Committee Hearing, October 17, 2023

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES Remote location using Microsoft® Teams Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS, CHAIR COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA, VICE-CHAIR COUNCILWOMAN CYNTHIA BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON

230445, 230486, 230487, 230488, 230489, 230548, 230550, 230570, 230572, 230573, 230577, 230580, 230581, 230582, 230584, 230621, 230622, 230623, 230624, 230625, 230652, 230655, 230676, 230677, 230678 - - -

Good morning, everybody. Today is Tuesday, October 17, 2023 and this is the Committee on Streets and Services. I understand that state law currently requires that the following announcement be made at the beginning of every remote public hearing as follows: Due to the current health emergency, City Council Committees are currently meeting remotely. We are using Microsoft Teams to make these remote hearings possible. Instructions for how the public may view or offer public testimony at public hearings of the Council Committees are included in the public hearing notices that are published in the Daily News, Inquirer and Legal Intelligencer prior to the hearings and can also be found on PHLCouncil.com. I now note that the hour has come. Ms. Golden, will you please call the roll to take attendance. Members that are in attendance, please indicate you're present when your name is called. Also, please say a few brief remarks so that your image will be displayed on screen. Madam Clerk.

Chairperson Thomas.

Present.

Vice-Chair Squilla.

(Muted).

You're on mute, Councilmember.

Good morning, Mr. Chair and colleagues. Present.

Councilmember Bass.

Good morning all. I am present.

Councilmember Brooks.

Good morning. I'm present.

Councilmember Johnson.

Good morning. Present.

And, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Good morning, Mr. Chair. Good morning colleagues. I am present.

thank you, everybody. A quorum of the Committee is present and this hearing is now called to order. This is the public hearing on the Committee of Streets and Services regarding Bill 19 Nos. 230584 -- (Background interruption.)

Please mute yourself if you're not -- if everybody can mute themselves, that will be appreciated. This is the public hearing of the Committee on Streets and Services regarding Bill 3 Nos. 230584, 230655, 230489, 230548, 230570, 230676, 230677, 230678, 230445, 230486, 230487, 230488, 230572, 230573, 230575, 230577, 230578, 230581, 230582, 230621, 230622, 230623, 230624, 230625, 230652, -- and 230550. 10 Ms. Golden, will you please 11 read the titles of the bills. 12

230445, an 13 ordinance authorizing Brandywine 14 Realty Trust to construct, own and 15 maintain various right-of-way 16 encroachments at 3001-03 John F. 17 Kennedy Boulevard, 3025 John F. 18 Kennedy Boulevard, 3025-53 Market 19 Street and 3101-57 Market Street, all 20 under certain terms and conditions. 21 230486, an ordinance 22 authorizing the revision of lines and 23 grades on a portion of City Plan No. 24 308, by striking from the City Plan and vacating Addison Street from a point approximately 80 feet east of 5th Street to its terminus further eastwardly therefrom and reserving and placing on the City Plan a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes within the portion of Addison Street being stricken and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said right-of-way, under certain terms and conditions. 230487, an ordinance amending Chapters 12-900 of "Parking Regulations and Penalties," and 12-2800, "Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations," of The Philadelphia Code to revise requirements, limitations and fines with respect to angle parking, all under certain terms and conditions. 230488, an ordinance 21 authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 23 146 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Morse Street from Beach Street to Allen Street and Allen Street from Morse Street to its terminus northeastwardly therefrom, under certain terms and conditions. 230489, an ordinance amending a new Chapter 12-3600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Camera- Based Enforcement System For Parking, Stopping and Standing Violations That Interfere with Mass Transit," to decrease traffic congestion, improve traffic safety and address the climate crisis within the City of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions. 230548, an ordinance 16 establishing a no parking regulation on both sides of Forbidden Drive between Bells Mill Road and Wises Mill Road. 230550, an ordinance 21 authorizing the installation of all-way stop signs at the intersection of 34th Street and West Allegheny Avenue. 230570, an ordinance amending Chapter 11-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Right of Way Management," by amending Section 4 11-705, entitled "Construction," by adding new provisions relating to notice and making other conforming amendments; all under certain terms and conditions. 230572, an ordinance 10 authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 1216 North 29th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121, all under certain terms and conditions. 230573, an ordinance 16 authorizing encroachments in the nature of sidewalk café in the vicinity of 635 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123, under certain terms and conditions. 230575, an ordinance 22 authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 24 266, by striking from the City Plan and vacating legally open portion of Lex Street from Thompson Street to its terminus southwardly therefrom, under certain terms and conditions. 230577, an ordinance granting permission to the Wynnefield Overbrook Eruv Association, in order to demarcate the boundaries of a Wynnefield Overbrook eruv district, to construct and maintain a clear nylon cord and other ancillary facilities, including a maximum of 100 poles and 45 pieces of plexiglass along, over, and in certain public rights-of-way and City Streets, and/or to attach such demarcation facilities to existing facilities owned by other entities authorized by other City ordinances, subject to such owner's consent; all under certain terms and conditions. 230580, an ordinance 22 authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 817 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, under certain terms and conditions. 230581, an ordinance 3 authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 1524 South 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, under certain terms and conditions.

230582, an ordinance 9 authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 2301 East Albert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125, under certain terms and conditions. 230584, an ordinance amending Section 9-212 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Newsstand," by modifying the list of products that may be sold from newsstands, all under certain terms and conditions. 230621, an ordinance 21 establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Nevada Street between North 51st Street and West Dauphin Street. 230622, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafés in the vicinity of 4629-4631 Baltimore Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions. 230623, an ordinance 7 authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 701 South 50th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143, under certain terms and conditions. 230624, an ordinance 13 authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 4430 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, under certain terms and conditions. 230625, an ordinance amending Section 9-208 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Cafés," by permitting sidewalk cafés to be maintained in certain locations in the 6th District of Council; all under certain terms and conditions. 230652, an ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance, Bill No. 2 170086, approved May 22, 2017, entitled "An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating portions of houselines and curblines on of Convention Avenue, from 34th Street to Health Sciences Drive, and placing on the City Plan two rights-of-way for drainage purposes within the vicinity of the intersection of Convention Avenue and Health Sciences Drive and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said rights-of-way for drainage purposes, all under certain terms and conditions, including the dedication to the City of the beds of the areas proposed to be placed on City Plan as portions of Convention Avenue," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein. 260655, an ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, by amending Section 9-203 relating to Street Vendors, by prohibiting street vending on certain portions of Girard Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions. 230676, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of an Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations," by authorizing the installation at the intersection of Belmont Avenue, Ford Road and Overbrook Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions. And 230677, an ordinance 16 amending Chapter 12-3000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of An Automated Red Light Enforcement System To Prevent Red Light Violations," by authorizing the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of Kelly Drive and Falls Bridge, all under certain terms and conditions. And 230678, an ordinance amending Chapter 12-3000 of The 2 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of 3 An Automated Red Light Enforcement 4 System To Prevent Red Light 5 Violations," by authorizing the 6 installation of red light enforcement 7 systems at the intersection of 17th 8 Street & Washington Avenue, all under 9 certain terms and conditions. 10 Please be advised that Bill 11 No. 230548 is being held at the 12 sponsor's request and will not be 13 heard today. 14 Chairperson Thomas. 15

Thank 16 you, Madam Clerk. 17 Before we begin to hear 18 testimony from the witnesses we have 19 for today, everyone who's been 20 invited to the public meeting to 21 testify should be aware that this 22 public hearing is being recorded. 23 Because the hearing is public, 24 participants and viewers have no 25 reasonable expectation of privacy. By continuing to be in the meeting, you are consenting to being recorded. Additionally, prior to recognizing Members for questions or comments they have for witnesses, I will note for the record at this time that we will use the chat feature available in Microsoft Teams to allow Members to signal that they would like to be recognized. In order to comply with the Sunshine Act, the chat feature must only be used for that specific purpose. Ms. Golden, will you please call the first set of witnesses and bills to testify here this morning.

(Muted).

You're on mute.

Sorry. The first bill is 230584, and the first witness will be Sarah Adamo.

Good morning. Please state your name for the record and you may proceed with your testimony.

Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and Members of the Committee on Streets and Services. My name is Sarah Adamo and I am the Legislative Affairs Manager for the Department of Licenses and Inspections. Today I am here to provide testimony on Bill No. 230584 introduced by Councilperson Squilla, which if enacted will amend Section 12 9-212 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Newsstands." If enacted, the bill will allow newsstands to sell or offer for sale additional items, including flowers, health products, beauty aids, wearing apparels of any kind pertaining to Philadelphia area sports teams as shirts, caps or team jerseys and ticket sales for sporting events, concerts, museums and the Philadelphia Zoo and other local attractions. The department has no objection to this bill and is prepared to enforce its provision should it become law. Thank you for the opportunity to provide the department's testimony. I'm happy to answer questions at this time.

Thank you 8 for your testimony. 9 Are there any questions from 10 members of the Committee for this 11 particular witness? 12 (No response.) 13

There 14 being none, Ms. Golden, will you 15 please call the next set of bills and 16 witnesses to testify this morning. 17

The next bill's 18 230655 and the first witness to 19 testify will be Sarah Adamo. 20

Please 21 state your name for the record and 22 you may begin with your testimony. 23

Good morning, 24 Chairperson Thomas and members of the 25 Committee on Streets and Services. My name is Sarah Adamo and I'm the Legislative Affairs Manager for the Department of Licenses & Inspections. Today I am here to provide testimony on Bill No. 230655 introduced by Councilperson Squilla, which if enacted will amend Section 9-203 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Street Vendors." The bill would prohibit vendors from stopping, standing or parking their vehicles for the purpose of selling any goods or merchandise on both sides of Girard Avenue from Leopard Street to Shackamaxon Street. The department has no 18 objections to this bill and has prepared to enforce its provision should it become law. Thank you for the opportunity to provide the department's testimony and I'm happy to answer questions at this time.

Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions from members of the Committee for this particular witness? (No response.)

Hearing none, thank you for your testimony. Madam Clerk, will you please call the next set of bills and witnesses to testify today.

Additionally with this bill, we also have Nicole Brunet and a few others. Do you want me to read them all?

You can call the names of all the witnesses to testify. And the order that your name is called in is the order that you can proceed with your testimony.

Nicole Brunet, Marc Collazzo -- sorry, Earl Harris, Juan Carlos as well as Ahmed Walley --

And all these -

And Joseph Groh. I'm sorry.

And all these are people who are testifying on the bill? None of this is public comment, correct?

All the -- sorry, this is public comment.

So let's deal with specifically people to testify on the bill. So who's the next person to testify on this bill?

That is the end for the testifier on this bill.

Okay. So do we want to do public comment now or do we want to hold public comment until the end?

Up to you, Chair Thomas.

Let's hold public comment until the end. Please read the next set of bills and witnesses to testify.

I believe Councilmember Squilla would like to be recognized.

I'm sorry. Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla. I apologize, Councilmember.

No 8 problem, Mr. Chair. And I can wait for public comment also.

No, no, no, no. Please, please.

All right. I just also wanted to add on that bill the issue on the two-block vending. Street vending exception was placed because of concerns we received both from residents and business owners for after-hour vending, vending that's happening past midnight. Vending is not allowed in the City of Philadelphia after midnight on any street of the City of Philadelphia. And so, therefore this would curtail the vending on those two blocks because of concerns from neighbors for noise, double parking, trash and other issues that came about. We did try enforcement with L&I. L&I did go out there to enforce also, but the vending is still happening. That's continuing to happen after midnight at these locations. So I'm happy to work with the Food Truck Association and worked with them in the past. 2015 we introduced legislation to allow food trucks to go on private properties and to work in conjunction to be safe and also after hours, 1:00 and 2:00. We would love to work with any vendors who want to continue to do that and with the Food Truck Association to continue looking at spaces where we can have these activities in a safe way. But happy to continue these conversations and move forward so that people can operate, be able to make money and also do it safely. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember Squilla.

Sorry, Chairperson. We have one additional testifier today. Venise Whitaker.

Please state your name for the record and you may begin with your testimony. (No response.)

Ms. Whitaker, are you there? (No response.)

She may not be here. We can go to the next bill.

Okay. And what we'll do is we'll save public comment until -- okay.

Yep. The next bill is 230570.

And who do we have to testify?

The next testifier is Rich Montanez.

Good morning. (No response.)

Let me call Rich because he's in another meeting. I'm sorry.

Okay. We'll come back.

The next -- we'll do the next bill then?

Please, yes.

We'll do 230489, and the first person to testify is -- sorry, one second. Sorry, give me one second here. Do we have Venise Whitaker on?

We do not, no. 19

Hi, Jackie. I think I'm testifying.

Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Chris.

Yeah. I have an image that was included in my testimony. Can I either have ability to share my screen or put a link in the chat to the image?

Council Support, could he share his screen? COUNCIL TECH SUPPORT: Yeah, he's representative now.

Great. Thank you very much. Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Street and Services Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. My name is Chris Puchalsky. I am the Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives at the Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability also known as oTIS. I am here today to offer testimony on Bill 230489. Better transit improves equity, reduces greenhouse emissions, reduces traffic fatalities and increases Philadelphia economic competitiveness. 60, 6-0 percent of SEPTA riders use surface transit, buses and trolleys. Unreliable service is one of the top complaints of riders, much of which is connected to traffic congestion caused by illegal parking behaviors. OTIS has organized several enforcement blitzes to address these behaviors. In March of 2019, oTIS released an evaluation report that found a demonstrable improvement in bus service in Center City due to intense traffic enforcement of existing laws. But these intense enforcement blitzes are difficult to sustain and take time away from other policing and parking enforcement duties. Camera-aided enforcement allows for improvement of bus service without using valuable resources required for these enforcement blitzes. Illegal behaviors also impact the ability of passengers to board from a transit vehicle, especially those with a disability. If you can look at the picture that I've shared and that I inserted into my testimony, you will see how two illegally parked vehicles puts a gentleman in a wheelchair in a dangerous position while the bus is forced to block traffic. You see the red delivery vehicle, the white van illegally parked, the bus can't curb and the gentleman needs to go out into traffic to try to get on the bus while the impatient traffic is kind of either backed up behind the bus or trying to go around the bus and putting the man's life in danger. This is unjust and unconscionable. Thank you for letting me share my screen just now. Camera-based enforcement parking regulations have successfully improved bus service in several cities, including New York City. This proposal was included in both the Philadelphia Transit Plan and in 2022, oTIS released Traffic Safety and Congestion Omnibus. I sit on the statewide Automated Redlight Enforcement and Automated Speed Enforcement Committees and participated in implementing speed enforcement on Roosevelt Boulevard. That program came with some nervousness before implementation about the concerns, the complaints, the difficulties, but it has proven to be an unmitigated success, reducing speeding vehicles by over 90 percent. Both the red light and speed programs show that using a system that combines enforcement professionals with technology is fair, accurate and effective. We are supportive of this bill with a proposed amendment. Today's amendment clarifies roles and provides for a smaller geographic scope for this new enforcement mechanism. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have at this time. And go Phillies.

Thank you, Chris. Before we open it up for questions from members of the Committee, just for clarity purposes can you provide information on where the cameras will be taking place and what part of the City we'll be monitoring as it relates to this pilot program?

Yeah. They would be -- the amendment that is proposed would limit it to Center City defined as river to river, I think it's Spring Garden to Bainbridge. It would be all active trolley routes, so most of those are in West Philly but would include the portion of Girard Avenue that includes trolley service, and then it would be four corridors in West Philadelphia, JFK, Market, Walnut and Chestnut, and these are some of the busiest bus corridors in the City and then the trolleys obviously are important because they are unable to go around a double parked or otherwise illegally parked vehicle.

And what type of consequences do we anticipate being enforced based on things that might get picked up on these cameras?

Yeah. The most common one would probably be blocking mass transit. That's a violation that's in the existing code. There could also be enforcement of no stopping, no 15 standing violations.

And so, we're talking about a ticket being mailed to people?

Yes, sir. It would be a ticket that would be mailed to people. So the way we've been trying to put this idea together is that this is a parking violation, an existing parking violation that would currently be issued by a human being standing there in person putting on the windshield. Instead this will be the same parking enforcement officer, but they would be sitting in an office, they would review the evidence package that the technology would put together about the violation similar to how Philadelphia police officers today review every City camera and red light violation. And then the violation would be mailed to the person or to whoever has the registered vehicle.

What about some of the issues we're facing around the fake license plates and fake tags? Is there anything that we're looking at that's going to impact that?

Yeah. That's certainly an issue with all the automated enforcement programs and with all the toll facilities in the region. I know the Parking Authority and the police are working on that issue right now because it affects all the existing enforcement programs.

Thank you, Chris. Are there any questions from members of this Committee for this particular witness around this legislation?

Mr. Chairman.

Yep. Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass. Good morning, Councilmember.

Good morning. I do have more of a concern than a question. My concern is around the Parking Authority and what I would say is unfair targeted enforcement, particularly in some parts of my District. And I know it's just not related to the 8th District, but when you look at there was a study that was done a little while ago that looked at where parking tickets were issued the most in neighborhoods like Germantown and other low-income primarily African American neighborhoods were affected at a higher rate than other neighborhoods throughout the City. So this is a concern to me to expand the PPA's footprint no matter how well-intentioned this piece of legislation is. That's something that I have some concerns about. And even if we vote it out of Committee today, you know, I have some serious concerns about the way enforcement and tickets are issued in particular neighborhoods that make it really just quite difficult to be able to operate a vehicle in those neighborhoods, because if you're riding around and you have tickets and you have a concern about the enforcement of those tickets in particular areas, where you are sort of stashing your car, where you're putting your car, do you have full mobility of your vehicle, can you go into Center City, can you go into other areas, and it all becomes much more complicated than it really should be. So I'd like to have those discussions and conversation, and I just wanted to be on the record on that because I know that there is not the same enforcement across the board in different neighborhoods. So I just wanted to make you aware of that. Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Councilmember Bass. I think that you raised some important issues. There's actually a meeting coming up with the Parking Authority and the NAACP around that exact same issue. I actually believe that meeting was this week so there --

Yes, right.

-- are constituents across the City who've raised the exact same concern and the goal is to look at how we assess tickets and to examine if we are disproportionately impacting poor communities and communities of color. So I'll be sure to make sure that data is available to you. And I don't know if, Chris, you want to add anything to Councilmember Bass's concerns around ticket enforcement.

Yeah. I mean, it's certainly a valid concern as every disproportionate response using the traffic code. You know, your own bill, Chairperson, trying to get at that a year or two ago. So it's definitely an important concern. I'd love to see that data. I was aware of a study about moving violations, but I hadn't seen the data on parking violations so I certainly share that concern. For what it's worth, I think the busiest corridors are often through business districts. Now, the people on those buses are coming from neighborhoods. So the bus riders themselves who are going to benefit from more reliable service are overwhelmingly minority residents if you just look at the data of who rides buses in Philadelphia, so it's also important to weigh the benefit that people who are riding the buses are going to get. But I think it's important to monitor this going forward and I'd certainly be willing to both participate in conversations and use my office's resources to examine the data to make sure that we're not having a disproportionate impact on any community, especially minority communities, that in the past both here and elsewhere have been unfairly targeted either directly or as a pretext. So I think this is a valid concern and we need to stay on it. I think the benefit though to bus passengers is strong also, so that should be part of the conversation.

