COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC HEARING AND MEETING BEFORE THE COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON RULES - - - Room 696, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, 6/5/02, 10:30 a.m. - - - BILL 020253 - Creation of Ontario Urban Renewal Area BILL 020274 - Facilitate Tasker Homes redevelopment BILL 020278 - Held at request of sponsor BILL 020279 - Re American Street Industrial Corridor BILL 020282 - W. Parkside Lancaster Redevelpmt. Area BILL 020283 - Tech. amendments to R-5 Res. Districts BILL 020284 - Re East Poplar Urban Renewal Area BILL 020315 - Re South Central Urban Renewal Area BILL 020317 - Re Model Cities Urban Renewal BILL 020345 - Changing Phila. Zoning Maps to... BILL 020346 - " " " " " (Complete text of all ordinances attached hereto.) PRESENT: COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY, Vice Chair COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL - - - VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 561-2220 6/5/02 RULES COMMITTEE MEETING - INDEX WITNESS BILL 020254 Herbert Wetzel, Executive Director, RDA........ Richard Redding, City Planning Commission...... Sam Cook, Committeeperson, Tioga-Nicetown...... Russell Bowden, Tioga-Nicetown Resident........ Leslie Archer, " " " ........ Gwen Williams, " " " ........ J. Vederman, Overbrook Investment Properties... Penoni Associates Rep. ........................ 29 8 9 BILL 020284 10 Herbert Wetzel, Executive Director, RDA........ 37 Richard Redding, City Planning Commission...... 38 11 R. Patterson, Esq., Counsel to Mosaica, Inc. 40 W. Palmer Leadership Learning Partners Charter 42 12 Reverend Martha A. Lange, Mt. Tabor AME Church 44 J. Matte, Program Facilitator, LLP Charter 45 13 D. Curtis, Parent of Children at LLP Charter... 47 Ruth Holland, Friends Neighborhood Guild....... 48 14 Students from LLP Charter School............... 50 G. Bowie, Block Captain, 10, 900 block, No. 6th 53 15 D. Collier, Friends Neighborhood Guild......... 55 BILL 020274 Thomas Chapman, City Planning Commission....... 61 BILL 020279 Herbert Wetzel, Executive Director, RDA........ 63 Richard Redding, City Planning Commission...... 65 M. Rousch, Kensington South Resident........... 66 Eva Gladstein, Philadelphia Empowerment Zone... 72 BILL 020282 Herbert Wetzel, Executive Director, RDA........ 75 Richard Redding, City Planning Commission...... 77 Parkside Avenue Resident....................... 79 3 6/5/02 RULES INDEX, con't. BILL 020315 Herbert Wetzel, Executive Director, RDA........ 81 Richard Redding, City Planning Commission...... 85 Terri Kennedy, South Philadelphia Resident..... 86 Jeff Brown, RDA Project Manager................ 88 Mitch Golden, Bella Vista Committeeman......... 96 V. Anastasia, Bella Vista United Civic Assoc. 101 G. Pastore, President, Bella Vista Town Watch 101 J. Bazuk, Bella Vista Resident................. 102 Dominic Lazarro, Bella Vista Resident.......... 104 Joe Raio, South Philadelphia Resident.......... 104 BILL 020317 Herbert Wetzel, Executive Director, RDA........ 123 Richard Redding, City Planning Commission...... 126 Norris Square Civic Association Rep. ......... 126 BILL 020345 Thomas Chapman, City Planning Commission....... 128 Albert Cantella................................ 130 Member, Board of Trustees, Holy Family College BILL 020346 Thomas Chapman, City Planning Commission....... 132 4 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253
The Council Committee on Rules now has a quorum: Council President Verna, Councilmember Nutter, Councilmember O'Neill, Councilmember DiCicco, and myself as vice chairman, Councilmember Kenny. We're here to hear testimony on a number of bills today. We'll try to be as quick as possible, and your cooperation in keeping discussion to a minimum in the room would be helpful in doing that. The first bill today we'll hear is Bill 13 No. 020253, which is an ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Ontario Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by West Westmoreland Street on the north, Broad Street on the east, West Clearfield Street on the south and 15th street on the west; approving the urban renewal plan and determining that such plan and redevelopment proposal conform to the general locality plan and make adequate provisions for individuals, business concerns, and families who are displaced; determining the necessity for 5 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 changes in and for zoning streets, alleys, public ways, street patterns, location, and relocation of public utilities; determining that the urban renewal plan and the redevelopment proposal meet all nondiscrimination requirements of federal, state, and local laws, and the regulations and policies promulgated with respect thereto; declaring that certain expressly designated and provided for condemnation is imminent with respect to the project; and declaring the redevelopment undertakings on the project to be an important part of the City's program to remove and prevent the spread of urban blight. (Witness comes forward.)
Please identify yourself for the record. Councilmember Miller, do you have anything you'd like to say prior to testimony? The Chair recognizes Councilmember Miller.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'd just like Councilmembers to know that this is a project that we truly support a 6 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 hundred percent. We've been working and talking about doing a project here probably for as long as I've been in Council, and that's seven years. So I'm really glad that we're scheduled today, and finally, we're going to have some movement and development of this blighted lot. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Please identify yourself for the record and proceed.
My name is Herbert Wetzel, and I'm Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I'm here to speak in support of Bill No. 21 020253. This bill would authorize the creation of the Ontario Urban Renewal Area and the approval of the Ontario redevelopment proposal and the Ontario urban renewal plan for the Ontario Urban Renewal Area. 7 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 The urbn renewal proposal will allow for the development of new commercial, retail, and professional establishments in the area and will meet the needs of health services, education, the medical research industry, and existing residents. This bill would authorize the Redevelopment Authority to acquire 31 properties for two projects, and I will describe them. Overbrook Investment Properties -- and the developer is here today if Council would like to see the proposed development. Sixteen properties will be acquired on behalf Overbrook Investment Properties LLC and are located on the 3200 block of North Broad Street and will be combined with an additional twelve that have already been acquired. Overbrook proposes to build a mixed-use commercial facility. The acquisition cost is estimated to be $188,000, which will be paid for by Overbrook Investment Properties. Overbrook is entering into an non-assistance agreement with the Authority for the acquisition. The second project is sponsored by the Commerce Department, and it's on behalf of the 8 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 creation of a McDonald's Training Center. Fifteen properties are to be acquired on behalf of the Commerce Department and are located on the 3100 block of North Broad Street. The proposed project will include an office building and training center for a McDonald's franchise owner. The Authority has entered into funding and acquisition agreements with PIDC and the Commerce Department to support this project. The acquisition costs are estimated to be $1.07 million and will be paid for by the Commerce Department and PIDC. Mr. Chairman, and members of the committee, I respectfully request favorable consideration of Bill No. 020253 and would ask for the suspension of Council rules to allow for a first reading on June 6, 2002.
Thank you very much. Any questions for Mr. Wetzel? (No questions.)
Thank you. And good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of City Council.
My name is Richard Redding, the Acting Director of the Community Planning division at the City Planning Commission. I'm here today to testify on Bill No. 020253. This bill approves the redevelopment proposal and urban renewal plan for the Ontario Urban Renewal Area located in the vicinity of Broad and Ontario streets in North Philadelphia. The bill allows for acquisition and land assembly. The purpose is to facilitate new commercial development along Broad Street in the Tioga neighborhood adjacent to Temple University's sciences center. In accordance with the Planning Commission's previous approval of a redevelopment area plan for the same section, the Planning Commission approved this redevelopment proposal and urban renewal plan on April 9, 2002, and I'll be happy to answer any questions. 10 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 Thank you.
Thank you very much Any questions for this witness? (No questions.)
Seeing none, we thank you for your testimony. Is there anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.)
None? Thank you. (Some audience members express desire to testify.)
Oh, okay, all right. I just asked. I didn't see you. Could you gentlemen please relinquish the chair. Whoever's testifying, please come forward and take a seat. (Witnesses come forward.)
Whoever has the microphone can start if you would please identify yourself for the record. 11 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253
Okay. My name is Sam Cook, and I'm a committee person in the Tioga-Nicetown area, and I'm here to speak on behalf of the Ontario Urban Renewal zone project. Right now, we would like to touch base about the Overbrook Investment proposal for the 3200 block of Broad Street. The citizens, to my knowledge, is not 100 percent in harmony of having Overbrook Investments come up and build the project on the 3200 block of Broad Street 'cause we are concerned about being overtaxed real-estate-wise. This project was proposed and came to light, to our attention, April the 3rd, without having prior knowledge of them proposing this. So when they came out, they said they was representing someone by the name of Ryan White, okay? Prior to that, we hadn't had no knowledge of Mr. Ryan White's proposal. We questioned in the manner of how they went about ramming that down our throat. We was concerned about the senior citizens around in our area being overtaxed over the years. We feel like we are taxed to the ceiling now. We are scared that if this project goes 12 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 through, additional taxes will be placed on us. To my left here, I have a gentleman named Mr. Russell Bowden (ph), an outstanding civic member from my community; perhaps he might want to, you know, elaborate and talk a little bit about the project.
My name is Russell Bowden, and I'm a homeowner in that community for over 11 years. 12
Okay. Our community has 14 been demoralized for four decades with unregulated 15 housing. So far it's apartments on Broad Street at 16 one time. First it was fraternity houses, then it 17 was unregulated apartments. 18 And in our area, if you notice it, it's 19 surrounded by two state highways. On that state 20 highway, there were several apartment buildings 21 full of crime, unregulated apartment buildings. 22 These apartment buildings weren't owned by PHA at 23 that time or no one. It created a lot of crime in our community. Our community and homeowners has suffered dealer. 13 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 We have no idea on any direction that Miss Miller is going in or the plans for the future of our community. And as Miss Miller said a few months ago, we want to be in, we want to know. We have concerns. We don't want eminent domain to be placed upon the homeowners. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Councilmember Miller? Sir, just hold on. I'm sorry, do we have one more witness? I'm sorry, could one of you gentleman -- thank you. (Witnesses come forward.)
Good morning. Please identify yourself for the record. and pull the microphone closer to you.
My name is Leslie Archer, and I'm also a resident on the 3200 block of North Carlyle Street. I'm not saying I'm opposed to this building being built, but our concerns have not 14 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 been answered. On April the 3rd, we were told that a meeting would be set up with our City Councilperson and with someone from Overbrook Investments. To this date, it has not been set up. My concerns are this: If this building is built, what type of lighting is going to be behind that building being my home is on the other side? How wide will the alleyway be? What type of security will they have? Where will the entrances and exits be for the parking lot being that or 12 so many of our homes on the end of our street have been purchased. Will the parking lot be on the corner of our street? Will that affect our play street for our children during the summertime being that our street is closed off for two months? These questions have not been answered. As far as the taxes, yes, we have been overtaxed. For properties that are only worth $25,000, we're paying almost $800 right now. Something is wrong, and it needs to be addressed, and our concerns have not been answered. So I would appreciate it if someone could at least answer those questions for us. Thank you. 15 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253
My name is Gwen Williams. I live in the 3200 block of North Sydenham Street. Five years ago, they built a senior citizen home next to my property. They hit my wall and damaged my building, and to this day, nobody has repaired my property. They left debris behind my house that's been back there; it's a mountain of debris off of 16th Street between Westmoreland and Allegheny. And nobody has made an attempt to clean it. We don't even know if it's asbestos back there because they took the building debris from the Allegheny Arms and the senior citizen building. It was the St. Joe's Boys Home, and I would like somebody to come out and take care of that before they start building again in my community. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Councilmember Miller. 16 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253
There's been a request that the representative of the developer testify, so please assume the witness table. (Witnesses come forward.)
