Hi, everyone. My name is Katie Hanford. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. Good morning, members of Council and Council President Johnson. Those were some really powerful comments to follow up, but I'll do my best. I'm the Executive Director of the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District and I'm here in support of Bill 251022, aiming to expand outdoor dining in Philadelphia. The current sidewalk cafe system creates real inequities. Businesses directly on East Passyunk Avenue, often more resourced and paying higher rents, are the only businesses in our neighborhood who can access cafe seating by-right. Just outside the boundary, many immigrant-owned and first-time operators face a months' or yearlong process that often prevents them from pursuing outdoor seating at all. These are the businesses that most need this tool to increase sales and stay competitive. Even within the by-right zone, the process is not straightforward. Superette, the new cafe activating the singing fountain on East Passyunk, added essential outdoor seating, yet still encountered unnecessary complexity in their process. Just one block east, Fountain Porter, a beloved neighborhood bar operating since 2012, spent almost two years securing approval for only five tables. If experienced operators face delays like this, new business owners, especially those for whom English is not a first language, encounter barriers that are nearly impossible to overcome. For these reasons, we strongly encourage Council to streamline sidewalk cafe approvals and expand by-right seating into all proposed areas within Bill No. 251022, including our associate business membership district. This area, from Snyder to Federal and Broad Street to two blocks east of Passyunk, is part of the same commercial ecosystem with lower rents that increase equity and access for businesses that cannot afford full avenue storefronts. A bill like this would make a meaningful impact here and in similar corridors citywide. Pairing these reforms with considered hours such as 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and 11:00 p.m. on weekends ensures that expanded seating supports both business vitality and neighborhood quality of life. For all these reasons, we urge adoption of the legislation so businesses in East Passyunk and across Philadelphia have a fair, predictable path to participate. Thanks for your time. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. My name is Jason Evans, founder and owner of JD Evans solutions, a Black and LGBTQ+-owned business here in Philadelphia, representing several bars and restaurants in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you for your time today, President Johnson and esteemed Councilmembers. I come to you today in support of Councilmember Landau's sidewalk cafe Bill No. 251022. From 2020 to 2022, I was part of the City's Outdoor Dining Pilot program representing a few bars in the neighborhood, with great success, also working with Councilperson Domb on the original outdoor dining bill. On April 5, 2024, I testified in front of this Council, along with Ben Fileccia and Sean McGranaghan from the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association to inform Council of the delays businesses face to obtain any type of outdoor license. We have had some successes, but we still have a way to go. This bill is important to me for many reasons, for the small mom-and-pop business like Stina in South Philly that made it through one of the greatest global challenges our generation has ever seen. For those like Sean, who is no longer with us, but made it his life's work to advocate supporting bars and restaurants here in Philadelphia, let's be clear, we are talking about tables and chairs that are removable. I'm aware of concerns from members and constituents regarding stop-and-goes and the nuisance establishments. I would like to offer my assistance to create policy or legislation to keep neighborhoods safe from bad actors, while not penalizing the law-abiding establishments who have and continue to work with the city to not just make our immediate businesses thrive, but to keep Philly businesses growing well into the future. We are rebuilding the Philadelphia economy together. Please do not stop this progress, but instead work collaboratively. Thank you, Councilperson Landau, for furthering this legislation and all of your support. Please pass Bill 251022. Thank you for your time and consideration, and Go Birds. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. I'm Scott Van Bramer and I'm here to speak in favor of the Stop Trashing Our Air Act. I'm a resident of Philadelphia and a professor at Widener University in Chester. I've worked in Chester for over 30 years and I see the impact of the incinerator on the local community. I know what it smells like. I know the endless lines of trucks taking waste to the incinerator. I measure air pollution in Chester. The population within one mile of the incinerator is 90% people of color, and the median household income is $26,000. The community carries the burdens of the nation's largest waste incinerator. The Stop Trashing Our Air Act addresses one of the worst examples of environmental racism in our country. We can stop contributing to their air pollution. A November 8th Inquirer article reminded me that this issue was part of the mayoral debate when Jeff Brown dismissed concerns about burning our trash in Chester. Cherelle Parker called out the racism. I'm glad to know our Mayor does not want to impose this burden on the city of Chester. As a society, we need to stop adding burdens to the same communities. We need to stop environmental racism. There's a stark difference between who is impacted when we choose incineration over landfills. The comparison we're looking at is whether we use the incinerator in Chester or Republic's Conestoga landfill in Berks County, the main alternative. Within one mile of the Chester incinerator, we're looking at 90% people of color versus 7% near the landfill. We're looking at a median household income of $26,000 versus $100,000 near the landfill. And we're looking at 28 times more people living near the incinerator. It's also important to know that Philadelphia is often downwind from Chester. The pollution from the incinerator blows towards Philadelphia. The incinerator makes our own air pollution worse. Please let us do the right thing. Reduce the impact of our trash. Stop contributing to environmental racism and stop polluting our own air. Thank you. (Applause.)
My name is John Lindsay from the Wiota Street Community Garden. We -- excuse me. We started the Wiota Street Community Garden in 1984. It has been an important part of the neighborhood ever since. We want to thank everyone who helped make today's events possible. We will do our best to keep the garden going and getting better. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning. My name is Ringo Roseman. I own the Bagel Place in Queen village. Philly is a great town because of its people and its small businesses. The vast majority of businesses here are locally-owned and reflect the needs and the makeup of the community. Our restaurant scene in particular continues to grow, develop, succeed and win international awards, even amidst ongoing major economic issues. But if you ask most small business owners, they will tell you their success is in spite of local government assistance, not because of it and that's a real shame. The sidewalk cafe license is a prime example of this. I can tell you my experience when I opened my restaurant. Getting this license was harder than getting my food license, my certificate of occupancy or any other license. From the date I submitted my application to my approval took over a year, and that was with the assistance from my Councilman's office to navigate the red tape. For a struggling new business, this is an especially difficult time where every small thing matters and it felt like the city was fighting me instead of helping me. Outdoor seating ranges from helpful to necessary depending on the circumstance. Adding seats for diners is only a part of it. It also adds ambience in the feel of vibrance and community involvement when people pass by on foot or on the road and see a cozy and accessible place to feel at home in their own neighborhood. For those who bring their dogs or have trouble feeling being inside of a packed small city space, either because of sensory issues or space for a stroller, it often becomes the only option and it serves as one of the best forms of marketing, aside from word of mouth, to see the visual of outdoor seating where we might otherwise not know a restaurant was even there, let alone accessible and inviting. During COVID, we learned that we can make these processes easier out of necessity and still respect the desires of the neighborhood, the needs of the city and of course, respect all ADA requirements. I implore the Council to make things easier, not harder for us struggling locallyowned, small businesses to provide options for our patrons and to improve our cityscape. Thank you. (Applause.)
