-- the NID will be11 created without the vote of Council. So12 I don't have any Councilman that I can13 hold accountable. Who can I hold14 accountable?15
If we vote16 to approve this and send it to the17 residents, you can hold those who voted18 in favor of it accountable.19
You're22 welcome. Thank you. Thank you for your23 testimony.24 Mr. Cibik, Mr. McColgan --25 110 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 (Applause.)2 COUNCILMAN KENNEY:3 Mr. McColgan here?4
I'm sorry.8 Mr. Cibik, could you do me a favor and9 have a seat and then identify yourself10 for the record. And I'd ask if11 Mr. Schall please come forward.12
Mr. Cibik,16 please identify yourself for the record.17
Michael Cibik. I18 am the 5th Ward republican leader here in19 Center City.20
Sure. Again, my23 name is Michael Cibik. I'm the 5th Ward24 republican leader. I've lived in the 5th25 111 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 Ward for almost 20 years. I've lived in2 Center City almost 30 years. The3 Callowhill North Chinatown neighborhood4 is in the 5th Ward. It encompasses5 mostly the 26th and the 25th Division.6
Mr. Cibik,7 I hate to interrupt you, but I had asked,8 do you live in the NID or do you have9 property in the NID?10
Sure. If16 someone is for or against it, I want to17 make sure that they got skin in the game,18 but you certainly obviously clearly have19 a right to testify any way you like, but20 I just think the record is more21 reflective of who actually is going to22 pay it or not pay it.23
Thank you25 112 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 very much.2
I became aware of3 efforts of City Council to raise taxes on4 the neighborhood and the grassroots5 campaign by neighbors united to defeat6 the ordinance. So that's how I got7 involved, and they had contacted me.8 I know these are tough times9 and Council doesn't want to be seen as10 raising taxes in this bad economy, but we11 seem to be now chartering a private12 corporation to tax the people of13 Callowhill North Chinatown. And it's14 been said it's $155 a year and that's not15 a lot of money, and, of course, I go on16 and say it's really only $13 a month, $317 a week, 5 cents a day. It reminds me18 what a wise old Senator from Illinois19 said years ago. His name was Everett20 Dirksen. He said a million here and a21 million there, sooner or later it adds up22 to real money.23 So this is a lot of money for a24 lot of people in this community, the25 113 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 $155.2 When I walk through the North3 Callowhill Chinatown neighborhood, I see4 there are small family industrial5 factories left in Philadelphia, and a6 significant number of these businesses7 have been started or raised by Asian8 entrepreneurs. They already are paying a9 business privilege tax, a net profit tax,10 real estate tax, U&O tax, and now they're11 going to have to pay a street tax in12 addition to all of this. I think we have13 to stop considering them a cow that we14 just keep on milking, because sooner or15 later they're going to end up leaving the16 City, as many businesses have in the last17 several years.18 The NID is not the change that19 we need for Callowhill North Chinatown.20 All we've done is turn neighbor against21 neighbor, and that's been by other22 testimony prior to mine. And what we've23 done is, we've almost created some kind24 of a class or social warfare. What we've25 114 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 done is destroy a lot of the friendships2 that we've had in the neighborhood,3 similar to what happened when we had the4 stadium issue and also when we had the5 gambling casino. Now we're going to have6 this NID. It could certainly encompass7 the same goal and results.8 So what we don't want to do is9 turn the neighborhoods of Philadelphia10 into a private corporation, but instead11 turn the neighborhoods over to the12 participants and the people.13 We keep telling the residents14 of Callowhill that we don't have the15 money to clean up the graffiti, to remove16 the street lighting -- or improve the17 street lighting, but what I would propose18 maybe if we opened up publicly the budget19 hearings, maybe we could provide that20 money and then we wouldn't have this21 situation with the NID. So until that22 time comes, I would please ask that you23 have no increase in taxes and vote no on24 Bill 110307.25 115 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 Thank you.2
Thank you3 for your testimony.4 Councilmember --5 (Applause.)6 COUNCILMAN KENNEY:7 Councilmember Greenlee, please.8
Just very9 quickly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.10 Mr. Cibik, just one thing. You11 say make your budget hearings open to the12 public. Out budget hearings are13 definitely open to the public. Three14 months or so we're sitting in here every15 day at budget hearings.16
I did not know20 that.21 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Come on22 down.23
