Stated Meeting 1 5/25/2023 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 25, 2023 10:44 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILWOMAN SHARON VAUGHN MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Stated Meeting 2 5/25/2023
Another great day. I want to welcome everyone. We're going to get started. We've established our quorum, and as the members take their seat, we will get started. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Pastor Omar Epps of Bryant Baptist Church. He is here today as the guest of Councilman Johnson. I would ask all members, guests, and visitors please rise. (Councilmembers, guests, and visitors rise.)
Good morning, Council President. Councilman Johnson, thank you so much for extending an invitation. Shall we pray. Our Father, we thank you so Stated Meeting 3 5/25/2023 much, God, for this honor and this privilege of being able to come before your throne, for you have given us the boldness, God, to come that we might obtain grace and find mercy to help us in our time of need. God, but before we ask you for anything, we want to thank you for that which you've already done. We thank you so much, God, for granting unto us another day of life. We thank you, God, for this portion of health and strength that we do have this morning. And, God, we do ask that you'll continue to forgive us for all of our sins, our inequities, all of our transgressions in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Father, we have assembled ourselves here this morning, God, in this session, God, realizing, God, that we are just servants. We are servants, God, standing in need of your help. Because your word reminds us as servants, God, Stated Meeting 4 5/25/2023 lean to our own understanding, but in all of our ways, we should acknowledge you and you should direct our path. As servants, God, your word reminds us that the servant is not greater than the master. So, Father, we come this morning as humble servants, God, saying we need your help, Lord. We need your help, God, because we are living in troubling times. And, God, we are doing all that we can with our resources, but, God, we ask you right now because your word says that if any man lacks wisdom, let them ask of God who gives to all men liberally and upbraideth not. God, we need a fresh pouring out of your wisdom. We need wisdom this day, God. Not wisdom, God, that's found in the history books and the archives, God. We need history, God -- we need your power, God, and wisdom to flow down from heaven on high. Give us Stated Meeting 5 5/25/2023 understanding, God, that we might rightly know how, God, to be proper, God, servants unto your people. God, we pray that you would encompass this room this morning, that everything that is done, God, be done, God, in decency and order, God, and be done, God, to the edification of the people that we have been called to serve. We thank you, God, for this privilege of serving, and at the end of our serving, God, we want to hear you say well done, thou good and faithful servant. So, God, be in the midst of us right now. Let everything be done to your glory and the edification of your children. And we offer this prayer in the matchless and marvelous and wonderful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our soon-coming king. And all the people of our God said amen. (Amen.) Stated Meeting 6 5/25/2023
Thank you so much. We really appreciate you. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you again, Pastor. We really appreciate your spiritual guidance this morning. And our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 11, 2023, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 11th, 2023 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 11, 2023 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying Stated Meeting 7 5/25/2023 (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
And good morning, Mr. President. On behalf of members of Council, there are two requests for leaves of absence today, Member Thomas and Member Squilla.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. Let the record reflect that Councilman Thomas and Councilman Squilla have requested and received a leave of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass for a motion concerning Stated Meeting 8 5/25/2023 matters that may arise during the course of today's session of Council and that were not listed on the Calendar prior to the circulation of today's session.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, amendments to bills re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on Stated Meeting 9 5/25/2023 The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice concerning possible actions by Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilwoman Bass may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of today's session of Council. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. At this time, the Chair Stated Meeting 10 5/25/2023
Thank you, Council President. Today, Council President and colleagues, it is my humble honor and privilege to welcome three democratic nominees to this august body. Representing the 5th Council District, Jeffrey Young, Esquire. (Applause.)
You know, I think we've seen him a time or two. And also at-large, Nina Ahmad. (Applause.)
And Rue Landau. Stated Meeting 11 5/25/2023 (Applause.)
We welcome you all to this august Council session today and we hope that you find it informative. We thank you for joining us this morning. Let's give them all a round of applause. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman. I would like to recognize a certain young lady. Ms. Morales, are you here? (No response.)
Norma? Always shy, always shy. We'll get her in here at some point.
And Stated Meeting 12 5/25/2023 President, on behalf of Councilmember Thomas, we wanted to recognize Principal Connie Grier and students from Wagner School. Please stand and be recognized. (Applause.)
They may be in the overflow room, but we appreciate you all for joining us today. And, finally, Council President, on my behalf, I'd like to recognize the new State Director for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, who has joined us this morning, Olivia B. Miller. Please stand and be recognized. (Applause.)
Welcome. Welcome. Thank you for being here today. The Chair recognizes Councilman Stated Meeting 13 5/25/2023
Thank you, Mr. President. While we're recognizing citizens, taxpayers, I'd like to recognize some young ones from the Wissahickon Charter School, Fern Hill Campus. And let me give you the back story, guys. So they called me up there for a constituent service request. They needed some speed bumps and other traffic-mitigating equipment that borders mine and Cindy Bass's district. Now, fortunately, it was on my side, I guess, but they -- I have yet to have anyone as well prepared to present their case, traffic patterns, understanding what our density was -their density was in their school, and all I could do was say yes and thank you for not asking for more. So I want to recognize those students, and they are the young people Stated Meeting 14 5/25/2023 call upon to be our future leaders, because they're our current leaders. Please stand. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. And welcome. Thank you for being here today. We really appreciate it. Thank you so much. The Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Council President. I just wanted to also echo the sentiments of my colleague Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson. While we welcome the soon-to-be new members of City Council, we also have created a historical moment in terms of the voters here in the City of Philadelphia in terms of diversity. Stated Meeting 15 5/25/2023 to acknowledge that we do have the first LGBTQ member elected to this City Council body, Rue Landau. We want to give her a round of applause first and foremost for that. (Applause.)