Someone else can sit at the table if they'd like or have a seat here. Don't fight over it. (Laughter.)
Good morning. Please identify yourself for the record. and proceed.
Good morning. I'm Jay Vederman, President of Overbrook Investment Properties LLC, which is a Pennsylvania limited liability, for the single purpose of carrying out redevelopment, the redevelopment project that is the subject of this hearing. Overbrook proposes to develop upon a portion of land within the Urban Ontario Redevelopment Area a maximum five-level, mixed-use commercial structure up to 180,000 square feet, with accommodations for professional and health services on the upper levels, retail rental space 17 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 at street level, and adjacent off-street parking. All aspects of the project will be designed to comply with relevant provisions of the American Disabilities Act. The project site, which is illustrated in Exhibit A, which you guys have my testimony, which has been submitted to Council --
Actually, I would suggest, sir, that you had made a move to the chart. Perhaps as Mr. Vederman testifies, you can point out the parcels.
Pull up that zoning map right there. The project site, which is illustrated in detail on the board there, is located in the 8th Councilmatic District and is bounded generally by the 3200 block of North Broad Street to the east, Westmoreland Street to the north, and the 3200 block of North Carlyle Street to the west, and Allegheny Avenue to the south, and includes 29 discrete properties variously zoned R9, R10, and C2. The entire site lies within an area certified as blighted and has been vacant for more 18 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 than a decade. In recent years, Overbrook has (indiscernible) responsibility for securing the site as a whole and clearing away illegally dumped trash and abandoned vehicles at its own expense. The project would unify and return the site to productive use and is intended to complement the extensive health sciences presence along the North Street corridor maintained by Temple University and its affiliates. The Ontario Urban Renewal Redevelopment Area plan, which was specifically amended to include the project, has been approved by the Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. The RDA has submitted to Council this proposed resolution 18 designating Overbrook as and an Ontario Renewal Area redeveloper. Enabling legislation in the form of Bill No. 020253 has been introduced by Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller, who represents the 8th Councilmatic District and supports the project and designation of Overbrook as developer, as evidenced by Councilwoman Miller's letters as of January 9, 19 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 2002 and April 1, 2002 addressed respectively to Jay Vederman and the City Planning Commission, attached here as Exhibit B, which is attached to my testimony, which you have. Upon passage of this bill and approval by the Mayor, implementation of the project will commence. Implementation. Implementation of the project will begin with the designation of Overbrook as an area redeveloper in the execution of a formal redevelopment agreement between Overbrook and the RDA, followed by land assembly and acquisition authorized in proposed Bill 020253. The company will take title by private sale to 13 of the 39 component lots, and the RDA will aquire the remaining 16 lots and convey them to Overbrook for consideration to be determined on the basis of industry valuation standards suitable to the circumstances. Overbrook has deposited approximately $152,000 with the RDA towards acquisition costs. Depending on the interpretation of traffic studies and certain other engineering and practical consideration of zoning variance related 20 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 to off-street parking, building height restrictions and access to the site from public streets may be necessary. It is expected that in the absence of any opposition or protest, and with the support and recommendations of the RDA and City Council representation for the district in which the site is located, such needed variances will be granted. Site clearance and construction will begin within three months of conveyance of title to the parcels acquired by the RDA after required permits and licenses have been obtained and any environmental impact issues have been addressed, and the entire project will completed to the satisfaction of the RDA within two years thereafter. The total project costs are estimated to be up to $20 million, of which 4 million represents the equity of Overbrook as the developer. Preliminary memoranda of the willingness to lend the balance of the acquisition of construction funds have been received from local banks and submitted to the RDA. Please note that all cost expenses of the project will be borne by Overbrook and that the 21 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 ultimately, the project will cost the taxpayers of Philadelphia nothing. Overbrook is well-qualified to carry out the project.
Its president, Jay Vederman, has extensive residential and commercial holdings in several states along the eastern seaboard.
Let me just stop you there for a moment, 'cause I think what may be helpful to the record is if -- you gentlemen, I'm sure, are familiar with the site as it exists today.
And perhaps it would be helpful to the people who have come here with some questions who live in the neighborhood if you would talk a little bit about what you envision the improvements to the neighborhood being, issues -- and you've heard some of the questions. Issues related to lighting, off-street parking, the removal of existing debris, how the project would interact with the neighbors, and what -- 22 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 Anytime there's change after a long period of time, there's a lot of skepticism and a lot of concern and fear, and I think that this is a good project, and obviously the Councilmember is supportive of it. But it would also be, I think, helpful to your new neighbors if you could explain a little bit about the improvements they're going to expect to see there. There's other issues of real estate tax potential increases, which we could deal with with the Tax Review Board and other things, but just the general look and feel of the neighborhood, what is expected to improve considering what's there now. I think that would be helpful too. I don't think we have any questions about Overbrook's capability or competence or, I guess, the merit of the project. I guess it's, what will your new neighbors experience?
I brought down some visual aids that, you know, I can briefly go through with you, and I brought some engineers down from Penoni (ph) Associates, an urban planner, and a traffic engineer, and we've done traffic studies and, you know, we've done urban studies. 23 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253
Okay. You're going to have to, I think, take that microphone off, and I hope it will be able to reach. And I think if we can turn that -- that's fine. Can the people who are here to testify from the neighborhood see the map at least? Okay, you can move it a little bit back on the left, I guess. That's fine. That's good. Thank you.
Currently, this is the site right here, which everybody can see. It sits on the southern end of Temple's health sciences campus. The property that I referred to earlier is what's in red and back here. And they are vacant properties, which we have blocking with concrete blocks in order to stop people from 24 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 parking and causing L&I problems. In this direct vicinity, there are close to 3,000 off-street parking spaces for the health sciences campus. Anything in green represents Temple buildings. All of this represents in grids Temple's parking lots. And blue is residential. So, I mean, residential has existed, you know, with Temple here, so it's not unusual to see these type of buildings go along Broad Street here. I'll walk you through the -- this is the actual site plan right here, with the different zoning classifications. What we're proposing to build is a 5-story building of approximately 178,000 square feet, up to the maximum, which has been approved by the City Planning Commission and the RDA, which will consist of mixed-use office on the upper floors and retail and food service on the lower floors.
We're in negotiation 25 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 with tenants, but I'm not in a position to sign any leases because I don't own the property.
Okay, I understand. Could you give us an idea of what maybe some of the types of --
Yeah. I have some plans here that I would be glad to go over with you. On the lower level -- this is a street entrance right here. On the lower level right here, we have the food court design, 'cause there's a lack of food service in the area and we'd like to fill the needs of the or 30,000 people that are 17 consistently coming in and coming out of the 18 neighborhood every day, plus the neighbors, you 19 know, will be able to utilize this also. 20 On the first floor, we're in preliminary negotiations with a bank, a sit-down restaurant, one of the nationals. The last sit-down restaurant up there was Fisher's, which closed a while back. So there isn't a place that one can go to sit down, unless they want to come 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 into Center City or go way out. We are talking to several national drugstores to go in there and maybe a small Starbucks-type operation on the first floor also. There will be a skylight going down to the food court with a 16-foot ceiling, you know, that will secure the area. We will provide security at the building for our tenants. And here's a light wall in the back that goes down. And, again, these are preliminary based on the feedback that we've gotten, you know, through our brokers and in dealing with tenants. And for the second through fifth floor, we're in negotiations with the dialysis center currently, and it's Temple's dialysis contractor, and they came to us 'cause they need to expand and they'd like to be within a block of the hospital, you know, for the demand. We're also dealing with the reproduction center as far as, you know, like a Kinko's-type operation.
It's good you explained that 'cause I wasn't sure what type of 27 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 reproduction you were talking -- about Xeroxing, okay.
And then these are the basic floor plates, and we really haven't spoken to specific medical groups for the top three floors for, you know, the third, fourth, and fifth. My traffic engineer and my urban planner will be glad to answer some questions for you guys.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Vederman, where is the parking in relationship to -- where is the parking in this plan? Is it a surface parking lot or is it multilevel?
Rich. If you could bring up SP-1, SP-1. We don't expect this to be a destination parking -- a destination facility. These people are already here; they're coming in and out of the neighborhood. We have mass transit on the neighborhood there, we have the SEPTA Broad 28 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 Street line right there. And in this area, there is already 2,971 off-street parking spaces, some employee-only and some, you know, pay parking lots. So currently -- and my traffic engineer would be glad to --
I'm just trying to get a sense of -- I understand what you're saying, that a lot of these people are already here.
But if you create office space, you're going to be hopefully bringing in new employees to those office spaces; is that correct? Or is this --
We believe that this is just going to enhance and increase Temple's -- enhance Temple's medical campus. I mean, this is not going to be a destination. Someone driving into town, they're already at Temple and we have several hundred off-street parking spaces right now, metered spaces that aren't being utilized.
So in your opinion, the retail components on the first floor of the restaurant, the drugstore, or whatever else may come, there's adequate parking? 29 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253
Yes. I mean, they're not going to drive to our building tocome to that specifically. We don't believe that and our traffic engineer believes that also.
Could we hear some testimony from Penoni on the traffic engineering and talk about maybe process you went through to determine that position that the developer's taken? PENONI REP.: My name is Brian (indiscernible) with Penoni Associates, and as Mr. Vederman mentioned, we have a great deal of experience in the traffi and transportation and parking issues. The question I heard was the exact location of the proposed parking lot. What is currently proposed is an off-street lot on what is effectively the corner of Westmoreland and Carlyle Street.
Could you point to that, sir, please. Do you know where that is? PENONI REP.: It's on the corner of Carlyle and Westmoreland, directly behind the building. The only access in and out will be provided to Westmoreland Street. 30 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253
How many spaces? PENONI REP.: Currently, there are 4 off-street spaces available in that lot. 5 As part of our observations to date, 6 we've looked at the existing parking operations in 7 the area. As Mr. Vederman mentioned, there's a 8 large number of existing parking structures and 9 parking lots, and within the immediate vicinity of 10 this site being one block to the north one block to 11 the south, etc., we had performed several 12 observations of how many empty parking spaces are 13 routinely available. 14
That area that was 15 just pointed to, where the 18- or 20-parking space 16 lot is, directly left of that, is that row -- are 17 they rowhouses? Is that residential? 18 PENONI REP.: That's correct.
So everything that looks kind of like the tooth look effect there are residential properties above that? PENONI REP.: Right now, yes.
The building looks great from what I can see in the plans. Are you doing any improvements to the streetscape in and 31 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 around the community going back where the residential properties are? Do you plan on doing anything? I mean, I don't -- do you plan on providing any streetscape improvements to the immediate residential community? I can't see what the streets are, but there are little streets back there and -- I mean, something that will complement your project I think you need to have the residential community... (Mr. Vederman confers off the record.)