I could not agree with you more. I think there's great benefit to bus passengers and to the ridership, but I also want to make sure that while we have the opportunity to do so, that we take a look at some of the unfair practices I would say of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, that this is an opportunity rather than expanding the footprint of the Parking Authority to really make sure that it's applied evenly and fairly. So that's my main concern.

Completely agree. Yes, thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Councilmember Bass. We appreciate your advocacy. You're always on it. Madam Clerk, are we completed as it relates to questions -- I mean, witnesses to testify for this bill?

(Nodded head). Members of the Committee, are there any other questions for this particular witness around this legislation? (No response.)

There being no further questions and no 13 other witnesses, Chris, we want to thank you for your testimony and your work around this particular piece of legislation.

Thank you, sir.

No, it's great stuff. Madam Clerk, will you please call the next set of bills and witnesses to testify.

Yep. The next bill is 230570 and it will be Richard Montanez and Venise Whitaker.

Good morning. Please state your name for the record and you may begin with your testimony. DEPUTY COMMISSIONER MONTANEZ: Good morning, Chairman Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Richard Montanez. I am the Deputy Commissioner for Transportation for the Streets Department. I am here to offer testimony on Bill No. 2305 -- I'm sorry, 230570 introduced by Chairman Thomas on behalf of Council President Clarke. This ordinance amends Chapter 18 11-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Right-of-way Management," by amending Section 11-705, entitled "Construction," by adding new provisions relating to notice and making other confirmation -- confirming amendments, all under certain terms and conditions. When the Department of Streets works in an are for paving, we currently notify residents by placing door hangers on the residences. We also do press releases and update our social media to reflect the current work which we are doing. The department also uses a tool which is StreetSmartPHL, which allows users to look block-by-block at the work being done and what is permitted has been -- and what permits have been issued. We're open to improving communications with residents and will continue to have a dialogue with Council on best practices and appreciate their feedback. This concludes my testimony. I am pleased to answer any questions you may.

Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions from members of this Committee for this particular bill around this -- I mean, for this particular witness on this bill? (No response.)

There being none, if the next witness can please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony.

Good morning, Chair and Committee. My name is Venice Whitaker and I'm here on behalf of my role as a Constituent Service Fellowship Director in the 5th Council District speaking in support of Bill 230570 introduced by Chairman Thomas on behalf of Council President Darrell Clarke. First and foremost, I'd like to express my gratitude to the Streets Right-of-way Department for the collaboration on constituent cases involving street closures. Working in the role of the Constituent Service Representative often feels like being a political social worker or a private eye combined. Our daily tasks involve often addressing calls and emails from residents who are trying to navigate the happenings in their neighborhood. I must commend the Office of Innovation and Technology for Atlas, the community front door of the City of Philadelphia and the Streets Department's portal. These online systems have significantly simplified my job and eliminated the need to relentlessly pursue the Administration for permit-related information. And as Rich knows and other people, I do email often on the topics of street closures. A bit of my background: My education background is in social work and psychology, not construction. However, in the past seven years of my employment, I've had to teach myself about things related to construction and often wrongfully assume that everything related to construction falls under L&I, when in reality various other departments, including the Streets Department play a vital role. The fact was brought to my attention daily during my interactions with L&I and Streets. I've handled well over 1,000 calls and emails addressing concerns such as is the street closure legal. Why were we not informed? It's unfair we pay fees to PPA to park on our block. Who's towing my car? Are they about to tow my car? My car was towed. Where can I find it? How can I determine if the street closure is legal? Who should I report an unpermitted street closure? Why are they allowed to close our street and tow our cars? Who's responsible for closing our streets? I have a dialysis appointment and they can't reach me due to my street closure. I have a block party scheduled. Will the work be completed before that? Before the online Street permit system, I used to send hourly emails to the Right-of-way Department. As a lifelong resident, also I've come to realize that the number request from Philadelphia residents is notification. Many residents are more than willing to cooperate with the Administration and City Council if they are informed beforehand. Waking up to noise of a generator in a neighborhood or idling trucks can be unpleasant and confusing. Not all residents are aware of the Street permit closure site or have access online for multiple reasons. This bill aims to grant all members the right and opportunity to be informed about the impact on their block, potentially reducing unnecessary trauma. I use the term trauma intentionally as I once received a call about a demolition contractor towing cars with the forklift. And another resident believed that their car was repossessed. Another example from 2018 involved the Inspector General investigating a contractor developer who used fraudulent right- of-way signage to remove cars from the streets. This incident encouraged more bad actors, including tow trucks towing cars without permits. With advanced notification as sending out letters, residents might deter such unpermitted street closures and towing. Notification is a fundamental right that all residents should have before any construction significantly impacts their streets. Thank you very much.

Thank you for your testimony and thank you for your passion as it relates to our community and our City. It is very much appreciated. Are there any questions from members of this Committee for this particular witness around this legislation? (No response.)

Hearing none, I want to say thank you for your testimony. Madam Clerk, would you please call the next set of bills and witnesses to testify this morning.

The next bill is 230676 and there are no testifiers.

Good morning. This is Corrine O'Connor from the Philadelphia Parking Authority. I should be on the list to testify.

Hi, Corrine. I had you on public comment. Would you like to be added for the --

It doesn't matter. Either way I was going to read my testimony.

Good morning. Please state your name for the record and you may begin with your testimony.

Corrine O'Connor, Deputy Executive Director at the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Good morning. Thank you for having me today. As I said, I'm the Deputy Executive Director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority. I would like to thank the members of this Committee for allowing me to testify today. I would also like to thank Councilman Curtis Jones for introducing this legislation. I'm testifying in favor of Bill No. 230676, which would add an additional intersection to the Red Light Camera program in the City. This intersection will be located at Belmont Avenue, West Ford Road and Overbrook Ave. The intersection of Belmont Ave, West Ford Road and Overbrook is a highly traveled residential area not only by vehicles but by pedestrians and bicyclists. This interaction is also located in close proximity to the Belmont Water Treatment Plant. The Authority believes by installing a red light camera at this location and intersection will be much safer for driving, riding and walking public. I ask that the Committee give Bill 7 No. 230676 a favorable recommendation. I request that the rules be suspended to allow first reading at the next Council session. Thank you again for having me. I'll be happy to answer any questions.

Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions from members of this Committee for this particular witness? (No response.)

Hearing none, I want to say thank you for your testimony. Madam Clerk, will you please call the next witness and the next set of bills for us to hear today.

230677, and the first testifier is Corrine O'Connor again.

Thank you. Good morning. I would like to thank the members of this Committee for allowing me to testify on this bill 7 also. I would also like to thank Councilman Curtis Jones for introducing this legislation, testifying in favor of No. 230677, which would add an additional intersection to the Red Light Camera program. The intersection will be located at Kelly Drive and Falls Bridge. The intersection of Kelly Drive and Falls Bridge is a highly-traveled area, not only by vehicles but by pedestrians and bicyclists. This intersection is located in close proximity to many residents, businesses and is in close proximity to a playground. The Authority believes by installing a red light camera at this location the intersection will be much safer for driving, riding and walking public. I'm asking the Committee to give a favorable recommendation and have the rules suspended to allow first reading at the next Council session. Thank you again for allowing me to testify.

Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions from members of this Committee for this particular witness? (No response.)

Hearing none, I want to say thank you for your testimony. It is very much appreciated. Madam Clerk, will you please call the next witness and the next set of bills.

The next bill is 230677 and the next -- I'm sorry, 230678, and the next testifier is Corrine O'Connor.

Good morning again. I would like to thank the members of this Committee for allowing me to testify. I'd also like to thank Councilman Kenyatta Johnson for introducing this legislation. I'm testifying in favor of Bill No. 230678, which would add an additional red light camera to the program. The intersection will be located at 17th Street and Washington Avenue. 17th Street and Washington Avenue is a highly-traveled area not only by vehicles but by pedestrians and bicyclists. The intersection is located along the busy business corridor and is in close proximity to a residential area where you may see many pedestrians crossing the street. The Authority believes by installing a red light camera at this location, the intersection will be much safer for a driving, riding and walking public. I'm asking that this Committee give Bill No. 230678 a favorable recommendation and request that the rules be suspended to allow first reading at the next Council session. Thank you again for the opportunity to testify and I'll be happy to answer any questions.

Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions from members of the Committee around this particular bill? (No response.)

Hearing none, I want to say thank you again for your testimony.

Thank you.

Madam Clerk, will you please call the next witness and the next set of bills.

The next bill is 230445 and the first testifier is Noelle Marconi.

Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I am the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 6 230445 introduced by Councilmember Gauthier. This ordinance authorizes Brandywine Realty Trust to install, own and maintain various encroachments at 3001-03 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 3025 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 3025-53 Market Street and 3101-57 Market Street. These encroachments include six proposed planters adjacent to 3001 John F. Kennedy Boulevard located along the north curbline of John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 10 proposed planters adjacent to 3101R Market Street, located along the south curbline of John F. Kennedy Boulevard, six waste receptacles on the frontage of 3025 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, eight proposed planters adjacent to 3025 John F. Kennedy Boulevard located along the north curbline of John F. Kennedy Boulevard and three proposed planters adjacent to the 3025-53 Market Street, located along the south curbline of John F. Kennedy Boulevard. The proper amount of sidewalk space will be maintained after installation and the department has no objection to these encroachments. I understand there are proposed amendments. In light of the fact that responsibility for the encroachments is on behalf of the respective owners, that are the owners upon the expiration of Brandywine Realty Trust Property interest, the Streets Department has no objections to these proposed amendments. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions for this particular witness around this bill? (No response.)

