COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC HEARING COMMITTEE ON HOUSING, NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT and THE HOMELESS - - - Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, June 14, 2006, 3:15 p.m. - - - 060350 - Resolution approving the annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative (NTI) Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2007. PRESENT: COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL, Chair COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DI CICCO COUNCILMAN JUAN F. RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS-BROWN COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED-MILLER - - - V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 2 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 - - - P R O C E E D I N G S - - - COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL (Chair): Good afternoon. Welcome, one and all. We invite you to our hearing before the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless. This is with regard to Resolution 11 060350 which deals with the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Program Statement and Budget for fiscal year '07. Chair notes that we have a quorum present. To my left is Councilwoman Donna Miller; to my right, Councilman Juan Ramos; to his right, Councilman Frank DiCicco. We thank you all for being here. Thank you, Councilman. And we will ask the Clerk to read the title of this Resolution.
Resolution 060350, approving the Annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Bond 3 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2007.
Thank you very much. Eva Gladstein, Director of Neighborhood Transformation is here. We invite you to come and give your statement. We assume Michael Groman, Senior Director of Philadelphia Green is here. UNIDENTIFIED MAN: I'm representing Michael Groman.
Thank you. And we note that Councilman Darrell Clarke is also here. And we'll ask, is there anyone else here who will be testifying? (No response.)
Then we assume you are all proud supporters of this program. All right. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you very much. Please identify yourself and begin 4 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 your testimony, Miss Gladstein.
Good afternoon. My name is Eva Gladstein. I'm Director of Neighborhood Transformation for Philadelphia. And I brought a cheering squad of other City agencies who are participants in the program and supporters, and who are available to answer any questions that members of Council may have. I. bond proceeds. In January 2000, Philadelphia's neighborhoods faced the challenges of blight, abandonment, and the quality of life the residents suffered. Over the last six years, Philadelphia has become home to an active real estate market, energetic economic and community development activity, and residents are excited by new neighborhoods, a transformed Philadelphia. 5 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 In April 2001, Mayor John F. Street unveiled the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative, a $296 million strategy to eradicate decades of blight and stimulate new investment in our neighborhoods. Today our investments are paying off in ways that no one could have imagined. Increased home values are creating new wealth in communities. Police continue to shut down notorious drug corners, and our citizens walk on cleaner and safer streets. Our neighborhood commercial corridors will be better positioned to compete in the marketplace. The administration set forth a number of goals for Neighborhood Transformation Initiative, and I'm proud to say today that we have met or exceeded many of those goals. By demolishing more than 6,000 dangerous buildings, we have eliminated a significant threat to public safety. I. targeted demolition program. We are also completing the transition of Project Management from Hill International to the City's Department of Licenses and Inspections. Best practices in the areas of decision-making, demolition specifications, procurement and employment will be integrated into the City's operations. I. continues to meet its participation and employment projections. I. demolition projects. I. I. work hours. 5 million to firms owned by 7 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 women. I. demolition contracts. Blight removal activities continue to improve the look and feel of our neighborhoods, clearing the way for new development and renewed pride. During fiscal year '06, crews from the Managing Director's Office removed graffiti from 30,000 properties and cleaned 8,000 lots of 4,700 tons of trash. Through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, three million square feet of vacant land was greened and fenced through fiscal year '05. During this fiscal year, an additional 213,000 square feet of vacant land was greened. With the assistance of nine community-based organizations, employing 70 neighborhood residents, this formerly blighted vacant land is now maintained. I. five-year plan envisioned development of 6,000 new units of market rate housing. 8 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 Today, more than 10,000 new market rate housing units are planned, under way or completed. We have also far surpassed our five-year goal of 3,500 affordable housing units, completing 6,175 units. I. bond funds in existing homes, mostly owned by residents who have lived in the City through the course of blight and now the current prosperity. 3 million in grant and loan dollars to more than 19,000 homeowners. In order to help our most vulnerable homeowners, we have increased funding for the basic systems repair program in fiscal year '05 and we doubled the budget for the adaptive modification program two years in a row. For fiscal year '07 we are proposing 9 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 an additional $800,000 be added to the adaptive modification budget to further support vulnerable residents. These modifications average to 6 thousand dollars per retrofit, and 7 currently there are almost 1,000 residents 8 on the waiting list. The additional 9 $800,000 will provide repair and retrofit 10 to about 53 homes. I. and residents.