Well, what I'm suggesting is -- and I don't know whether this has already taken place with the Councilwoman who represents the district, but you might want to talk to the neighbors on the same line that Councilman Kenney spoke to. When things are changing, things are different, people have a tendency to be concerned. So if you include some of those smaller streets that are behind your development in the 32 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 overall plan as far as streetscape, lighting, trees, planters, what have you, if that's something that they would like to see happen, you may want to do that as well, 'cause I think it only does -- it helps to enhance your project as well, and it gives something back to the community.
Absolutely. I mean, we're putting in -- you know, we're trying to improve the area over vacant land. I mean, as you guys may be aware of, this is in a renewal community, one of 40 in the United States that the federal government has designated that it wants developers to come in and revitalize this area.
And we are looking to build, you know, lighting, security. There's a 32-foot setback between our building and the properties behind.
And you want to do some things that are going to be aesthetically beneficial and pleasing to the people who live there.
And why I asked 33 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 about the parking is I thought you had a much larger area of parking, so you want to make sure that the lighting is not offensive to the residents, and you want to do some -- it looks to me as though you're going to do the right thing from that artist's rendition, that you're not going to put up a cyclone fence but you may put some of that -- well, it looks like wrought-iron but it's not, it's really aluminum decorative fencing.
Right. I mean, those are the little things that, I think, can go a long way with supporting the community and getting support from the community.
I just want to state that dialogue with the community will continue, issues and concerns will be addressed. Issues such as lighting, streetscape, curb cuts, traffic patterns, traffic safety, all of those are legitimate. And I would like to thank Mr. Bowden and Mr. Cook and Miss Archer and (indiscernible) 34 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020253 for coming down to testify. And, certainly, it has always been my office's goal to make sure that the community and the development become really good neighbors to each other and address those issues and do the things that we need to do in neighborhoods for improvement. And I just wanted to just make that statement at this time.
Thank you very much. Are there any additional questions for these witnesses? (No further questions.)
Seeing none, thank you very much for your testimony. Is there anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.) - - - 35 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284
We will now move to Bill No. 020284, which is an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 24, 59, as amended, 5 which approved the redevelopment proposal of the 6 Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia 7 for the redevelopment of the East Poplar Urban 8 Redevelopment Area ("East Popular Urban Renewal 9 Area"), by approving the sixth amendment of the 10 redevelopment proposal and the urban renewal plan, 11 which provide, inter alia, for the additional land 12 acquisition of 12 additional properties for 13 semi-public institutional reuse for which 14 condemnation is determined not to be imminent, and 15 changing the proposed land use for 901-947 North 16 Marshall Street from commercial to semi-public 17 institutional reuse, all as contained in the sixth 18 amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the 19 sixth amendment to the urban redevelopment plan. Before I recognize Councilmember Clarke, I just want to let the children know in the room -- some look like they're dozing off like me -- that this is the bill that's dealing with your particular issue and the charter school, so if you want to pay attention, we'll get you out of 36 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 here as soon as we can. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Clarke.
Mr. Chairman, I'd just like to say first that I'd like to thank all of the participants. And in the many days of meetings and discussions about this early on in this process, there was some concerns about the potential use not only for this property that we talk about today, but the block in general and some of the surrounding areas. And as a result of that, there had been discussion with community members, a very inclusive process. People sat down, rolled up their sleeves, and worked out what we believe to be consensus, an understanding of what should happen. I think this actually will be a catalyst for the development of that area above and beyond what happens at this particular school. So I'd like to thank them and commend then for their very hard work, and I think that at 37 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 the end of the day, we'll be very proud as to what ultimately comes as a result of that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you very much. Please identify yourself for the record.
My name is Herbert Wetzel, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.
Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, I am here to speak in support of Bill No. 020284, which approves the sixth amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the urban renewal plan of the East Poplar Urban Redevelopment Area ("East Poplar Urban Renewal Area"). This bill would authorize the Redevelopment Authority to acquire 12 properties and to change the proposed land use for 901-947 North Marshal Street from commercial to semi-public institutional reuse. The acquisition is being requested to facilitate the expansion of the Leadership Learning Partners Charter School. 38 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 The proposed expansion will include the construction of two new school buildings and ancillary parking. The project is estimated to cost $9 million, of which $538,000 will be acquired for aquisition. The acquisition funds for this project are sought from the City's Neighborhood Transformation Initiative Program. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I respectfully request a favorable consideration of Bill No. 020284, and would ask the suspension of Council rules to allow for first reading on on June 6, 2002.
Thank you. For all bills today, the standing suspension request will be in effect 'cause we have to suspend everything today in order to do it by next week. Please identify yourself for the record.
Yes, good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee.
My name is Richard Redding, and I'm Acting Director, Community 39 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 Planning Division, at the City Planning Commission. I'd like to testify today on Bill No. 020284. The bill approves the sixth amended redevelopment proposal and the urban renewal plan for East Poplar Urban Renewal Area located in the vicinity of Seventh and Girard Avenues in North Philadelphia. The bill authorizes acquisition and land assembly in support of new institutional development, and it changes the proposed land use of 901-947 Marshal Street from commercial to semi-public institutional use. The Planning Commission approved this item on April 18, 2002. The purpose was to facilitate the eventual construction of a new charter school in the East Poplar section. Our approval was consistent with the earlier Planning Commission approval of a blight certification covering the same area. And I'd be happy to answer questions.
Thank you very much. Are there any questions for these witnesses? (No questions.) 40 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284
Thank you for your testimony. (Witness comes forward.)
My name is Ronald Patterson, and I'm a lawyer with Klehr Harrison here in Philadelphia, and I'm the attorney representing the developer Mosaica, Inc. and the charter school, Leadership Learning Center. As the two gentlemen had mentioned, the ultimate purpose of this bill is to allow the charter school to move from its present location at 22nd and Jefferson Streets, housing 400 children, to a permanent location here at Sixth and Poplar. Currently there is a temporary structure on site that would eventually house 200 children, but the total population of children at the site would be 600. And we're proposing to, after discussions with the community, to build a certain type of building and to have masonry facades along 41 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 the entire buildings to be built so that they fit in with the character of the neighborhood. We believe it will be an anchor for the community for future development. Most of the property is City-owned; there are few properties that are privately-owned, and that will be assembled by way of this bill. As Councilman Clarke mentioned, we did meet with the community several times, and I've handed up to Council a June 5, 2002 letter on my firm's letterhead just basically summarizing our support and position and the results of our discussions with the community that we would support future growth of this area. With that said, I would just like to have Dr. Walt Palmer make a brief statement with regard to the school.
Thank you. Would you please identify yourself for the record. 42 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284
I'm Dr. Walter Palmer, the founder of the Leadership Learning Partners Charter School and the chairman of the board. And I want to thank Councilman Clarke and the committee members as well as others who have participated in our efforts to try to acquire the property and build a new school. The Leadership Learning Partners Charter School is about two years old. The concept is some 30, 40 years old. The concept is based on the notion of teaching children from K, kindergarten, to eighth grade not only on leadership and character, but also with regard to social education. It is the only school in the country -- the only school in the country -- that trains children and teachers how to deal with social issues and how to do problem-solving. Every month, we take issues of racism, hunger, poverty, social deconstruction, disease, abuse of children, criminality, drug and alcohol abuse, and others, and literally get children to begin to think critically. Test scores are relevant but only in relationship to critical analysis. Reading, 43 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 writing, and arithmetic is only relevant if it's applicable to something that serves people immediately. And so to that extent, we have done very well. We are challenged by the notion that Marshals Street in North Philadelphia and other parts of North Philadelphia and Philadelphia have really decaying communities, and we see this as an opportunity for our school and our children to begin to engage in the community and to help to change some of the dynamics that there are there in that community. With that said, I'd like to invite Reverend Lange (ph), who is also in that community, to come forward, and I'd like to ask that Miss Matte (ph) from the school and Miss Nicholson (ph) come. (Witnesses come forward.)
Pastor Martha A. 44 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 Lange, pastor of the Mt. Tabor African Methodist Episcopal Church. We have been located at 961-72 North Seventh Street since 1988. And we are in support of the school. We have met with the community, and they are in agreement with having the school there. And the Mt. Tabor Church is interested in the two parking lots on North Seventh Street on the south side. We would like to remain as a parking lot, and on the north side, we're interested in putting a senior citizen facility to help with Ascension Manor I and Ascension Manor II. There is, at this time, no place no 15 place for seniors to have activities, exercise, or any other kind of activities. And also, that this project also be used for the community. And that is our interest.
Thank you very much for your testimony and for coming in. Please identify yourself. Yes, Doctor?
I just wanted to say there was someone else we had wanted to bring up from the community. We had these community meetings; they were at the request of Councilman Clarke and also 45 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 State Representative Thomas, Curtis Thomas. And there were several other people at those meetings that we had in an effort to try to get a cross- section of the community involved.
Yes. We have been working with the Friends Guild for a couple of years. We had anticipated in putting housing in that area, but because it would be all chopped up at this time, we are still looking in the future that this area be designated as a -- for homes instead of for commercial, and we will deal with that in the future, but that this land that's there not be used for anything else until the buildings that are there that are rented out by the State to the Nicoletti (ph) Foundation, that after their lease is up, that perhaps we can take another look at that property.
Good morning. My name is Jennifer Matte; I'm currently a program facilitator at the Leadership Learning Partners Charter School.
I started in the year 2000 as a founding teacher at the school. According to 46 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 our mission statement, we are to instill character, build leaders by partnering with the community. I respect the surrounding community and we welcome them into our community. I would also like to say -- I have some notes here.
This is a mission statement that I believe in. I'm a witness to students growing and changing as a result. Our Sixth Street annex now houses students 4th through 6th grade, with no cafeteria, no gymnasium, and we are growing out of these buildings. One school would benefit our mission statement and the community by welcoming them into our school. I don't want to miss anything, including outreach programs, cleaning up the neighborhood, bringing the community into our building for programs, and use of our facility. So it can only bring good things. Thank you.
Thank you. 47 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 Are there other witnesses?
I would like to also say that one of the buildings that the school will be acquiring to rebuild belongs to the Mt. Tabor Church. We had purchased that property to have a day care, but because the school is coming in, then we will relinquish that building to them.
My name is Dionne Curtis, and I am here as a representative. I am a parent and have two children at Leadership Learning Partners, and they have been there since the first year of inception, and I stand in support of Dr. Palmer's vision for expanding the school. My children -- we come from the West Philadelphia neighborhood, but we have chosen to be a part of this vision because of everything that it stands for. And I think that foundational learning is key, and I believe that what they are asking to 48 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 do will help not only my children but all of the children that are in the school, because everyone's partnering together, and these children and these teachers have developed a relationship that, if it's broken or if it's distorted in any way, it wouldn't be good. So we are looking to do this for futuristic purposes, knowing that once this happens, once the expansion happens, there's going to be a growth level. And we believe that once it touches the community, you'll just see great things happening. And we believe in the children and we believe that once it comes together, it will be a great thing.
Good afternoon. First of all, I would like to say thank you, Councilman Clarke, for everything.
I'm sorry, not to interrupt, but could you identify yourself.
