I would like to say -- the gentleman is telling me I -- my name is Ella Bruce. I took off work to be here. I'm getting emotional. I have this one piece of paper to read and I would like to be able to read it without being interrupted. I am in opposition of the Resolution 24000. I want to ask why are we here. Week after week this exercise is repeated. The bills are introduced. The public is allowed to make comments. Council votes. Not only does Council vote, but some members leave the meeting wanting to be recorded as aye on all bills and resolutions. How can you vote aye on anything without truly considering the public comments? Is this body truly listening to the resident voters, constituents? Those of us who live here have to fight for everything. I get the image of someone talking to me and nodding their head while their fingers are crossed behind their back. I am speaking specifically on any bills introduced with regard to the Sixers Arena. As a resident of Philadelphia, more specifically Council President Johnson's District, it seems that transparency is lacking in this process. We're being told that there will be a robust discussion with regard to this arena. And yet this body appears to be doing -what this body appears to be doing is clearing the way to shove this beast down our throats. The word folly comes to mind. Because the Mayor wants to get to yes, sometimes the answer is no. The community of Chinatown trusts this city to do right by them. I was on the Planning Commission's call for this project. And while Chinatown may be the nearest neighbor to propose this arena, many more neighbors will feel the effects of its inappropriate presence. The studies have not been looked at, at a large enough radius within the location that will be affected. Where are the studies that include the more southern surrounding tributaries? Not enough information has been gathered in this regard. How will this affect the cultural community of the city, specifically the theater district? Just because the developers want an arena at 11th and Market does not mean it belongs there. This is a shiny thing being waved around as if it doesn't present the potential for driving people away who already patronize events in Center City. It would create jobs wherever it's built. Will these jobs created be a wash because of the jobs that are lost by those who work at the Fashion District? This arena isn't even fully thought out by the developer. Does Philadelphia have a real plan for this city? It used to be the 2035 Plan. We deserve better than a concept of a plan. (Applause.)
Lynn Landes, Noelle Foizen. And may Keli McLoyd and Julie Ward Carnegie also make their way to the podium.
My name is Lynn Landes of safestreetsphilly.org. I support the resolution which asks for state enforcement of laws against the sale of liquor at cornerstore establishments pretending to be restaurants. The language of the bill is impassionate and I quote, "The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must confront the rampant illegal sale of liquor in these establishments with unyielding resolve," which is all well and good. But where I ask is City Council's unyielding resolve when it comes to its own local laws and policies such as its sanctuary city policy that has allowed and encouraged the free flow of illegal immigrants, human child and sex trafficking and fatally addictive drugs into Philadelphia in general and Kensington in particular, a neighborhood I thought had been cleaned up. So last Saturday afternoon my husband and I took a ride on Kensington Avenue and were shocked to see within a span of 10 blocks at least 200 people, addicts sitting and lying on the sidewalk passed out and surrounded by trash with no police in sight. My request today is that City Council apply to itself the same unyielding resolve to enforce the law that it now demands of our state legislators in this resolution. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hi. Good morning. Noelle Foizen. I want to thank Councilmember Brooks for sponsoring the resolution for the Door-to-Door Overdose Prevention Campaign, this little program that could. Every fatal overdose is heartbreaking because every overdose is preventable. Today in the city of Philadelphia the most likely person to overdose is a 45-year-old Black male in his home. This is a man who grew up during the war on drugs who may be at least likely to seek help. How do we get him the support he needs? I remember the day Keli, who you're going to hear from in a second, first brought this idea to me. It was so simple yet so perfect, door-to-door canvassing targeting communities with the highest rates of overdose, knocking on every door on a block. No need to raise your hand and say I use drugs or I love someone who uses drugs. The program had the goal of sharing information with everyone on the block to try to get Narcan in every single medicine cabinet like aspirin or Pepto Bismol. We have phenomenal partners at CEO who were all in on day 1 and understood the importance of the moment and fully embrace the opportunity to save lives. CEO has worked tirelessly to get this program up and running in those communities with the highest rates of fatal overdoses. The door-todoor canvassers though are the real heroes of this program. I have no doubt the work they do every day saves lives and reduces the stigma by ensuring our neighbors know we see them, we love them, we care about them and we want them to not only live but thrive. I'm going to ask the CEO team and all the door to-door canvassers to please stand up from Philly Counts so we can give them a round of applause please. (Applause.)