We have Thomas Pfeiffer, Catherine Andreal, Emily Dooley, Becca Richards. May Keyana Hernandon, Shabab Obgorin, Caitlin Green, Angela Okeke, Landra (ph) Japaro, Camille Lamar and Imani Smith also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I am here to speak in opposition to Bill 250720. City Council is well aware that the original mobile services ban in District 7 only became enforceable 10 days ago. Meaning, we have absolutely no data available on the efficacy or impact of the original bill. What we do have however is the testimony of hundreds of community members, medical professionals, harm reductionists and recipients of mobile services stating their concern that limiting services will deprive thousands of individuals access to lifesaving care. Mobile service providers allow the most vulnerable members of our community to access wound care, medication-assisted treatment, overdose prevention, harm reduction, services, meals, hygiene supplies and seasonal items like hand warmers, blankets and coats that allow them to survive the winter. I can't help but notice all of the well-deserved props going out to Saudia today. The things that she's doing are the same things that these mobile services bans seek to criminalize. If Councilmember Driscoll wants to address the needs of everyone in the 6th District, he could install more garbage cans or implement more regular trash pickup. If he's worried about people sitting or sleeping on the sidewalk, he could have the Streets Department fix the broken sidewalks that are impassable for strollers or wheelchairs. If he wants to prevent public drug use or reduce drug-related litter, he could open a supervised consumption site. We made these suggestions to Councilmember Lozada before her mobile services ban, but she declined. If all City Councilmembers who vote for this bill and sign this bill into law, I believe that it makes it hard. It makes it hard to believe that they want vulnerable Philadelphians to survive the winter. That's all. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. I thought it was morning. Been here a while. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Emily Doley and I am the Deputy Director of Neighborhood Gardens Trust. I am here in support of Resolution Nos. 251080 in the 2nd District and 251079 in the 3rd District. These bills authorize the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to finalize agreements with the Neighborhood Gardens Trust for the preservation of Wiota Street Community Garden in West Philadelphia and Hawthorne Community Garden in South Philadelphia. This action will secure over 20,000 square feet of protected, community-managed green space in our neighborhoods. Preserving our neighborhoods includes protecting community gardens alongside investing in affordable housing and other crucial quality-of-life improvements. We have to remember that most of Philly's 400-plus community gardens around the city were cultivated by neighbors on abandoned land in neighborhoods that had been disinvested in through redlining and urban renewal and forgotten. Hawthorne Community Garden in South Philly was founded nearly two decades ago when residents came together to clear construction debris that had been dumped on the lot and now it is growing produce and flowers and community. Through these cooperative efforts, residents have maintained these green spaces for decades and they should not have to experience the insecurity that comes from not having secure land tenure. These spaces, they provide space for neighbors to grow healthy food and gather safely and play. They offer refuge from summer heat, they help mitigate air and water pollution and they have been shown to significantly reduce gun violence and help people feel safer. So I want to thank and applaud Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and their offices for working with the Redevelopment Authority and Neighborhood Gardens Trust and most importantly, the community to navigate these complicated land preservation processes. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hi. Good afternoon, Councilmembers and everyone who's joined us this morning. My name is Becca Richards. I'm an External Affairs Coordinator at Visit Philadelphia. Today I am speaking in support of Bill No. 251022 sponsored by Councilmember Landau. Visit Philadelphia's mission is to build Philadelphia's image, drive visitation and spur the economic vitality of the region. This bill is a catalyst for economic equity and an essential preparation for our city's moment on the global stage in 2026. Making it easier for neighborhood businesses to open sidewalk cafes drives local vitality and increase foot traffic, which helps local businesses grow. This legislation levels the playing field by making it dramatically easier and more equitable for small businesses to add seating capacity for many of these small establishments. An expanded footprint means increased sales, more stable staffing and ultimately greater financial resilience. Together we can transform our streets into a destination. This legislation ensures that as people explore Philadelphia beyond Center City and our historic core, they find a lively atmosphere and hospitality in the neighborhoods. This bill will help ensure that the economic impact of 2026 is distributed throughout the city, reaching neighborhood businesses that might otherwise be overlooked. Visit Philadelphia strongly urges Council to vote in favor of Bill No. 251022. Thank you. (Applause.)
Just one moment before the PhillyBOLT group. May we have Olivia Williams and then the PhillyBOLT group. And then may Dennis Lee also make their way to the podium. Thank you. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good afternoon, Distinguished Soror Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Council President and Councilmembers. My name is Olivia B. Miller and I am the captivating Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Director for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. On behalf of the sorors and the Commonwealth, I extend our sincerest gratitude for this meaningful resolution acknowledging our 106 Founders' Day. Founded in 1920 on the principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood and finer womanhood, Zeta has proudly served communities across the Commonwealth. Right here in the city of Sisterly Affection, we have two graduate chapters and four undergraduate chapters. Our sorors advance the extraordinary power of SHE, through social, health and economic justice programs that support youth and strengthen neighborhoods and families. Being recognized by this body is both an honor and a reminder of the responsibility we joyfully carry. Thank you for celebrating the legacy of our five founders and the continued work our members, auxiliaries and community partners do. We are committed to promoting the mission of Zeta and being a steadfast partner in service to this great city. We appreciate this recognition and look forward to continuing to make a positive and lasting impact in Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Keanu Marie Hernandon. I am a PhillyBOLT leader and I would like to discuss what I see happening in Philadelphia. According to the Philadelphia Police Department, within the community-focused data charts a total of 1036 violent crimes have been committed from October 11th through December 8, 2025. These crimes include robbery with held gun possession, aggravated assault and homicide, with homicide being the lowest charted crime rate out of the four. Well, what does this mean for us? We as a community rely on the public as a resource to shop, buy and socialize, things that people should be able to do without fearing for themselves or others. Putting a stop to this will not only reduce crime rates in Philadelphia, but will make the city a safer place to live. As a young citizen in Philadelphia, I grew up around a lot of petty crimes. Oddly enough, retail theft was always something that never seemed to change. Working in a retail store, I personally went through the unfortunate events of retail theft firsthand. To be honest, it's more common than people realize. People from our community come to retail stores to purchase goods. These stores need to make money to stay in business. If this keeps occurring, these companies will go out of business. We as a community will be forced to shop at other farther locations. The crime rate will always affect our community and people in some type of way. Even if it's not affecting you personally, it's affecting your friends, your colleagues and maybe your loved ones, therefore affecting you as well. I am looking for change not only for myself, but for everyone. I am asking this Council body to be more vocal and actually be in the community, working with people and bringing new different ideas to really support and eliminate the issue and keep people like me safe. Change will make Philadelphia a better place. Changing rules, adding security guards in stores and taking petty theft seriously can help prevent these continuous events from happening. Thank you for your time and attention. Hopefully together, we can build a safer and stronger Philadelphia for us, our families and our communities. (Applause.)