I'm sorry. My name is Ruth Holland. I represent the community and the 49 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 Friends Neighborhood Guild. Again, I would like to thank Councilman Clarke for giving us the opportunity to work the situation out. At first, we were not for the school, not because because of the schooling, but what it would bring to the community. We were concerned about the remaining part of Marshall Street. There's a lot of blight, a lot of things going on on Marshall Street that creates a lot of problems in our area. Since that time, I am happy to say, we all met, we all came to agreement, we presented it to the Councilman, and we are hoping that the school, the community, Mt. Tabor, and the Friends Neighborhood Guild, we will be partners in having this vision come true and to make our community much better. Thank you.
Thank you very much for your testimony. Are there any other witnesses?
The children -- I just want to let you know the children are here in support of the school. 50 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 (Children come forward.)
These children represent a cross-section of our children that are coming out of the public schools of Philadelphia. It's not a private school; it's a public school. Ninety percent of these children are on free and reduced lunch. They have the same problems that all of the children have across the City, but we have demonstrated time and time again that given the opportunity to learn, children of every calibur can learn. STUDENT 1: My name is Harley Reyes, and this school is very fun for me. And I enjoy music, Spanish, and gym. My teacher is great and I'm glad to be at the school.
Thank you. (Applause.) STUDENT 2: My name (indiscernible). I'm a 3rd grader at LLPCS. Thank you for hearing our requests of our school. Our school is good in a lot of ways. Our teachers and staff offer a good education. The building that we are in has broken windows, peeling paint, and even wooden floors, 51 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 (indiscernible) broken doors, and the rooms are very hot several times in the gym and classrooms. There are a lot of leaks in the ceiling and roof. And for all of this, we are paying thousands of dollars to lease the building from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with money that's better used for own new school, which can also be open for communities activities. Please consider letting us acquire this property to build a new school replacement building. Thank you for your attention and cooperation.
Thank you very much. (Applause.) STUDENT 3: Good morning.
Good morning. STUDENT 3: My name is (indiscernible), and I like my school because it helps me to learn about my ancestors; it also helps me to learn about leadership. Hopefully, with a new school, LLPCS will be able to have a gymnasium, a lunchroom, a 52 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 library, and auditorium without having to be split between two buildings. I also like the janitors in our school; thanks to them, our school is sharp, clean, and sparkling. I thank my teacher, Miss Nicholson, for helping us to learn lots of work that I didn't know about it until I came here. I also want to thank Mrs. Z., our teacher's assistant; she works with our class often and takes our class outside to have free time. I like the school a lot. Thank you, Mrs. Nicholson, Mrs. Z., Mr. Bright, Miss Hawkins, Dr. Palmer. Have a nice day. Thank you. (Applause.) STUDENT 4: Hi. My name is (indiscernible) Jackson, and I'm reading this paper on behalf of Pierre Jordan and Devon Walker. We wanted to know if we could have the land behind our school because we need it very badly. We need to have one whole big building instead of two different building places. Right now, we don't have a lunchroom or a gym room or very much resources like an auditorium. We heard that they want to use the area 53 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 for rich houses so people with money can move in. Instead of rich houses, the children need their education.
And, finally, I'd like to ask the chairman of the block association on Marshall Street, Miss Bowie (ph) if she would make a comment.
Thank you. Ma'am, would you please come forward. (Witness comes forward.)
Good morning. My name is Gwendolyn Bowie, and I am a block captain for the 10 and 900 block of the North Sixth Street. The community has met, and we will continue to meet, on the issues of housing and the school. My neighborhood wants the school. They also want the housing as well as for obvious reasons, but we have agreed to work with the school so that all parties involved can meet, come to a viable solution, and make this work for the entire community. 54 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 Thank you.
You're welcome. Are there any questions for any of these witnesses? (No questions.)
Seeing none, I just wanted to congratulate first the parents and the teachers of the school. If looks say anything, these children look wonderful. They've been very well-behaved, they're extremely well-spoken. And I'd also like to thank you, Doctor, for influence in this whole movement.
I myself serve on a charter board -- partly because of your influence and guidance.
And the work that you have done in this particular area of educating 55 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 our kids, it's priceless, the work you've done. And when you look at all of the problems we're having in the public school system now and when you see this kind of operation -- cooperation with both educators, neighbors, and these kids -- it's a great project, and I want to congratulate everyone and thank you for coming today. Thank you.
One other -- I'm sorry, do you have another witness? Please. (Witnesses come forward.)
Hello. I'm Denise Collier representing Friends Neighborhood Guild, and I guess you know that we have had the situation where the community has been meeting with the school. I would just like to read a letter that was prepared by the Friends in response to our latest meeting. "The president of the guild, Mt. Tabor AME Church, and our community representatives involved with the negotiations with the Leadership 56 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 Learning Charter School join in the letter of agreement regarding the assemblage of land for the Leadership Learning Charter School and the fortunate development of Marshall Street. The following understanding and goals were reached on June 3rd. "1. Leadership Learning Charter School, with the community, will support the concept of a redevelopment plan. The block, bordered by Sixth Street, Marshall Street, Seventh Street, and Girard Avenue, to ensure that future development in addition to the school will be residential, with perhaps C-2 commercial uses on the corners. To this end, the school and community would support a request to the Planning Commission to draft a zoning change for this block to a residential zoning designation. The churches and the library would remain permitted uses. "2. The school joins with the community in requesting that the Department of Public Welfare not renew its leases for the buildings it currently occupies on Marshall Street when the leases are to expire or have the option of being renewed. 57 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 "3. The school and community will request enforcement of the criminal and nuisance laws, will interact with the Police District 26, and will have the drug-free area signs posted in the vicinity of the school. "4. The school and community will request that the Redevelopment Authority identify and demolish the vacant buildings that exist on Marshall and Poplar Streets. For such properties not owned by the RDA, the school and community will work with the Department of Licenses and Inspections to identify and demolish such buildings. "5. The school joins with the community's requests that the RDA convert the existing and future vacant lots to green space and maintain the property as green space until they can be developed." And this is the last point that we agreed on: "6. The school supports Mt. Tabor AME Church's desire to continue to use the two parking lots on Marshall Street. The school supports, and has no objection to, the assemblage and transfer of 58 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 these parcels to the church at some point if the church so requests." I'm not sure if the school also mentioned about the redesign of the proposed permanent building and that the square footage was reduced to enable more space to be allowed around the building. And we have discussed how we can work together, and that's what we're trying very hard to do, even though we do want to integrate housing as well as the school.
I think that concludes the witness list on this. We'll take a couple minutes to allow -- it's a large group -- to allow everybody to leave, and then we'll continue the hearing in a few minutes. Thank you for coming in.
Thank you. 59 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020284 And love your children. (LLP Charter School children and advocates leave chamber.) - - - 60 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020274
We will now continue with the Rules Committee hearing. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 020274, which is an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Morris Street, 32nd Street, Tasker Avenue, 30th Street, Morris Street, 29th Street, New Hope Street, and Vare Avenue. Who's testifying, anyone? (Witness comes forward.)
I just wanted to make one announcement. Bill No. 020278 will be held at the request of the sponsor, so there will be no testimony today on that bill. Just so anyone knows, it's a rezoning of an area from Tacony Creek, I-95 Delaware Expressway, Rhawn Street, and the Delaware River, and there will be no testimony on that bill today because it's being held at the request of the sponsor. And please identify yourself for the record.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the Rules Committee. 61 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020274
My name is Thomas Chapman, and I am the Director of the Development Planning Division of the City Planning Commission. I'm here today to testify on Bill No. 020274. This bill was introduced by Councilwoman Blackwell for Council President Verna on May 2, 2002. This bill concerns the rezoning of the area bounded by Morris Street, 32nd Street, Tasker, 30th Street, Morris Street, 29th Street, New Hope Street, and Vare Avenue. The purpose of this rezoning is to facilitate the redevelopment of the Tasker Homes site. The current plans call for the construction of 554 single and multifamily dwellings, a senior citizens housing facility, and retail development. Currently, this 40-acre is zoned partly R9, partly R10-A, partly R10, and partly C2 commercial. This property is proposed to be rezoned to partly R10-A, partly R10, partly R12, and partly C1 commercial to reflect the current proposed development. The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider the rezoning bill preliminary plat and 62 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020274 subdivision and a number of street changes at its meeting of May 19, 2002. I'd be happy to answer any questions from the committee.
Thank you very much. Any questions for this witness? (No questions.)
Seeing none, we will move on to the next bill. - - - 63 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020279
Bill 020279, an ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by Lehigh Avenue, Berks Street, and Montgomery Avenue on the north, by Second Street, Phillips Street on the east, by Girard Avenue, Oxford Street, and Jefferson Street on the south, and by Germantown Avenue and Sixth Street and Third Street on the west. (Witness comes forward.)
My name is Herbert Wetzel, and I'm Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I'm here to speak in support of Bill No. 21 020279. This bill would authorize the creation of the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal Area. The approval of the American Street Industrial Corridor redevelopment proposal and the American Street Industrial Corridor Urban Renewal 64 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020279 plan for the North Philadelphia Redevelopment Area. The proposed urban renewal area is located within the American Street Empowerment Zone. Historically, industrial, residential, and commercial properties have coexisted throughout the area. This plan proposes the establishment of a specifically defined industrial district for the future expansion and growth of the industrial business. The overriding goal of the American Street Empowerment Zone is to improve the physical environment in the industrial corridor and support business retention. Through good land-use planning and site assembly, these goals can be reached by the implementation of this proposal. There is one site acquisition, 1307-25 Germantown Avenue, covered by this request, which includes acquisition for the Commerce Department Empowerment Zone project. The Commerce Department is paying the cost of this acquisition, land acquisition, and the urban renewal area will be undertaken in conjunction with the Commerce Department, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, and the American Street Empowerment 65 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020279 Zone. Do I need to ask for a waiver of the rules?
You're welcome. Please identify yourself for the record.
I'm Richard Redding from the Planning Commission, and I'd like to testify on Bill No. 020279. This bill approves the redevelopment proposal and the urban renewal plan for the American Street Industrial Corridor. It creates a new urban renewal area specifically for this important industrial district in North Philadelphia. The Planning Commission approved the creation of the urban renewal area on April 18, 2002. It's our understanding that the immediate purpose is to allow expansion of one existing 66 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020279 business, but we anticipate that many more economic-development projects will be assisted in the future with this urban renewal area designation. Thank you, and I'm here to answer any questions.
Thank you very much Any questions for these witnesses? (No questions.)
Anyone else here to testify on this bill? Please come forward. (Witness comes forward.)
Good morning. Please identify yourself for the record, ma'am.