Thank you so much. Thank you again for this honor. I'm way over time. Sorry. (Applause.)
Keli McLoyd, Julie Ward Carnegie. And may Melody Wong and Anthony Wyatt make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.) MS. McLOYD: Hi, everybody. Thank you so much for allowing me to speak. My name is Keli McLoyd. It's Swahili for peppery and persistent. So first, I would like to thank Councilwoman Brooks for sponsoring this resolution. And I want to just remind everybody and echo what my colleagues have stated. First of all, Albert, we are so incredibly proud of you and we know you can keep going. Please keep going. I secondly want to echo Noelle and giving a shout-out to the Philly Counts crew. When this project came together, we had no idea what the reaction would be. When we went into primarily Black and Brown neighborhoods to talk about drugs, we were expecting anger and we were expecting trauma, but what we actually got was welcome, we got heartbreak and we got tears. So much so that we had to re-allot time at the doors because people were so eager to have these conversations. We have a fantastic report here that we are asking everybody to look at. And one more thing that I just want to end with. In the city of Philadelphia as well as nationally we have seen a decrease in overdose deaths. We celebrate that every single day, but I want to remind everybody that this decrease did not apply to Black and Brown folks either throughout the United States or in Philadelphia specifically. We need more support and we need to keep up the attention. And again, Albert, we are so incredibly proud of you. (Applause.)
Julie Ward Carnegie, Melody Wong, Anthony Wyatt and Denise Ross. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good day, City Councilmembers, Council Clerk, Mayor Cherelle Parker, Governor Shapiro, Harrisburg Senators, State Representatives and assembly of people present. My comments are in regards to Bill 240999. I digress for a moment regarding Bill 240999. Being that it is that the testimony that was heard and the expressions that I saw on Councilmembers as well as Council President's face is an indication that a lot that was stated was not known. And so, with respect to Council and Council President, I'm sure that our Commissioner will probably look into that further regarding what happened to one person as they were on the elevator. Resolution 240992, recognizing the devastating impact acts of Hurricane Helene and Milton calling on Congress to immediately pass sufficient funding for FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund, requesting of Councilmembers to include a budget for Philadelphia that provides additional medic units, vehicles and to the obtainment of records become accessible ASAP as it pertains to complaints regarding uncooperative tenants across county lines of Pennsylvania. I want to mention also the name Paul V. Carnegie and many people knew him as Brother Khalifed Eil(ph), both were legal names, legal binding, who provided a binder of both homeland security and also who provided an overview for the record of Pennsylvania -the records of Pennsylvania also reflect Paul V. Carnegie soared through the FEMA test. And two, the testimony of his nephew David Ewing as well as Town Watch Executive Director Murphy -- cannot think of his first name, Anthony Murphy, thank you, can also provide credence of his testimony. Regarding Resolution -Bill, beg your pardon, 24099, please consider the following: Please review any stipulation that just might be including Philadelphia County in the small print of the Crozer Delaware County receivership. With that having been said, it will probably be necessary to have a combined City Council meeting session with Pittsburgh. And I say that because a lot always falls downhill to Philadelphia and it wouldn't surprise me if because the Crozer Medic Unit is shutting down in Delaware County, that at the last minute they'll come stomping through these doors and saying, well, Philadelphia, you did not consider in that Bill 240999 the fact that medics will be needed. And also lastly to say, that regarding Resolution 240612 include review of any highway restrictions conflicting with County line jurisdictions that impose upon Philadelphia residents and to review inadequate transportation options due to canceled lines into staggering timelines. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Melody Wong, Anthony Wyatt, Denise Ross and Wanda Walker. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Hello. I'm Melody Wong. I live in West Philadelphia. I've been a lifelong Chinatown community member. My parents arrived in Chinatown in the 1970s. I've worked, volunteered and have been an active member in the community since. My parents instilled in me we need to remember where we got our start. Therefore, I oppose Resolution 241000. I am a card-carrying Union member and understand the importance of unions and jobs, but an arena built anywhere in the city will still provide union jobs. It doesn't have to come at the cost of a historically and strategically undervalued community. We are witnessing the strategic undervaluing of our community today with a proposal of this arena. Profits over community and profits over people, is that really who we are, Philadelphia? In the regards to the NID, I was once mainstream manager of Chinatown and one of the goals was to form a NID in Chinatown. After talking to property and business owners, the plan did not succeed because the community does not want it. A few years later the NID for north of Vine was proposed, also shot down. Furthermore, why is Chinatown not part of Center City District? Because the community doesn't want it. Something I still remember during those oppositions is the community chanting no taxation without representation. And to many, the NID is a proposal as additional taxation without proper representation. I am just one voice here, but there are many who you have heard that feel exactly the same as me today. I implore you, Councilmembers, consider the people, your constituents. The majority of people don't want this. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)
Anthony Wyatt, Denise Ross, Wanda Walker and Phillip Lockett. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. I'm Anthony Wyatt, Community Engagement supervisor at CEO, Office of Community Empowerment Opportunity. I along with my Co-supervisor Andre Cheney under the direction of Robin Walker, our Deputy Director, we were charged with leading our Philly Counts canvassing team on the Overdose Response Project. We're the team that knocked on over 100,000 doors in the city. (Applause.)
I know a lot of you came out and walked with us and knocked on some of the doors with us in your areas and some outside of your areas that you are charged with covering, but we're going to keep this effort going. We've gotten some people in recovery, some people would say they're ready, but they're not really ready. We get their information and later we found out that, hey, that person did actually go in, you know. We've had parents tell us that my son, I want y'all to talk to my son, like they did with Denise Ross who's going to speak after me. We doing this work and we definitely need everybody to help. We're going to educate the community on these overdoses that are happening outside of Kensington. People are dying in their homes. They're buying them wherever they're getting them from and they're going home and dying. So we have to get these harm reduction kits in every household. Like it was said earlier, you have these in your household just like you have aspirin or your Tylenol. You don't take it every day, but you use it when you need it. So we have in our home reduction kits, we have Narcan, we have Fentanyl test strips. We have resource material that the City has to offer that a lot of people in our communities don't have access to. So we're going to keep going door-to-door knocking. And when you see us out there, if you want to come out and join us, you can come and contact the Office of Community Empowerment Opportunity. You can come and walk with us and see what it's like. (Applause.)
Denise Ross, Wanda Walker, Phillip Lockett. Then Ogbonna Hagins. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Denise Ross and I'm just piggybacking off of my supervisor Anthony Wyatt. I am a foot soldier. I am one of the people that knocked on over those 100,000 doors. Educating people is very important. I go out, every day I knock on doors. I speak to individuals, even those individuals that do not believe that they have family members that have some type of addiction or problem. And it's not about them. I educate them and I school them and let them know that it doesn't have to be a family member, but we all have family members. Maybe you don't know about it, but they are using some form of substance. I educate them. I teach them on how to use the Narcan. I educate them on how to use the Fentanyl test strips, which are very important. Because you can't stop the drug usage, but at least we can stop the dying here in the city of Philadelphia with so many people that are dying from overdosing. So what we're here to do is try to do preventive measurements. And moving forward, just help as many people as possible. We'll continue knocking on those doors. We'll continue speaking to people and we'll continue to get the message out so that we can know to let Philadelphia count. (Applause.)
Wanda Walker, Phillip Lockett, Ogbonna Hagins and David Alexander Jenkins.