Turn on24 Channel 64, you'll find us.25 116 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 And one other thing. You talk2 about the $5 million for Paul Levy's3 latest pet project --4
It's7 right here.8 You're talking about Dilworth9 Plaza? Is that what you mean? What do10 you mean by --11
Thank you24 for your testimony.25 117 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 Please identify yourself for2 the record.3
Thank you, members4 of Council. My name is Robert Schall.5 I'm an attorney in Philadelphia. I6 represent a non-profit corporation called7 North of Vine Associates. It's newly8 formed, otherwise known as NOVA. And I9 wanted to make a comment about the10 conduct of the hearing today. We11 appreciate Council's attention, their12 good humor, their thorough investigation13 of this matter. This is a highly14 democratic process, and we applaud your15 service. Thank you.16
I wanted to follow18 up on an issue -- I also wanted to orally19 amend my written supplement to the20 Council where I refer to the MAA. Rather21 it's meant to refer to the Community and22 Economic Improvement Act that we're23 talking about here today.24 The concern of...25 118 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071
I'm sorry.2 We're listening, but what's really3 critical here is the record, you get on4 the record. We were just discussing a5 witness list issue.6
Okay. So11 following up on what the gentleman said12 here earlier about the Nigro case, what13 most of the businesses and people in the14 NID zone are concerned with are the fair15 application of the assessment, and when16 we look at the application of the17 assessment, we look at whether or not18 it's really -- is it an assessment or is19 it really a tax. And a lot of questions20 that people are asking are, you know, why21 are certain properties exempt from this22 assessment, what investigation has been23 done to look at whether or not24 non-profits that are in the zone should25 119 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 really be held responsible for the same2 assessment. And this gets down to3 whether or not this is an assessment or a4 tax. We think certainly that the way it5 has been implied in the past with the6 CCD, it's been a tax, and if it's been a7 tax, then it should be uniformly applied.8 I think there's some concern,9 rightly or wrongly, about this idea that10 in-kind services that could be supplied11 by certain corporations would be uniform12 under this scenario, and so we -- so the13 business owners that are part of the14 non-profit that have some of the same15 goals as the sponsors of this bill feel16 as if there is not a fair-handed17 application. There will not be a18 fair-handed application of the assessment19 because of the --20
Do you pay24 the assessment?25 120 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071
Our non-profit is2 located at the Newtown Restaurant, and3 they pay the taxes. They pay property4 taxes.5
It's6 located in the same building as the7 restaurant or it's in the restaurant?8
That's just the13 registered office for purposes of14 receiving mail, but it's actually a15 functioning restaurant who pays property16 taxes.17
You're18 representing the restaurant or19 the non-profit?20
No. I'm21 representing a group of business owners22 that are part of the North of Vine23 Association.24 So the argument is, with the25 121 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 final plan, that in the final plan they2 talk about assessments that are to be3 levied against people who benefit from4 the services that are going to be5 provided under this scheme, and we6 believe that the assessments are not, as7 stated in the final plan, uniform. We8 don't believe that they can be uniformly9 carried out, and we believe that that10 violates the Pennsylvania Constitution.11 So that's the --12
Are you13 contending that the non-profit should be14 paying?15
Well, for certain16 non-profits who are no longer at the17 address in a tax assessment and there's18 either a vacant building and they're not19 performing any non-profit work, well,20 then that property should be assessed.21
All right.22 Please continue. I'm sorry. Please23 continue.24
So that's the25 122 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 nugget of what NOVA and the business2 owners are arguing about and saying, that3 the tax and the assessment will not be4 fairly uniform or applied fairly.5 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Do you6 have a list of those properties that are7 no longer occupied that were once8 occupied by non-profits?9
I don't.10 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I would11 appreciate it if you can get that list to12 me.13
I'd be happy to.14 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Because if15 it's a freestanding building and it's16 owned by an entity that is a private17 owner, I would think that they should be18 paying the tax, too. I would agree with19 you there.20
Right.21 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: We're not22 talking about churches and religious23 institutions, right?24