Hello, everyone. My name is Shabab Obgarin from Philly Booth -PhillyBOLT youth program and student at West Philly High. Today I will be advocating for housing affordability and homelessness. The problems that this creates are renters using nearly 30% or more of their income on housing. This a problem because it pushes people toward eviction and homelessness by them not having enough money for a small setback. Like an illness, job loss or unexpected bill can lead to an eviction or experiencing homelessness. Another issue is the shortest of affordable housing. This is because federal affordable housing programs are underfunded. For example, federal cuts under new HUD rules are threatening supportive housing. Now that I have told you the problems these issues create, I will tell you some solutions I know that will effectively improve or even fix them. This for the problem of renters using nearly 30% or more of their income on housing, to preserve existing affordable housing. This can be done by grants or low interest loans for landlords to repair old units in exchange for keeping rents affordable. This works because preserving units is far cheaper than adding new ones. Now, for the issue of federal cuts under new HD rules threatening supportive housing, we can create a supportive housing stabilization fund. This can help by helping providers meet the new HUD compliance costs and it prevents mass displacement. This can be supported through the Housing Trust Fund or short term general fund allocations. Thank you.
Good morning, members of the City Council. My name is Caitlin Green. I'm a student at Academy of Palumbo as well as a Bolt fellow. I'm here to share a story of my mom's experience with food insecurity and why we need to expand funding for it. My mom grew up in a low-income household. She and her sisters relied on food assistance and faced constant financial instability. Because of this, my mom missed out on many key childhood experiences like not having enough funds to go on a school trip and not being able to attend a school dance. My mom has worked hard in order to provide me with the opportunities she didn't have. Not every parent has the ability or the resources to do the same. That was more than 20 years ago. Yet the same struggles my mom faced decades ago are the same battles thousands of children face in Philadelphia today. The recent federal shutdown showed how fast support could dissipate when SNAP benefits were paused. Countless households struggled to put food on the table. Local food banks and hunger relief programs lacked sufficient funds to provide every aid to everyone. And even if the food banks had enough to help, they were only short-term solutions to what could have been a long-term problem. Because the federal government is taking a step back, it's important that we come together as Philadelphians to fill that gap. I appreciate that the city has taken initial strides in that direction such as the One Philly SNAP program, but there needs to be more funds allocated towards food banks and similar programs. I ask you to take action so that no Philadelphian experiences food insecurity. Life is unpredictable and families in Philadelphia deserve a life of stability. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good morning, everyone. My name is Angela Okeke. I'm a PhillyBOLT coach and a student at Academy at Palumbo. I'm here because my voice and the voices of young people across the city deserve more than a two-minute timer. Last spring I sat here watching my peers try to speak about issues that were important to them. I noticed many of you were on your phone during their public comment. So right now silence any devices and put down your phones. Grant your constituents your attention and ears for three -- excuse me -- two minutes. In 2023, just weeks before my freshman year of high school, my best friend's brother Nahim passed away due to a car crash related to gang violence. He was bright, he was funny and extremely talented, yet just involved with the wrong crowd. He never had enough places to go that were safe, creative and welcoming. I'm sure this isn't something you've heard for the first time and doesn't that bother you. Across Philadelphia, it has become normal to watch young people slip through our fingers like sand, not because they lack potential but because we fail to give them places to grow, impact and most importantly, just be kids. A seed of a dream can't be planted without passion and action. So I did my research. As of March 2025, Philadelphia's police budget is 872 million. Philadelphia's budget for Parks programs and Recreation is 83.5 million. That is a $788.5 million difference. We say we care about youth violence, voice and growth, but our budget tells a different story. Kids don't need more police. They need more places to breathe. If we fund community resources, more creative spaces and beautify the approximately 40,000 vacant lots Philadelphia has, youth then have somewhere to thrive and connect. Clean spaces create clearer heads. We should have environments protecting them before policing them. We should be handed possibility before patrol, a push towards greatness before punishment and a pull for a hug before a push into pain. I'm not here as an expert with a degree. I'm here as a Philly resident who has lost someone and refuses to lose another. So I'm asking you, not as politicians but as people with the power to choose this future. This city will have to take this seriously. Fund spaces that keep us kids alive. It'd be a shame if I left here. It's just another voice, another silent citizen and another youth ignored in City Hall. I leave you with this today. Nahim is not and will not be lost, will not be the last one. The last one caught it in the wrong crowd. He did not get his chance, but another young person can. It just so happens that he got his call to death's doorstep. It is up to us to make sure the next individual in Philadelphia leaves death's call ringing. We youth standing right in front of you today need places of growth, so fund more programs in our neighborhoods, treat us as civilians, not as a threat, and listen to our brave new voices. Thank you for yours. (Applause.)
Greetings, everyone. My name is Yun(ph) Japaro Perez, a student of the PhillyBOLT Youth Program at Olney High School. Today I'll be advocating for the mental health literacy gap. This issue refers to the lack of knowledge, skills or education necessary to recognize, understand and effectively regulate one's own emotions and respond empathetically to the emotions of other people. This leads to poor mental health and education and can also hinder emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships. I believe that the City of Philadelphia should invest in programs or classes centered around emotions on how to manage them, especially for young kids. Then the stigma surrounding mental health will diminish. This would increase their well-being and encourage emotional intelligence as well as increase empathy, leading to overall understanding of people. And therefore violent incidents won't be likely to occur. These violent outbursts likely happen due to the overwhelming emotions that a person may be struggling to deal with and instead takes it out on those around them. For example, if classes were implemented into our curriculums, that would teach us how to deal with certain emotions because let's be honest, emotions don't come with a rule book and there's times where we struggle at navigating them. We don't need a rule book for emotions. Instead we need a guide to help us stay true to ourselves when strong emotions threaten to cloud our judgment. In conclusion, teaching emotional intelligence could lead to less conflicts, boost well-being and also strength bonds within our community. Thank you so much for your time. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. My name is Camille Lamar and I'm a PhillyBOLT coach and I'm here today because my school Sayre High School and others are struggling not just with resources, but with the recruitment and retention of teachers. We don't have enough educators to support all the classes we need, which means fewer electives, fewer engaging courses and fewer opportunities for students to grow. This impacts us every single day. When schools can't attract and keep strong teachers, students lose motivation, creativity and chances to discover their strengths. We don't fall behind because we lack potential. We fall behind because we lack access. I'm asking the Council to prioritize teacher recruitment and create pathways that bring more qualified and committed educators into our schools. When we invest in teachers, we invest in students, in our community and our future. As a solution, I am asking the City Council to explore creating a local teacher recruitment and retention initiative, one that offers incentives for new educators, invest in partnerships with our universities and provide support systems that keep strong teachers in our classrooms. Even a pilot program targeted to neighborhoods with the greatest need will make a real impact. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)
Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Imani Smith. Currently I'm in my junior year attending Sayre High School. I am also a PhillyBOLT coach. I'm here to voice my peers' and I concerns about the environment of our school. I also want to adjust the School District of Philadelphia as a whole. For example, in our school we see rodents everywhere. The bathrooms for the girls and boys do not work properly, poor academic outcome for students, failure to care for students, mental health and the lack of extracurricular courses. The appearance of our school can affect us not only physically, but mentally. When the environment we're expected to do your best isn't up to par, it can decrease our motivation to learn or to be there in general. A student having a poor performance at school can be caused by a lot of things, but I feel as though the school can attempt to change that, but there is no attempt being made. A lot of students feel unheard and belittled by the adults. This is felt among my peers at other schools as well. Extracurricular courses are a great way to get the students engaged. There are a lot of things that the students could learn other than math, English, science and the rather typical courses. Yes, those subjects are important but we would also like to learn other things such as music, cosmetology, photography, dance, STEM and technology and so much more. The issues are affecting us in the present and it will affect us in the future. The present is the time where we do our all so the future can be better and more stable. Without the help of you guys, our futures are being put at jeopardy. I hope you guys take my speech into consideration. Thank you. (Applause.)