New 13 loan products are helping people avoid 14 predatory lenders, and we continue to reach 15 out to homeowners through the Don't Borrow 16 Trouble and Protected by Knowledge 17 campaigns. 18 In fiscal year '05, more than 900 19 first-time home buyers received settlement 20 grants. During this fiscal year more than 900 home buyers have already received settlement grants of $800, and we are proposing $900,000 be added to the settlement grant and assistance program for 10 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 fiscal year '07. Home by Now, our employer-assisted housing program, is making home ownership a reality for employees of local businesses. I. bond proceeds to match employer home buying assistance up to $3,000. As of April, 2006, employers have 13 enrolled in the program, 46 employees have 14 received housing counseling, and 35 homes 15 were purchased in Philadelphia 16 neighborhoods. 17 As of July 1, we will bring elements 18 of this program in-house. C. to market the program to 21 employers and thereby increase home buying 22 opportunities. 23 We are also committed to seeking new 24 resources for housing and community 25 development activities. 11 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 During fiscal year 2006, the Housing Trust Fund was created, to provide an infusion of needed capital for affordable housing, in the face of shrinking Federal funding. I. bond proceeds, the Trust Fund is supported with a surcharge from document recording fees, estimated at $10 million a year. The first request for a proposal using trust funds was issued in fiscal year '06. I. is provided through bond funding financing. 5 million are taxable bonds for land assembly and loan programs. 5 million are tax exempt government purpose bonds for public safety 12 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 activities such as demolition, home repair, and other physical improvement grant programs. For fiscal year '07, we are proposing a budget of $82,362,279, that will support our core activities such as demolition, housing and neighborhood preservation, technology improvements, and improvements to neighborhood commercial corridors. The fiscal year '07 budget includes adjustments that I mentioned previously in the budgets of the settlement grant assistance adaptive modification program, and affordable housing development. I. program activities. We are proposing the allocation of 900,000 from the affordable rental development line item to settlement grant assistance. We are proposing the reallocation of 13 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 800,000 from that same line item to the adaptive modification program. I. funds. Another significant change this year is an increased investment in the Green City Strategy. I. resources, we have increased the City's investment from $2 million to $3 million. This will enable the city, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, to green additional vacant land, maintain the previously improved sites, expand the community-based land maintenance efforts, and to create a new street tree planting program. An emphasis on commercial corridors during fiscal year '06 is a gateway to new phases of neighborhood transformation which we expect to fully implement in '07. I. Generally, the communities that will receive funding will be geographically diverse, leverage other investment, have feasible corridor development plans, and have the capacity to partner with the government. We have been working with District Council members and the City's economic development entities, to identify appropriate corridor investments. I. is able to understand the vision, goals and priorities for the stabilization and enhancement of commercial corridors, and to make funding and investment decisions accordingly. Building on this experience, we have developed the Restore Philadelphia Corridors program, designed to revitalize neighborhood commercial corridors throughout the City and reestablish their 15 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 historic role as central places to shop, to work, and to meet neighbors.
The Restore Philadelphia Corridors Program will increase attention to and investment in neighborhood commercial corridors. In order to make the corridors more welcoming to residents and businesses, Restore will direct significant funds to streetscape enhancements and capital improvements to neighborhood commercial corridors. The administration was pleased to transmit to City Council on June 1st an Ordinance that would authorize a tax exempt bond issue of $150 million to help fund this program, as well as to provide critical support to Philadelphia's cultural corridors. We are excited about working with City Council on this program over the summer, and we look forward to introduction of the Ordinance in the fall. I. is a necessary step towards holistic neighborhood change. The significant impacts we have made in blight removal, housing development and preservation, and improved government delivery systems must be supported by strategic investments in neighborhood commerce. Working with City Council, we have helped create strong residential markets in Philadelphia's neighborhoods. Now is the time to invest in commercial corridors that will serve as healthy, vibrant hubs for these steadily improving neighborhoods. Our collective efforts will help realize Mayor Street's vision that all neighborhoods will be great places to live, work, learn, shop and play. Madam Chairwoman and members of the Committee, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you and to acknowledge your contributions to the Neighborhood 17 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 Transformation Initiative. I've truly enjoyed working with you throughout the last year. Without your support, our work and these achievements would not have been possible. I respectfully request your favorable consideration of Resolution 9 Number 060350. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Are there questions for this witness? Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown.