And also first time in the history here in the City of Philadelphia, first Asian Pacific Muslim elected to the City Council body here in the City of Philadelphia with Ms. Nina Ahmad. Let's give her a round of applause. (Applause.)
It shows the progress that the City of Philadelphia is making as we move forward as a progressive city but, most importantly, making sure that this body Stated Meeting 16 5/25/2023 everyone here in the City of Philadelphia. I wanted to take a special moment to acknowledge that significant accomplishment that the voters had decided to elect these members here to our distinguished body. Thank you very much, Council President.
Thank you, Councilman. Thank you. Council always breaking new ground. Awesome. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.
Not to be undone by my good friend and colleague, I want to mention that Jeff Young is the first former intern, three-time intern, to the City of Philadelphia. Took the time to learn each aspect of each job in order and then didn't run away and decided to come back. So we want to recognize Jeff. Stated Meeting 17 5/25/2023 (Applause.)
Thank you. At this moment, real briefly, I'd like to recognize somebody who reluctantly came into the Chambers today. I'd like to recognize Norma Morales. (Applause.)
Norma has been working with me since -- I can't remember how long. Let's just say that I had no sense that I'd actually be a Councilperson, let alone the Council President. So this goes way, way back under the John Street days. Norma will be retiring very shortly, and I just would like to recognize you and say, Norma, I appreciate the heck out of what you've done over all these years. Thank you. Stated Meeting 18 5/25/2023 God speed. (Applause.)
Thank you, Norma. Appreciate you. Okay. Now we'll get to other business. The Chair recognizes Mr. Decker for recognition of the messages from the Mayor and any other communications that he may have in his possession.
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I am today transmitting to the Council the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills: Bill Nos. 230302, 230276, 230306, 230307, 230308, 230318, 230319, 230322, 230323, 230325, 230326, 230327, and 230360. And I am pleased to advise you Stated Meeting 19 5/25/2023 15, 2023, I signed the following bill which was passed by Counsel at its session on May 11, 2023: Bill No. 230251; and that on May 24, 2023, I signed the following bills which were passed by Council at its session on May 4, 2023: Bill Nos. 221017, 221018, and 230127. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the Rebuild Project Statement for Fiscal Year 2024 pursuant to Bill No. 170206; and A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2335 and 2337 North 6th Street in the Seventh Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 327 and 702 Cantrell Street; 613, 625 and 723 Mercy Street; 737 Tree Street; 535, 537 Stated Meeting 20 5/25/2023 602 Winton Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1625 through 41 North 10th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District; and A resolution authorizing the Director of Planning and Development to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant; to file applications to participate in the HOME Investment Partnership program and the Emergency Solutions Grant program; and to apply for a Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS grant; and An ordinance authorizing the City Treasurer to enter into an amendment agreement with Citizens Bank National Association for provision of payroll banking services to the City; and An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Budget providing Stated Meeting 21 5/25/2023 capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works, including the supplying of funds in connection therewith; and An ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Supplemental Service Agreement to the Service Agreement between The City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority relating originally to the financing of a home repair program for City homeowners previously authorized by the City pursuant to Bill No. 170878; and An ordinance authorizing the City to enter into an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. And our next order of business is the introduction of bills and Stated Meeting 22 5/25/2023 resolutions, and I would ask the Clerk to please read the titles of the legislation that's being offered by our members today.
Councilman Phillips offers an ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," to modify contractor reporting obligations related to women and minorities serving as board members and executive staff, to eliminate reporting requirements for subcontracted labor sources on certain City contracts for public works, other competitively bid services, bid goods, and professional services, to remove certain requirements for contractor reporting of demographic data, to modify the contract threshold triggering reporting obligations, and to revise reporting deadlines.
Councilwoman Stated Meeting 23 5/25/2023 Gilmore Richardson offers two resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, a resolution confirming the appointment of Elinor Haider to the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority to serve in the term ending January 1, 2028.
And on behalf of Councilmember Thomas, a privileged resolution honoring and congratulating the Champions of the Week Tomeka Jones-Waters, Richard W. Allsop, Linda B. Williams, Karen Ford-Woods, and Stacy Raleigh, who have devoted their careers to working as public servants.
Today's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you again, Council President. On behalf of my colleague Councilmember Isaiah Stated Meeting 24 5/25/2023 Thomas, I wanted to pause to recognize a few of the Champions of the Week who have joined us for our City Council session today. We are honored to recognize them, our unsung heroes, the people who move our city. Our city truly works because each and every one of them do. The sacrifices they make keep all of us safe and they keep our city moving. First, I want to recognize Police Officer Giovanni Maysonet, who was shot in the line of duty in the 19th Police District in the Fourth Council District. We thank you for your sacrifice and for your service and for being here today. (Standing ovation.)
We want to recognize the leadership of the Stated Meeting 25 5/25/2023 Philadelphia Police Department who are also here and joined us for this occasion. In addition to that, we wanted to recognize Zelma Carroll, Darlene Booker-Jones, Cheryl Colubriale, Sarah Jones, Judith McGinley, Sean Dugan, Esther Jones, Sadonna Major, Mychal Couch, Carla Lecoin, Stephanie Haldaman-Carrion, Ronnessa Edwards, Tomeka Jones-Waters, Richard Allsop, Linda B. Williams, Karen Woods, and Stacy Raleigh. Please all stand to be recognized. (Applause.)