Good morning, beautiful people. My name is Wanda Walker. And I'm going to ask how right before it's time to vote are you all so arrogant and cocky that you're going to tell people they only have one minute to speak? It wouldn't matter if it took until 4 or 5 o'clock. You should want to hear your citizens. This is a serious topic and we don't have all the answers and you're trying to shove something down our throat. People, you all need to remember this come election day. It is 17 City Councilpeople in here and 14 of them are Democrats. All you have to do is start voting differently, then they'll listen. That's one way we can do it. Now, I'm going to come here every single Thursday like I said before, don't really want to be here, but we need to talk about our seniors. Philadelphia used to be number one in Black homeownership. Now, we're not. We're the number one poorest big city. We need to stop this. If you can pay a mortgage for 30 years and taxes for 30 years, there should be something on the books that says seniors don't have to pay taxes, period. Nobody's property should be getting taken. We should also have a moratorium on all sales until more investigations are done as how these houses are being taken from people. Most of our wealth is held with our seniors so it's very important to protect our seniors, like Ray Johnson at 17th and Christian. This stuff has to stop. These people are saying they don't want something, you're not listening. So we're not going to vote for you come next time it's time to have an election. And this is pretty much all I have to say because this is ridiculous saying the same thing and y'all aren't listening. Like how are so many people getting this upset and then you're limiting how much someone can express themselves. We're paying for parking. We're taking off from work. We're coming down here and y'all really aren't hearing us. Now, it might be a good idea but until you prove it to us, the answer's no overwhelmingly. And as far as properties stop, every single week I come here y'all are giving out 50 or more properties to the Land Bank, like make it makes sense. And the taxes are going up. You run on one thing and then do another. We're tired of you. We're going to start voting differently. (Applause.)
Phillip Lockett, Ogbonna Hagins, David Alexander Jenkins. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, Council President and good morning to Council. My name is Phillip Freedman Lockett. And I'm here to give kudos to my Councilwoman Cindy Bass for Bill 240724. She put some teeth in that bill to help us seniors down here who's fighting to stay in our homes. We got a lot of seniors that's falling by the wayside because the powers that be is overtaking us. And I give her a round of applause for that bill that she introduced. Also, I want to just mention Bill 240992. Councilman O'Rourke went way beyond the call of duty and he called up Congress to recommend immediate money for the hurricane victims down South. Well, he need to do the same thing for the Freedmen. We got devastation all over the place because we're out of our status. And I can't believe that we can get one Councilperson to talk to Congress about a concern Down South but can't get one to pick up the (inaudible) for the Freedmen. So I'm going to ask him again could he help us out to get this powerful legislation on the book so we can get started. And I thank you all for the day and I'm going to leave you alone so y'all can come back next Thursday.
Good morning. Obgonna Hagins, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. Ladies and gentlemen, we stand at a crucial critical point. The 2024 Presidential election has become a diddy party for big money donors, whether Democrat or Republican. It doesn't matter. American Freedmen will be left behind once again. Neither party is interested in completing the work of reconstruction. There's no urgency to define and outlaw the badges, vestiges and incidents of slavery. Councilmember Bass' Resolution 240724 highlights the need for Pennsylvania to strengthen the enforcement against illegal merchants, their activities which devastates our neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Yet both parties are too focused on the interest of the elite to prioritize those urgent issues. Both parties misuse the 14th Amendment allowing immigrants to exploit birthright citizenship instead of the children of enslaved mothers. This further marginalized the Freedmen community and neither party will secure reparations we deserve. Today I invite all American Freedmen and those who support the ideals of Charles Sumner to join the new political movement, a new political movement Reconstruction 2.0. No more Democrats, no more Republicans. Let us say no to both major parties. Let's focus on our neighborhoods, protect our communities and reclaim our righteous and rightful status of American Freedmen. Ogbonna Hagins. Hey, Council President, you ain't paying attention. How was your party last night? How was the Diddy party you ain't invite me to and you told me to my face you were going to call me back (inaudible).