With regards to process, how have other departments been intimately involved in what you're doing? And how did they participate in the testimony you ultimately provided today? 18 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06
The people sitting behind me have all provided nuggets of the information that I've presented today. As you know, Neighborhood Transformation, N.T.I., is really a strategy. It's not an operating department. And as such, all of the investments are really directed to the appropriate City departments. And that is why you see the City Planning Commission, the Office of Housing, the Redevelopment Authority, Department of Licenses and Inspections, the Office of O.E.S.S., the Historical Commission -- and I'm probably leaving some of my --
I like the yellow tee shirts, Community Land Care, myself. (Applause.)
Not to mention the Horticultural Society and the 19 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 community-based organizations. So, it really is a very...
Okay. I do know well of the Philadelphia Horticultural Society. And I need to join Chairman Jannie Blackwell in just giving the work they do kudos, and how they are intimately woven into N.T.I. What about Commerce and specifically P.C.D.C. which historically has been principally responsible for corridor activity?
The Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation is one of the lynch pins of our economic development activity and one of our key economic development partners. They're simply not here today because we're not testifying about the 20 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 commercial corridor program per se.
They were available when we were here for the Community Development Block Grant Plan hearings previously.
We are working with them. But to talk substantively, we are working with them to integrate various resources that are available for neighborhood economic development. And they represent significant capacity in terms of their staff.
And they're also a significant recipient of our economic development funds, primarily through the Community Development Block Grant.
So we are coordinating the Community Development Block Grant resources with the N.T.I. resources. 21 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 And last year it was only $2 million. We're hoping with the new bond issue it would be about another $65 million. Also, with general funds that are spent through the economic stimulus program on various economic development activities, and then with state and Federal resources.
So, we are trying to use each source of funds in the most strategic way to support an integrated strategy.
So the work that they've done -- and I'm relying purely on the testimony I've heard them offer in recent years, with regards to the priority listing they've given to a number of business corridors -- will be factored into what you just articulated, correct?
Yes. 22 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 We are working with them, with our staff, because we had staff who work on corridors as well, and with the Mayor's Business Action Team.
To have a plan that makes sure that there is adequate deployment of resources on each corridor.
Some corridors are very well functioning and just need a kind of check-in.
Others need more technical assistance and capacity building. And we are working directly with them to prioritize and to determine which of those entities will be sort of for point for each corridor --
Okay. 23 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 So, do you have a time frame or a milestone date when you expect to have identified the top three or the top six corridors that become lucky for any number of, you know, criteria-related reasons?
We anticipate there will be many more corridors than that. And we hope to be able to continue working over the summer, particularly with District Council members, but with all members of Council, around the Restore Program. And what we would be doing is identifying corridors and the types of investments for corridors.
Some corridors, for example, are very well functioning. They've raised some Federal or state money for street scape improvements. They might just need a little bit of money for engineering or planning. Other corridors have well functioning groups, but they need that kind of major investment of capital dollars. 24 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 And, you know, yet other corridors we might be helping build the capacity of a business organization or a community development corporation, so that they could start the planning to get to that next level. So, expect it to be many more than three or four corridors --
The Chair is supposed to get at least three. (Laughter.)
But we expect there will be a number of corridors in each District. It's just that the type of investment will vary. So... But the goal, again, is to be able to have some immediate impact, and to be able to bring the corridor to its next level of development. 25 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06
Okay. Well, I'll close by... Given what you shared... Commenting on the thoughtfulness and thoughtful but very strategic in how you are integrating dollars at Federal levels with what the stages of need of corridors around the City. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much. Before I call on Councilwoman Miller, in terms of the restore of commercial corridor and development, we'll assume that you'll work with the District Council people, so that those people with whom you interact on the corridors are people that the Council persons and their staff and offices work with.
Absolutely. We started those conversations, as you know, Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 with District Council people, and we will continue to communicate with you. And again, our goal is to understand what the needs are and to be able to intervene in the appropriate way on each corridor. And certainly we have been very pleased with the kind of conversations we've had so far. We feel that the District Council people have a very good understanding of the corridors, the capacity of the groups, the potential development projects. And that's all information that we have to factor in to what the investment strategy would be.