We thank all of you for your service to our great city and for joining us this morning, along with all of your family, friends, and co-workers. We appreciate each and every one of you. Stated Meeting 26 5/25/2023 Thank you, Council President, and thank you colleague Councilmember Thomas.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman. (Applause.)
Congratulations, and thank you all for your service.
Councilman Jones offers four bills and three resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Randolph Street and Cambridge Street; Parrish Street and North 13th Street; Orianna Street and Poplar Street; and Orianna Street and George Street. And on his own behalf, Councilman Jones offers an ordinance amending Section 14-503 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/NCA, Stated Meeting 27 5/25/2023 Neighborhood Commercial Area Overlay District," by amending the East Falls Neighborhood Commercial Review Area; and An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 230 and 289 by placing on the City Plan two irregularly shaped areas, one located along the northeasterly side of Ridge Avenue and extending from a point northwest of the Wissahickon Creek to a point approximately four hundred twenty four feet further northwestwardly therefrom and the other located along the southwesterly side of Ridge Avenue; and An ordinance adding a parking regulation on North 34th Street between Indiana Avenue and Commissioner Street.
Those four bills will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And on behalf of Council President Clarke, a non-privileged resolution calling for the Stated Meeting 28 5/25/2023 creation of the Community-Temple Safety Partnership Zone and a Response Resource Task Force, as recommended in the 21CP Solutions' audit entitled "Recommendations for Community Safety at Temple University and the Temple University Police Department," which would collaborate with the City of Philadelphia.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 924, 927, 928 and 936 Edgley Street; 926 and 928 French Street; 2106, 2112, 2140, 2141, 2142, 2143, 2151, 2166, 2170, 2172, 2215, 2217, and 2219 North Franklin Street.
And on his own behalf, Councilman Jones offers a privileged resolution thanking the School Stated Meeting 29 5/25/2023 District of Philadelphia, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services for taking part in a roundtable meeting with schools in the 4th Council District and for their collaborative work to break down barriers that will build stronger, safer, and better prepared students and facilities in Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank my colleagues in addition for some of the questions and concerns raised during the budget process. You can go as far back as conflict resolution that was offered by and fought for by Kathy Gilmore Richardson, whether it was public safety issues dealing with gun violence near our schools and the trauma that comes post-event to a student, parents, and Stated Meeting 30 5/25/2023 teachers. And so for our newly minted democratic nominees, half of our job is the budget process, and we get to communicate, interrogate, and support many of the departments, including the School District, DHS and others. The second shoe to fall is when we make them do exactly what we funded them to do. And I want to recognize the School District and DHS for convening with my schools in the Fourth District to talk about what happens after a child is shot, what happens to the teachers in that school, the students in that school. And what we discovered, Mr. President, was there was a gap between what DHS thought their role was, what the School District thought their role was, and what the principals of those schools actually did. And so during that conversation, people started filling that gap with services, and one of the things Stated Meeting 31 5/25/2023 that will come of it is trauma training for all teachers in all schools impacted by gun violence. And that wasn't done through legislation. That was done by our fourth most important power, newly minted colleagues. Not just laws that we pass, not just budgets we appropriate, not just potholes that we fix, but the power to convene; that all too often people point at each other, different departments point at each other, but your power is to bring them all in one room and make them point at a problem to solve it, and that is our super power that we need to use more often. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. Today's Calendar.
Councilman Johnson offers two bills and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-406 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'SP-STA, Stated Meeting 32 5/25/2023 Sports Stadium (Special Purpose) District,' by expanding allowable signage in an area bounded by North Access Road, 11th Street, Terminal Avenue, and Broad Street"; and An ordinance establishing parking regulations on certain streets in the area bounded by 63rd Street, Passyunk Avenue, Essington Avenue, South 70th Street, and Lindbergh Boulevard.
And a privileged resolution declaring the Summer of 2023 the Summer of Hip Hop in Philadelphia, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop and in recognition of the genre's contribution to musical culture.
Councilwoman Lozada offers one bill and four resolutions, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by Stated Meeting 33 5/25/2023 changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Foulkrod Street, Hawthorne Street, Margaret Street, and Duffield Street."
And on behalf of Councilman Squilla, a non-privileged resolution urging the Administration to pursue comprehensive, qualitative, and quantitative efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the City of Philadelphia. Mr. President, Councilwoman Lozada would like to be recognized for a motion on this resolution.
Next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Lozada.
Thank you, Council President. On behalf of Councilman Squilla, I move that the rules Stated Meeting 34 5/25/2023 of Council be suspended as to permit consideration of this resolution at today's Council session. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to allow reading at today's session of Council. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
Also on behalf of Councilman Squilla, a privileged resolution recognizing and celebrating the 2023 Philippine Independence Week Celebration from June 3rd to June 17th.
This week's Calendar. Stated Meeting 35 5/25/2023
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 372 and 702 Cantrell Street; 613, 625 and 723 Mercy Street.
And on her own behalf, Councilwoman Lozada offers a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2335 and 2337 North 6th Street in the Seventh Councilmanic District.
Councilwoman Vaughn offers a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings regarding the escape of two inmates from the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Stated Meeting 36 5/25/2023 Center on the evening of May 7, 2023, and the persistent, systemic issues within the Philadelphia Department of Prisons that made such an escape possible.
Councilwoman Brooks offers a privileged resolution declaring June 5th to 11th, 2023 as Disability Pride Week in the City of Philadelphia.