Hearing none, thank you for your testimony. Madam Clerk, will you please call the next bill and the next set of witnesses.

The next bill is 230486 and the first testifier is Noelle Marconi and then Sarah Chiu.

Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I am the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 20 230486 introduced by Councilmember Squilla. This is not an Administration ordinance, but an ordinance requested by Thomas Friese of Pennoni Associates, Inc. representing Lou Staff, LLC. The purpose of this proposed ordinance is to authorize the striking from the City Plan and vacating of Addison Street from a point approximately 80 feet east of 5th Street to its terminus approximately feet further 8 eastwardly therefrom and the 9 reversing and placing on the City 10 Plan and right-of-way for sewer and 11 drainage purposes within lines for 12 the portion of Addison Street being 13 stricken. 14 The purpose of this proposed 15 right-of-way will encompass the 16 existing sewer on Addison Street 17 which will be removed -- excuse me, 18 which will remain. The existing fire 19 hydrant at the dead-end of Addison 20 Street and its connection will be removed. This action has been requested by the adjacent property owner in order to better secure the area against between trespassing, vandalism and other elicited activities. The Department of Streets has no objection for this proposed ordinance and recommends it to your Committee for favorable action. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Are there any particular questions from members of this Committee for this particular witness around this legislation? (No response.)

Hearing none, I want to thank you for your testimony. Will the next witness please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony.

Good morning, Chairmember Thomas and members of this Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planner with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 230486, which was introduced by Councilmember Squilla on June 8, 2023. This bill will remove the last feet of the 400 6 block of Addison Street from the City 7 Plan before its terminus at the dead- 8 end. This section of the street 9 provides access to 424 Pine Street 10 alone. 11 The request was made by the 12 owner of 424 Pine Street whose 13 property includes this 20 feet long 14 and 10-and-a-half feet wide section 15 of the right-of-way. For that reason 16 if stricken from the City Plan, the 17 area of the former right-of-way will 18 remain within the 424 Pine Street 19 property. Further, the bill 20 authorized the Philadelphia Water Department to retain a sewer and drainage right-of-way, precluding the site development. The Planning Commission at its meeting on July 20, 2023 recommended the Streets Bill No. 2 230486 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions at this time.

Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions from members of this Committee for this panel around this bill? (No response.)

Hearing none, I want to say thank you for your testimony. Madam Clerk, will you please read the next set of bills and call the next panel to testify.

The next bill is 230487 and the first testifier is Noelle Marconi.

Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 230487 introduced by Councilmember Squilla. This bill amends Chapter 3 12-900, Parking Regulations and Penalties, and 12-2800 Administrative Adjudication of Parking Violations of The Philadelphia Code to revise requirements on fines with respect to angle parking. The bill requires the Department of Streets to determine whether angle parking is front or back-in only. We have requested an amendment to this bill which allows the Department to require back-in only angle parking due to safety reasons. The department will post the required back-in only signage. This bill also adds a $30 penalty for disobeying the signage. The Department of Streets supports this bill as it's supposed to be amended. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions from members of the Committee for this particular witness? (No response.)

Hearing none, I want to thank you for your testimony. Madam Clerk, will you please call the next panel and next bill.

The next bill is 230488. The testifiers are Noelle Marconi and Sarah Chiu.

Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 21 230488 introduced by Councilmember Squilla. This is not an Administration ordinance, but an ordinance requested by Neil Sklaroff of Dilworth Paxon representing PECO Energy. The purpose of this proposed ordinance is to authorize the striking from the City Plan and the vacating of Morse Street from Beach Street to Allen Street and Allen Street from Morse Street to a dead-end approximately 82 feet northeastwardly therefrom. These streets are not currently paved and not used by public traffic, and the Department of Streets is not desirous of paving and maintaining streets at this location. The actual will allow PECO to clear a land and consolidate parcels for expansion and improvement of the existing electric power transmission substation. Department of Streets has no objections to this proposed ordinance and recommends it to the Committee for a favorable action. I thank you for the opportunity to testify. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your testimony. Are there any -- let's proceed with the next witness. I'm sorry.

Good morning, Chairmember Thomas and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planner with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 230488, which was introduced by Councilmember Squilla on June 8, 2023. This bill will remove two short intersecting streets rights- of-way from the City Plan that extends 217 feet from the 1400 block of Beach Street to a dead-end. Both streets and block which they dead-end are unimproved. PECO owns all of the parcels surrounding the streets proposed to be stricken. Consequently the area of the rights- of-way will be transferred to PECO once it's stricken. PECO has requested this action to facilitate the expansion and improvement of their existing power transmission substation on the abutting block, 1300 block of Beach Street. The City Planning Commission at its meeting on July 20, 2023 recommended Streets Bill No. 230488 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions at this time.

Thank you for your testimony. Are there any other questions for this panel? (No response.)

Hearing none, I want to say thank you for your testimony. Madam Clerk, will you please read the next bill and call the next panel.

The next bill is 230572, and the testifiers are Noelle Marconi and Sarah Chiu.

Good morning. Please state your name for the record and you may begin with your testimony.

Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here to offer testimony on Bill No. 230572 introduced by Councilmember Jones on behalf of Council President Clarke. This bill authorizes Brewerytown Investments or subsequent owner, the owner, to install, own and maintain encroachments at Otto's Taproom in the nature of a sidewalk café at 1216 North 29th Street, all under certain terms and conditions. The sidewalk café will consist of two tables and four seats adjacent to the curbline of North 29th Street. However, I understand that there is a proposed amendment that will change the seating to one table with two seats. The Department of Streets is not opposed to that proposed amendment and we are not opposed to the proposed sidewalk café as it only maintains feet passable 5 sidewalk space, which meets the 6 required Complete Streets minimal width. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.

You may -- the next witness, please.

Good morning, Chairmember Thomas and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planner, with the Philadelphia Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 18 230572, which was introduced by Councilmember Jones for Council President Clarke on September 14, 2023. This bill will allow an open air sidewalk café at 1216 North 29th Street. The proposed one table and the two-chair encroachment will leave feet of clear and unobstructed walking zone for pedestrians. This encroachment meets the City's Complete Streets policy. There are proposed amendments that we support. The City Planning Commission is scheduled to consider this bill at its meeting on Thursday, October 19, 2023 with a staff recommendation for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions from members of this Committee for this particular panel? (No response.)

Hearing none, I want to say thank you for your testimony. Madam Clerk, are we good to call the next bill and the next set of witnesses?

Yep. The next bill is 230573 and the testifiers are Noelle Marconi and Sarah Chiu.

Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony. Madam Clerk, can we let Noelle and Sarah testify for every bill consecutively? Are there any other bills that is just them two as the witnesses? Can we read all those bills out and let them go consecutively?

Yes, absolutely. The other bills are 230575, 230577, 230580, 230581, 230582, 230622, 230623, 230624, 230625 and 230652.

Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 23 230573 introduced by Councilmember Jones on behalf of Council President Clarke. This bill authorizes 635 Girard Avenue, LLC or subsequent owner, the owner, to install, own and maintain encroachments at Ambassador in the nature of a sidewalk café at 635 West Girard Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions. Sidewalk café will consist table of seven tables and seats to be 10 located along the east sidewalk of 11 North 7th Street along the property 12 line of 635 West Girard Avenue and 13 the north sidewalk of West Girard 14 Avenue. 15 The Department of Streets is 16 not opposed to the proposed sidewalk 17 café building as it will maintain the 18 6 feet sidewalk space, which meets 19 the Complete Streets minimal width. 20 This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have. Do you want me to read all my testimony or do you want Sarah to go on this one?

I would like you to read your testimony, Noelle, if that's okay. And then Sarah can read her testimony, if that works.

Okay.

That's fine. Thank you.

Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 16 230575 introduced by Councilmember Jones. This is not an Administration ordinance but an ordinance requested by Michael Menotti, Esquire of Menotti LTD representing Haverford Square Metropolitan 1, LLC. The purpose of this proposed ordinance is to authorize the striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Lex Street from Thompson Street to its terminus approximately 104 feet southwardly therefrom. The portion of Lex Street proposed to be stricken extends to a dead-end and is not in use by public traffic and is not maintained as a City street by the Department of Streets. This action has been requested by the abutting owner in order to better secure the area to facilitate improvements to the adjacent property. The Department of Streets has no objections to this proposed ordinance and recommends it to the Committee for favorable action. I thank you for your opportunity to appear before you today. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 3 230577 introduced by Councilmember Jones. This bill authorizes Wynnefield Overbrook Eruv Association in order to demarcate the boundaries of a Wynnefield Overbrook eruv district to construct and maintain a clear nylon cord and other ancillary facilities, including a maximum of 100 poles and 45 pieces of plexiglass along, over, and at certain public rights-of-way and City streets, and/or to attach such demarcation facilities to existing facilities owned by other entities authorized by other City ordinances subject to such owner's consent. An approximate territory bounded by Eruv Boundaries is the area between Upland Way on the south, Belmont Avenue on the north, City Avenue on the west and the train tracks for the SEPTA Cynwood Line on the east. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed eruv so long as all agreements of the appropriate City departments are executed. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have. Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 14 230580 introduced by Councilmember Squilla. This bill authorizes Mild Mustard, LLC or subsequent owner to install, own and maintain various encroachments at Fiorella Restaurant in the nature of a sidewalk café at 817 Christian Street, all under certain terms and conditions. A total of 5 tables and 10 seats for a sidewalk café will be located along the north sidewalk of Christian Street and along the curbline of property line of 817 Christian Street. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed sidewalk café, as it will maintain the 6 feet passable sidewalk space which meets the required Complete Streets minimum width. This concludes my testimony. I am pleased to answer any questions you may have. Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 19 230581 introduced by Councilmember Squilla. This bill authorizes Torres Juan Carlos Aparicio or subsequent owner, the owner, to install, own and maintain encroachments at El Chingon in the nature of a sidewalk café at 1524 South 10th Street, all under certain terms and conditions.