I think one program that we need, of course, is City wide. Everybody has tree removal needs, as well, that we know a vacant lot, if there -- you know, if you're doing demo and, you know, some homes have trees growing through them. And on lots you may get it if you're doing demo there. 27 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 But in terms of rowhouse blocks, we really do need some tree trimming help. We understand the problems associated with the cement. You know, everybody's worried about water pipes below and cracking cement around the property. But we definitely need a strategy for that problem.
Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Just a couple questions. Every now and then I go in the web, into the housing agency sites. And I guess... Unless you have it in there and I haven't found it, I think you still need a guide that tells people how to acquire a vacant house, I mean, really step by step. We get a lot of questions. I mean, when you go out -- particularly young 28 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 people are constantly asking, you know, how can I get this house, how can I get that. And it would be so much easier if there was something written that you could just give to them that really helps them have specific steps.
What does it mean to go to V.P.R.C.? What is that? How long does it take? Of course, most people think all the vacant properties in the City belong to the City, and they think they're all free. And, you know, we get through that one. But then the next question becomes, well, how can I get this and where can I get this from. I know that would help me in many of the young people that I encounter.
That would help me -- all of us, except for Jannie.
I think 29 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 it actually helps everybody. And as far as the commercial corridors, right now in my office we're getting ready to help two business corridors organize a business person's association. Now, does M.B.E.C. or Commerce have people available to go out with my staff to help organize? I mean, we've already been out. We've got names of all the businesses and all kinds of people. But once we have the meeting -- And they're all very anxious to meet. Once we have the meeting, does Commerce have someone that can help us help them organize and develop a business association?
Right. What I was going to say is between the N.T.I. staff, the M.B.E.C. staff and the P.C.D.C. staff, we would try to be of assistance and could, I'm sure, attend a number of meetings. 30 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 I don't want to overstate our ability, because I don't think... Because our resources are spread thin, I don't think we'll be able to do the actual door knocking, but if there's --
And if there's identification of leadership already on the corridors, then I think that we would be happy to be a resource to that leadership, to help support that organizing effort.
Okay. And also, I think we still need to revisit and visit the whole area of commercial demolition. Commercial demolition is still -- at least in my District we still have not had any, that I believe -- If we did, we had one. And also... Damn, I lost my train; of thought. I lost that question. I'll come back. Thank you, Madam Chair. 31 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06
If I could just respond on the commercial demolition piece, that is, again, assuming the $150 million bond issue is approved by Council in the fall. We are anticipating that one of the uses of those bond proceeds could be for demolition on commercial corridors. So, I wanted to make you aware of that as well.
And we'll be happy to follow up in terms of the status of commercial demolition under N.T.I.
Okay. And I regained my thought there. The other thing that I think, if we get this... Well, I actually think we need to put more money or additional funding in the lot cleaning crew, you know. We went from 100 people down to whatever we have now. Whatever we have now, you know, is just not adequate. And it's okay if you have a community-based group doing the lot 32 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 maintenance through the Horticulture Society, because I think they do a really good job. And I can see the clear difference in my District of the appearance of lots that have folks like... What's the name of your group? Community land something. I can see the clear difference between the maintenance and upkeep of those lots, because I think across the City those guys and women are doing a really good job. But we don't have enough lot-cleaning crews for those areas of the District that needs to have lot maintenance and lot service. So, I think you need to hire more people or give out more contracts.
Well, I'll speak -- As you know, that crew is managed through the Managing Director's Office. So, we can certainly have a conversation there. But in addition, our additional funding to the Horticulture Society, which is coming out of general funds, as it has in previous 33 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 years, does permit the inclusion of at least one new group that could do the Community Land Care Program. So, we have heard that testimony in the past and tried to be responsive to that this year.
Okay. All right. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you very much. Are there any other questions for Miss Gladstein? (No response.)
Thank you very much. Our next witness, (Applause.)
That's because I didn't get any questions. They're all happy.
Yes. So, everybody gets a break today. Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. 34 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 Mr. Bob Grossman.
Thank you. Welcome. Please identify yourself for the record and begin your testimony.