Good morning. My name is Matthew [sic] Rousch, and I've lived in the Kensington south area since 1941, so it gives me 60-odd years of living in that area. I am here as an accident. By reading the Inquirer, I noticed that this bill has come up since no one seems to have known what this is about; not even our director knew that this land was going to be purchased for this reason -- not until Monday, when I talked to him. 67 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020279 I'm opposed -- I'm not opposed to the City or the Redevelopment Authority or the neighborhood transition obtaining this property since many of the residents do not want ABSCO there. It's dirty, it has rats, and many trucks block the street. I am opposed to commerce being built. I feel that our area is being used as a catchall for warehouses, food distribution centers, and any other building that no other neighborhood wants. We are between Northern Liberties and the neighborhood of the Norris Square, which they are developing, and we are being squeezed. There's no 15 reason why we can't have housing rather than these Chinese walls being built. Let me see now. I'll talk to the safety factor afterwards. I see several things in Mr. Hetzel's [sic] report that I want to comment on. Only 15 percent of the employees employed by the Empowerment Zone come from the neighborhood, and they were supposed to be much higher, and that is not my figure; that comes from the Empowerment Zone figures. Fifteen percent are 68 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020279 paid minimum wage, so many of them also are probably on welfare, which is fine, but I think that if they're going people, they should hire them at a wage that can support a normal living wage. Let me see what else I have here. So far as taxes are concerned, when these warehouses, food distribution centers, and other firms come into the area, they are given a tax relief of at least five years, low-interest loans, and other things. Our neighborhood is -- my taxes have been increasing for the past few years. I think that is totally unfair. The neighbors were not flyered [sic] that this meeting was going to takes place, no one knows about it. And, as I said, I'm here by accident, since not even our director of Kensington South knew very much about it, and I think that' Mr. Dougherty and Mr. Hetzel [sic] perhaps should have informed him. The people are very mixed internationally. We have Arabs, we have black Americans, white Americans, we have Middle Eastern people, we have many religions going from the 1200 block of Second to the 1600 block of Second. 69 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020279 Let me see. Many people do not speak English, so there are those of us that do speak English have to speak for the entire group. And -- or they don't feel comfortable speaking English in public. We are being gentrified, as I said, from Northern Liberties, which is great; I have no 9 problem with that. But why do we have to have all of these other Chinese walls being built in our area? Let me see, that goes to taxes. I don't -- I never heard of a profitability study being done regarding having houses built versus having these large industries being built. I would think that getting taxes for homeowners for five years is much more profitable than bringing in industry that pays no taxes, receives government funding to help pay for the workers coming into the area, and other things. Let me get to what Mr. Hetzel -- Mr. Hetzel [sic], I'm sure that this was a form letter put up, but there are several issues I have to take with your increased security in the neighborhood. I live in the neighborhood, I walk 70 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020279 along American Street -- I don't know whether you do or not -- and I've gone through -- I've used the 57 bus on American in the winter at night. It is dangerous; I don't consider that a safety factor. And if you walk along Cecil B. Moore at night or even during the day sometimes, there is no one, no 8 houses or nothing that you can possibly turn to for help.
Streetscape improvements. I don't know where you're getting that from, but I'll -- I haven't seen it on Second Street. The neighbors are being charged $100 to have a tree put into their front lawn, which is -- we're not a rich neighborhood. And as opposed to what the young man said previously, the houses are being built for rich people. The highest cost I've seen so far for new housing is $50,000 per house, which I don't consider a rich person's home. In fact, most rich people, and perhaps even some Councilmen, race along Second Street to get to where they're going. Improved transportation. Well, I don't know about that. The 57 bus goes along American Street, and that's a little walk. The 5 bus that was on Jefferson Street and along Oxford Street has 71 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020279 been moved to Frankford Avenue, which is a four- or five-block or to Girard, which is also a walk for many senior citizens. Creating community partnerships. Well, I don't know how that can be since no one in the neighborhood knew that that was going to take place. And to foster business growth, I'm sure that Mr. Dougherty or Mr. Hetzel [sic] and whoever else is in the Commerce Department will do all that they can to push this down our throats. Thank you very much.
Thank you for your testimony. Anyone else to testify on this bill?
I would like this tabled until the neighbors do know what's going on.
My name is Eva Gladstein, and I'm Executive Director of the Philadelphia Empowerment Zone. You already have written testimony on behalf of the Empowerment Zone, but I did want to take a minute just to respond to some of the concerns that Miss Rousch has addressed. As we stated, our goal in creating this separate urban renewal area is, in fact, to deal with some of the very issues that have been of concern to the neighbors for many, many years in the American Street area, because housing does abut up against industrial uses and it has created concerns that we are aware of, and we've tried to manage in other ways as well. But our goal in creating this urban renewal area was to firmly establish an area that would support industrial development and try to discourage residential use within those same areas. 73 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020279 In fact, because this has been of such concern, we held a special town meeting on March 7th sponsored in cooperation, not just with the Empowerment Zone and other City agencies, but with the community- based organizations in that area, including Kensington South. At least 100 residents from the area did participate in that meeting, and I know that you were there (to Ms. Rousch), and I know that some very real concerns have to be addressed when residents are living next door to businesses, and some of them had to do with making sure that the businesses were good neighbors in terms of keeping up their property. We are trying on a day-by-day basis to work with the businesses to make sure that they good neighbors to the residents. They also do produce jobs, and I just want to just address the figures. We've surveyed the larger industrial businesses along the American Street Corridor, and, in fact, it's over 30 percent of the jobs that are held by the neighborhood residents. We would like to -- and we work with them and encourage them to even increase that number. 74 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020279 There are wage-tax benefits that come with the Empowerment Zone designation for hiring neighborhood residents, so that is a goal that we will continue to work on, which is to increase employment opportunities, not just overall, but also for neighborhoods residents. And, finally, we're working in many other ways to try to enhance the quality of life for residents in this area, including funding the design of some improvements for streetscapes and then trying to secure the financing for that.
I would suggest that any questions you can ask individually, 'cause we have a number of other bills. Anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.)
Thank you very much. - - - 75 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020282
The next bill for consideration is 020282, an ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of a portion of the West Parkside Lancaster Redevelopment Area, West Parkside Urban Renewal Area being the area generally bounded by Parkside Avenue on the north, Belmont Avenue and Girard Avenue on the east, Lancaster Avenue on the south, and 52nd Street and the Pennsylvania Central Railroad line on the west. (Witness comes forward.)
My name is Herbert Wetzel, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I'm here to speak in support of Bill No. 21 020282, which is the establishment of the Parkside Lancaster Redevelopment Proposal and the West Parkside Urban Renewal Plan for the Parkside Lancaster Redevelopment Area and the West Parkside Urban Renewal Area. 76 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020282 This bill would authorize the Redevelopment Authority to acquire properties. 4 The purpose of these acquisition is to facilitate a 5 development plan by the Philadelphia Empowerment 6 Zone and Community Ventures, Inc., in partnership 7 with the Parkside Association of Philadelphia. 8 All 23 properties are currently vacant 9 and blighted and will be fully rehabilitated. All 10 will be sold to low- and moderate-income, 11 first-time homeowners. 12 The Planning Commission at its meeting 13 on April 17, 1997, certified the Parkside Lancaster 14 Redevelopment Area as blighted and adopted the 15 Parkside Lancaster Redevelopment Area Plan. 16 The request for blight certification 17 was made on behalf of Community Ventures, Inc. and 18 the Parkside Association of Philadelphia. This 19 effort is supported by the West Philadelphia 20 Empowerment Zone, which has allocated $29,103 for 21 predevelopment and acquisition activities. 22 This bill will eliminate a blighting 23 influence, increase the availability of affordability of housing, and contribute to economic revitalization efforts in this area. 77 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020282 Thank you.
Thank you very much. Please identify yourself for the record.
Hello, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. My name is Richard Redding from the Planning Commission testifying on Bill No. 020282. It approves the redevelopment proposal and urban renewal plan for the West Parkside Urban Renewal Area located in the vicinity of 52nd and Parkside Avenue in West Philadelphia The bill authorizes land acquisition and support of housing rehabilitation sponsored by the local community. The Planning Commission approved the urban renewal plan in April 2001, which will facilitate the rehabilitation of scattered 20 properties in West Parkside. Approximately 30 21 units of housing will be produced. 22 Our approval is consistent with our 23 previous approvals from the Planning Commission of a blight recertification for this neighborhood and a redevelopment plan covering the broader area. 78 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020282 And I'll be happy to answer any questions. Thank you.
Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nutter.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, there are some representatives from the community who may want to put some of their thoughts on the record, but I want to thank Mr. Wetzel and Mr. Redding for their work on this plan. It is -- I guess, as they say good things come to those who wait. We have been waiting for a while, and we're very pleased about this proposal. We're looking forward to the redevelopment. And as we've seen in some of the other hearings, there are other exciting things coming to Parkside by way of planning and CDBG and NTI activity. So, hopefully, over the course of the next year or so, the Parkside community will be transformed significantly. 79 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020282 And so I just wanted to put that on the record and thank you, and I know that there community representatives who may want to add to that. I see them shaking their heads off to the side, but I wanted to at least provide that opportunity. They might want to say a word or two.
Thank you very much. Any questions for these witnesses? (No further questions.)
None? Anyone else to testify? (Witness comes forward.) PARKSIDE AVE. RESIDENT: My name is (indiscernible) and I'm a resident on park side Avenue, and I just wanted to speak on behalf of those of us who are here, and I know we have all agreed that this is a very good thing for the community. These are vacant properties that have long needed to be rehabilitated, and we are all working in various ways through the Parkside Association, through the West Park Cultural and Opportunity Center and the Business Association of West Parkside to be partners in this urban renewal 80 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020282 of our community. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.)
We will now move to Bill No. 020315, which is an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 14, 1971, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal of the urban renewal plan and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of South Central Urban Renewal Area by approving the 12th amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the 12th amendment, which provide, inter alia, for certain land acquisitions of one property for comercial and related reuses and one property for residential and related reuses, and declaring that condemnation is imminent with respect to the project, all as contained in the 12th amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the 12th amendment of the urban renewal plan. Please identify yourself for the record and proceed.
My name is Herbert Wetzel, and I'm Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia. Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I am here to speak in support of Bill 82 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 No. 020315, which is the 12th amendment to the redevelopment proposal and the 12th amendment to the urban renewal plan for South Central Redevelopment Area and the South Central Urban Renewal Area. This bill would authorize the Redevelopment Authority to acquire two long-term blighted properties. One is a vacant lot for business expansion and the other is a vacant building that will be demolished and replaced with new residential construction. Both would support the Mayor's Neighborhood Transformation Initiative by eliminating blight in these neighborhoods. The components of the proposal are as follows: The long-term vacant lot located at 1024 South 17th Street will be acquired for Donatucci Kitchens. This established business has been expanding but heretofore has been unable to privately acquire this parcel. Accordingly, they requested the cooperation of the Redevelopment Authority in this acquisition. Donatucci Kitchen wants to use this lot, along with a vacant lot that they currently 83 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 own, as an entrance to their existing parking lot. Donatucci Kitchens believes that by creating this particular facility, they will be able to create an additional 32 jobs at their current location. The second component is the acquisition of the long-term blighted building at 639-641 Catherine Street. This structure will be demolished and replaced with the new construction of three market-rate single-family dwellings for home ownership --
Is that a corner property? Do you know if that's a corner property or not?
Yes, it is. And Mr. Chairman, my understanding, from speaking with some of the close neighbors, is that it has actually been vacant for at least 24 years. 25
Yeah, Councilman 84 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 DiCicco has been very much involved in it, but it's been -- I mean, it just really highlights how long it takes to do this, 'cause I think the first time it was brought to my attention was a Bella Vista community meeting at, I guess, an art gallery across the street. It must be three years ago, four years ago maybe? It's amazing. Go ahead, I'm sorry.
The proposed redeveloper is Masada Customer Builders, and they would be removing the last blighting influence in this section of the Bella Vista neighborhood. Both developers will sign a non-assistance agreement requiring them to reimburse the Redevelopment Authority for the direct and indirect costs incurred as a result of these condemnations, which means there's no burden on the taxpayers to carry out this activity.