A total of tables and seats for sidewalk café will be located along the west sidewalk of South 10th Street along the property line of 1524 South 10th Street and the north sidewalk of Cross Street, along the property line of 1524 South 10th Street. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed sidewalk café as it will maintain the 6 feet sidewalk space, which meets the Complete Streets minimum width. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have. Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I am here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 24 230582 introduced by Councilmember Squilla. This bill authorizes Wink Realty, LLC or subsequent owner, the owner, to install, own and maintain encroachments at Cook and Shaker in the nature of a sidewalk café at 2301 East Albert Street, under certain terms and conditions. A total of tables and 46 8 seats for a sidewalk café will be 9 located on the south sidewalk of 10 Tulip Street along the property line 11 of 2301-05 East Albert Street and the 12 east sidewalk of East Albert Street 13 along the property line of 2301-05 East Albert Street. The Department of Streets does not oppose this proposed sidewalk café as it will maintain the 6 feet passable sidewalk space which meets the Complete Streets minimum width. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have. Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 5 230621 introduced by Councilmember Jones. This bill authorizes no truck parking regulation on both sides of Nevada Street between North 51st Street and West Dauphin Street. The Department of Streets has no objections to this bill. The regulation can be posted within 30 days of this bill's passage. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have. Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 24 230622 introduced by Councilmember Gauthier. This bill authorizes 4629-31 Baltimore Avenue, LLC or subsequent owner, the owner, to install, own and maintain encroachments at Loco Pez in the nature of a sidewalk café at 4631 Baltimore Avenue, under certain terms and conditions. A total of 8 tables and 24 seats for a sidewalk café will be located on the west sidewalk of Baltimore Avenue along the property line of 4629-31 Baltimore Avenue and the north sidewalk of South 47th Street along the property line of 4629-31 Baltimore Avenue. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed sidewalk café, as it will maintain the 6 feet passable sidewalk space which meets the Complete Streets minimum width. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have. Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of the Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 6 230623 introduced by Councilmember Gauthier. This bill authorizes Firehouse Venture, LLP or subsequent owner, the owner, to install, own and maintain encroachments at Carbon Copy Brewery in the nature of a sidewalk café at 701 South 50th Street, all under certain terms and conditions. A total of 11 tables and 40 seats for a sidewalk café will be located along the south sidewalk of Willows Avenue along the property line of 701 South 50th Street and the east sidewalk of South 50th Street along the property line of 701 South 50th Street.

The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed sidewalk café, as it will maintain the 6 feet sidewalk passable space, which meets the required Complete Streets minimum width. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have. Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs of the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 12 230624 introduced by Councilmember Gauthier. This bill authorizes Drexel Property Associates II, LLC or subsequent owner, the owner, to install, own and maintain encroachments at Knockbox Café in the nature of a sidewalk café at 4430 Pine Street, all under certain terms and conditions. A total of 4 tables and 8 seats for a sidewalk café and waste 23 receptacle bin will be located along 24 the east sidewalk of North 45th 25 Street, along the property line of 4430 Pine Street. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed sidewalk café building, as it will maintain the feet passable 5 space which meets the Complete 6 Streets minimum width. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have. Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs from the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 17 230625 introduced by Councilmember Driscoll. This ordinance amends Section 9-208 of the Code by permitting sidewalk cafés to be maintained on Torresdale Avenue, both sides from Knorr Street to Tyson Avenue on Princeton Avenue, both sides, from Marsden Street to Tulip Street, within the area bounded by the east side of Roosevelt Boulevard and the south side of Saint Vincent Street, the west side of Brous Street and the north side of Tyson Avenue, on Cottman Avenue, both sides, from Roosevelt Boulevard to Brous Avenue and on the south side of Cottman Avenue to Brous Avenue to Bernard Avenue. The Department of Streets has no objection to this bill. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs. And I'm here to testify on Bill No. 230652 introduced by Councilmember Gauthier. This is not an Administration ordinance, but an ordinance requested by Ira Kauderwood, Esquire, associate general counsel for University of Pennsylvania. The purpose of this proposed ordinance is to further amend a previous ordinance, Bill No. 170086 previously amended by Bill No. 190379 and 210828 approved May 22, 2017, which authorizes the relocation of portions of the houselines and curblines of Convention Avenue from 34th Street to Health Sciences Drive and the placing of the City Plan for two rights-of-way for drainage purposes in the vicinity of the intersection of Convention Avenue and Health Sciences Drive. This action is part of the development of the new Penn Medicine Patient Pavilion Hospital building. The purpose of this action is to redesign Convention Avenue to accommodate a reconfigured streetscape and enhance pedestrian access to better serve patients and users of the new facility. The proposed amendment will extend the operable period of compliance with the terms and conditions of the authorized ordinance for an additional two years. Department of Streets has no 5 objections to this proposed ordinance 6 and recommends it to the Committee for favorable action. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I'll be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I am the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets.

I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 18 230550 introduced by Councilmember Jones. This ordinance authorizes the installation of an all-way stop sign at the intersection of 34th Street and West Allegheny Avenue. Department of Streets conducted a traffic study, and this intersection does not meet PennDOT's requirement for the installation of an all-way stop sign. The Department is looking into the possibility of installing speed tables as part of an upcoming project. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.

Sarah --

Good morning, Chair -- yes.

-- begin --

Good morning, Chairmember Thomas and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planner with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 230575, which was introduced by Councilmember Jones on September 14, 2023. This bill will strike and vacate the Lex Street from Thompson Street to its terminus. This section of Lex Street is not paved and is not required for access or any other purposes by adjacent streets or properties. This action will facilitate improvements to the abutting properties. The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider this bill at its meeting on Thursday, October 19, 2023 with the staff recommendation for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions at this time. Good morning, Chairmember Thomas and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planner with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill Nos. 230573, 230580, 230581, 230582, 230622, 230623 and 230624. These bills were authorized open air sidewalk cafés encroachments at the following properties: Bill No. 22 230573 is 4635 West Girard Avenue property. 230580 is 468 -- no, 817 Christian Street. Bill No. 230581 is for 1524 South 10th Street. Bill No. 230582 is for 2301 East Albert Street. And Bill No. 230622 is for 4629 to 4631 Baltimore Avenue. Bill No. 230623 is for 701 South 50th Street and Bill 6 No. 230624 is for 4430 Pine Street property. All these encroachments meets the Complete Streets policy for the clear and unobstructed walking zone requirements. The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider these bills at its meeting on Thursday, October 19th with the staff's recommendation for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions at this time. Good morning, Member Chair -- good morning, Chairmember Thomas and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planner with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill 230625, which was introduced by Councilmember Driscoll on September 21, 2023. This bill 2 permits sidewalk café use be installed and maintained on Torresdale Avenue from Knorr Street to Tyson Avenue, on Princeton Avenue from Marsden Street To Tulip Street, on Cottman Avenue from Roosevelt Boulevard to Broad Street -- on Broad Avenue and within the area bounded by the east side of Roosevelt Boulevard, south side of Saint Vincent Street, west side of Broad Avenue and the north side of Tyson Avenue. Once this bill is approved, the sidewalk café application within this boundary will no longer need to be approved by encroachment ordinances. They will be reviewed and approved by the Streets Department and by the Department of Licenses and Inspection per Philadelphia Code, Section 9-208 Sidewalk Cafés. The City Planning Commission is scheduled to consider this bill at its meeting on Thursday, October 19, 2023 with staff recommendation for approval. I'll be happy to answer questions at this time. Good morning, Chairmember Thomas and members of the Committee on Street and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planner, with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 230652, which was introduced by Councilmember Gauthier on September 28, 2023. This bill will extend the timeline for compliance with the terms and the conditions of the original legislation, Bill No. 17 170086. The Planning Commission has approved the two previous bills for extending the timeline for compliance in 2019 and 2021. Therefore, the Planning Commission is scheduled to consider this bill at its meeting on Thursday, October 19, 2023 with a staff recommendation for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions at this time. This concludes my testimonies. Thank you.

I think we're good to go, right, Sarah?

(Nodded head).

Okay. Are there any questions from members of the Committee for either one of these panelists around the set of bills that they testified on today? (No response.)

Hearing none, I want to thank you both for your work as well as your comments here today on a number of bills. The Committee greatly appreciates it. With that being said, I want to invite all -- well, no, I don't want to do that yet. I want to ask the Tech Team if they could put us in a position to be able to allow public comment now. And then after we go through public comment, we will then transition into the next part of our hearing today. So, Tech Team, we are on standby waiting for you so we can make sure that we have all witnesses who signed up to comment available in our hearing today. COUNCIL TECH SUPPORT: Yeah, we are ready for public comment. They should already be in the meeting.

Thank you, sir. Madam Clerk, will you please call the first witness as well as the bill that they are going to be commenting on today.

Yep. The first bill to have public comment is 230655. The list will be Nicole Brunet, Marc Collazzo, Earl Harris, Joseph Groh, Ahmed Wally, Tony Baylor and Juan Carlos Aparicio.

Okay. Please we will go through public comment in the order that was just read by the Clerk. So, Madam Clerk, can you say the first name to testify here today. Once you hear your name is called, you may start your testimony by stating your name for the record and proceeding with your comments.

Nicole Brunet.

Nicole, please state your name for the record and you may begin with your testimony.

Just checking, Jackie, really quick. What bill did you just say?

230655.

I'm not testifying on this bill.

I'm sorry. 230489. Sorry.