My name is Bob Grossman. I'm Associate Director of Philadelphia Green, and I'm presenting testimony that's been submitted by Mike Groman, the Senior Director of Philadelphia Green. We very much appreciate the support provided to Philadelphia Green by the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative. We have put these resources to good use. More importantly, we have been able to leverage City dollars into significant support from foundations, businesses, and other entities in the private sector. S. has been awarded contracts totaling $8 million to oversee greening projects in the City, with the aim of making a substantial impact in improving community open spaces. This unprecedented level of investment has resulted in dramatic improvements in the quality of life in our communities, and has clearly conveyed the importance of quality open space, as part of the neighborhood's revitalization strategy. The immediate visual improvements bring hope to residents of formerly blighted areas and help build support for investment in the City's green spaces. S. has partnered with hundreds of neighborhood residents, community groups and City organizations, and we are proud of the following accomplishments. S. identifies strategic corridors, as well as sites adjacent to schools, churches, commercial and housing developments and gateways for land stabilization. Land stabilization has been completed in many neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, and has included clearing land of debris, replacing topsoil, planting grass seed and trees, and constructing post and rail fencing. Coupled with the City's efforts to demolish abandoned buildings in the neighborhoods, stabilizing vacant land in these communities has significantly improved their appearance, discouraged further deterioration, and built momentum for other enhancements. In fiscal year 2006, Philadelphia Green stabilized 503 additional parcels, more than three-quarters of a million square feet. An additional 2,000 parcels of previously treated abandoned land is being 37 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 regularly maintained under the management of the vacant land stabilization program. 70 percent of the maintenance being done on the stabilized lots is actually being done by community land care program which is an approach to -- We started out as an approach to maintaining land that was not stabilized, that was not improved in any way but in many of the same neighborhoods that were doing the vacant land stabilization work. This approach gives local organizations a direct role in improving the appearance of their own environment, investing the community in the success of the project. Representatives of the community land care are here today. Over 70 City residents have been hired by nine organizations. ; Ready, Willing and Able; Self, Incorporated; Tioga United; University City District/Mantua Improvement 38 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 Association; Universal Companies and Village of the Arts and East Park Revitalization Alliance. I. 's goal was to provide basic housekeeping for 1,760 parcels of vacant land, utilizing community organizations. To date, we are pleased to report that over 2500 parcels are cleaned and mowed monthly through this land management program. S. was able to expand urban greening efforts that are key programmatic initiatives of Philadelphia Green. Outside of the vacant land management efforts, a variety of greening projects have been developed and implemented. A series of educational programs for residents has supported these efforts. S. is currently completing work on six signature or gateway greening projects, one major park 39 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 improvement project and two City-wide park cleanup events. , as well as the opportunity to serve. We look forward to support in the coming year to continue our work in the neighborhoods, using greening as a community development tool. I. in open space revitalization.
The Green City Strategy holds tremendous promise for Philadelphia's continuing revitalization.
Thank you, Mr. Grossman. When we were children in school, we learned in school that cleanliness is next to Godliness. And these men and women help make that possible. We really, really appreciate it, 40 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 because no matter how much development you do in emerging communities, no matter how much you do in blighted communities, and no 5 matter how much you do in transformed communities, you've got to have a way to keep it clean or you still lose the battle. So it's a very, very vital part of what's necessary in the whole picture. Questions from members of the Committee? (No response.)
Thank you very much. Don Kelly, G.P.U.A.C. Is there anyone who would like to speak thereafter? (Applause.)
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Kelly. Welcome. Please identify yourself for the record and make your testimony. 41 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06
Yes. Don Kelly, Director of Community and Economic Development for the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition.