We have Dennis Lee. May Melissa Monts, E.E. Durbin, Katie Glick, Billy Boyer and Kenny Golson also make their way to the podium.
Yes. Good afternoon, Councilmember Cindy Bass. Good afternoon to members of the Council. Good afternoon to all of those in this great hall of decision-makers. I come to you today to thank -
Dennis, I'm sorry. Can we pause for one moment? Council will be at ease while we allow our visitors and guests to exit so that we can hear you. (Council at ease.)
Thank you. Thank you, Councilmember Cindy Bass, for your leadership, for your advocacy, for presenting Bill No. 250846. My name is Dennis Lee, consultant to the Consulting Group LLC and I'm representing Ultimo Coffee, which has three locations. One location created in year 2009 at 1900 South 15th Street. And then in 2012 created one at 2446 -- 2449 Catherine and then one at 5901 Wayne Avenue. It is imperative that this body support small businesses. Thank you again, Cindy Bass, for your leadership. And the time that the cafe was created on 5901 Wayne Avenue, it was 2019 just before the pandemic. Sidewalk cafes are lifelines. And at a time when small businesses need that lifeline, it is imperative for this body today to approve Bill No. 250846. This concludes my testimony. Thank you. (Applause.)
Hi. I'm E. I'm here on behalf of Philly Bike Action to thank Council President for the introduction of Bill 250982. We as an organization support the passage of this bill and I'm also here to share gratitude and affirmation from the tenacious residents of the 600 block of LeCount Street. Since the temporary reversal in July, there have been no tragedies at the corner of South and LeCount. The neighbors unanimously support the change and note that there's been a tangible improvement in the safety and culture of their block. They feel more connected to their neighbors without the threat of cars zooming down the block and are happy to see new pedestrian traffic thanks to safer conditions. I look forward to the passage of this bill and want to want to encourage Council as a whole to be more proactive in addressing dangerous conditions reported by your constituents. It is only by luck that the people hurt in back-to-back crashes at LeCount and South this summer are still with us. You can prevent such tragedies rather than react to them and I personally believe it is your duty. Thank you.
Good afternoon, Councilmembers. My name is Katie Glick and I'm here to urge you to vote no on Bill 250720, which will restrict mobile services in District 6. I'm a nurse who's worked with people who are unhoused and use drugs and I'm now pursuing a medical degree to continue serving all Philadelphians. I live in Kensington in walking distance of District 6, and I've personally reversed overdoses while walking around my neighborhood. By making it more difficult to provide mobile medical and social services, you'll be directly harming our community, my community. Mobile service providers do lifesaving work through distributing food, testing people for communicable diseases, treating wounds, prescribing necessary medications and connecting people to social services. As a medical student, I work on a mobile services van in Strawberry Mansion and see firsthand the benefits we provide. Depriving people of mobile services by restricting locations and duration of service provision, including forcing providers to work overnight at a time we cannot provide appropriate wraparound care will push more people into already crowded emergency rooms and hospitals, making health care less accessible for all Philadelphians. More broadly, restrictions like these will not end the opioid crisis. They will not make anyone in Kensington or District 6 safer. They will not end the housing crisis in our city or change homelessness in Kensington. In fact, removing services will only deepen these crises. It will prevent people who use drugs from receiving Suboxone, medication that can help them stop using. It will hinder them from accessing services that can help them get housed. Instead these restrictions will disable and kill people. Minimizing these services may contribute to displacing unhoused people. But if that happens, it will only further gentrification and rising costs in Kensington and nearby neighborhoods, which harms current residents. Restrictions like these will only harm us and will not bring the safety they promise. All Philadelphians, including our unhoused neighbors, deserve timely, accessible and empathetic services that meet them where they are. Further restrictions on mobile services are a disservice to District 6 and Philadelphia as a whole. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)
We have Billy Boyer, Kenny Golson. May Garrett O'Dwyer, Alex Balloon, Sonya Peck, Terry Starks and Abraham Reyes Pardo also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning, City Council. I have been a very outspoken voice for Resolution 250955. Is that correct -- yes, okay. I have no papers today -- oh, my name is Melissa Monts. I have no papers today because I truly would like to speak from the heart, because I am incredibly grateful to Councilmembers -- excuse me, Council President Johnson, Councilmembers Gilmore Richardson, Jamie Gauthier, Rue Landau, Quetcy Lozada, Nina Ahmad, Councilmember Thomas, Squilla, bass, O'Rourke, Brooks, Driscoll, Harrity and my own Councilmember for my own district, Councilmember Jeffrey Young. I also want to give a particular special thanks to Councilmember Lozada because she was my former Councilmember when I lived in Frankford and I became ill with the illnesses that I deal with today. The passing of the resolutions that change the H.O.M.E. Plan truly made me feel heard as an underserved person in the community and I cannot extend my sincere gratitude enough for all your hard work. Also to Councilmember Gauthier, a special thanks for championing those resolutions and getting those out there. My gratitude, I can't say it enough. I represent 350,000 Philadelphians who struggle every day. I'm only one voice, but I am immensely grateful for all your hard work and I urge Council to please complete this bill for us with the final passage today. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good afternoon, Councilmembers. My name is Billie Boyer and I'm speaking in opposition to Bill No. 250720. I have to say I feel somewhat dismayed giving this testimony without Councilmember Driscoll present whose bill this is and is up for a vote today, but I will continue anyways. I'm a proud Philly resident and educator and I have been doing street outreach across the Kensington neighborhood, meeting people where they're at every week for the last eight years. I have watched as the drug supply has become more and more contaminated and unpredictable, as many of my loved ones have died of medical neglect, precipitated withdrawal and preventable overdose, as the city has decided that unhoused people who use drugs are disposable subhumans whose lives can be used like pawns for individual political agendas, less important than the lives of others in our city. So many of us are constantly grieving and I'm sick of it. A ban on providing basic services and resources to people who need them most is so obviously not the solution to all of this suffering. On the most basic level, and as others have already pointed out today, I cannot understand the decision to rush an expansion of the original bill applying to the 7th District to the 6th District when the policies have been in place for less than two weeks. What data do you have that this bill has increased safety in the 7th district in the last 10 days? What evidence have you been able to glean that this expansion has credible grounds? Using your office given to you by the people of this city to create more barriers to the resources that offer the city's most vulnerable residents a chance of survival is