Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 1. The record will reflect that Councilman Ramos voted in the negative. That concludes our calendar for today. * * *
Are there any speeches on the part of Minority? (No response.)
Can I have your attention, please? Are there speeches on the part of the Minority? (No response.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski. 10/25/07 STATED MEETING - SECOND-READING BILLS
Thank you, Madam President. I just wanted to take time out to thank my colleagues for the vote for the small, little businessman, and I'm sure they're all very happy today about it.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to speak on a bill I introduced today. I introduced the bill today that amends the Zoning Code to create a classification for transit-oriented development, commonly referred to as "transit-oriented design." The new classification will provide for compact, walkable communities centered around 10/25/07 STATED MEETING - SPEECHES high-quality transit systems. It aims to make a higher quality of life without complete dependence on a car for mobility. It seeks to increase and improve pedestrian access and shift the emphasis away from the automobile, encouraging foot and mass transit. Transit-oriented development is a growing trend creating vibrant and liveable communities. It is consistent with this city's goal of becoming greener and improving the economic living conditions of our neighborhoods. To quote the Urban Land Institute: Transit oriented development, as an approach to combat traffic congestion and protect the environment, has caught on all across the country. Today, highways are out and urban transit systems are in. A recent study listed Philadelphia as fifth of the top-ten regions where there will be a potential demand for transit-oriented development 10/25/07 STATED MEETING - SPEECHES housing. Philadelphia is the third-largest city in terms of the number of transportation stations. Reconnecting America, a nonprofit organization, has stated that transit-oriented development is about creating walkable, sustainable communities for people of all ages and incomes and providing for more transportation and housing choices. These neighborhoods provide for a lifestyle that is convenient, affordable, and active, and creates places where our children can play and our parents can grow old comfortably. In short, transit-oriented design creates a sense of community and place. Specifically, the design and zoning changes provided for in this bill will give Frankford Avenue a vital business corridor in my district and parts of Councilman DiCicco's and Councilwoman Krajewski's district a pedestrian-friendly environment. 10/25/07 STATED MEETING - SPEECHES I ask my colleagues to support this legislation and consider implementing such areas in their own districts where the plan could work. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Yes, Madam President, I would just like to remind my colleagues and their staff about the briefing in the caucus room, which will begin right after Council, on the digital transition legislation. And lunch will be provided.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ramos.
Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank all members of City Council for voting unanimously 10/25/07 STATED MEETING - SPEECHES back in February for this ban on transfat, and I respect the opinions of my colleagues today with the amendment that was offered by my colleague Joan Krajewski. During the hearings concerning the exemption of bakeries, a number of the bakeries that wanted to be exempt now, therefore, will be exempt, stated that they were posting items that they were selling that were transfat-free. And I would encourage all of the bakeries to continue to do that on their own, as they testified here in City Council. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. Are there any other speeches on the part of the Majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to 10/25/07 STATED MEETING - ADJOURNMENT adjourn.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, November the 1st, at 10 a.m. (Motion seconded.)
All those in favor, please say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and Council will stand adjourned until Thursday, November 1st, at 10 a.m. Thank you. * * * C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings of the October 25, 2007, Stated Meeting of the Philadelphia City Council are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me on Thursday, October 25, 2007, and that this is a true and correct statement of same. __________________________________ JOSEPHINE CARDILLO Registered Professional Reporter (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter's.)