David Alexander Jenkins. Mr. President, happy birthday. Members, I rise for the resolution that begs the Board of Trustees at one of the fine institutions to take corrective measure by raising the salaries of its employees to a standard commiserate with its offerings, but I pause to reflect with this body on how we honor this request, which we must in sincerity without addressing the identical inequality with rudimentary education throughout our city. Philadelphia School District Superintendent Tony Watlington informed us in January in his address that the budget shortfall of more than 400 million, declining enrollment, low test scores, aging facilities and a persistent teacher shortage were everpresent issues that we are grappling with in the City of Brotherly Love. In March, Chief Financial Officer Michael Herbstman presented a preliminary budget in for 2025 showing escalating shortfalls over the next five years of nearly $88 million in 2025 and ballooning to $745 million in 2029. We rank 20th in the list of 26 large school districts and performance and unsurprisingly, 27th in per pupil spending. Of those same cities, we rank 23rd in salaries offered to educators. Is anyone else hearing a correlation here? Today we saw the power of what investment in education does with the NAACP's presentation and what the effects of a lack of education at the alternative options do to create a less than legal behavior amongst us in a resolution from Councilmember Bass. Our guests from the city of London will recall the words of the great Thomas Moore. If you suffer your people to be ill-educated and corrupt their manners from infancy and then charge them for the crimes which their first education disposes of them, what else can be concluded but that you have first made the thief only to punish it. We are -- are we a city of investing in our primary education of our citizens, educators and thusly our future or are we a city which performs the perpetual stress test that creates the very behavior we later seek to admonish. It is right, indeed that we would ask for the adjustment of spending to create an equitable reality in the labor force that educates the largest amount of our citizenry, but we must not forget to clean our house while begging others to do theirs. (Applause.)
Council President, there are no further speakers for public comment. 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you very much. This ends public comment. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240974.
A resolution calling on the Board of Trustees at Community College of Philadelphia for increased wages for all faculty and staff, including full-time faculty, part-time faculty and classified staff.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240974.
Thank you, Council President. 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING I move for the adoption of the resolution enthusiastically. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240974 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240978.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING conveying fee simple title to 713 North 35th Street, 719 North 51st Street, 711 North Preston Street, 713 North Preston Street, 710, 726, 730, 732 and 736 Wiota Street, 3518 Wallace Street, 5234 Walnut Street, 5039 Market Street, 5045, 5047 Market Street, 4222 Powelton Street and 1115 North 41st Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
Sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gauthier for a motion 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING regarding Resolution No. 240978.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240978 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Chair will please read the title of Resolution No. 240979.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Bank to dispose of 666 and 674 Union Street, 3842, 3844, 3851 and 3855 Aspen Street, 747 North 39th Street, 3902, 3903 and 3906 Brown Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240979.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240979 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.) 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240980.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1118 North 39th Street, 3864 Pennsgrove Street and 4701 Sansom Street in the 3rd Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING to Section 16-405 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240980.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240980 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240981.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 1532 South Stillman Street, 1534 South Stillman Street, 1536 South Stillman Street and 1730 Manton Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240981.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240981 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240985.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 3148 North 24th Street, 129 North 58th Street, 134 North 58th Street and 2942 West Wishart Street 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING located in the 4th Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jones for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240985.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for its adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240985 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240990.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 1517 West Stiles Street and 1518 West Stiles Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
The Chair recognizes Council Jeffrey Jay Young for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240990.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240990 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240992.
A resolution recognizing the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton calling on Congress to immediately pass sufficient funding for FEMA Disaster Relief Fund and reaffirming the City of Philadelphia's commitment to ensuring that its disaster 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING preparedness measures meet the challenges posed by the worsening climate disasters.
The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Rourke for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240992.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240992 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240993.
A resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2201 East Tioga Street located in the 6th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Mike Driscoll -
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING seconded that Resolution No. 240993 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries and the resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240994.
Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 149 Ashmead Street, 1520-1540 West Venango Street and 1600-1620 West Venango Street located in the 8th Councilmanic District pursuant to the requirements of the 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Commonwealth Land Bank Act.
The Clerk -- the Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240994.
Thank you, Mr. President. We move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240994 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240997.
A resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass legislation prohibiting the sale of large capacity magazines in the state of Pennsylvania.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Ahmad for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240997 -- oh, I'm sor --
Yes. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240997 on behalf of Dr. Nina Ahmad.