confounding. In a moment where HUD funding is being pulled and 120 people who get their housing through Pathways to Housing are getting evicted onto the streets, with everyone who has endured the long and painful experience of being on their waiting list being told they will not be getting housing any time soon in spite of what they were promised, in a time where the city refuses to open warming centers on days where the temperature at night drops to 17 degrees because of stingy and cruel policies requiring three consecutive days of Code Blue temperatures, in a time where sensationalistic FBI drug busts target dealers and market a success, as this approach makes the drug supply increasingly contaminated and volatile for the people whose chemical dependencies cannot simply change in one day, in this time where everything is more expensive and unstable and this Council uses its power to criminalize the most basic thing a person can do, try to help someone else make it to tomorrow. I fear that this expansion bill in the 6th and original mobile services bill in the 7th District will have their success measured when the last sick, disabled, unhoused person has been disappeared off the streets of these districts, not through accessing supportive treatment or stable housing or reuniting with their loved ones, but through death by overdose, sepsis, forced lethal withdrawal in a jail cell or freezing to death on the streets of your districts. Passing this bill is a shameful rejection of evidencebased practice with no data to show that the original bill has made a meaningful impact on safety, mortality, or any of the things you purport to want for the residents of your districts, which are things we all want. How can we justify its rushed expansion? I urge you to vote no on Bill 250720 or risk an ever-increasing amount of blood on your hands. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good afternoon, Council. Thank you for having the hearing today. My name is Kenny Golson. I'm from One PA, West Southwest Rising and a resident of District 3, Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier's District. He is not here, but I would like to thank Council President Johnson for his attention to the H.O.M.E. budget. I'm speaking today about Bill 250955. I want to thank the Councilmembers for voting yesterday in the best interest of longstanding residents of Philadelphia. I thank you for remaining steadfast in your decision and vote to amend the H.O.M.E. Initiative budget for the first year in its operation. The amended H.O.M.E. budget is good for all poor and working-class Philadelphians. It prioritizes resources to low-income people and expands access to people who were just over the old income limits. The narrative about putting the have-nots against the have-littles was dangerous in a false divide among working-class people. By putting people before developer corporations, we give ourselves a chance to solve the housing crisis in this city. The city can take care of all workingclass people. First, we have the resources. This amended budget takes care of both working-class people and those just above the income threshold. As early as I can remember, I have heard stories of Kingsessing neighbors selling or abandoning their homes because they cannot afford maintenance on their properties. I have seen neighbors pass on, properties go up for sale and homes that once housed generations of Black working-class people become too costly to purchase. And when they were bought out, rents raised to exorbitant prices no one can afford. Now, with this billion dollar investment the city has a chance to reverse this narrative and no longer leave working-class neighborhoods in jeopardy. There is still much work to be done to ensure that these resources reach our most vulnerable residents. I implore this Administration and Council to be strategic and target outreach in our working-class neighborhoods. I want to thank the Councilmembers who voted yes for the amended budget for doing the right thing, standing steadfast in your decision to finally support working-class Philadelphians and putting them first above billion dollar developer corporations who have not served historically the neighborhoods that they build and profit off of. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. My name is Garrett O'Dwyer and I'm the Policy Director at the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations. Thanks for the opportunity to testify in support of Resolution 250955 as is, to finalize the first year budget for the H.O.M.E. Initiative. This budget rightfully prioritizes assisting vulnerable populations that key affordable housing programs were designed to help. At the same time, it also provides resources to help households at a broader range of incomes to address their housing needs. The Basic System Repair Program and Adaptive Modification Program are critical components of the city's affordable housing strategy. This resolution creates a mechanism that guarantees that these new resources will be spent in a way consistent with program goals and that they're stable in the long run, while allowing the city to gain a greater grasp of the applicant pool for expanded access and make adjustments to eligibility in future years as warranted. This is a huge win for the Parker Administration, City Council and for residents in desperate need of help. We urge you to support this resolution and continue to support its companion bill, 251065. And we thank you for all of your hard work to ensure that we can build a more equitable Philadelphia. Now, let's get this done and get home resources to the to those urgently waiting for help. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good afternoon, honorable members of City Council, distinguished guests and fellow citizens. My name is Sonya Peck. I'm the Education Director of Philadelphia Reparations Coalition and I am here to speak on behalf of something that's very, very, very important to us, and I thank you for the opportunity for granting me the privilege to speak on a matter that reaches into the very heart of our city's history and into the future of our children. Resolution 250781, I'll say it again, Resolution 250781, spearheaded by the most faithful, persistent and dedicated brother in Philadelphia, and that's Ogbonna Hagins, in establishing the Office of American Freedmen Affairs. This message was given to me, but I'm going to pass it on to him. If the ancestors of those who built schools in brush arbors taught by candlelight after working the fields, risking their lives to pass on reading and writing and fought through Jim Crow for the right to learn, could speak about your work, today they would definitely say something like this: You walk in our footsteps with purpose. You carry forward the charge we left for future generations. You educate to uplift and to build what was denied to us. They would see that you are honoring their sacrifices every time you advocate for Freedmen children, fight for their rights, challenge injustice in schools and create community-based educational spaces. You are doing exactly what they prayed someone in the future would do. You are practicing the tradition of self-determination. From the Freedmen's Bureau to the Rosewood schools to dependent Black schools, the ancestors always built parallel structures when the mainstream system failed our children. With the importance of this message and knowing that -I'm going to finalize and say real quick, Mr. Hagins, most of all they would say, we are proud of you, you are doing the work we could not finish, keep going, keep the children in mind and remember that the future is calling your name. Thank you. (Applause.)
We have Alex Balloon, Terry Starks, Abraham Reyes Pardo. May Ameer Barber, William Reed, Oran Descartes and Eric Braxton also make their way to the podium. (Witnesses approached podium.)