Councilman Harrity offers two resolutions, a privileged resolution honoring Mural Arts Philadelphia for the organization's Porch Light program and Asian American and Pacific Islander mural series in collaboration with the Mayor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, the Managing Director's Office, Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation and Asian Arts Initiative. Stated Meeting 37 5/25/2023
And a non-privileged resolution urging the Administration to pursue comprehensive qualitative efforts to improve access to good-paying jobs in the City of Philadelphia.
Next week's Calendar. Let me take a break. I see the Chair is busy. I was going to wait until we finish the introduction, sir, but Councilman Harrity, you want to recognize the Chairman?
You walk in this room, you're going to get recognized, sir.
-- the presence of our Democratic Chair and former Congressman Bob Brady. Everybody knows -- Stated Meeting 38 5/25/2023 (Applause.)
Everybody knows I've worked for Bobby for over 30 years off and on, and he continues to keep me around. I don't know why. But I appreciate him so much and I know this body appreciates the work you do too, Chairman. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for your work. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
I'd like to echo my colleague's sentiments about our Chairman, but he's also my ward leader of the 34th Ward that overwhelmingly put a Stated Meeting 39 5/25/2023 lot of people in office this session. But I think when we heard a sound in the hallway, he had a Sergeant-at-Arms flashback and I thought he was going to jump back into service. So we need to acknowledge him and let him go. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Councilman, he was actually, as I think about it, he was actually here for my first day in City Council. I was sitting over there as a young staffer, and it was this infamous, shall we say, fight on the floor of City Council, and then-Sergeant-at-Arms Brady watched it for a while and then he stepped in and said, let's chill out, let's not have that. So thank you, sir. Thank you Stated Meeting 40 5/25/2023 so much. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Mr. Chairman? Mr. Chairman? (Congressman Brady left the Chamber.)
I guess we lost him. (Congressman Brady re-entered the Chambers.)
Mr. Chairman, I just want to say something before you leave when accolades are being thrown out. Being from the other side of the aisle having met the Chairman my first day in City Council and we were close in age then, I think Bob was a little younger than me, but he clearly was what we call the gym rat at the time, and he had a place where he lifted out near St. Joe's, and I went to St. Joe's. We talked about it. He may have actually Stated Meeting 41 5/25/2023 lifted at St. Joe's because he's Bob Brady. But he has been a treasure for this city and for the democratic party since he took the job 40 years ago or so, and it was colleagues of mine, whites and Blacks got together when the opening occurred. There was one person they trusted, and Bob was chosen, and he has I think this Primary -- I mean, I could go through a lot of things about how smart he is, how strategic he is, but this primary he had -- he put the strawberry on top of the cake and the ice cream. And I think whether you're a democrat, republican, an independent, you have to recognize what a gift he's been to the City and to your party. (Applause.)
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you so much for being here today. Stated Meeting 42 5/25/2023 Mr. Decker.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers five bills and two resolutions, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Overlay Zoning Districts' by creating a new subsection entitled 'Warrington Affordable Housing Overlay District'"; and An ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 4333 Spruce Street; and An ordinance authorizing Brandywine Realty Trust to construct, own and maintain various right-of-way encroachments at 3001 through 3 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 3025 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 3025 through 53 Market Street, and 3101 through 57 Market Street (Rear); and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the Stated Meeting 43 5/25/2023 zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 54th Street, Chester Avenue, 55th Street and Regent Street; and An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 50th Street, Springfield Avenue, SEPTA Railroad Right-of-Way and Warrington Avenue.
Those five bills will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution congratulating Officer Mark Kenneth Moore on his retirement and recognizing him for more than three decades of service to the City of Philadelphia.
And a privileged resolution declaring June 23 LGBTQ+ Pride Stated Meeting 44 5/25/2023 Month in the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Council President. I'd like to speak on both of my resolutions. The first resolution, can I ask for Officer Mark Moore to come to the floor, if that's possible. (Applause.)
I am very happy to honor Officer Moore, alongside Councilmember Harrity, for his exemplary service to the City and this body in particular, but I am also very sad that this will be the last time we'll see him standing guard during a City Council meeting. Officer Moore has a storied career with the Philadelphia Police Department that stands over three decades. You would be hard pressed to Stated Meeting 45 5/25/2023 find another officer who served the City so dutifully in so many high-impact, high-risk units. Whether he was working in Narcotics, Homicide, ATF or the Civil Affairs Unit, Officer Moore performed his duties honorably and thoroughly. Thanks to the dedicated Civil Affairs officers like Officer Moore, we can focus on completing the people's business in peace. I will personally miss Officer Moore's genuine concern for our safety as well as his impeccable style. He is truly the best-dressed person in the Council Chamber -(Applause.)
Sorry, Councilmember Johnson. -- with those -- and Councilmember Harrity -- with those sharp sunglasses. Officer Moore, thank you so Stated Meeting 46 5/25/2023 much for your duty to the City. Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for keeping City Council and our city safe for the past 33 years. We will miss you and we wish you well. (Standing ovation.)