No, I'm not25 123 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 talking about churches or religious2 institutions.3 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Buildings4 that once were occupied by non-profits5 which are now vacant?6
Correct.7 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Okay.8 Please submit that to the Chair.9
I certainly will10 be happy to.11 And then I would just ask City12 Council to recall the issues with the13 previous tax involving the school budget.14 Council had great trouble in terms of15 coming up with a resolution in that16 matter, and you did what was best for the17 community, and I think you felt pain from18 that and -- you certainly did, and the19 pain that you may have felt then is the20 pain that some of the people here are21 feeling as well. And I know you're22 sympathetic and you can see that on your23 face, but we would object to the final24 plan as stated with respect to how the25 124 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 tax is being collected, because we don't2 think it's uniform.3
Please,7 Steve Crane and Victoria Siu.8 (Witnesses approached witness9 table.)10
Please11 identify yourself for the record and12 proceed.13
I'm Steve Crane. I14 own a building in the NID. I have a15 business there. My burden will be on the16 $2,000 a year level.17 I live in the City. I've been18 a resident of Councilman Clarke's area19 for approximately 50 of my 66 years, and20 I might point out that area, the Art21 Museum, has done splendidly without the22 burden of a NID, and there are a number23 of objections that we, the majority, have24 to this NID proposal.25 125 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 Of course, we all know that2 it's not affordable for the people. I3 won't dwell on that. We also know that4 the majority is against ceding control of5 not only their dollars but the6 neighborhood to a distinct minority. The7 distinct minority, which as incorporators8 of this proposed NID, would appoint9 themselves to the Board of Directors and10 have rights, if you read the bylaws, sir,11 to appoint their successors, locking out12 the majority.13 I believe City Council, last I14 checked, had to submit to the voters15 every once in a while.16 We also object to the nature of17 the bureaucracy. Just to give an18 example. We love trees. The people who19 are in favor love trees. We all love20 trees like apple pie. As determined21 homeowners and as small business people,22 there's not one of us that can't plant a23 tree for a couple hundred bucks.24 Now, Paul Levy was here. He25 126 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 runs an institution that has a different2 constituency. They love trees as well,3 and they plant trees for $4,000 each.4 You can look at their website.5 To us, that's like the $4006 hammer and the reason why we want to have7 control ourselves and not to cede it to a8 bureaucracy.9 We do have alternatives, as do10 exist in other neighborhoods quite11 successfully, and, that is, an12 incorporated neighborhood association13 that does good work and does not have14 involuntary taxes.15 We also object to the sloppy16 way that this bill has proceeded. There17 are scores of people who have not18 received anything, scores of people that19 have not been outreached, and certainly20 scores of people that have not had an21 opportunity to get in a neighborhood22 situation and have our opinions23 expressed.24 What we're asking City Council25 127 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 to consider is to show the world that2 Philadelphia respects the democratic3 method, to show the world that4 Philadelphia is not one of those mindless5 tax-and-spend entities. What we are6 asking City Council to do is, if you see7 the 51 percent of the aggregate taxable8 assessments are in favor of it and if,9 furthermore, they have an open democratic10 process where anybody can be elected to11 the Board, then let's go. Until that12 happens, don't move the bill.13 Thank you.14
Thank you15 for your testimony.16 Please identify yourself.17
Hi. My name is18 Victoria Yu-Chen Siu. I do live in the19 NID proposal on 13th and Spring Garden.20
Good day, members of22 City Hall, my neighbors and fellow23 Philadelphians. I am here pleading for24 the sanctity and respect of my beloved25 128 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 homestead. With the home is attached a2 mom-and-pop storefront in a diverse and3 progressive community. All are being4 threatened by wasteful big-business5 tactics suited under a diabolical package6 and titled Bill No. 110307 being opposed7 today as spelled out by the Callowhill8 Neighborhood Improvement District, Inc.9 This erroneous bill demands10 disproportionate tax burdens that will11 drain your constituents out of their12 blood, sweat and tears for such items,13 for example and well stated in their14 bill, $247,370 in its first fiscal year15 of spending, not limited to marketing and16 promotion and personnel and17 administration.18 