How y'all doing? My name is Terry Starks. I'd like to say hi to all the Councilman, people that's here. We here on behalf of the people that's voiceless in the heart of North Philly and just all across the city. Right now we about to enter into the 250th year of Philadelphia and still the Black communities is still disenfranchised, so we created the Philadelphia Renaissance Project. This Renaissance project is for the voiceless. Often the voiceless are not being heard across the city. And right now we have a literacy program and they're studying the Harlem Renaissance, because in 1918 the Black race was faced with the same thing that we dealing with right now. We being pushed out of our communities. When we wake up, we got other nationalities working in our community. We got other nationalities taking the charge, telling us to get off the sidewalks in our community. We got elderly can't get to the stores and blocked in their community. So we want to create our own dollar. We want to deal with our community and we want the help of Council to work with y'all. We saying that we want to build our own economy. We want to teach our own people. We tired of asking y'all for anything, so we want to work as a group, as a cohesive group, to get some stuff done in our community, because Philadelphia is about to celebrate 250 years. It's 700,000 families right now in the city suffering in poverty while the mass majority of the people, which is 224,000 people, getting to live scott-free and getting experienced Philadelphia in a way that we have to sit back on the sidelines and watch. So we're doing something for ourselves this time. And this H.O.M.E. bill that we're advocating for is just saying we lived here too. We lost our family members. I lead the city in the fight against gun violence. I watched over a thousand dead people in the city of Philadelphia. I had to put a casket in the middle of the street in Philadelphia. And we stopped fighting violence and start realizing that the real violence is the Black race being taken out of the economy, the economic part. So what we created was the Philadelphia Renaissance, and we saying match our dollar. My name is Terry Starks. (Applause.) MR. McCULLOUGH: Hi, City Council. My name is Antoine McCullough. And the program that we in, like this year alone behind closed doors I done stopped about 35 murders. Like when beef is going on, they come to us. I don't see them going to no other organization. Just me and the people that's in our organization, we stopped a lot of crimes and violence. And Terry Starks, he helped a lot of commun -- he helped a lot of people out in the community. He gives them food and we do a lot for the community. Thank you for your time. (Applause.)
Hi. Good afternoon. I'm Abraham Reyes Pardo. I'm Vice-president of Housing at the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia. I am here in support of Bill 250955 and thank you for the opportunity to speak about the urgency of advancing the H.O.M.E. Initiative. Timing matters. Any further delays come at a moment when major federal shifts, particularly within the Department of Housing and Urban Development, are putting critical funding at risk. Congress is currently considering a $200 million cut to the Community Development Block Grant, something that Councilman Jones brought up yesterday for FY2026. CDBG funding has long failed to keep pace with inflation or the growing number of eligible communities, and a cut of this size will reduce allocations to more than 1000 jurisdictions nationwide. For Philadelphia, the impact will be especially severe. CDBG is one of the few federal programs that offers true flexibility supporting affordable housing neighborhood revitalization, public services and small business development. Here in our city, it is the backbone of essential work such as housing counseling services that will not exist at the same scale without these funds. CDBG is also a powerful financial multiplier. Every $1 invested brings more than $5 from other sources. If cuts move forward, more than 1 billion in local investment will be lost nationwide and Philadelphia will feel that loss actively. This is why delaying key H.O.M.E. processes is not just a local administrative setback, it is a strategic risk. Delay weakens Philadelphia's readiness to draw down federal dollars in a more competitive environment and undermines our eligibility for complementary federal programs that require timely, coordinated local planning. Postponement puts our most vulnerable neighborhoods and our long-term affordable development pipeline at a disadvantage. Philadelphia must ensure our local infrastructure and budgets are aligned, approved and ready to secure and maximize every federal dollar available to us. Thank you. (Applause.)
We have Ameer Barber, William Reed, Oran Descartes, Eric Braxton, Ogbonna Hagins, Catherine Andreal, Ty Cain, Sonia Bingham and Zach Pyzic. (Witnesses approached podium.)
Good morning. My name is Ogbonna Hagins, fourth generation chattel slavery survivor. I'm the President of the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition for American Freedmen. We're about raising the estate of the American Freedmen, as per the 39th Congress. I am here today to address a narrow but critical legal issue, the use of the term minority-owned within the City's procurement policy and why that language is treated by courts as a racial classification that automatically triggers strict scrutiny under the Equal Protection clause. This is not a political argument. This is a constitutional one. Why minority-owned is legally understood as racial classification: Under the Equal Protection Doctrine, the courts do not look at the intent behind a program. They look at the classification the government uses. When a program defines eligibility based on categories such as Black, Latino, Asian, Native American or the umbrella term minority, when defined by race, the government is making decisions because of race. The Supreme Court has been unequivocal on this point. Any racial classification regardless of who benefits or who is burdened triggers strict scrutiny. This principle comes from cases such as Adarand, Crowson and Parins(ph), where the court held that racial classifications as inherently suspect, even when adopted for remedial or economic purposes, the legal trigger is not harm. The legal trigger is race. Thus, when the plan uses minority-owned as a category for program eligibility it is in the eyes of the court a racial classification. The plan is ambitious and well-intentioned, but if its implementation relies on the term minority-owned as a basis for eligibility, then the city is absolutely placing the entire program under strict scrutiny. In the current judicial climate, you can kiss this plan goodbye. It is not about Mayor Parker. It is not about City Council. It's about how to get this done. We, the Philadelphia Reparations Coalition, we offer our consultation services to the City of Philadelphia. Ogbonna Hagins. Over and out. (Applause.) UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: I'm here today to urge you to support Councilman Driscoll's Bill 250720, putting restrictions on where mobile service providers may operate. With the controls already in District 7, there's a real fear these providers will simply cross the avenue into District 6. The proposed rules are just common sense, recognizing that residents of Kensington and Harrowgate have put up with far too long. We residents support treatment for the drug users living on our streets, but we simply have to be freed from the chaos these mobile service providers and your clients often bring. Our residential blocks and commercial areas must remain free of these services. While progress is slow, we hope the Wellness Court will lead to the drug users entering treatment or returning to their home counties. In the meantime though, we need all the relief Council can provide. The children of our community grow up seeing sights unimaginable by those who live in other communities. They see people injecting drugs and publicly defecating while going to or from school. Some simply aren't allowed out to play. We have to create safer places where these children can live a more normal life. Let them ride their bikes or play ball on their blocks. Let them run free at playgrounds. Our community has long been treated as less than others and children bear the brunt of this. Children here need to be treated as well as children elsewhere in our city. We all deserve better. Thank you. (Applause.)
Good afternoon. My name is Zachary Pyzik with the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association. When your name starts with Z, you're used to being last on any list. So it's great to be with you all. I'm here representing Philadelphia's restaurants, hotels, the broader hospitality and tourism industry. I'm here to provide comment on three pieces of legislation considered today. First, Bill No. 251022. Outdoor dining remains one of the most effective tools for supporting small businesses, creating vibrant neighborhood, shaping how residents, visitors experience our city and especially as we prepare for 2026. Yet today's sidewalk cafe process, as you've heard from a few powerful speakers, is it's too slow, it's confusing and it's often too far out of reach for many of the operators that we represent. The proposed reforms before you bring clarity, fairness and accessibility to restaurants in every neighborhood and Council district that choose to opt in and participate. The PRLA strongly supports this legislation, and we thank Councilmember Landau and the entire team for their leadership in chipping away and removing red tape that makes it harder for restaurants in the city to thrive. Second, Bill No. 250888, introduced by Councilmember Thomas, we also want to thank Councilmember Thomas for championing this very important measure. While it may seem technical in nature, it is essential to protecting Philadelphia's restaurant community. Our city's dining scene has undeniable momentum right now. Now, proudly Michelin recognized, and maintaining that progress means safeguarding operators from unauthorized third party reservations platforms that could inadvertently or in some cases maliciously mislead customers and interfere with restaurant operations. This bill provides clear, sensible protections that will keep restaurants in the driver's seat and in control of their business and their technology services. PRLA strongly supports this commonsense legislation. Lastly on Councilmember Thomas' Bill No. 250646, I just want to note we appreciate the Councilmember and his team listening to the industry, the stakeholders that we represent and working collaboratively with the business community to make improvements to the legislation to ensure that the provisions of the bill are workable. Thank you all for your time today. (Applause.)