I'd like to speak on my other resolution as well. Today we are officially declaring June 2023 LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
This is the 51st anniversary of our city's first Pride March. In the five decades since, Philadelphia has been and continues to be at the vanguard of LGBTQ+ civil rights. Stated Meeting 47 5/25/2023 Philadelphia activists were at the forefront of the successful campaign to declassify homosexuality as a mental illness in the 1970s. And in 1982, Philadelphia became one of the first cities in the country and the first in the Commonwealth to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, employment, and public accommodations. In 2008, Philadelphia established one of the first municipal offices of LGBT Affairs, initially directed by the visionary leader of Gloria Casarez. Six years ago, the Office of LGBT Affairs unveiled an updated version of the rainbow pride flag, incorporating black and brown to affirm the importance and significance of diversity in LGBTQ+ spaces. And we continue to make history. Last week, Rue Landau, the former Director of the City's Commission Stated Meeting 48 5/25/2023 on Human Relations and the Fair Housing Commission, became the first openly LGBTQ+ resident elected as a major party nominee for Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)
Rue has been an active and trailblazing member of Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ community for decades. During the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, she was a member of ACT UP, and she and her wife, Kerry, received Pennsylvania's first same-sex marriage license. She is truly an inspiration to all of us, most especially LGBTQ+ young people, who know they too can achieve excellence while living an authentic life. I also want to acknowledge Tyrell Brown and the team at Galaei. Galaei will be hosting this year's Pride March and Festival on June 4th, and year Stated Meeting 49 5/25/2023 round they do a phenomenal job of uplifting and supporting LGBTQ+ people of color. So let's give them a round of applause. (Applause.)
And while we are celebrating these movements forward, I'm very troubled that nationwide conservative states have stepped up their attempt to shove LGBTQ+ residents back into the closet and strip this community of their rights. And this trend is especially concerning when it comes to our transgender and gender non-conforming neighbors, a group that already faces intense discrimination and marginalization. So I hope that this resolution sends a message to all Philadelphians that this body will not tolerate anyone that seeks to infringe on our fundamental Stated Meeting 50 5/25/2023 right to love whomever we want and express our identity however we want. City Council will never be afraid to take a stand for our LGBTQ+ residents. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Councilwoman. That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
Councilman O'Neill offers an ordinance amending Chapter 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending Section 14-514, entitled /FNE, Far Northeast Overlay District, Section 14-515, entitled /NE, Northeast Overlay District, and Section 14-524, entitled /FDO, Fourth District Overlay District by creating regulations for Medical Stated Meeting 51 5/25/2023 Marijuana.
Councilwoman Bass offers seven bills and one resolution. On behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development, on behalf of the City, to file applications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Development Block Grant; and An ordinance authorizing the City Treasurer to enter into an amendment agreement with Citizens Bank National Association for provision of payroll banking services to the City; and An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works; and An ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and delivery of a Supplemental Service Agreement to the Stated Meeting 52 5/25/2023 Service Agreement between The City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority relating originally to financing of a home repair program for City homeowners previously authorized pursuant to Bill No. 170878; and An ordinance authorizing the City to enter into an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority; and An ordinance amending Chapter 11-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Right of Way Management," by revising requirements for obtaining access to and permits for construction in the underground portion of the right-of-way and making technical changes; and amending Chapter 9-300, entitled "Communication," by deleting provisions relating to poles and overhead wires. And on her own behalf, Councilwoman Bass offers an ordinance Stated Meeting 53 5/25/2023 amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Johnson Street, Morton Street, Tulpehocken Street, the SEPTA Chestnut Hill East Line, Haines Street, Germantown Avenue, Rittenhouse Street, McCallum Street, Harvey Street, McCallum Street, Washington Lane, and Cherokee Street.
Those bills will be referred to the appropriate committees.
And on behalf of Council President Clarke, a non-privileged resolution approving the Rebuild Project Statement for Fiscal Year 2024 pursuant to Bill No. 170206.
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
Stated Meeting 54 5/25/2023 much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our introduction of bills and resolutions for today, and our next order of business is reports from committee. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Johnson for a report from the Committee on Rules.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Rules reports seven bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Rules, to which was referred Bill No. 230276, entitled "An ordinance to approve a major amendment to the Holy Family University Stated Meeting 55 5/25/2023 the Welcome Center and an athletic field structure in the area bounded by Grant Avenue, Frankford Avenue, Carteret Drive, Saint Denis Drive (extended), the Poquessing Creek, and the Delaware Expressway"; and Bill No. 230302, entitled "An ordinance to approve a major amendment to the Saint Joseph's University Master Plan related to a proposed Residence Hall and Student Center and the addition of six existing buildings to the Master Plan and to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land, all in the area bounded by City Avenue, 52nd Street, Woodbine Avenue, Wynnefield Avenue, Overbrook Avenue, Upland Way, and Drexel Road"; and Bill No. 230308, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-502 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled '/CTR, Center City Overlay District,' by amending the South Street/Headhouse Square Area"; and Stated Meeting 56 5/25/2023 230318, entitled "An ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled 'Overlay Zoning Districts,' by creating the '/EOD, East Poplar Overlay District"; and Bill No. 230319, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising Section 14-524, entitled '/FDO, Fourth District Overlay District,' to extend the boundaries of certain areas"; and Bill No. 230322, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Overlay Zoning Districts,' to modify the area subject to Section 14-534, entitled the '/AHP, Affordable Housing Preservation Overlay District'"; and Bill No. 230323, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 14-533 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled '/MIN, Mixed Stated Meeting 57 5/25/2023 District,' to create a mechanism for satisfying certain use standards related to the construction of affordable housing in the portion of the MIN Overlay District located in the Third Councilmanic District," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills Nos. 230276, 230302, 230308, 230318, 230319, 230322, and 230323. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Stated Meeting 58 5/25/2023 as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 230276, 230302, 230308, 230318, 230319, 230322, and 230323. All those in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and these bills will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. That concludes our reports from committee, and the next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bills just reported from committee with a suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had their first reading. They will be on our next session Council's Calendar. Thank you very much. As there are no additional Stated Meeting 59 5/25/2023 2ND READING bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up from Second Reading, Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 230420, 230423, 220865, 220940, 230080, and 230152. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you very much. Before we move forward, we will have our public comment session. These are the guidelines: Your public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for possible action at today's session. All speakers must sign up in order to testify. You will be called in the order of your sign-up. If you haven't done so already, Stated Meeting 60 5/25/2023 you may sign up in the hallway at the desk with the Sergeant-at-Arms to testify. In order to be fair, we want to make sure that we hold faithfully to the time limit. Today we have a relatively significant number of individuals testifying, so to ensure that everybody has an opportunity, we would ask that you please adjust your time on your testimony two minutes. So please, if you can, keep your testimony to two minutes as best as possible. Once your two minutes have passed, the light on the device on the podium -- I'm sorry. When you begin to speak, you will see a green light on the device on the podium. When the light turns yellow, you will have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks. When the light turns red, we'd ask that you please adhere to our guidelines and conclude your remarks and allow the next speaker to speak. Stated Meeting 61 5/25/2023 I want to thank you very much for your willingness to come down and testify in your government in action. We really appreciate your participation. With that, Mr. Decker, can you please call the first name on the list.