I am not going to waste time19 and insult common sense that this bill is20 wrong and can only hurt and devastate21 families and businesses already in this22 well-established and progressive23 community.24 Honestly, the deviant ability,25 129 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 diabolical nature of these types of bills2 undertaking the neighborhood improvement3 category are irresponsible and dangerous4 to many good-acting communities.5 Bill No. 110307 is bringing6 heavy hearts and devastation to a broad7 spectrum of dignified individuals that8 make up this community, this mixed9 community, inclusive of employed and10 underemployed and unemployed, this unique11 district made of businesses, big and12 small, this healthy-minded and supportive13 community populated with faces of14 mixed-income elders, individuals in need15 of rehabilitative services, individuals16 without home, diligent students,17 intelligent professionals and growing18 families, all of whom has been well19 rooted from door to door, unit by unit,20 store to store, space and place as21 defined within the borders of this22 progressive community without Bill No.23 110307.24 Truly, how can any good-faith25 130 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 neighbor support a community instead of a2 program dependent upon address per3 address disharmony?4 Please, City Council, for the5 people, do the right thing and vote down6 this bill promptly. In your show of7 support of all the well-established,8 diverse addressees affected by this bill9 and for one taking root -- and for the10 ones taking root for generations to come,11 show the world that this first-class12 city, my hometown, Philadelphia, cares13 and does flourish with communities mixed14 with harmonious families, mom-and-pop15 shops, along with greater scale of16 commerce. Show your respect to all of17 the longtime tax-paying folks who day in18 and day out do all they can to be19 responsible neighbors, employers and20 constituents in this steadily progressive21 community.22 We don't welcome bullies. We23 are too wise for rip-off artists and24 scammers. We have no need for any25 131 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 entities, monsters suited in passive2 aggressive tyranny in our gentle,3 progressive and well-established4 community.5 Thank you for the opportunity6 to speak and plea for the understanding7 and for the immediate legislative action8 to oppose and stop the madness installed9 in Bill No. 110307. Please do not make10 this agreement conceived by the11 Callowhill Reading Viaduct Neighborhood12 Improvement District.13 Thank you. And I am a14 Philadelphian since first grade, public15 school, Morrison Elementary, Central High16 School of Philadelphia, Drexel University17 and presently University of Pennsylvania.18
Councilman24 DiCicco, please.25 132 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.2 In your testimony, you mention3 you live at 13th and --4
1240 Spring Garden5 Street.6 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And your7 parents have a business?8
They had a business9 there, which raised me and my siblings.10 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: They still11 have it?12
It's presently13 closed, but the storefront is still a14 retail site and is now my property, and15 my property is known, as my16 understanding, as mixed use. So I fall17 under --18 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Is it a19 vacant storefront now?20
At this moment, it21 is. It's being -- I'm in discussion of22 entertaining viable lessees, yes.23 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: What kind24 of people are coming in? What types of25 133 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 businesses are looking at2 your storefront?3
Food service4 operation, yes.5 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Food6 service meaning?7
Restaurants, yes, but8 I'm open to others.9 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Do you10 think that if the mission of this NID11 were to become a reality, cleaner, safer,12 more attractive neighborhood, that would13 not benefit the retailer who is looking14 to open up your store? You don't think15 that would create more business?16
I think that the17 mission sounds wonderful. I think that18 the approach and at this moment the way19 it's presented in that stack of paper20 that was mailed to my home and many of21 the affected addressees is not correct.22 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: We're23 following the state mandate, which24 requires public meetings and public25 134 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 notification. That's all we can do here.2
No, no, no. I3 welcome the U.S. mail being used properly4 and the state law being respected. What5 I don't welcome is the fact that they're6 going to cause a burden -- it's7 involuntary. It's not on a voluntary8 basis. From what I understand, in a9 community and neighborhood organization,10 it's voluntary. Where what is being11 presented in the mail and why I'm here12 today and what I oppose is that it's13 going to not be voluntary. It's going to14 be subjected upon everyone, agreeable or15 not.16 (Applause.)17