Thank you, Madam Chair, and members of Council. I just wanted to elaborate a little bit more on a couple of the programs that are funded by Neighborhood Transformation Initiative, in which G.P.U.A.C. has a role as partner to the N.T.I. program. One is the anti-predatory lending program through which five 5 and 25 housing counseling agencies, home inspection firms, all partner together to make home improvement loans available to people who could not just walk into a bank and qualify for a loan, because they have some credit problems. It's not for people with terrible credit, but these are people who would ordinarily be prime candidates for predatory lenders. And so, we want to give 42 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 them an alternative. And through this partnership with the City, we've been able to now provide 128 loans, averaging over $20,000 each, for $2.6 million, and most of which have gone to low and moderate income people in target neighborhoods in the City of Philadelphia. Through the N.T.I. -- the new N.T.I. team, we're now looking to offer a third product. We have the Phil-plus and the Mini-Phil. Now, we're about to launch a new product, called the mini-Phil Energy Loan, specifically to help people who are faced with rising energy costs and are having difficulty making ends meet because of that. So, if we can help them make some energy conservation improvements on their homes, we can save some people from getting into financial difficulties. And so, that should be online this fall. The other program that's funded by the N.T.I. that has, I think, become 43 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 somewhat of a model, certainly in the State of Pennsylvania, and that is the Employer Assisted Housing Program. We market it as the Philadelphia Home Buy Now Program. As Director Gladstein mentioned, we now have employers participating in 8 this, including St. Joseph's University, 9 and Drexel University, University of the 10 Sciences, People's Emergency Center. 11 And over 50 people now have 12 purchased homes through this program. And 13 it's becoming a rather admired model. And 14 we know that other cities and areas in 15 Pennsylvania now are looking to this as an 16 example. 17 So I want to compliment the City for 18 its vision in taking this kind of a 19 innovative step to strengthen not only the 20 housing market but employers, and making 21 employers in Philadelphia more competitive 22 by having housing benefits with their 23 employees. 24 So I think these programs 25 demonstrate that the N.T.I. has a very 44 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. These are just two of many strategies, but they all weave together to reinforce the conditions of our neighborhoods, particularly with housing and now commercial areas. So, we feel privileged to be your partner in this program, and to work with the very good people at the N.T.I. And we want to thank you for that.
I have one question. What was the name of the manager assistance program?
It's called -- Well, it's a variation of what we call our mini-Phil home improvement loan program. So, it's the mini-Phil energy loan.
Okay. So this would help someone weatherize and make their house more energy efficient.
Right. New heater; more efficient heater; window weatherization; window, door replacement, things like that; insulation. 45 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 It's up to $10,000. It's an unsecured loan. And we're expediting the process so that this can take place more rapidly than it normally would in the program.
Thank you very much. We appreciate the job. We agree: We need as many new homeowners as we could get. And people want to own their homes. Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Please help us understand how you identified those 50 families. You said there were 50 new homes?
Yes, there are 50 people that have now purchased homes through... with assistance from their employers and a matching grant from the City, N.T.I., up to $3,000 to help with a down payment and closing costs.
I see. And so, they come from all over the City?
How are they identified? Or they simply hear about it and they apply?
They can only apply if their employers are participating in the program.
And we've developed a menu of products, housing-related benefits that an employer could offer to its employees, one of which is a cash contribution towards their down payment and 47 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 closing costs or educational services. And we have a bunch of mortgage -- mortgage lenders that have signed on, to offer their best products, along with this.
Might there exist a list of those employers?
Would you please provide that information to the Chair?
Thank you. Are there any other questions? (No response.)
Thank you very much, Mr. Kelly. Is there anyone else to testify? Any other statements or comments? 48 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 Seeing none, this will... Yes. Miss Robinson, please come forward. Welcome. Feel free to identify yourself for the record and make your testimony.
Good afternoon. My name is Judith Robinson. And I'm here today to testify on Bill Number or Resolution Number 060350. I was wondering, is there a copy of the budget available?
Thank you. Thank you. I have three areas that concern me about the N.T.I. at this late date. One is notification, one is the planning, and land banking. Regarding notification, this Council body, not the Finance Committee, but City Council voted on a Bill back in 2000 called Notification Before Demolition. I don't remember the number because I'm rushing 49 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 now, but you certainly can consult your records regarding that. This was an important bill because there are seniors in our older communities that have respiratory issues. There's dust flying all over the place. And according to Licenses and Inspections, they do not require that these contractors use water to keep the dust down. So, at least we could get notification per your law that's on the books before demolition is started. So that way those that are affected by dust, those airborne debris, will be able to go outside of the community. I just would respectfully request that you all adhere to the law that you all put in effect. It's important in our community. It's important because of the damage demolition can start -- can create. Issues like water, cracking up buildings. I just like it's respectful to the people in the 50 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 community to have notification. That's why we fought so hard to get that law. Secondly, I'm concerned that with all this reorganization and whatever else is going on -- and Council lady Blackwell, I want to commend you for your hard work, you along with all the other people. I don't think you got enough props, so to speak...