Hold on one second, Mr. Decker. I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman Harrity.
Just a point of personal privilege. Mr. Decker is so fast, I missed my resolution and didn't get to comment on it. So I would just like for time-wise to comment before the public speaking starts, if that's possible.
Stated Meeting 62 5/25/2023 Mr. Harrity, you're jumping in line.
Council President, I am delighted to introduce my resolution honoring the Mural Arts Philadelphia Porch Light program and Asian American Pacific Islanders mural series done in conjunction with key figures from our Administration, the Chinatown Development Corporation, and the Asian Arts Initiative. The Philadelphia AAPI community has faced much discrimination and turmoil in the last few years, and this mural series aims to highlight the presence, the contributions, and the stories of these communities through art. Mural Arts has the power to promote intercommunity dialogue and understanding, which can foster social coherence and mutual respect. This Stated Meeting 63 5/25/2023 important work in our city cannot go unnoticed, so I thank the community members here today and applaud their hard work and dedication. And, you know, it's just -- I think this is very fitting since we have our first AAPI Councilwoman to be here today, Nina Ahmad. (Applause.)
Thank you, Council President. Told you it would be short.
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please call the first name on the list.
The first speaker today, Mr. President, is Bridget Powell, commenting on 230250. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My Stated Meeting 64 5/25/2023 name is Bridget Powell and I want to thank you for allowing me to testify today. I'm here to testify against Bill No. 23250 [sic]. This bill is too vague and the agreement -- what I think we need to agree upon is terminating the one that we have with the Community Umbrellas with DHS. Our future is being killed, and children are being raised while CUA turns a blind eye on the safety of our children. In 2025 [sic], right here in City Council, CUA was implemented to improve the outcomes of children and families. Beginning next month, four of the ten CUAs will no longer service the families of Philadelphia due to the skyrocketing insurance premiums due to their negligence and large payouts for lawsuits, including the six million one for returning three girls to their rapist father. Stated Meeting 65 5/25/2023 We as families have experienced long-term effects of the disservice of unexperienced and unnecessary separation and trauma with the City of Philadelphia since 2015. In 2017, the City of Philadelphia held the record of the highest removal of children in the United States. Philadelphia, although the numbers are lower, we continue to be high compared to other cities. Of course due to confidentiality, the public does not know about the many fatalities experienced with CUA and DHS, but we do know about some travesties. Last year in 2022, a social worker took a picture of three-year-old Hope Jones with her eyes fixed and dilated. For all those who don't know that are not in healthcare, fixed and dilated essentially means you're dead. One hour later, CUA social worker left and the ambulance was called and Hope Stated Meeting 66 5/25/2023 Jones was declared dead. The CUA worker is now being charged with third-degree murder. In 2017, a 17-year-old was removed from a home in which he was a suspect with a foster care child missing. Three days later he killed his new foster care mother, Ms. Gilliard. We're not saying that he should not -- so we're asking you to terminate the CUA services. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Councilman Jones, do you wish to be recognized?
Yes, Mr. President. I really try to resist commenting on public comment because the object is for them to talk and us to listen, but I have to echo what was said by Ms. Powell, and she's been a consistent advocate for change of that process and some of the nightmare stories Stated Meeting 67 5/25/2023 that we actually know about. Now, let me preface my remarks with I could not do the job that the DHS Director, as I tell them that all the time. You see families sometimes on their worst day. However, that does not absolve us of the responsibility that when we reach in someone's home and tell them we could take care of your child better than you can, there is a standard that has to be met, and we have to be consistent. Secondly, we need to take a look at whether or not the funding and the training of the sub-recipients of those DHS funding things are there. I had this morning a young lady come in my office. I was late to your meeting, sir, because of that, and she has been in that system all of her -since she was six years old. She was often overmedicated, sent around, was a paycheck to people. And instead that now she is 26 years old, she's pregnant and Stated Meeting 68 5/25/2023 she's homeless. We can do better. Our kids deserve better, and we will get better about this. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to echo comments that were made by the folks who are here around DHS and the CUA system. Mr. President, as you know, this is an issue that we've been working on here in Council for a very long time. You know, the CUA system was supposed to be really a cost-cutting measure for the City of Philadelphia, and it just has failed miserably. It's failed our most vulnerable citizens, and this is something that we've been talking about for several years now. Stated Meeting 69 5/25/2023 When the Department of Human Services came out with the CUA Scorecard, the first CUA Scorecard, I think it was in about 2017, I think they thought nobody would read it, but we read it, and when we read it, in almost every category the CUA system was failing. And so we were failing then. There's been some improvement, but not nearly enough for the most vulnerable young people that come into contact with the City of Philadelphia. And so I certainly do agree that the CUA system is not working and something needs to be replacing it. And so we've been talking about that for a long time and will continue to do so. So thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you. Mr. Decker.