Every18 tax -- there are no voluntary taxes, with19 the exception of the hotel tax, which the20 hoteliers asked for, and the Center City21 District tax, which the business22 people -- but if you're talking about23 federal income tax or state income tax or24 city wage tax, there's no voluntary tax.25 135 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 You either pay or you go to jail.2 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I don't3 think --4
The bill is proposing9 an additional type of surcharge as10 described in the paper. I'm not here to11 object the law and government of the12 United States, no.13
Richard22 Antner, please, Takuma Nathuka and Tony23 Intenzo.24 (Witnesses approached witness25 136 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 table.)2
Good afternoon.5 My name is Richard Antner. I have four6 properties on the north side of Vine7 Street that abut Roman Catholic High8 School. In those properties, I run a9 business called Rich Art Graphics. We10 produce large format digital printing.11 It was started by my father at the end of12 the Second World War in 1945. I'm second13 generation. My two sons are now in the14 business. So we have been in that15 location doing what we do for 67 years.16 The printing industry is part17 and parcel of the advertising industry.18 When times get tough, the first thing19 that businesses will do is cut out20 advertising, because it's the easiest21 thing to get rid of.22 When the economy turned sour in23 2007, we got killed. Our sales went down24 by like 25 percent. It's now four years25 137 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 later and we still have not recovered.2 If this NID goes through, which3 I cannot afford, my participation is4 going to be about $1,100 a year. I can't5 afford it. Times are really tough.6 In terms of taking personal7 responsibility and looking after your own8 building, a couple years ago I put in all9 new windows in my building. Six months10 ago I painted the front of the building.11 Two days ago I put in a new roof on the12 building.13 So I'm doing what I have to do14 to maintain my property and the immediate15 area in which my business is located. I16 don't need a NID to do it for me.17 I have tenants on the third and18 fourth floor. It sounds strange, but it19 really is so, there's a wedding chapel.20 They do weddings for people who cannot21 afford more luxurious weddings. They22 wouldn't rent from me and they would not23 be in my immediate area if they24 considered my area unsafe.25 138 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 It's a nice area in which to2 work, and I really don't see that this3 proposal is fair. In these economic4 times, people cannot afford it. I can't5 afford it. I've been in business for 676 years and I can't afford it, and I urge7 you not to let this go through.8
Thank you9 for your testimony.10 Please identify yourself for11 the record, whoever is going to go next.12
My name is Victor Su,13 and I'm representing my mother and father14 who own property in the NID. We also --15 they run a business out of a few of their16 properties and we also have resided in17 the area for almost 20 years.18
My name is Takuma19 Nathuka. I also own property and20 business in the NID. We're partners on a21 venture, so I'll speak on behalf of him.22
Basically we have24 been around as a small business for the25 139 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 past ten years. It started by my wife, a2 female-owned business, and, of course, we3 were in advertising as well, and we have4 had to endure with this tremendous5 hardships as the downturned economy has6 forced us to segue into other aspects of7 our business. And as of this year, we8 have noticed, especially in our area,9 exceedingly high rate of homeless,10 literally camping out on our doorsteps,11 eating, urinating, defecating. I have12 pictures and videos of this, upon13 request. Most not willing to move until14 the police are summoned. A wait of15 between 15 minutes to an hour and a half.16 This, in turn, really affects us, our17 customers, to the point where they do go18 somewhere else, as well as Rich Art, as19 well as the Vine Street Cafe, which is20 another reason that they've had to close.21 When these homeless people don't move,22 there's nothing we can do.23 And the only thing I have heard24 about the new NID is from the testaments25 140 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 of everyone else, is that the basis seems2 about cleaning up and lighting, cleaning3 up and lighting. I'm sure there must be4 more to it, but if that's the case of5 cleaning and lighting, it really doesn't6 seem that it's pertinent to us, because,7 first of all, I have taken it upon myself8 and the local friends to clean up the9 streets on a daily basis, and I've also10 