I'm speaking on the behalf of Bill 230575. That is the bill that Councilmember Curtis Jones is submitting, lines and grades. It's very important that we enforce the little laws, because little laws get broken and people feel they can get away with big crimes. The crime of the City of Philadelphia right now is running rampant is the people that are out here committing crimes on all of us, bus drivers, police officers, citizens of Philadelphia, and some Councilpeople. I feel as though we as citizens of this city deserve all hands on deck to straighten this matter out. And this matter is only being perpetrated through Stated Meeting 97 11/02/2023 a handful of people. We need forensics, we need law enforcement, and we need collectiveness of everyone in this body to work diligently with Council, with the Mayor so that we can have a first-class city and people feel safe to enjoy the luxury of this great city. I said three weeks ago I will put my time and my wallet to address this matter. I'm not going to have my great grand-kids afraid of gun play. So I would ask if we put our differences aside and move as one unit and let's get this job done, because we have the tools, and with Councilwoman Gauthier, she has put her pen to power by supporting a forensic lab in her district.
The next speaker is Maria Mendez. (Witness approached podium.)
Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Maria Mendez. I was born and raised in South Philly and I'm a daughter of immigrant parents that come from Mexico. I hear this constant misconception that youth don't care, but maybe people just aren't listening to what it is that we need. So many traumatized youth in our city, we need more resources, we need emotional support. We are hurt. We are tired of neglect. I started doing community organizing when I was 16 and fell in love Stated Meeting 99 11/02/2023 with the idea that someone as small as me could make change externally but also internally. I was given hope, and hope is the seed that I hope to spread all over my city. I want to see more youth show up at polls on Election Day. I want to see more youth involved in community clean-ups and seeing them become leaders, but for this, we need our adults, our guiders to listen, to care, and to provide. What do I do? I bring healing to my community. Thank you to Councilmember Isaiah Thomas again for recognizing youth activism. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next speaker Stated Meeting 100 11/02/2023 is Cathy Scott. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon, Council President Clarke and Councilmembers. My name is Cathy Scott and I am speaking in support of Councilwoman Brooks' resolution regarding YEAH Philly. I want to add my congratulations for the work that this group is doing. It is encouraging to see the City shifting to restorative justice and a focus on providing increased services to children and youth, such as restoring funding to Parks and Recreation and libraries. It is an obligation we have as a community to provide services to our residents, but we have to make these spaces safe, which requires supporting groups like YEAH Philly and providing funding for services to youth in the Stated Meeting 101 11/02/2023 evenings and hopefully seven days a week. I echo what Melissa Robins said, let's expand the YEAH Philly model citywide. It would do a wonderful job in helping our city and our youth. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next speaker is Wanda Davis. (Witness approached podium.)
Good afternoon. My name is Wanda Davis. Good afternoon, President Clarke and other Councilmembers and Mr. Decker. I am here in support of Kendra Brooks -- Councilwoman Kendra Brooks's resolution for YEAH Philly. Having grown up in Nicetown, the Nicetown neighborhood here in Stated Meeting 102 11/02/2023 Philadelphia, I am very proud of you and the work that you've done. YEAH Philly, Youth Empowerment for Advancement Hangout, that alone should give us something to look forward to. When I grew up in Nicetown, I had the Boys and Girls Club that we went to. I remember the PAL. We know that the devil's workshop is an idle mind. We have to have something to do for young people, and public safety is number one. And while we're at it, let's support these forensic labs. We have to have that. We need to make sure that we can get some scientific work done to solve some of these crimes, if we really want to. We see some of them get solved overnight. We see others that are still being solved and it's been years ago. And we all have been victims or have family members that have been victims. So I just ask and say again thank you for Councilwoman Brooks, what Stated Meeting 103 11/02/2023 you're doing, and thank all of you Councilmembers for what you continue to do. Thank you.
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes our public Stated Meeting 104 11/02/2023 comment for today. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you so much, Council President. I wanted to take an opportunity just to welcome AJ Baker to Philadelphia City Council Chambers. He hails from the Fourth Council District, Councilmember Jones. He attends a church in the Fifth Council District, Council President Clarke, where he also serves as one of the lead musicians. He is currently a high school senior, and he is interested in pursuing a degree in science at his number one choice school, Villanova University. He is working with us on legislative matters and assisting my office during his internship, and we are exceedingly grateful to have his intellect and his hard work in our office. So please welcome AJ Baker to Philadelphia City Council Chambers. Stated Meeting 105 11/02/2023 (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you. That's the conclusion of our public comment session. We will now consider today's Bill Consent Agenda. I will ask the Clerk to please read the titles of all the bills on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill on the Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection, without debate, the bill will immediately be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. I will now ask Mr. Decker please read the titles of all the bills on the Consent Agenda.