The next speaker is Calvin Williams, commenting on 230430. (No response.) Stated Meeting 70 5/25/2023
The next speaker is Ruben David, commenting on 230469. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Ruben David, Secretary and current Commissioner of the Mayor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. I thank Councilman Jim Harrity for introducing the City Council resolution and the subsequent approval by the City Council honoring Mural Arts Philadelphia for the organization's Porch Light program and Asian American Pacific Islander mural series in collaboration with the Mayor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, the Managing Director's Office, the Mayor's Commission on Asian Pacific Affairs, the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, and the Asian Arts Initiative. I am privileged and humbled and Stated Meeting 71 5/25/2023 honored for the opportunity to offer this public testimony expressing our strong support of the subject resolution on behalf of the Mayor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs during this Asian American Heritage Month. I'm a proud immigrant from my beloved -- of my other country of the Philippines. My mother, my youngest brother, and I were welcome with open arms in the land of opportunity, the United States of America, on March 6, 1976, during the centennial year celebration of the United States independence, arrived and lived here in welcoming City of Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States independence, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection and the City of Murals. I am a proud Philippine American, a proud Asian American, and a proud Philadelphian. My mother, sisters, and brothers and their respective Stated Meeting 72 5/25/2023 families emigrated also in this great country of the United States of America, a nation of immigrants. I am proudly wearing barong tagalog, an embroidered long-sleeve traditional formal shirt for man and the national dress of the Philippines. It is fitting that I wear this traditional formal shirt during this testimony on the occasion of the Asian American Heritage Month. The Commission would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to Mural Arts that is instrumental in making the Porch Light program. The series of five murals highlighting Philadelphia -Thank you.
Stated Meeting 73 5/25/2023 Again, I would just like to remind everyone that is testifying today that the timeframe is two minutes. So just adjust your testimony so you don't get abruptly cut off. It would be helpful to us all. Thank you.
The next speaker is Tanya Parker, commenting on 230423. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning, City Council and all those under the sound of my voice. My name is Tanya Parker, a community activist and committee person, 28th Ward. I'm here opposing the bill because the way the situation went down was not right. We had them telling us one thing, and now I'm here representing to seeing that they're about to do something else. When it is that you put these 69 apartments down there, my biggest Stated Meeting 74 5/25/2023 fight was that along York Street, all of the playgrounds, all of the basketball courts remain the same. Sixty-nine apartments means it's going to be some children in them apartments, and as it is that Councilman Jones has said, our children are our main priority. Therefore, if it is that you come with 69 apartments, not mentioning the trash, not mentioning the violence, not mentioning the parking situation that's going to overtake us, during the times of them meetings, Keith Dial, who was your representative, which we wish we could have met with you, there was no CBA. No. Things in which that we told you we was not pleased with from this bill that's about to be passed today, I guess it does not matter to anyone about the concern of the homeowners in these properties in which it is that you're talking about taking over. We also asked was PHA part of the landlord. We was told no. But as it Stated Meeting 75 5/25/2023 is that I read this bill, I see that PHA is. This whole thing seems to be a travesty. It also seems to be misconducted, because the neighborhood was not told the truth about these apartments, nor who the landlord was or the process. So I come here today, let it be on the record, that there is someone in Strawberry Mansion that's concerned about the neighborhood, concerned about the welfare of our community, concerned about our children. Thank you.
Thank you. Ms. Parker, just for the record, the resolution today will be amended to reflect the request of the community to take a portion out of the proposed development where the playground lies. So that will be an amendment today. Stated Meeting 76 5/25/2023
The next speaker is Romana Lee Akiyama. (Witness approached podium.)
I will be addressing the resolution put forth by Councilmember Harrity this morning. My name is Romana Lee Akiyama and I am the Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Public Engagement and I am also a member of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. I want to thank Councilmember Harrity for introducing today's resolution that recognizes the Porch Light program of Mural Arts and the Asian American and Pacific Islander mural series. When I was first hired by the Stated Meeting 77 5/25/2023 City of Philadelphia in March 2020 to serve as the Director of Multicultural Affairs within the Office of Immigrant Affairs, one of the first projects that I worked on, in addition to our COVID emergency response, was supporting the efforts of the Mayor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs to advocate for the replacement of an iconic mural in Chinatown at 12th and Vine Street that had been displaced by neighborhood development. Thanks to the partnership of Mural Arts and the Porch Light program, we were able to lay out a plan that not only replaced the most visible and well-respected, well-known mural in Chinatown but added four additional murals in multiple Philadelphia neighborhoods that give voice to the growing presence of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander residents in our city. The first murals are meant to Stated Meeting 78 5/25/2023 be in conversation with each other and the rest of the City. It's important to note that in the backdrop of these efforts to create art and tell stories of our diverse community members, Asian Americans in Philadelphia and across the country were fighting another virus in addition to COVID-19. They were fighting the virus of hate. According to the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, the percentage of reported hates and bias incidences impacting persons of Asian descent in Philadelphia rose by 505 percent between 2019 and 2021. This mural series plays a role in lifting up the contributions, experiences, and presence of our growing API community, which now makes up 8.2 percent of our city's population. We hope that by highlighting and celebrating those who don't always have a seat at the table or are stereotyped or Stated Meeting 79 5/25/2023 misrepresented, that we are working to shift the narrative and create true opportunities for democratic dialogue and experiences. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Nadia Malik. (Witness approached podium.)