...in dealing with that issue. And I know it's not over, but it gives all of us a chance to write letters and do all those things. So I digress just to give you those props, if I can use the vernacular.
But regarding planning, it's important that you include the residents, the homeowners, the people that live in the communities. So often, as I go into various 51 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 communities, I see the kind of respect that people are given in their neighborhoods. They get the first right of refusal. It seems like in certain areas, like where I live in North Philly, other people are busy planning for my community. I have every intention to stay in my community. As a matter of fact, I just purchased another property so I can be there. So, I want to be consulted about what's going on in my community. I'm about to open up a business on one of the major corridors with my own money. So, I want to be consulted. I'm a taxpayer. And I don't want others planning for their jobs and being disrespectful of what my community needs are. So, in that regard, I would like to have more of a planning process, not just run through the Planning Commission, run through City Council, run through the Redevelopment Authority, and then it's a done deal. Let's work together, since 52 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 that's what we're supposedly doing. I'm also concerned with the reorganization in the future that this land banking -- We're doing all this land banking, taking people's property, giving them fair market or not value. I'm concerned that with this reorganization, that you make sure that we are clear, there's transparency about where this land is going to be and how do we get it back out of the bank. It's already a issue now with Redevelopment Authority, issues such as appraisal value, who can get -- who's respected in this development process. Some people get through the process real smooth. I go to the Redevelopment Authority every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. I see how quickly some people get through the process. And then I see the dragging on and the obstacles others have. And I also see a strangeness about the appraisals. 53 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 I really would like you all to look closer at that, because if this reorganization happens, and R.D.A.'s duties to implement development process is taken over, will a citizen have the right to have input, as we do now and the small bit we do at the Redevelopment Authority? So, I think we really need to be clear on what the reorganization will mean for us, the citizens? Let me get a little plug in there for the citizens, to say we will be very much concerned about how you get land out of the land bank. What will be the process to have citizen input with this new organization, whatever. And those are my major concerns. Right now I'm just concerned about the land bank as it is. So I definitely am concerned about this new organization. And thank you much for your attention and time.
Thank you very much. We appreciate your important testimony. 54 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 And we will say, as this discussion about reorganization ensues and the whole issue of land bank, that you will keep those issues in mind. I'm saying that to the administration, so that they will be included in that discussion.
It's very important. Thank you very much. Is there anyone else here who would like to testify? (No response.)
Any other comments or questions from members of the Committee? (No response.)
Seeing none, we will end our hearing. (Public hearing concluded; 4:01 p.m.) 55 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the public hearing of The Philadelphia City Council, taken on June 14, 2006, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. _____________________________ DAVID A. DEIK, RPR and Commissioner of Deeds (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.) 1 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC MEETING COMMITTEE ON HOUSING, NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT and THE HOMELESS - - - Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, June 14, 2006, 4:01 p.m. - - - 060350 - Resolution approving the annual Program Statement and Budget for the expenditure of the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative (NTI) Bond Proceeds for Fiscal Year 2007. PRESENT: COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL, Chair COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DI CICCO COUNCILMAN JUAN F. RAMOS COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS-BROWN COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED-MILLER - - - V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 2 Bill 060350 - 6/14/06 - - - P R O C E E D I N G S - - - And we will enter our Public Meeting. The Chair will call on the Vice Chair, Councilman Ramos, to entertain a motion to report out of Committee Resolution Number 060350.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Move that Resolution Number 060350 be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation, and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of this Resolution at our next City Council meeting.
It has been moved and seconded that this Resolution be reported out of Committee with a favorable recommendation. All in favor will say aye. (Chorus of "ayes.")
The ayes have it. The Resolution is passed. I thank you all for coming. Quick hearing today. And I thank the members of the Committee as well. Thank you all. (Public meeting concluded; 4:02 p.m.) 4 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the public meeting of The Philadelphia City Council, taken on June 14, 2006, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. _____________________________ DAVID A. DEIK, RPR and Commissioner of Deeds (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)