Good afternoon, Council. My name is Tyese Kane. I serve as the Director of Tax Operation for the Campaign for Working Families. Hello, Council. I am here regarding the resolution commemorating the state working Pennsylvania's tax credit introduced by Councilmember Brooks and Landau. The Campaign for Working Families fully supports the adoption of this resolution, recognizing the vital importance of refundable tax credits for low-income, working families and individuals. The City of Philadelphia's local EITC law, the City Wage Tax Refund ordinance, was an important step forward for the City Council and city. However, this benefit reaches only 4.5 percent of eligible working Philadelphians, with just over 7000 residents receiving an average refund of $326 this past year. Campaign for Working Families respectfully urges City Council to hold hearings and adopt the reforms outlined in the bill introduced by Councilmember Brooks and Landau and co-sponsored by other Councilmembers. These reforms would help fulfill the original mission of the refund law by ensuring the city wage tax, does not push working Philadelphians deeper into poverty and by strengthening the financial security of individuals and families across the city. Thank you. (Applause.)
Council President, there are no further names for public comment.
That concludes public comment. We will now consider today's Resolution Consent Agenda. I will ask the Clerk to read the titles of all the resolutions on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the resolution on the Consent such an objection and without debate, the resolution will be immediately removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on our regular Final Passage Calendar. The clerk will now read the titles of the resolutions on the Consent Agenda.
Resolution 251077, a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank a deed conveying title to 3830 Wallace Street, located in the 3rd Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act. Resolution 251078, a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds to 3810 Haverford Avenue and 3712 Wallace Street, located in the 3rd Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act. 251079, a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Belmont Nos. 1, 2, 3 Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 4016-18 Powelton Avenue, 4020 Powelton Avenue, 4022 Powelton Avenue, 4024 Powelton Avenue, and 46-48 Wiota Street; and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Neighborhood Gardens Trust and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the Resolution 251080, a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the South Central Urban Renewal Area, identified by house number and street address as 1220-30 Kenilworth Street; and authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Neighborhood Gardens Trust and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract. 251081, a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to located in the 4th Councilmanic District, including on the following streets: N. 58th Street, N. Dover Street, W. Seltzer Street, W. Silver Street, W. Sterner Street, and W. Lehigh Avenue, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act. Resolution 251085, a resolution also naming the 2800 block of West Fletcher Street as "Mother Elizabeth L. " Resolution 251086, resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1816, 1817, 1838, 1839, 1841, 1842, 1843, 1845, 1847, 1848, 1849, 1851, 1853, 1854, 1861, 1862, 1866 N. Etting Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. 251087, a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to various properties located in the 5th Councilmanic District, including on the following streets: W. Letterly Street, W. Oakdale Street, N. Etting Street, N. Bailey Street, and N. 26th Street, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act. Resolution 251088, a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2423, 2425, 2437, 2446, 2501, 2502, 2504, 2505, 2506, 2513, 2516, 2517, 2526, 2529, 2539, 2542, 2556, 2567 N. Stanley Street; 2420, 2438, 2442, 2456, 2648, 2650, 2651 N. Corlies Street; 2519, 2600, 2603, 2611, 2640, 2931, 2935, 3019, 3021, 3027, 3029, 3031, 3039 Oakdale Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. 251089, a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1725, 1726, 1729, 1747, 1749, 1832 N.
26th Street; 1808, 1809, 1810, 1812, 1819, 1824, 1828, 1837, 1838 N. Bailey Street; 1735, 1747, 1765 N. 27th Street; 2525, 2611 Cecil B Moore Avenue located in the 5th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. 251090, resolution also naming Latimer street between 12th and Camac Streets as "Pierre Robert Way" in honor, to honor the life and legacy of the legendary, humanitarian, deejay and entertainer Pierre Robert. 251091, a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia land bank to dispose of 2758-60 and 2762 Helen Street located in the 1st Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. 251092, a resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to 92 Collum Street, 98 Collum Street, and 5128 Wakefield Street, located in the 8th Councilmanic District, pursuant to the requirements of the Commonwealth Land Bank Act. There are no further resolutions on the Consent Agenda, Council President. COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOHNSON: Thank you very much. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for a motion to adopt each of the resolutions on the Resolution and Consent Agenda.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move for the adoption of each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that each of the resolutions of the Consent Agenda be adopted. All those in favor signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and each of the resolutions of the Consent Agenda has been adopted. We will now consider today's Bill Consent Agenda. I will ask the Clerk to read the titles of all the bills on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the bill on the Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without debate, the bill will be immediately removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on our regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. The Clerk will now read the titles of the bills on the Consent Agenda.
Bill No. , a Pennsylvania non-profit corporation, as the neighborhood management association for the District; approving a plan for and report concerning the District; authorizing the Director of Commerce, on behalf of the City, to execute an agreement with the Mayfair Business Improvement District, Inc. , to assess property owners within the district the special property assessment fee to be used in accordance with the approved plan, all in accordance with the provisions of the community and economic improvement act, under certain terms and conditions. 250573, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the Philadelphia, to enter into an amendment to a lease agreement with 2401 Walnut LP, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 2401 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions. 250574, an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Finance, Taxes and Collections," to allow for refunds of the realty transfer taxes to victims of deed fraud, all under certain terms and conditions. 250606, an ordinance authorizing HOWARD FOREMAN to install, own and maintain a proposed fence encroachment at 1338-44 Rising Sun Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19140, under certain terms and conditions. Bill 250717, an and designating the property commonly referred to as Wissinoming Park, located at 5801 Frankford Avenue, as "Margaret Tartaglione Park" in the City of Philadelphia. Bill 250771, dash a an ordinance authorizing 3419 KENSINGTON PARTNERS, or a subsequent owner, to install, own and maintain an encroachment at 3423 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134, under certain terms and conditions. 250801, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to acquire fee simple title or a lesser interest in real estate, by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation, or otherwise, in certain parcels of the Schuylkill River and the Wissahickon Creek together with all improvements thereon and all associated easements and appurtenances, for public recreational purposes, all under certain terms and conditions. 250805, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Services and Other Businesses" to add a new exemption from certain businesses our restrictions for pharmacies, all under certain terms and conditions. 250809, an ordinance authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 113-17 Washington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, under certain terms and conditions. 250832, an ordinance formally renaming the Wynnefield Library, located at 5325 Overbrook Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131, as the "Reverend Louise Williams Bishop Library" to honor the dedication and service of former Pennsylvania State Representative Louise Williams Bishop. 250839, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 3467 Richmond Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134, under certain terms and conditions. 250840, an ordinance authorizing a streetery in the right-of-way adjacent to 3467 Richmond Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134, under certain terms and conditions.