Good morning, Committee Chair Thomas and Committee members. My name is Nicole Brunet and I'm the Policy Director with the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. I also oversee the program Transit Forward Philadelphia. I am testifying today in support of Bill No. 230489, Councilmember Squilla's legislation, to establish a camera-assisted enforcement system for parking violations, practice Transit Forward across the City of Philadelphia. As you may be aware, SEPTA recently released a report that our bus system's safety, accessibility and reliability are being severely harmed by an epidemic of illegal parking in bus lanes and in bus stop zones. We believe immediate action must be taken to change illegal parking behavior and reduce these dangerous violations in all areas of our City. Councilmember Squilla's bill 22 is the key to making our streets, sidewalks and intersections safer in improving mobility for residents in Philadelphia. SEPTA's report revealed that in only a 70-day period over 32,000 unique parking violations were detected at bus stops and over 4,000 unique daily parking violations in bus lanes along SEPTA bus routes and 42. 7 It is unacceptable the amount 8 of violations that have real world 9 consequences for people who rely on 10 transit bus services in Philadelphia, 11 especially people with disabilities 12 and older residents. There is also a 13 report released today that said that 14 Black workers and low-income workers 15 were more likely to be taking 16 transit, which saw severe reductions 17 because of the pandemic and has yet 18 to return to prepandemic service 19 levels. 20 The dangers to transit riders 21 can be compounded by other parking violations, such as vehicles illegally blocking curb-cuts, bike lanes and crosswalks. All these violations interfere with transit buses in a way that harm safety, on-time performance for the system. This is especially important outside of the Center City area not only to blocked bus lanes and stopped slow- down buses, but it also makes it impossible for disabled and low-mobility residents to use the bus. It is critical that all these violations are addressed on a city- wide basis for this program to fulfill its function and benefit the residents that are dependent on public transportation. Councilmember Squilla's legislation and amendment would make this program possible in Center City along Market, JFK, Chestnut, Walnut Streets and all trolley routes. After launching this program, we strongly recommend all agencies reconvene and discuss city-wide expansion. On-time bus service and accessibility shouldn't only be for Center City riders. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony. Madam Clerk, will you please call the next witness.

Yep. I'm going to read again for 230489, the testifiers are Nicole who just went Thomas Earle, Jared Johnson and Ryan Judge. And then we'll go back to 230655. So, Thomas Earle.

Yes. Good morning, Chairperson Thomas and members of the Committee. My name's Thomas Earle. I'm the CEO of Liberty Resources, which is the federally and state-funded Center for Independent Living. I am legally blind and use a white cane to navigate. I live in West Philadelphia in the 3rd Council District and have a monthly key pass and frequently ride SEPTA to and from work and all other areas in the City. As a Center for Independent Living that serves Philadelphia County, our mission is to ensure that people with disabilities can live independently with full access to all aspects of the community, including safe, reliable public transportation, accessible housing and equal employment opportunities. Our civil rights under the ADA are comprehensive and include the community integration mandate decided in the landmark Olmstead decision by the Supreme Court in 1999. And for our disabled community in the Philadelphia area, a key element of true community integration is availability of safe, accessible and integrated public transportation, including the SEPTA bus system. For people with disabilities, we choose to ride SEPTA public mass transit like other riders instead of the more expensive, inconvenient and often unreliable SEPTA CCT paratransit system. Since the passage of the ADA in 1990 over 33 years ago, our disabled community has advocated for improved accessibility, safety and reliability on the SEPTA system, including its extensive bus route system across the City and Philadelphia. We've worked hard with the City to increase the installation of safe curb-cuts at intersections, including intersections that are bus stops so that riders with disabilities who use wheelchairs can safely navigate City intersections and SEPTA bus stopping areas. Liberty Resources applaud Councilperson Mark Squilla for the introduction of Proposed Ordinance 18 230489, the use of bus-mounted camera technology to capture vehicles, images and to issue parking violations through the Philadelphia Parking Authority is a safe, efficient method of enforcement. We see this proposed legislation as an important public safety measure that will help reduce injuries to bus riders, including disabled riders. When drivers illegally park their vehicles and block a curb-cut area, bus-stop area or bus lanes, bus riders must board and deboard SEPTA buses in other undesignated areas of the street where an intersection that are not safe, wheelchair users may have to travel a block or more on the street to get on a bus or return to a sidewalk if the curb-cut is blocked, where they would normally board or deboard. As a result, SEPTA riders like me and my fellow members of the disability community can be hit by drivers who do not notice us. Thousands more riders with disabilities, seniors and youth, bike riders, parents with strollers are also at risk. S. S. 4 percent. This is approximately 280,000 City residents has a disability. Accordingly, increased safety on the streets of Philadelphia should be a top priority for this Committee, our City Council and the many residents living in our City who have a disability. In conclusion, Liberty Resources supports the passage of Bill No. 230489, using the full range of bus-mounted camera enforcement to include city-wide application. We understand the amendment. We still support the bill, but safety is a top priority. And we hope that after six months the Committee, the Parking Authority and all stakeholders can reconvene to discuss the effectiveness of the enforcement and also expand it city-wide, including West Philadelphia where I live. The good news is that this enforcement has worked in other cities, Chicago, New York and the percentage of recidivism is excellent. When an owner of a vehicle who's parked illegally receives a ticket, 85 percent of the time they are not a repeat offender, so this would really enhance safety and be a great public awareness effort.

We understand Councilwoman Bass's issue and we are sensitive to that too. It should be enforced city-wide in a nondiscriminatory manner and we hope to have the full enforcement in place as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and I'm available for any questions.

The next testifier is Jared Johnson.

Good morning, everyone. Can everyone see and hear me?

(Nodded head).

Good morning, Chairperson, members of the Committee on Streets and Services. My name is Jared Johnson and I'm a volunteer member for Fifth Square. I live in Philadelphia. I'm a volunteer member for Fifth Square here in Philadelphia. I'm also a transit advocate for Transit Forward Philly. I'm testifying today in support of Bill No. 230489 regarding an ordinance of camera-based enforcement on buses to capture vehicles and illegal parking on City streets, introduced by Councilman Squilla. And as a daily bus rider, I've seen buses and other vehicles stall on City streets, causing major delay on buses and people having to be late for their jobs and appointments. For example, a person working at 10:00 might be 10 or 15 minutes late because someone parked illegally on Walnut Street, for example, or on Chestnut Street or that person going to a doctor's appointment has to reschedule or even cancel or even say that they're late because of this issue. It also endangers the lives of pedestrians, people with disabilities and causes a health hazard for people with asthma or other chronic illnesses, for example. With this bill, it will reduce the number of delays on buses and will have people arrive early, if not on time, for their appointments or that student being to class on time and not having to worry about handing in their assignments late to get credit. It also reduced the number of crashes on SEPTA buses and reduce the amount of congestion and pollution on our City streets because of stalling, making it easier for those people with chronic conditions such asthma breathe better. Councilmembers, I urge you to approve this bill on behalf of Fifth Square. We support this Bill No. 230489 and this is for every person living, working and visiting the City of Philadelphia. I thank you very much for your time. And Go Phils and Fly Eagles Fly.

Thank you. The next testifier is Ryan Judge.

Good morning, Chair Thomas, Vice-chair Squilla and members on the Committee on Streets and Services. My name is Ryan Judge. I'm the Deputy Chief Planning Officer for Strategy and Analysis for SEPTA. I appreciate the opportunity to speak about Bill 230489 for the potential use of camera-assisted bus lane enforcement to improve the experience of transit riders across the City. Over the past two years SEPTA has talked to more than 20,000 people about how to make transit more useful to more people, and the message has been clear. People want more reliable and more accessible service. In Center City, traffic congestion, double parking and illegal parking at bus stops makes meeting these needs difficult. Illegally parked vehicles obstructing transit throw buses off schedule, slow down service and create unnecessary dangers to riders and pedestrians. This is particularly true for trolleys, which unlike buses cannot travel around a double parked car blocking the travel lane. Blocked bus stops incur serious safety and accessibility issues, especially for seniors and riders with disabilities, as bus operators cannot safely deploy the wheelchair ramp when the bus stop is blocked. In fact, typical bus riders spend 31 additional hours on the bus every year because of Center City congestion and the slower buses costs SEPTA an additional $15.4 million in operating costs every year. At the same time, drivers parked illegally at transit stops make it impossible for SEPTA to provide accessible boarding, meaning that people with wheelchairs and other mobility-assisted devices, trollers and grocery carts could be left behind. Infrastructure improvements such as the new red painted bus lanes on Market Street that were completed in partnership with PennDOT in the City of Philadelphia can help to reduce travel times, create more accessible, predictable and reliable service for everyone, but there needs to be more. In order to understand the extent of illegal parking and evaluate technologies currently deployed in other cities to address these issues, SEPTA can note that a 70-day camera-assisted bus lane and bus stop enforcement pilot, utilizing technology installed on seven buses operating on the routes 21 and 42, the study documented more than 36,000 total parking obstructions in the pilot zone, which included bus lane obstructions in Center City and bus stop obstructions in West Philadelphia. The technology test that was extremely effective at locating potential violations and could be reviewed by parking enforcement authorities. In New York City where this type of technology has been deployed since 2019, bus speeds have increased by as much as 40 percent on enforced routes. Bus collisions have also decreased significantly by as much as 34 percent on certain routes. We welcome the opportunity to work with the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Parking Authority to improve the transit experience for people across our region. Thank you.

There is no 20 additional public comment for this bill, Chairman Thomas.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

The next bill for public comment is 230655, and the order is Marc Collazzo, Earl Harris, Joseph Groh, Ahmed Walley, Tony Baylor and Juan Carlos. Marc.