Ms. Malik, thank you. State your name for the record and begin your testimony.
Thank you so much. My name is Nadia Malik and I'm the Director of the Porch Light department at Stated Meeting 80 5/25/2023 Mural Arts, which is a partnership with the City's Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. I'm echoing the other two speakers. Thank you again to Councilmember Harrity for highlighting the work that we do in Porch Light and for recognizing the AAPI community in Philadelphia. It's a special privilege for me to be here because I'm also of the AAPI community, and being a part of this mural series with the Mayor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and the Managing Director's Office is especially poignant for me. If you've had a chance to look at the two murals completed in the series so far, they're at Hardena restaurant in South Philly and Vietnam restaurant in Chinatown, you have a sense of just how diverse and rich these representations are. Someone described these murals as Stated Meeting 81 5/25/2023 akin to reading a book. Every time you see them, you will notice something new, whether it's the food that's on the plates of those depicted in the murals or Asian iconography melding with Philadelphia sensibilities or detailed representation of home countries. We hope to continue this amazing nuanced work with a mural in the Olney community, which will go up at Fern Rock Hardware on 5th Street. We have a community event planned there on June 3rd, and the mural will focus on the partnership between the Asian and Black communities in that neighborhood. Beyond the work we've been doing with this mural series, Porch Light has long been working in the AAPI community in one of our programs, Southeast by Southeast, which is now housed in the Bok building. For a decade, our goal in that work with Southeast Asian refugees and immigrants has been to provide an art outlet for Stated Meeting 82 5/25/2023 families and a safe community space where they can celebrate their own cultures while learning a new language and finding their way in a new home. As my parents were also immigrants to this country, I understand, I know very well how hard it is to be able to navigate finding a new space in a new city. Porch Light is all about using the power of art as a pathway for mental health and for telling stories. As art is a universal language, it's been a privilege to be able to use it to continue to tell the story of the AAPI community in Philadelphia. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you for your testimony. Mr. Decker, who is next to testify? Stated Meeting 83 5/25/2023
Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony. Are you there? (No response.)
And she is Stated Meeting 84 5/25/2023 here. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon and state your name for the record. QUEEN ROBINSON: Yes. Good morning or afternoon now almost. Queen Judith Robinson here on Resolution 230423. The way to right wrongs is to turn a light of truth on them, Ida B. Wells. Okay? It's truly unfortunate to have to come before this body to challenge an elected official who has been supported for decades. We want democracy, not dictatorship. Think of land movement without community participation, 69 parcels of land movement in Strawberry Mansion where I grew up, born and raised, with PHA being used. This is Council prerogative run amuck. Not enough community input. Stated Meeting 85 5/25/2023 Some taking over for them spaces, as Tanya Parker mentioned earlier, in our sitting parks, places I played in and played chess as a youth. Okay? Think PHA being used, eminent domain. Okay? It's an agency not managed well out of receivership. Remember that? PHA tenants sadly can be easily manipulated. Council President Clarke used 50-year residents in PHA to oppose our historic Diamond Street corridor, but that's to be continued. That's a major land grab. How do taxpayers allow a $32 million police station to even be built anywhere without community meeting, without one community meeting? The whole city should be asking questions, especially we had corruption when our eyes were not focused on the 22nd District. We're moving to better days now, but we must pay attention to a major Stated Meeting 86 5/25/2023 development such as that. Why are we allowing a retired elected official to bully us with land grabs? This is what's going on. We're asking for your attention to this matter. We want democracy, not dictatorship. Jeffrey Young -- I'm wearing his shirt -- was newly elected. Jeffrey Young, let's give him a hand. We're looking forward to his input. We want to make sure we have some land -(Applause.)
-- to be able to direct him to. We thank you for your attention to this matter.
The next speaker is Lynn Landes, commenting on 210913. Stated Meeting 87 5/25/2023 (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. State your name for the record and please begin your testimony.
Good afternoon. I'm Lynn Landes, founder of wildfoodies.org. I support Resolution 210913 authorizing City Council to enforce the Healthy Outdoor Public Spaces Act. And judging from the dead foliage I observed on Kelly Drive and MLK Drive, the City is once again spreading toxic -spraying toxic herbicides on public property. On May 19th, I sent an e-mail to the Deputy Commissioner of Parks asking for information on the spraying, but so far I have received no answer. However, I have been told by the same Deputy Commissioner that I now need to apply for a permit in order to conduct my educational tours about wild plants and their uses, tours which myself and others have been doing since 2010 without being Stated Meeting 88 5/25/2023 required to get a permit. In fact, there is no permit that applies to tour groups or any small group walking through City parks. All the permits are for reserving a specific area or for hosting an event of more than 50 people. The Deputy Commissioner said to me in an e-mail, quote, "We really need to know who is using our sites and for what activity," unquote. Really? Are they going to require everyone over two people to get a permit to use the parks? When I asked the Deputy Commissioner what other groups are also being required to get permits, she said, quote, "I am unable to answer your question if other tour groups have permits. In theory, they should have permits, but unfortunately we are unable to enforce all unauthorized groups on PPR property," unquote. What's an unauthorized group? Stated Meeting 89 5/25/2023 It looks like park officials are once again trying to monetize something that should be free to the public. The implications of this new permit policy are deeply concerning, if not illegal. It is beyond ironic that small groups would be required to obtain a permit for which no regulations currently exist while Parks and Rec blatantly violates City ordinance that does exist. Thank you.
The next speaker is Rue Landau, commenting on 230472. (Witness approached podium.)