250841, an ordinance authorizing the Director of the Department of Aviation, on behalf City, to transfer or convey real estate entrance to resolve litigation with Tinicum Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions. 250842, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 400 East Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, under certain terms and conditions. 250846-A, an ordinance authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 5901 Wayne Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144, under certain terms and conditions. 250847, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest in and to all or a portion of the properties known as 1948 Cayuga Street, all under certain terms and conditions. 250888-A, an ordinance amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions" by adding a new chapter to prohibit third-party restaurant reservation services from arranging unauthorized restaurant reservations with food service establishments and to provide for definitions, prohibited acts, penalties, and enforcement, all under certain terms and conditions. 250913, an ordinance renaming the Paschalville Library to the "Hardy Williams Library of Paschalville" in honor of Pennsylvania State Senator Hardy Williams, a distinguished politician and trailblazer for the community. 250914, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 5021-23 Baltimore avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143, under certain terms and conditions. 250920, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 2535-37 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, under certain terms and conditions. 250946, an ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 4435-37 Baltimore avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, under certain terms and conditions. 250947, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located area bounded by North Frazier Street, Master Street, North Ithan Street and Media Street. 250954, an ordinance authorizing the City Treasurer, on behalf of the City, to enter into a provider agreement with Citizens National Bank Association for provision of payroll banking services to the City, under certain terms and conditions. 250982, an ordinance regulating the direction of movement of traffic on certain portions of LeCount and Bambrey Streets, all under certain terms and conditions. 250983, an ordinance amending Section 14-503 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "/NCA, Neighborhood Commercial Area Overlay District," by amending the Neighborhood Commercial Review Area, and making related changes, all under certain terms and conditions. 250984, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Eva Street, Dearnley Street, Flamingo Street, Hillside Avenue, Shaw Street, Wigard Avenue Extension, Umbria Street, Minerva Street, and Shawmont Avenue. 250985, an ordinance amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within the area bounded by Bryn Mawr Avenue, Wynnefield Avenue, Nevada Street and the SEPTA Railroad Right of Way.
250987, an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Sunset Avenue, Harner Street, Port Royal Avenue, Hagys Mill Road, and Cathedral Road. 251017, an ordinance authorizing the Director of the Department of Aviation to acquire, on behalf of the City, fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest by purchase, amicable negotiation, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise, in and to all or portions of a certain parcel of land known as 4521 Island Avenue, under certain terms and conditions. 251023, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development or the Philadelphia Municipal Authority to fit out a Health Center Facility based on plans and specifications acceptable to the City that will be developed on premises located on Frankford Avenue in the vicinity of Pratt Street and Dyre Street and to repay the landlord for the costs of the fit out, under certain terms and conditions. And Bill No. 251028, an ordinance authorizing the installation, ownership and maintenance of various encroachments in the vicinity of 510 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19123, under certain terms and conditions. no further bills on the Consent Agenda, Council President.
Thank you very much. These bills having been read on two different days, the question for each bill now is that the bill pass finally. The Clerk shall call the roll. And upon being called, each Councilmember shall vote aye on each of the bills, nay on each of the bills or indicate those bills for which the member is voting aye and those bills for which the members are voting nay. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Aye on all bills. Majority of all the members having voted in the affirmative for each of the bills, the bills on the Consent Agenda are passed. We will now consider the 12/11/25 - STATED - 2ND READING bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendars. Would the Chief Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 250955.
A resolution approving the 2025-2026 Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Program Annual Program Statement and Budget, which addresses expenditures by various agencies in the first year of the H.O.M.E. Program.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Jamie Gauthier for a motion regarding Resolution No. 250955.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. 12/11/25 - STATED - 2ND READING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250955 be adopted. All those in favor 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. 250970-A.
A 12/11/25 - STATED - 2ND READING resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter providing for the creation of the Philadelphia Retirement Savings Board; and providing for the submission of the proposed amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Mike Driscoll for a motion on my behalf regarding Resolution No. 250970-A.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 250970-A be adopted. 12/11/25 - STATED - 2ND READING 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. 251093.
A resolution also naming the corner of Broad Street and Pike Street in the City of Philadelphia as "Saudia Shuler Way" in honor of Saudia Shuler's outstanding contributions to the City, her unparalleled commitment to uplifting the community, and her positive 12/11/25 - STATED - 2ND READING cultural impact on Philadelphia and beyond.
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Cindy Bass for a motion regarding Resolution No. 251094. This will be a voice vote.
Thank you, Mr. President. I was going to say I would like to have a voice vote on this matter. And I move for the adoption of this resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. 12/11/25 - STATED - 2ND READING
Aye. It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution 251093 be adopted and has been voted as such. The resolution is adopted. Would the Clerk please read the title of Resolution No. 251094.
A resolution condemning the Trump Administration for jeopardizing the stability of healthcare workforce 12/11/25 - STATED - 2ND READING in the City of Philadelphia.
Chair recognizes Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad for a motion regarding Resolution No. 251094.
Thank you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 251094 be adopted. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT 12/11/25 - STATED - 2ND READING JOHNSON: The ayes have it, the motion carries. The resolution is adopted. Will the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. -
Yes, the H.O.M.E one as well? What resolution? The Donald Trump resolution?
Okay. It will be duly noted that Councilmember Brian O'Neill voted nay on 251094. Would the Clerk please read the title of Bill No. 250646-A.
An ordinance amending Title 9 of The 12/11/25 - STATED - 2ND READING Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions," by adding a new chapter, entitled "Minimum Training For Security Officers."
This bill haa been read on two different days. The question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17 and the nays are 0. A majority of all members haven't voted in the affirmative the bill passes. Congratulations, Member Thomas. (Applause.)
Will the Clerk -- that was a heavy lift for him, y'all. Let's give our colleague a round -that was not a small bill. Good job. Will the Clerk please 12/11/25 - STATED - 2ND READING read the title of Bill No. 250651-A.
An ordinance amending Title 19 ("Finance, Taxes and Collections") of The Philadelphia Code to add a new chapter creating the Philadelphia Retirement Savings Program as an automated savings program for certain employees in the City of Philadelphia, to establish the Philadelphia Retirement Savings Board, and to establish the Retirement Savings Administrative Fund, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally. Will the Chief Clerk please call the roll. 12/11/25 - STATED - 2ND READING