Thank you, Jackie. Good morning, everyone. Good morning, Chairman Thomas and the rest of the Committee. My name is Marc Collazzo, Executive Director of the Fishtown, Kensington area, Business Improvement District. And I'm here to provide my testimony in strong support of Bill No. 230655. Thank you for Councilmember Mark Squilla for hearing our pleas and moving forward with this legislation. Just located northeast of Center City, Philadelphia, our acclaimed and active business corridor accomplishes world-renowned restaurants, outstanding taverns, boutique hotels, entertainment venues including the fabulous Fillmore and dynamic retail shops. Our district includes businesses along Frankford Avenue, Girard Avenue and North Front Street, which are rich in history and features award-winning culinary delights, modern and traditional art, vibrant nightlife and strong residential commercial density. We have come so far that not only is the Fishtown Kensington area corridor the envy of the region, Forbes magazine referred to us as the model of urban transformation. What is truly special about our district is that it was generated by the creativity and entrepreneurship of those that invest here. Business owners invest their time, talent and treasure to not only fulfill their dreams but become part of our community. This is especially true about our restaurant community. Patrons travel from all over the country to try our cuisine from eclectic fares such as Kalaya, Suraya, Wm. Mulherin's Sons, Izakaya by Yanaga, Pizzeria Beddia and Hiroki, just to name a few. However, we also specialize in affordable take-out quick-stop options. La Colombe, Joe's Steaks and Soda Shop, Calle del Sabor, Murph's Tavern, PIZZA Shackamaxon and Frankford Hall, Humptys Dumplings and coming soon Shake Shack and Sweetgreen. There are a plethora of options for all no matter the time of day. It is my job to protect and assist all of the businesses that invest so much in blood, sweat and tears such as paying employees, real estate taxes, business taxes, BID assessment fees, rental mortgages and mandatory trash collection fees to make our commercial corridor thrive. We must also make sure that all that operate here respect our neighborhood and adhere to all laws and regulations so that everyone has a safe and pleasant experience. m. Please note that the current street venue statute only allows them to legally operate until midnight. And the result is a large accumulation of people at these locations, especially after the bars and taverns close, which often leads to unruly conduct and an abundance of trash. As a result, the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District has had to expend a great sum of money to hire our safety ambassadors to patrol this area into the very early morning hours to ensure public safety as well as pay additional fees to our cleaning vendor ready, willing and able to spend extra time at Frankford and Girard to pick up the trash left by these vendors and patrons. The BID is happy to help our business and residential communities, but our funds are not unlimited. Moreover, these illegal operating food vendors hurt the eateries such as Joe's Steaks and Soda Shop, Calle del Sabor and Johnny Brenda's, just to name a few, who have invested their time, talent and treasure in committing to the Fishtown Kensington communities by opening a brick-and- mortar business here. It is our obligation to protect them and help them flourish, especially after the financial impact of the pandemic. Our elected officials have been working with residents whose streets were directly impacted by this location since the spring of 2021. The primary concerns were the constant idling of food trucks, the overflow of trash and crowds walking through our neighborhoods until the early morning hours. The BID was in direct contact with our officials and residents to hear these concerns and our efforts are more fully set forth coming up.

Before ever seeking this legislation to ban street vendors on Girard Avenue from Leopard Street to Shackamaxon, we attempted to work with local law enforcement, the Department of Health and Licenses & Inspections respectively to enforce the current regulations, especially the close-up time of midnight. As you can imagine, it was not easy to get City workers to come out after midnight on the weekends and even harder to get overtime approved. We were finally able to do so in September of 2023. Our Fishtown ambassadors hand-delivered warning notices that the City would be inspecting the following weekend. The City inspectors came out the next weekend and issued citations to all of the operators at this location. I was told by Maureen Blaney that the vendors to a person laughed and kept working. We have been unable to get regular overtime for the inspectors to keep coming so we've come to this next step. Opponents of this bill would claim that the proposed legislation would remove affordable eating options in our district. While we do not share in this opinion, it is important to note that the food vendors at Frankford and Girard Avenues do not appear for lunch and dinner. m. m. Again, three hours after they're legally required to close and leave. Lastly, we want to stress that this is not an anti-food truck piece of legislation. This ordinance only affects Girard Avenue from Leopard to Shackamaxon, so they are not banned from the rest of our district. Lastly, in my written testimony which I've provided, I provided Exhibit A, which lists all of the brick-and-mortar quick-stop, take-out options that people can focus on. It is imperative in making this decision that all who operate within our City must follow all rules and regulations while respecting all that live, shop, dine, work and play in our community. When operators fail to do so as they have at this location and current enforcement mechanisms are impractical and ineffective, we must all come together to do what is fair and just for our citizenry. Thank you for your time and consideration, and obviously Go Phillies.

Thank you for your testimony. Unfortunately, because we now have another hearing that we have to start pretty soon, we're going to have to keep our public comment testimony to two minutes, so the Clerk is going to be timing everybody. Folks will have two minutes to provide their comment and we have to get ready for the next hearing that we have for today's Council session. So, Madam Clerk, would you please call the next witness to testify.

The next witness is Earl Harris.

Please state your name for the record and you may begin with your testimony.

Yes. How you doing. My name is Earl Harris. Can you hear me?

We can hear you. You may proceed with your testimony.

I mean, I just wanted to express my concerns about my -- I understand the o'clock 7 issue. A lot of the patrons that 8 come after 12 o'clock be trying to 9 sober up to get home, like we out 10 there providing our service to the 11 community as well and cleaning up our 12 trash and things like that. I mean, I'm just trying to figure out where are we to go comfortably to make money to provide for our family legally. That's it.

Thank you for your testimony, Mr. Harris. We appreciate your perspective. And, Mr. Harris, if you want to work with members of Council to figure out the answer to that, you can feel free to reach out to our offices and we will be more than willing to work with you. Madam Clerk, can you please call the next witness to testify today.

The next witness is Joseph Groh.

Good morning, everybody. My name is Joseph Groh and I am the owner of Joe's Steak and Soda Shop. I got a front row view of what goes on. It's a 24/7 operation. When they're done at night, they put a dump truck there, they put a car there they block. It's a two-hour parking zone. They block so that no 15 one can park there. When they come at night, what they do at 7 o'clock at night is -- two or three food trucks, I seen one go on the pavement which is awful. I also saw two wide coming right into the crosswalk. Besides the trash and the people that are in front of my store, you know, this is unacceptable. I mean, I'm not about people not making money, but with the -- and the rent I pay and the taxes I pay, I shouldn't have to deal with trucks across the street idling, with the trash. And I had a confrontation with a guy because he's sitting on my stoop. And, you know, I just don't think it's a good (inaudible) for Fishtown and that's my opinion on it. I know I'll try to make it brief, so thank you for your time.

Thank you for your testimony. It's very much appreciated. Madam Clerk.

All right.

The next member for public comment is Ahmed Walley.

(Muted).

You're on mute, Mr. Walley.

(Muted).

Mr. Walley, we still can't hear you. You're on mute.

Yeah. Hi. Yeah, my comment is just -- I just wanted to say that I've been standing over there, there's some trucks over there for like almost years, 11 6 years, you know. And this is the 7 issue for the -- the thing is, like, 8 the community that we have or the 9 food trucks that are there have been 10 for a long time. And then they're 11 like a lot of people there. They're 12 like so -- they come to Fishtown just for the food trucks, you know, like they enjoy the food trucks. And every week -- I assure you every week we pay the people, they come especially they clean the trash, you know. There is no trash. Like every night we make sure when we close, we clean up our area, you know. Nobody can leave the trash on the roads, you know. Like, you know, if you're making money somewhere, you know, you can't just leave the trash over there. We clean up our places, you know. And it's been seven years that I'm standing over there. That's the only income, the only money that I make for my family and all that I provide, you know. So we're all like -- all of us we're trying to work with the community, you know. We want to make it better. But the only thing is we want some place to, you know, like to have a designated area so we can park over there and have a safe environment, you know, and make some money for our families. And, you know, like we don't want to hurt nobody's business, you know. And when we are open, you know, nobody's -- none of the businesses are open, you know. The restaurants they are talking about, those restaurants they close up like 10 o'clock, 9 o'clock, you know. After that, you know, there's no 24 food, you know. And people when they come out from the bars and stuff, they want to eat something so they can sober up and go to their -- on their way to their houses safely, you know, because a lot of people are driving. A lot of people are so -- if there's no -- if the food trucks are not there, you know, there's going to be I think more issue because people will stop -- because when they drink, they have to eat something to sober up a little bit to calm down, you know, so they can go home safely. And like the police department, all the departments, they come to us, you know. They take our food and all. Everybody's upset about this bill, you know. Like all the customers that we interact with, they say this is not right, you know, because this thing is here for like 12, 15 years, you know. It's not a one-day thing, you know. So like --

Excuse me, Mr. Walley. We have a two-minute mark. Thank you so much though.

I just want to say one thing, that we should all work together and make like -- we all should work for the community, you know, for the good of the community, you know.

Thank you so much for your testimony.

Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony, and we're more than willing to work with you and other vendors to figure out how we can come up with a happy compromise, so thank you. Madam Clerk, can you please call the next witness to testify.

The next witness is Tony Baylor.

Please state your name for the record and you may begin with your testimony. (No response.)

Tony Baylor. (No response.)

Madam Clerk, next witness.

The next witness is Juan Carlos.

Mr. Carlos, please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony. (No response.)

Madam clerk, next witness.

There's no more public comment for this bill.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Members of the Committee -- members of the Committee we are going to look to move to the next phase of this --

Oh, we have additional public comment for other bills.

Go ahead, Madam Clerk.

The next bills with public comment is 230676, 230677, 230678, all Nicole Brunet.

Hello and good morning or good afternoon, Committee Chair Thomas and Committee members. Would you like me to read all my testimony back-to-back?