Bill No. 230575, Stated Meeting 106 11/02/2023 "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 266 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Lex Street from Thompson Street to its terminus"; and Bill No. 230652, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 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 the houselines and curblines of Convention Avenue, from Thirty-Fourth Street to Health Sciences Drive,' by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein"; and Bill No. 230547, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Mayfield Street, 6th Street, Indiana Stated Meeting 107 11/02/2023 Avenue, and Marshall Street"; and Bill No. 230578, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 14-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Historic Preservation,' to establish a temporary demolition moratorium with respect to properties in the area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Rochelle Avenue, Vicaris Street, and Hermit Street"; and Bill No. 230626, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising certain provisions of Chapter 14-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Development Standards,' by revising bulk and massing controls within CMX-4 and CMX-5 zoning districts"; and Bill No. 230627, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by George Street, 2nd Street, Laurel Street, the Stated Meeting 108 11/02/2023 Expressway, Spring Garden Street, and 3rd Street"; and Bill No. 230628, entitled "An ordinance approving a new plan, estimated costs and proposed method of assessment of the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia for and concerning business improvements and administrative services to the Old City area of the City of Philadelphia"; and Bill No. 230650, entitled "An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Arch Street, 50th Street, Market Street, 49th Street, Chestnut Street, and 51st Street, all under certain terms and conditions."
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. These bills having been read on two different days, the question for each bill now is shall the bill pass finally. The Clerk shall call the roll, Stated Meeting 109 11/02/2023 called, each Councilmember shall vote aye on each of the bills, nay on each of the bills, or indicate those bills for which the member is voting aye and those bills for which the member is voting nay. Mr. Decker.
Aye on all bills. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative for each of the bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda have passed. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the regular and Second Reading Final Passage Calendar, and I Stated Meeting 112 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING would ask the Clerk to please read the title of Resolution No. 230752.
A resolution confirming the re-appointment of Matthew Stitt to the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority to serve in the term ending January 1, 2029.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a motion.
Thank you, Mr. President. On your behalf, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. Stated Meeting 113 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 230757.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 5232 Chester Avenue, 5906 Market Street, 5908 Market Street, and 6025 Washington Avenue in the Third Councilmanic District.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) Stated Meeting 114 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230758.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1511 through 17 South 55th Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The Stated Meeting 115 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING ayes have it, and that resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, 230759.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5232 Chester Avenue located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Gauthier.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and that resolution is Stated Meeting 116 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 200253-A.
An ordinance amending Section 20-303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Salaries of Specified Officers," to establish salaries based on an Annual Compensation Plan.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Councilwoman Stated Meeting 117 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Gauthier.
Mr. President, I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on this bill and all the bills on the Consent Agenda. Thank you.
Thank you. Let the record reflect that Stated Meeting 118 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilman O'Neill is voting aye on all those bills and resolutions during his absence and you're voting aye on this particular bill.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 230574. Stated Meeting 119 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
An ordinance to amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising certain provisions of Chapter 14-500, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by creating the "Brewerytown-Sharswood Overlay Subarea."
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for an amendment to Bill No. 230574.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would like, on your behalf, to offer an amendment to Bill No. 230574. A copy of that amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. (Duly seconded.)
All Stated Meeting 120 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. Bill No. 230574 has been amended. Bill No. 230574, as amended, will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. Mr. Decker, 230585.
An ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Johnson Street, Germantown Avenue, Rittenhouse Street, and Wissahickon Avenue.
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Stated Meeting 121 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. Stated Meeting 122 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present voting in the affirmative, the bill Stated Meeting 123 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING passes. Mr. Decker, 230629.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Herman Street, Baynton Street, Walnut Lane, and Germantown Avenue.
Thank you. This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.
Aye. Stated Meeting 124 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING
Councilman Stated Meeting 125 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING Squilla.
Aye. The ayes are 15; the nays are zero. A majority of all members present voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. Mr. Decker, 230630.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Housing Authority to acquire fee simple title to certain properties located in the vicinity of 28th Street to the east, 29th Street to the west, Cumberland Street to the north, and York Street to the south.
This Stated Meeting 126 11/02/2023 11/2/23 - STATED - 2ND READING bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Mr. Decker, call the roll.