I'm Richard Redding from 85 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 the Planning Commission testifying on Bill No. 3 020315, approving the 12th amended redevelopment proposal and urban renewal plan for South Central Urban Renewal Area. The bill authorizes acquisition of one property for commercial use and another property for residential use. The Planning Commission approved this redevelopment proposal on April 17th of this year, and I'm here to answer any questions.
Thank you very much. Any questions for these witnesses?
Seeing none, we will now move on to Bill -- UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible, off mic.)
Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see. Now that I do, please take the chair. Thank you. UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Inaudible, off mic.)
I didn't see. Now 86 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 I saw, now you're testifying. It's very simple. (Witness comes forward.)
Mr. Kenney, my name is Terri Kennedy. I have a question about both properties, but the first one that I would like to question is the one on South 17th Street. I would like to know -- it was pointed out to me -- it's the one with the dot in it, the first one that you see. Then there's properties right next to it. Are those properties standing or are they --
Anyone from RDA can answer the question. (Witnesses come forward.)
Yes. The property north of this particular lot is a vacant lot owned by 87 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 Mr. Donatucci. The property south of it is a vacant building that's also owned by Mr. Donatucci. He owns both sides of this lot; that's why we want to consolidate it.
And the transfer of the property is the transfer of an additional lot or a standing structure?
No. What we are asking authorization to do is to a condemn a vacant lot that sits between two properties that he already owns.
Okay. I'm sorry, you have to use the microphone in order for the stenographer to hear you.
Yeah, you're going to have to take the microphone with you if you'll just take it off the stand there.
No, I won't. Forget about it. 88 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 This is the property that I understand is on the bill, am I correct?
Now, you have, one, two, three, four properties, and then this dotted part. Who owns these four properties or are they standing? And who owns this dotted area?
I'm Jeff Brown, Project Manager for the Redevelopment Authority. The property at 10 -- we're talking about getting authorization to acquire 1024 South 17th Street. 1022 South 17th Street is a vacant lot owned by Donatucci. And 1020 is a privately owned building.
No, none of these arein discussion. These properties above, which go to 89 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 about 1018, I think, the Redevelopment Authority has already condemned those, but that's for a different development.
Now they're vacant lots; they've been demolished. Universal Community Homes and SOSNA intends to develop them, but that's not a part of the --
So the two properties highlighted by dots are empty lots that are being condemned.
I'm sorry, I'm confused; I thought it was a lot. Are they --
Yeah, the dot means proposed for condemnation, proposed for demolition as opposed to rehabilitation.
Some of the properties on the northern part, 2, 4, and 6, I think, have not yet been demolished, but the ones down here in the second dot have been demolished.
Here's the problem that I have and as a -- the problem that I have is this: I'm quite familiar with the area, being born and raised in South Philly and being a South Philly person and knowing every little nook and cranny. What I find a problem is that to buy a property to extend one's property ownership and use this process to do so, to me, is -- is a little bit offensive in the manner that -- why don't they go through purchasing it from the owner, you know, as anybody else would. Now, Donatucci Kitchens owns the property there at the corner, which I'm very familiar with, which has some kind of messenger service. It has a paint place that is on Washington Avenue and something else. It originally was Donatucci Plumbing Supply, and I bought many a plumbing supply from there. 91 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 First of all, I'd like to know if this person knows that this hearing is going on to take the property, number one. Did Mr. Donatucci, or whomever, ever consult the person and say, Hey, Mr. Jones, you own this property, I want to buy it, you know, have the taxes been paid? Are they up to date with the taxes? Should it have gone to tax sale? Should it have this, should it have that? I do not know. I am not affluent [sic] in knowing what's involved in the RDA or whatever -- no, this Redevelopment Authority, what the rules are, but I question, you know, if doing it this way is in violation of someone's federal rights of owning a property and for someone to purchase a property in the manner that anybody would normally purchase. If you wanted to -- if you had a lot and there was another piece of the lot that would make a good idea -- a good thing because now I can build 20 houses instead of 15 because it gave me that extra amount, I -- I'd -- I really think that this type of condemnation and conveyance is absolutely an affront to a citizen of Philadelphia who doesn't have the opportunity of going to a 92 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 place like City Hall, which they're in all the time, and ask for this type of thing. There wasn't -- I mean, as far as I'm concerned, I go down that street all the time. I never saw anything posted. Let's say this man over here wants to buy a parcel of land, which is going on in that area, and he has three sons and himself, and he wants to buy a parcel to put four properties on there for him, his wife, and four children to build a home, how can he do it? No one knows how to do it. All we see in South Philly is signs popping up for future development of Universal whatever or a private situation like this that no 16 one knows about.
Mr. Wetzel, is there someone who can give us a kind of a synopsis of what the process is and what the reason for the use of this type of procedure is.
Yes. Again, I'm Herb Wetzel with the Redevelopment Authority. Mr. Donatucci made numerous efforts to try to identify the owner of this particular property and would have preferred not to use the 93 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 eminent-domain process. There are thousands and thousands of lots and abandonedstructures in this city, for which we never can find the owners of the properties: They've deceased, their heirs have no 6 interest in them, there's no way to find these individuals. We end up paying thousands of dollars into court on many of the undertakings that we undertake simply we cannot find the owner and we have to park the money there so that the owners, if they ever do come forward, it's sitting in court for at least the first five years for them to come.
But we do know that this is actually a more expensive process for Mr. Donatucci than probably buying it directly because he has to pay for the public notice and advertising costs. This is a very inexpensive piece of land that he will pay substantially more for as a result of having to pay the overhead of acquiring it this way. And I'm sure he would have 94 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 preferred to purchase the property directly from the individual.
Sounds good, but can't go by me. Anybody by me in this room would love to pay less and would love less aggravation in purchasing a property.
Well, let me ask you a question. Since you know every nook and cranny of South Philadelphia, do you know who owns that property?
So, you know, when I say "nook and cranny," I could tell you what's going on.
I just thought maybe you were from that area and you knew who the owner of the property was.
This is the story. I'm from Seventh and Christian, born and raised in 95 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 South Philly. I do my business in South Philly, I go to Ninth Street. I'm constantly, you know, heading down South Philly to Oregon and back and so on and so forth. You see things that happen in areas like 16th and Morris, 15th and Snyder, whatever the case might be.
I do not live in that area to know who it is, but I do have to say that in reference to this here, this should not be passed at all because this gentleman does not know if it ever went up for sheriff's sale. Now, why should someone who wants to buy a property and goes the route of -- I think you have to put $500 down or -- and all you have to do, somebody like anybody in City Hall here, they pick up the phone, make a phone call and say, you know what, see if this property owes taxes, and if the property is owed tax, the guy says, I'm interested in it, put it up, go through the process. So the City Law Department goes through the process of sending out notices so -- but he want it now. This type of function is to have it now. I don't think that's right. And I don't 96 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 think that's right that the people in the neighborhood or people -- any citizen does not know that this property can be available because there was no signs posted. And even if -- like they say, signs are being posted, they -- you know, they never are or they're ripped off. But I really think that this should be handled in the manner of a sheriff's sale.
And I would be really taken aback if it wasn't. If this ordinance was passed, I would be extremely upset, and I would have to say something about it to the press.
I also have something to say about the other property but, you know, after the other people have --
Councilman Kenney, my name is Mitch Golden. I have to the right of me Vernon 97 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 Anastasia, the president of the Bella Vista Civic Association -- actually Bella Vista United Civic Association. To the left of me, I have Greg Pastore, who's the president of Town Watch. To say that the neighborhood support for the acquisiton and development of the property owned at Seventh and Catherine is there would be an understatement. It is overwhelming. This support doesn't just come from the newcomers; it comes from the people who've lived in the community for years and years. I happen to be wearing three hats. I'm the chairman of the Anti-Blight Committee for the civic association; I am the newly elected committeeman for that area.
No good deed goes unpunished, don't ever forget that. (Laughter.) 98 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315
We'll wait and see that. And one of the reasons people voted for me was because of the work I've been doing to push Seventh and Catherine. I also happen to be the next door neighborhood, and when you mentioned before --
I'm on Catherine, 637 Catherine. And when you stated before that you first had the property brought up to you at "Meet Your Neighbor Night" at the art gallery, I'm the gentleman who brought it up to you and then I gave you a guided tour.
And I appreciate the work you've done, and I certainly appreciate the work Councilman DiCicco does. I suppose an ideological argument could be made that eminent domain is wrong, and I assume that's an argument being made before. I would simply state this: that in an urban area, property is not infinite; property is finite. There is a 99 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 limited amount of property. The question is, if you want to make an ideological argument, is it for life, liberty and pursuit of property? or life, liberty and abuse of property. This property I'm discussing at Seventh and Catherine Street, I'm told by my neighbors who I'd like to have talk too -- we have a gentleman here who's been in the neighborhood for 43 years -- has been in an abandoned state for years. The 12 present owner has owned that property for 13 approximately 20 years. 14 If you want to listen to the 15 scuttlebutt on the street, that present owner has 16 been offered, and has turned down, the opportunity 17 to sell the property. He certainly has not 18 developed the property. I have the pictures to 19 prove it. Anyone who walks down will see it. 20 The owners want the property developed. 21 They're tired of a property infested with pigeons, 22 they're tired of a property that's a magnet for 23 garbage, they're tired of a property that's an 24 aesthetic eyesore. 25 The owner of that property -- before I 100 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 told you that the support for this bill is overwhelming in the community. The owner might not be in favor of that, but that owner is not a part of that community; that owner, from what I understand, he lives in South Jersey. So the question is, can someone who lives in South Jersey maintain a blighted property for years, not sell it, not develop it, and 10 allow the City and City Council to be impotent to 11 do anything about it? And that is an abuse of 12 property. 13 Eminent domain serves us because 14 property is finite. Eminent domain is for the 15 public good. And if there ever was a use for the 16 public good, it would be the development of that 17 property. That is the largest blighted property in 18 Bella Vista. 19 And to show that there is absolute 20 unity amongst the associations, I'd like to have both Vernon and Greg Pastore say a few words. I'd also invite the neighbors who have lived in that community much longer than I have to tell you about how they feel about that property in its present state. 101 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315
Mr. Chairman, my name is Vernon Anastasia, and I'm the President of the Bella Vista United Civic Association. I'm just here to tell you all that I had asked Mitchell to chair the blight committee over months ago, and since then, we've targeted 9 24 properties. Of those 24, well over two-thirds 10 of those properties have been redeveloped. The 11 owner of 639 Catherine Street refuses to work with 12 the community redeveloping that block. 13 I represent 750 active residents of 14 Bella Vista through the civic association, and each 15 and every one of them are in support of that 16 property being taken by eminent domain. 17 Thank you. 18
My name's Greg Pastore, and I'm the President of Bella Vista Town Watch. I (indiscernible) with what Vernon says and with what Mitch says. I would just like to add that as the co-chair of the zoning committee in the neighborhood, we've dealt with numerous properties 102 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 similar to this as far as construction. It's very popular in the neighborhood now, and there's been about new properties built from the ground up in 5 the last three years. And, in fact, Mr. Golden has 6 shown me the plans from Mr. Masada, the present 7 chosen developer, and to get a sense of what would 8 happen where they need a zoning variance to 9 develop. 10 And this is just something that's 11 almost a no-brainer from our standpoint. We know 12 that it would happen as soon as the budget was 13 conveyed to him. And, in fact, he's building five 14 very quality homes within one block of there right 15 now. 16 I can answer any questions also. 17
And I'd like to ask any 18 neighbors if they would like to say a word. 19 (Witness comes forward.) 20
Good afternoon, Councilman. 22 My name is John Bazuk (ph), and I've been living in 23 the neighborhood for 43 years, and it's almost 24 shameful to even bring someone up to my home where 25 I live to pass by, and it's been it's very 103 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 discouraging that nothing has been done for so many years. It's almost fearful in a way. We pass by there so many times, my parents pass by there so many times, and they're afraid to go around the corner. They're afraid to have to cross the street to make passage. This is just some of the horrible things about the property. And for that they exist in an area where, you know, the average tax is, like, over $2,000, and people are fixing their homes and being interested, really interested in staying instead of making an area fall apart, making an area pretty decent. For this huge eyesore to be there -- I mean, this is huge. And I would really like to -- I'm here today to really to say -- to really wholeheartedly bring that up.
