi Neil and Bernadette Brooks, who are going to come up and help me: "Ooooh, happy birthday. Happy birthday to you. Ooooh, happy birthday. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday. Happy birthday to you. Ooooh, you know you look good. You look good. You look fine. You look fine. And we hope you have a good time. Ooooh, happy birthday. Happy birthday to you. Ooooh, happy birthday. Happy birthday to you. Ooooh, happy birthday. Happy birthday to you. Ooooh, happy birthday. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday. Happy birthday to you. Ooooh, you know you look good. You look good, you look fine, you look fine. You look good. You look good. You look fine. You look fine, and we hope you have a good time. Ooooh, happy birthday to you." (Applause.)
Thank you, babe. Love you. Got me good too. That's a good one. Almost got one of my staff suspended. I didn't know what was going on. Thank you though, honey.
There are no further names for public comment, Council President.
I'm sorry, John. I apologize. We will now consider the 10/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING bills and resolutions -- wait, time out. Some of the people are saying, oh, my god, what are they doing, they're singing. Anyway we will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Will the Clerk Please read the title of Resolution No. 250930.
A resolution also naming Oxford Street between Broad Street and 15th Street as Jake and Sarah Adams Avenue.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250930.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption. 10/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250930 will be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250572.
An ordinance amending Section 2-112 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Commissioners," by removing the powers and duties of the 10/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Department of Licenses and Inspections over matters relating to weights and measures; amending Title 9, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by removing provisions relating to amusement devices and weights and measures and making related technical changes; and Amending Title 19, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," by eliminating provisions related to amusement licenses and weights and measures registration; all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll. 10/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
This is Bill -- sorry about that. This is Bill No. 250773?
Councilmember O'Neill was aye. Councilmember Squilla. (No response.)
Aye. The ayes are 14. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250577.
An ordinance repealing in its entirety the following ordinance approved December 23, 2024: Bill No. 240964-A02, Authorizing the City of Philadelphia to organize an authority to be known as the Arena Services District Authority pursuant to the terms of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities 10/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Act, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Councilmember Squil -Councilmember O'Neill was aye. Councilmember Squilla.
Aye. The ayes are 15. The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250722. 10/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
An ordinance adding a new Chapter 21-3500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Utility Meters" to prohibit provision of a second utility meter by a public utility at a residential property without evidence of a valid housing rental license for the property, under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
I'd also like to vote aye on any bills or resolutions I missed.
Aye. The ayes are 15 and the nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. The Chair officially recognizes Councilmember Mark Squilla. Just for the record, Mark.
Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions that I have missed.
Shall be duly noted. Thank you, Member Squilla. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250767.
An 10/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING ordinance repealing in its entirety Bill No. 240415, approved July 19, 2024, entitled An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Island Avenue, the Delaware Expressway and Bartram Avenue.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 15. 10/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING The nays are 0. Majority of all members having voted in affirmative the bill passes. Would the Chief Clerk read the title of Bill No. 250733,
An ordinance amending Chapter 9-4900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Prohibition on Use of Certain Bags by Retail Establishments," to modify certain definitions, require retail establishments to charge a fee for the provision of a bag to customers and require signage, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. 10/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Before I cast this vote, I think it's important for me to note a few things. Coming into today, I actually had the intentions of being supportive of this bill and I'm really supportive of what this bill stands for. This bill stands for finding ways to support our environment which I think is really important. Yet at the same time, you know, we are in the midst of a 10/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING potential government shutdown with the loss of SNAP benefits, which is going to impact Philadelphians across the city. I'm concerned about that. And just a matter of some-odd days when this bill becomes into law, though people are saying it's only $0.10, whatever it might be, you know, our goal here in the city is to not give people more burdens as much as possible. I do support the ideals of this bill. I love what it does. But one of the things I just want to say before I cast my vote is just that I'm in favor of what the bill intends, but there's other ways that we can do to protect our environment and make sure we don't do plastic and there's other ways that we can do that at this current juncture. So with that being said, 10/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING as challenging as this is for me I'm going to vote nay.
Will the Chief Clerk continue to please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 9. The nays are 6. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. And I was an aye as well. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Let the record reflect the total count is actually 10-5, 10 yeas, 5 nays for the record. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250800.
An 10/30/25 - STATED - 2ND READING ordinance amending Title 14-602, entitled "Use Tables" by prohibiting drug paraphernalia sales in certain industrial districts, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Chief Clerk, please call the roll.