We will prefer if you can condense it. We're running behind for another hearing so the more efficient the better. Thank you.

Great. Thank you. My name is Nicole Brunet and I'm the Policy Director for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. I am testifying today in support of Bill 230676. I would like to thank Councilmember Curtis Jones for introducing this legislation. This is the use of an automated red light enforcement system to prevent red light violations. This technology is crucial when it comes to enforcing red light violations but also to change dangerous driving behavior. The intersection of Belmont Avenue, Ford Road and Overbrook Ave will greatly benefit from this technology. I would like also to testify in support of Bill 230677. Thank you, Councilmember Curtis Jones, for introducing this legislation, use of an automated red light enforcement system to prevent red light violations at the intersection of Kelly Drive and Falls Bridge. This technology is crucial when it comes to enforcing red light violations but to also change dangerous driving behavior. The Bicycle Coalition has been advocating for this red light camera for five years and many people who come in along Kelly Drive do not live in the 4th District but commute into Philadelphia from outside the City and regularly abuse both the red light and the speed limit along Kelly and MLK Drive. Additionally, Kelly Drive is part of the City's High Injury Network. And while we do not control the speed on Kelly, this would be a dent into motorist behavior on the Drive. And then I would like to thank Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson for introducing legislation Bill No. 13 230678. I'm testifying in support of use of an automated red light enforcement system to prevent red light violations at 17th Street and Washington Avenue. This is crucial technology to enforcing red light violations. Washington Avenue is part of the City's High Injury Network and adding this technology is imperative to save lives and hold bad actors accountable. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony. Thank you for your patience and thank you for your flexibility. Madam Clerk, would you please call the next witness.

I just want to highlight Councilmember Bass has her hand raised.

Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you, Jackie. Mr. Chairman, I just want to be registered voting aye on all of our business today. I actually have to leave the Committee hearing for other Council business, but I do want to be registered as voting aye.

Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman.

Thank you.

Madam Clerk.

The next bill for public comment is Bill No. 230486. Amanda Kaiserman, Thomas Friese and Stephanie Boggs Magagna.

Again, good afternoon. Please be flexible for us and try to condense your testimony to two minutes. Please state your name for the record and you may begin with your testimony.

Thank you. My name is Stephanie Boggs Magagna. I'm an attorney representing the owner of 424 Pine Street. The application for City Plan change was submitted on their behalf. The owner is present as well as Tom Friese, the applicant. Just wanted to note our support for the bill that's being proposed and are available for any questions, but I think we can limit it to that if there are none.

Oh, thank you. No questions from members of the Committee and thank you so much for being available for questions. Madam Clerk, can you call the next witness.

Yes. Would Thomas Friese and Amanda like to testify, Ms. Boggs?

No, I believe we just wanted to make ourselves available for questions.

Excellent. Thank you. The next bill for public comment is 230577 and it's Joe Landow and Harry Schley.

Good afternoon. My name is Harry Schley. I'm a lifelong Philadelphian and I am the President of the Wynnefield Overbrook Eruv Association. I would like to thank Councilmember Curtis Jones for introducing this legislation. The Hebrew word eruv means to mix or join together. Ansbach Jewish law prohibits transferring objects from one domain or property to another. An eruv is a symbolic physical boundary around the neighborhood that transforms the area into one domain and permits certain Jews to carry objects between households Ansbach. This could include pushing a stroller or carrying food to its neighbor or bringing prayer books to a synagogue. Eruv is a key tool that promotes community engagement, prayer and service. The eruv itself is made of thin wires, narrow posts and existing physical structures with cooperation, permission of local governments and private organizations. The physical modifications used to establish eruv are intended to be effectively invisible with no impact on the public way. In addition to Philadelphia City Governor, we are in contact with Amtrak, PECO, St. Joe's University and others to request permission to access their property. Philadelphia's host to separate eruvs in the Northeast, Center City, University City and Overbrook Park. The Jewish community in Wynnefield and Overbrook seeks the support to establish an eruv in our neighborhood. We are supported by the local synagogue Raim Ahuvim, which has been essential in Jewish life in Overbrook and Wynnefield since the 1950s, but has struggled over the past decade to hold regular services because it's difficult for members to access the synagogue on Shabbat without an eruv. Your support for the proposed ordinance is critical not only for the permission to make virtually unnoticeable to public property but for us to be able to truly call this area our home. On behalf of the Jewish community in Philadelphia, we humbly ask for your support in building and strengthening our community. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I'm also available for any questions or clarifications. Thank you.

Thank you. Joel Landow.

No, just thank you for your time. Go ahead. Thank you.

Thank you. There are no more public comments for this bill. The next bill we have is 230581. Steven Janusky. (No response.)

David, are you on? (No response.)

If he's not on, Councilmember Thomas, we are done with public comment.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. There being no further questions from members of the Committee and no other witnesses to testify, I will ask that if there is anyone else present in the hearing whose name we have failed to call that wishes to offer testimony on any of the bills being considered today? (No response.)

Hearing none, I want to thank all the panels of witnesses for your participation today. We value your opinions. I now invite all panels of witnesses to please disconnect from the meeting before we go into the public meeting. We will now pause the proceedings as multiple participants are leaving the hearing. This concludes the public hearing of the Committee, and we will now go into the public meeting to consider action taken on the bills for this Committee today. Ms. Golden, will you please take a minute to call roll. Members that are in attendance will indicate that they are present when your name is called. Also, please say a few brief remarks when responding so that your image is displayed on the screen. Madam Clerk.

Vice-Chair Squilla. (No response.)

Councilwoman Brooks.

Madam clerk, we can't hear you.

You can't hear me?

No, we cannot hear you.

Is that better?

Yep.

Okay. Vice-Chair Squilla. (No response.)

Councilwoman Brooks. (No response.)

Councilmember Johnson.

Jackie, I don't know if we can hold for a couple of minutes. There's a press conference going on about the reward for the police shooter.

Thank you, Vice-Chair. Let's pause the proceedings and we'll proceed in the next couple of minutes.

Thank you. It will probably be another five minutes. (Brief recess.)

Thank you for your patience, everybody, and sorry for the delay. We have concluded the public hearing and we're looking to go into the public meeting to consider the action to be taken before this Council Committee here today. Again, we apologize for the delay. With that being said, Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll. Members that are in attendance, please take a moment to say a few brief words when responding so that your image will be displayed on screen when you speak. Madam Clerk.

Vice-Chair Squilla.

Good afternoon, Mr. Chair and colleagues. Present.

Councilmember Brooks.

Good afternoon. I'm present.

Councilmember Johnson.

(Muted).

Councilmember Johnson, I saw you came off mute. Can you say that again?

Present.

Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

Good afternoon. I'm present.

Councilmember Thomas.

I'm present. And Councilmember Bass has been -- for the record wants to be recorded as voting aye on all bills and resolutions. A quorum of the Committee is present. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a single motion to approve amendments to the bills that are being considered today.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for your time today. I do want to say one thing before we move the motion and --

Yes, sir.

Any individuals or associate vendors or trucks that would love to meet with me to come up with alternative options for vending either in the location close by or after hours, I'm happy to work with the Food Truck Association and then to come up with a plan. We did introduce something in 2015 that we couldn't get enough support for, but maybe this time it will be worthwhile to revisit that, and I can share that legislation with them and see how we could all work together. So thank you for that. And, Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill Nos. 230584, 230655, 230489, 230570, 230676, 230677, 230678, 230445, -- 15

16 Councilman. Councilman, I'm sorry. 17 I think we have to do the amendments 18 first. 19

Okay. 20 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 21 I offer amendments to Bill 22 Nos. 230487, 230570, 230489, 230572, 23 230581, 230580 and 230445. A copy of the amendments have been circulated to all members of Council. The Committee and I move that the amendments be approved.

I need a second.

Second. Second.

Thank you, Councilwoman. It's been moved and properly seconded that the amendments to the bills just read in by Councilmember Squilla be approved. All those in favor of a single motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries, and these amendments have been approved. Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla for a single motion on the bills that we are considering today.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill Nos. 230584, 230655, 230489, 230570, 230676, 230677, 230678, 230445, 230486, 230487, 230488, 230572, 230573, 230575, 230577, 230580, 230581, 230582, 230621, 230622, 230623, 230624, 230625, 230652 and 230550, including any amendments that have just been approved be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit the first reading of these bills at the next session of Council.

Second.

It's been moved and properly seconded that the bills just read by Councilmember Squilla, including any amendments that have been approved today be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the first reading of these bills at the next session of Council. All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)

Those opposed? (No response.)

The ayes have it and the motion carries. Please be advised that Bill No. 15 230548 was held at the sponsor's request and was not heard or moved during this meeting. This concludes the business before the Committee on Streets and Services. I want to thank you all for your attendance and also be conscious of the fact that we voted out over 20 bills, which will be read on the Council floor this Thursday. Thank you colleagues and sorry for the choppiness. We appreciate your patience for those of you in the listening public. And to Councilmember Johnson specifically, thank you for your leadership. And, Councilmember Squilla, thank you for your willingness to work with our vendors. A number of them testified today, and I'm sure you're going to do your due diligence to make sure that they have every opportunity to provide a quality living for themselves and their families. Thank you colleagues. I appreciate you. Thank you for your patience and thank you to the Tech Team for making this hearing happen today. We do apologize for the choppiness, Tech Team, but we do appreciate you. Have a great rest of your day --

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Great job.

Have a great rest of your day everybody. Try to enjoy the weather.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Go Phillies. Let's go Phillies.

Go Phillies. Thank you all. Have a great day. Thank you, Mr. Chair. (Hearing concluded at 12:45 p.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. _____________________________ TANEHA CARROLL