On behalf of Dr. Nina Ahmad -- and thank you, 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Councilmember Cindy Bass -- I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240997 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 240999.
A resolution agreeing to participate in the amended "Gallery at Market East Tax Increment Financing District," if it should be amended by the Council 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING of the City of Philadelphia in accordance with the Tax Increment Financing Act of July 11, 1990, (P.L. 465, No. 113) as amended in the Center City Redevelopment area, in an area currently generally bounded by Filbert Street on the north, 8th Street on the east, 11th Street on the west and Market Street on the south, and designating the Mayor and her designee as the City's representative for purposes of meeting with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, pursuant to Section 5(a)(2) of the Tax Increment Financing Act.
For the record, regarding Bill No. 240999, this is only a procedural vote. This is not the final vote on the arena proposal set forth before members of City Council. 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for a motion regarding Resolution No. 240999.
Thank you, Council President. I just want to echo your sentiments that today's vote is not an actual vote on the arena or anything like that. Today's vote is a resolution that's required as it relates to the process in order to put us in a position to be able to have a conversation. I also want to note for the record that based on today's public testimony myself and other members of City Council, we did listen to everything that was said. And I know myself and other members of City Council are specifically committed to meeting with the residents of Chinatown and other parties and stakeholders who truly 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING care about this issue prior to the actual hearing. So with that being said, Council President, on your behalf I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 240999 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it -- wait, we'll do a voice count. Call the roll.
Councilmember Phillips. 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING (Aye.)
I would like to say a few words before I register my vote. I have not yet taken a position on the arena. I have been meeting with everybody on every side. My goal is to make sure that if there is a CBA, that it's good for Chinatown, that it protects Chinatown from displacement. My goal is to make sure that the EOP is real and that all of the jobs that are being claimed for Black and Brown people are actually real. I can't vote for 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING these resolutions today. I don't think this process has gone the right way. And I want to be clear that I'm undecided, but I really object to the process. Nay. (Applause.)
Council President, I'd also like a second to speak. I too am deeply concerned about how quickly this process is going, especially at a time when our democracy is on the line and we should all be spending our precious moments clocking out and going and doing the good work. 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING And for the reasons of the process moving too fast and needing to spend more time, I have a list of questions that have been submitted. More questions are being submitted have to have answers. I'm going to have to vote nay too. (Applause.)
Councilmember O'Neill had previously stated aye. Councilmember Squilla is absent. Councilmember Bass.
Councilmember Ahmad also voted aye previously. And, Council President Johnson.
Aye. The ayes are 11. The nays are 5. The resolution passes. Will the Clerk please read the title of -- will the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 241000.
A resolution initiating action to approve the amendment of an existing neighborhood improvement district 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING currently in the area generally bounded by and including 11th Street to the west, Filbert Street to the north, 8th Street to the east and Market Street to the south with the exception of certain condominium units at 801 Market Street Condominium, not included in the district known as the Gallery Neighborhood Improvement District, to remove certain portions of such property generally bounded by Filbert Street on the north, 10th Street on the east, 11th Street on the west and Market Street on the south from such district and authorizing and directing the Committee on Rules and the Chief Clerk of Council to take all actions that are required by the Community and Economic Improvement Act prior to enactment of an ordinance that would formally amend the District. 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas for a motion regarding Resolution No. 241000.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Roll call vote on this bill as well? (Same vote.)
Let's just do it for the record. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Councilmember O'Neill voted aye previously. Councilmember Squilla is absent. Councilmember Bass.
Councilmember Ahmad voted aye. And, Council President Johnson.
Aye. The resolution passes. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240499.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Locust Street, 8th Street, South Street and Broad Street.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is should the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16. The nays are 0. A majority of all members having voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Will the Chief Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 240656.
An ordinance amending Section 14-303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Common Procedures and Requirements," to clarify provisions related to public hearings of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and make technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions. 10/31/24 - STATED - 2ND READING
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is should the bill pass finally.