And I wish it would disappear, but I don't know how it's going to disappear, but I wish it would disappear.
Another longtime resident, Dominic Lazarro, would like to say a few words.
After Mr. Lazarro, I think we'll -- yeah, 'cause I think we've got a flavor for this.
My name is Dominic Lazarro. I was the former president of Bella Vista Community Association. This property has been vacant for, like, years. I have taken pictures of it and I 12 have sent it to Councilman Kennedy [sic] about five 13 or six years ago. It was a bird paradise, and 14 since that, at least it's been covered up, so we 15 got rid of the birds that way, but I'd like to see 16 this property get developed. 17 Thank you. 18
Thank you. 19 Anyone else to testify? 20 Please. 21 (Witness comes forward.) 22
Yes, Good morning, 25 Mr. Councilman. My name is Joseph Raio (ph). I 105 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 also have lived in the South Philadelphia area and in particular in that very same neighborhood for 46 years. I am quite familiar with the property as well. The fact that it looks as bad as it does isn't in dispute. Sure, it has been boarded up, it's been covered. It has been maintained to the best of anyone's ability to keep it sealed, protected from any type of burglaries or anything such as that, even with regards to the pigeons and so on and so forth. I have to make a comment and a remark on the other side of what that woman earlier spoke about, where the neighborhood was not notified. Apparently, this entire neighborhood was aware of Seventh and Catherine. On the flip side of that, the owner was not of this particular hearing. Nothing was informed to him, myself, or notices or anything of that nature.
Do you represent the owner? 106 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315
Well, I am in negotiations with him for the purchase of that property and to develop it. Now we come to find out that --
Do you have a deposit? Do you have a memorandum or an agreement of sale?
A couple of years. And you have not yet been able to come to an agreement of sale?
Well, it's a matter of also time to get together between he and I.
I mean, he does have other pressing situations. You have to understand, you know, he doesn't only want to deal with me. (Unintelligible, parties talking over each other.)
Sir, I hear what you're saying. What is it you would like for us to do? 108 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315
Well, I want to be able to maintain, like this woman did say, this tabled, this tabled being for the fact that Mr. Orapollo is not aware of this. We were noticed by surprise.
I'm asking you what you would -- after two years in negotiations, what you would --
I want to be able to complete my negotiations with Mr. Orapollo. I don't want to lose an opportunity such as that because someone wants to claim eminent domain on a piece or property if I could --
How long do you think it will take you to complete your negotiations?
I would have to venture to say it's basically left up to Anthony's concerns. He has concerns that he needs to address.
Do you think you can close this deal within the next two years?
Within the next two years? I would venture say so within the next two years. I don't -- I can't see -- maybe even sooner, but he has to negotiate and conclude his business. 109 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315
I don't know; I cannot foretell the future, I don't have a crystal ball.
So you want the community to keep sitting there with this 25-year-old blighted building and continue until you and your -- this person you're representing Mr. Anthony "whatever-his-name-is" and --
The fact that I am in negotiations with him leads me to believe that I could speak presently right now because he was not aware of it.
Two years to negotiate the sale of a building that's made a --
You asked me to give you a time frame; I gave you a for-instance. I didn't say it was a matter of fact.
Well, let me tell you what the time frame is: The time frame is, we're going to pass this bill.
Within the next 15 minutes. 110 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 (Applause.)
No, not predetermined. Let me tell you, you know, to be a property owner in the city means more than simply just owning the property; it means --
Let me tell you something. With all due respect, I am extremely familiar with that building as a lifelong South Philadelphia resident, and it is an absolute, total disgrace. It's been a disgrace, it's been homeless in there, it's been pigeons in there. (Applause.)
It's an absolute, total disgrace, and Mr. Orapollo, with all due respect to him, has abdicated his rights as a homeowner because he's not even here, nor does he care about the property. 111 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 (Applause.)
He wasn't aware of the fact to be here. If he's not made aware --
Just this morning, okay. All right, your two years of negotiations have come to an end, and we're going to move this bill today. It's over. (Applause.) 112 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315
My name is Terri Kennedy. Well, Mr. DiCicco, it looks like, you know, you don't even have to go back and talk about this bill because you've sat in front of all of us that you're going to pass it.
That's correct. You can talk about it, but I'm asking that this committee move this bill out favorably, and we're going to move that this property be developed.
Well, I think -- I think just the attitude that is coming forth from yourself seems to --
You own the abandoned church on Lombard Street, don't you?
The one that's 113 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 been a blight to that that community as well?
The one that you want to try to take -- "you," meaning the City, plural. And the reason --
Ma'am, if you don't develop that soon, we're not going to try; we're going to do it.
Yeah. You're going to become a responsible property owner in this city as well.
You brought it up, and I'm going to finish it. I'm going to make a statement here and then we'll go from here. Since 1994, the City of Philadelphia has refused to give me a payment arrangement for past due real-estate taxes because if it -- if a payment arrangement would be given to me, it would include a property that I own at 18th and Delancey, okay, since 1976.
Now, the reason why they won't give me a payment arrangement is because -- (Unintelligible, parties talking over each other.)
Wait, wait, wait, wait. Hold it, hold it, hold it. (Ms. Kennedy continues to speak over objections of committee.)
Time out, time out, 115 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 time out, time out. What does this have to do with Seventh and Catharine?
Because when there's something like a blighted building, as you call it, there may be other reasons that are going on that stop a person from doing anything. Now, 18th and Delancey --
This has nothing to do with -- 18th and Delancey, the church on Lombard Street, whatever else has nothing to do with Seventh and Catherine or the Donatucci lot.
18th and Delancey, okay, from 1996 November, okay, I have not done one stitch of work there that I started to.
Because a judge, Judge O'Keefe, put a bench warrant out on me just to stop 116 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 me from the going to the property to do work, and now I have started to do work. You don't know what that -- I don't even know the gentleman who owns it. For me, I thought it was the old Pazacky (ph) family. I've been in the community 55 years, okay? And I understand there is all these restaurants and this and that and there's people who want to see their homes or whatever the case might be, but why don't you give an opportunity to the owner to negotiate with Mr. --
Because years, 14 20 years is long enough, and the people who live 15 next door to that property -- 16
Let me finish. 18 The people who live next door to that 19 property, who live in the vicinity of that 20 property, who have moved in or who have been here a long time, who keep up their homes and try to do their best to keep their neighborhood together deserve more respect than the owners of that property are giving them. The government then has a 117 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 responsibility to step in and cure the problem, and that is what the government is going to do.
And you have the right or Mr. Orapollo or whoever has the right to go to court to do whatever they want to do, but the government is going to cure this problem.
Okay, the government sometimes steps in when someone makes a phone call and says, Hey, buddy, look, I've been wanting that property for years and the guy won't talk to me at all.
Okay. I think the newspapers should understand how people's properties are taken --
It's a public 118 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 hearing.
That's very fine, and I hope they pick it up. And as far as blighted properties, this property is not the only blighted property in the area, but maybe the property is owned by somebody who has some ties to City Hall. That is the most -- that is --
Mr. DiCicco, I really wouldn't laugh, because you're one of the very ones that is hounding me to sell the church for people that have been bugging you. Thank you very much.
Miss Kennedy, for the record, I have not been hounding you. I inquired on behalf of someone who expressed an interest in that property, as I would do for anyone -- friend or foe alike -- as to who the owner was. I got a breakout of the status of the 119 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315 taxes that were due and handed it to a potential developer.
That developer has the option to either come to you or to try to buy the property. So for the record, if you're acusing accusing me of doing something that is underhanded, for the record, I will do for anyone what I did for that gentleman if they expressed an interest, especially in a property that is a blighted nuisance to the residents.
And you want me to arrange to have your taxes go away; I can't do that. I can't do it for me.
Excuse me, I wanted what the taxes? It's not a blighted residence; it's a property that people want because they want to tear down a historically --
Well, I have started now to do things because I -- 120 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315
Okay. Do you recall Senator Fumo, a $50,000 grant that went into that building to keep it from collapsing that you had nothing to do --
And I asked you, was that repaid? Don't make -- 'cause you will not make a fool out of me 'cause I'll trace it back.
And I'm tired of people like you who own properties in this city and don't maintain them and just bring down neighborhoods.
The day of people like you is coming to an end in this city, at least in my district.
Okay, and I am tired of people like you that circumvent and harass and torture people that own property and especially that you -- 121 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020315
Well, tell him to stop it just to end the thing because you know what -- but in any event, I guess you're going to pass the bill 6 because you already made up your mind, and I think you really -- I really think you should open the closet door and see the skeletons.
Anything you think you have against me I'm sure the press will be interested in knowing.
(Addressing Councilman DiCicco) You need to sit back down.
Thank you. Have a nice day. - - - 122 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020317
The next bill for consideration Bill No. 020317, which is an ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal and the urban renewal plan and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area by approving the 25th amendment of the redevelopment proposal, the 21st amendment to the urban renewal plan, and the 20th amendment to the relocation plan, which provide -- what?
Mr. Chairman, I just want -- before we get into this bill, I just want to take this time to thank all of the folks from Bella Vista -- Mitchell; Vernon, I think, left; Susan Stone, Greg, everyone for your help in supporting this. Sorry it took so long. It's a learning process for me on how to get these things done but it's done. Thank you. It's history.
See you later, bye-bye. (Witness comes forward.) 123 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020317
Please identify yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony.
My name is Herbert Wetzel, and I'm the Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority. Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, I'm here to testify on behalf of Bill 10 No. 020317, which would authorize the 29th amended redevelopment proposal and the 21st amended urban renewal plan for the North Philadelphia Redevelopment Urban Renewal and Model Cities Urban Renewal Area. This bill would authorize the Redevelopment Authority to acquire properties 17 for three separate affordable-housing developments 18 and a modification to the boundary of the Model 19 Cities Urban Renewal Area. This modification will facilitate the creation of the new urban renewal area along the American Street Industrial Corridor. The three projects and modifications are as follows: Three properties will be acquired on behalf of the Norris Square Civic Association and 124 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020317 combined with 65 that were previously acquired to complete site acquisition for the Hunter School Home Ownership Project. The Norris Square Civic Association proposes to build 33 units of affordable housing for the purpose of home ownership. These units will be marketed to first-time homeowners who are low- to moderate income. The acquisition costs for the three properties is estimated at $48,700 and will be funded by the Office of Housing and Community Development from its Year budget. 14 The development phase of this project 15 will be funded with a subsidy from OHCD and from 16 sales proceeds. 17 The second project is to acquire five 18 properties on the 1500 block of Fontain Street. 19 Acquisition costs are estimated to be $13,200 and 20 will be paid for by OHCD. These properties will be 21 land-banked for future development. 22 Eleven properties will be acquired in 23 the Brewerytown section of North Philadelphia on 24 behalf of OHCD and and additional five properties 25 will be acquired but not in the urban renewal area. 125 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020317 The Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation will rehabilitate all of the properties for first-time home buyers under its Home Start Program. The program is described in the Year 27 Consolidated Plan. OHCD supports the acquisition of the properties in the Brewerytown area of North Philadelphia for inclusion in the Home Start. And finally, the Philadelphia Empowerment Zone and Commerce Department are working jointly to encourage the development of the Industrial Corridor centered around a portion of North American Street between Girard and Lehigh Avenues. At the request of these entities, the Redevelopment Authority has acted to create a new urban renewal area to both facilitate land acquisition and to help establish the identity of the industrial corridor. Creating the new urban renewal for American Street will require the deletion of those portions of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area that overlapped with the proposed American Street Urban Renewal Area. In addition, some portions of Model Cities will acquire expansion in order to preserve 126 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020317 contiguous land area and to eliminate various boundary irregularities that would otherwise result from deleting the overlapping sections of the American Street Urban Renewal Area. The Planning Commission, at their April meeting, 2002, approved at 29th amended 8 redevelopment proposal and 21st amended urban 9 renewal plan for the North Philadelphia, 10 Redevelopment Area and Model Cities Urban Renewal 11 Area, as set forth in Bill No. 020317 for the 12 acquisition of these 19 properties. 13
Thank you very 14 much. The Planning Commission's in agreement? 15
Great, thank you. 17 Anyone else to testify on this bill? 18 Please come forward. (Witness comes forward.) NORRIS SQUARE REP.: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee.
Good afternoon. NORRIS SQUARE REP.: I am (indiscernible) from Norris Square Civic Association on behalf of Norris Square. We are in 127 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020317 support of this project. Essentially, the organization, which is a nonprofit organization based in the community, as myself being a resident of the community, we have made community meeting surveys throughout the neighborhood and have shared concerns with the neighborhood. It's a fact that we're in need of housing and to eliminate the blight of that community. This project will also supports the new Hunter Elementary School being developed at the same site where we deveoping the houses. So I would like thank you for that support and thank you very much.
Thank you very much and thanks for waiting. I appreciate your patience Anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.)
We will now move to Bill No. 020345, which is an ordinance to change the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Frankford Avenue, Carteret Street, St. Dennis Drive, Poquessing Creek, Grant Avenue, Ditman Street, Primrose Road, Frankford Avenue, Fitler Street, Leon Street, and Grant Street. (Witness comes forward.)
Please identify yourself for the record. And we welcome into the chamber Mr. Ed McBride from -- Mr. Ed McBride, welcome back. (Applause.)
You're looking very healthy and svelte, I must say. Nice to see you back. MR. McBRIDE: Nice to be back.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the Rules Committee. My name is Thomas Chapman, and I am the Division 129 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020345 Director of the Development Planning Division of the City Planning Commission, and I'm here today to testify on Bill No. 020345. This bill was introduced by Councilmembers Krajewski and O'Neill on May 16th of this year. This bill amends the zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of several parcels of land located near the intersection of Grant and Frankford Avenue to a designation of institutional development district. There is no new construction proposed as part of this amendment to the master plan. This amendment simply reflects the actual ownership of the campus of Holy Family College. The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider this amendment to the zoning maps at its meeting of June 17, 2002. I'd be happy to answer any questions of the committee.
Thank you very much Any questions of this witness? Councilmember O'Neill.
It's my understanding, Mr. Chairman, and the witnesses can 130 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020345 verify this, that the civic association has been contacted and doesn't have a problem with this. Councilwoman Krajewski and myself equally represent the campus, and I just wanted to make sure that that had been done. It's my understanding that it was.
Yes, I can confirm that this was discussed with East Torresdale as part of our discussion of the next item on your agenda.
My name is Albert M. Cantella. I'm a member of the board of trustees of Holy Family College, which is one of the constituents on the I.D.D. I thank you very much for the opportunity to speak here this afternoon.
Thank you very much for your patience. 131 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020345
Hearing none, anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.)
We will now move to Bill No. 020346, which is an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain area of land located within an area bounded by Linden Avenue, State Road, a line 233 feet north of Arendell Street and the Delaware River. Please identify yourself for the record.
My name is Thomas Chapman and I am the Director of the Development Planning Division of the City Planning Commission, and I'm here today to testify on Bill No. 020346. This bill was introduced by Councilwoman Krajewski on May 16, 2002. This bill 17 amends the zoning maps within an area bounded by State Road, Linden Avenue, the Delaware River, and a line approximately 233 north of Arendell Street. This area is currently zoned R5 residential, with the exception of areas of Delaware Avenue, which is zoned (inaudible). This bill proposes to change most of the area to a zoning designation of R4 residential, while leaving the existing recreational zoning 133 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020346 intact (inaudible). The Planning Commission is scheduled to consider the amending of the zoning maps at its meeting on the 17th of (inaudible). This bill was the subject of many meetings with Councilwoman Krajewski and (inaudible).
Thank you very much for your testimony. Any questions for this witness?
Hearing none, any other witnesses to testify on this bill? (No response.)
We will now move to Bill No. 020283, an ordinance amending Title of 4 the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and 5 Planning," by amending Chapter 14-200, entitled 6 "Residential Districts," by amending Section 7 14-206, entitled "R5 Residential District," by 8 making certain technical amendments, under certain 9 terms and conditions. 10 The Chair recognizes Councilmember 11 O'Neill for the purpose of offering an amendment. 12
Thank you, 13 Mr. Chairman. 14 The purpose of this bill is, in R5 residential districts, the side yard requirement right now is eight feet, and it's really been a burden on any neighborhood once development occurs because there just isn't enough space between the homes. R4 is 16 feet, and when the R5 was created in the 1970s, rather than just move it a little bit down from R16 to make it less of a burden on a builder, it was moved all the way to eight feet. And if you have a side step, it almost goes right into the property line. 135 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020283 So I'm recommending that R5 in this bill, that R5 be changed so that the side yard requirement of eight feet and the lot being enlarged to accommodate that. The Planning Commission at its most recent meeting recommended that the bill be held because they were concerned about the R5 twins that are currently occupied and those twins -- those homeowners would be in a non-performing situation, so I'm offering an amendment to remedy that so that the bill only applies to new construction going forward from this day. And the amendment reads as follows: Under Section 14-206, Section (5) to be added: "These provisions shall only apply to new construction and improvements for which zoning and building permit applications are submitted after June 5, 2002" And I'll ask that the committee receive it favorably, and I'd be willing to work with the Planning Commission over the summer if there are any further modifications to R5 that that would like. But real estate right now, thanks to 136 6/5/02 RULES - BILL 020283 some actions taken by this committee and generated by some of my colleagues at the table, with tax abatements have just gotten construction going crazy and the prices of new homes going crazy. And to the extent that we can make them nicer and better for the community therein, I think it's incumbent upon us to do so.
Thank you very much. Mr. Chapman, do you have anyone anything else to add?
Councilman O'Neill pretty much took care of the testimony, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you very much. Any questions for this witness? (No questions.)
Seeing none, that will conclude the business of the public hearing of the Committee on Rules. - - - 137 6/5/02 RULES - PUBLIC MEETING
We will now convene a public meeting. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nutter for a motion on Bill No. 020253. We'll have a standing request for a rules suspension.
All right. Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020253 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommedation that the rules of Council be suspended so was as to permit first reading at our next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
Moved and seconded. All in favor, aye? There are none opposed. Bill No. 17 020253 will be reported out of this committee favorably and a request will be made for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nutter for a motion on Bill No. 020274.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020274 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a 138 6/5/02 RULES - PUBLIC MEETING further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session. (Duly seconded.)
Moved and seconded. All in favor, aye? There are none opposed. Bill No. 9 020274 will be reported out of this committee favorably and a request will be made for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Clarke for a motion on Bill No. 020279.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I make a motion that Bill No. 020279 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a request for a suspension of rules so as to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
Moved and seconded. All in favor, aye? There are none opposed. Bill No. 25 020279 will be reported out of this committee 139 6/5/02 RULES - PUBLIC MEETING favorably and a request will be made for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nutter for a motion on Bill No. 020282.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020282 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session.
Moved and seconded. All in favor, aye? There are none opposed. Bill No. 18 020282 will be reported out of this committee favorably and a request will be made for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nutter for a motion on Bill No. 020284.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I make a motion that Bill No. 020284 140 6/5/02 RULES - PUBLIC MEETING be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a request for a suspension of the rules so as to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
Moved and seconded. All in favor, aye? There are none opposed. Bill No. 10 020284 will be reported out of this committee favorably and a request will be made for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember DiCicco for a motion on Bill No. 020315.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 020315 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended. (Duly seconded.)
Moved and seconded. All in favor, aye? There are none opposed. Bill No. 25 020315 will be reported out of this committee 141 6/5/02 RULES - PUBLIC MEETING favorably and a request will be made for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Clarke on a motion on Bill No. 020317.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I make a motion that Bill No. 020317 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and a request for a suspension of the rules so as to allow for first reading at our next session Council. (Duly seconded.)
Moved and seconded. All in favor, aye? There are none opposed. Bill No. 17 020317 will be reported out of this committee favorably and a request will be made for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Nutter for a motion on Bill No. 020345.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020345 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and also 142 6/5/02 RULES - PUBLIC MEETING a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so allow for first reading at our next session of Council.
Moved and seconded. All in favor, aye? There are none opposed. Bill No. 10 020345 will be reported out of this committee favorably and a request will be made for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill for a motion on Bill No. 020346.
Mr. Chairman, I move that Bill No. 020346 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and also a request for a suspension of the rules to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
Moved and seconded. All in favor, aye? There are none opposed. Bill No. 25 020346 will be reported out of this committee 143 6/5/02 RULES - PUBLIC MEETING favorably and a request will be made for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill for a motion to approve the amendment to Bill 020283.
On Bill No. 9 020283, I move that the amendment that was read into the record be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Moved and seconded. All in favor, aye? There are none opposed. The amendment is, therefore, approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember O'Neill for a motion on 020283, as amended.
I move, Mr. Chairman, that Bill No. 020283 be reported out of this committee, as amended, with a favorable recommendation and also a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended to allow first reading at our next session. (Duly seconded.)
Moved and seconded. 144 6/5/02 RULES - PUBLIC MEETING All in favor, aye? There are none opposed. Bill No. 4 020283, as amended, will be reported out of this committee favorably and a request will be made for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next session of Council. That concludes the business of the Rules Committee public meeting. (Committee proceedings end at 12:46 p.m.) - - - 145 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia's meeting of the Committee on Rules of Wednesday, June 5, 2002, are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. ______________________________, Josephine Cardillo Registered Professional Reporter and Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)