been fined for cleaning up the streets by11 taking -- bagging up the garbage and12 where do I place all this refuse?13 Sometimes I have to put it on the street,14 and then we get fined from the Streets15 Commission for that.16 But we take care of the trash17 on a daily basis. So I don't see the18 point of having the cleanup to have any19 pertinence to this.20 Another issue, just the area21 that we've been in, we have low spots on22 the street where water accumulates. This23 water retains and it gets splashed on our24 building. We've called Streets, Water25 141 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 and gas departments for the past near2 eight years to get this resolved. It's3 been an interesting issue. It's never4 been resolved.5 So basically with issues like6 these, like the core --7 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Excuse me8 for interrupting. Have you ever9 contacted my office about that?10
I have not11 contacted your office, but I've12 contacted --13 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Please do14 so tomorrow, Friday. Please do so.15
Because it's been19 a balance, and I've recorded all the20 phone calls.21 So with issues like this, which22 are real, we're adamantly against this23 new NID, which creates unreasonable and24 unjustified taxation without our25 142 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 representation in this recession of2 economy right now.3 And, for example, the NID will4 install street lights. The U-Haul across5 the street from us has installed a6 tremendous amount of lights. It looks7 beautiful, looks bright, looks wonderful.8 Now we have more homeless that are9 reading under the nice beautiful street10 lights, creating another interesting11 effect at night.12 The NID will clean the streets.13 That would be very good, but we already14 do this on a daily basis. Remove15 graffiti? Well, that could -- that would16 be nice, but we've already taken this.17 I've purchased a power washer, as other18 businesses locally know me. They are19 welcome to use it, and we take care of20 that as well. And you're welcome to use21 my equipment.22 So just in a nutshell, what do23 we have to gain from this, by the NID24 people that may not even live in this25 143 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 area making these frivolous decisions for2 us, which really do not seem clearly in3 the best interest for us as well as to4 take our hard-earned money? The answer5 is, you know, for me it's nothing, and6 it's just not fair. So offer vote no to7 the Bill 110307.8 Thank you.9
Thank you10 very much for your testimony.11 (Applause.)12
Thank you.13 Phillip Chan, Anis Nasr, Ken14 Liang.15 (Witnesses approached witness16 table.)17
Please18 identify yourself for the record and19 proceed.20
My name Anis Nasr.21 I'm a property and business owner within22 the boundary of the bill.23
Please24 proceed.25 144 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071
I'm here today6 because I oppose what NID represent.7 Because certainly does not represent me,8 my opinion, nor my interest. And to make9 it worse, clearly does not represent the10 majority.11 NID represent a group of people12 who arbitrarily came up with idea of how13 to spend my hard-earned money, people I14 don't know, I never saw and they never15 took my opinion or ask me if it would16 affect me and my business. They clearly17 represent their own interest and are far18 from caring about our community.19 How can NID be so negligent to20 undermine the current economy situation?21 Trying to keep our business open,22 maintaining job and fair prices for our23 customer has been a challenge. The tax24 skyrocketing, and with an extra expense,25 145 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 how long would we be able to stay in a2 business?3 How can anyone support the NID?4 So why would you allow NID to impose such5 burden on us? It is just not fair. Not6 fair. And thank you.7
Thank you8 very much for your testimony.9 (Applause.)10
Please11 identify yourself for the record and12 proceed.13
Yes. Thank you, my14 dear Council. My name is Phillip Chan.15 I have properties on 814 and 820 Spring16 Garden Street. I'm now paying over17 $60,000 real estate tax.18 I come to the Philadelphia in19 1977. At that time, the United States,20 Philadelphia, Chinatown was filled with21 possibility and opportunity to22 (unintelligible). Today I stand and work23 at the same area, but the business tax24 and the real estate tax was a lot more.25 146 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 More tax, more bankruptcy, less2 opportunity, hard to do business.3 Thank you, my Councilman.4 (Applause.)5
Thank you6 very much.7 Please identify yourself for8 the record.9
My name is Ken10 Liang and I'm speaking on behalf of my11 uncle that's affected in the area.12 What's going on is that, of13 course, the economy is down, and now we14 are putting more tax, like they said.15 It's going to be hard for us to, let's16 say, move on or develop in a sense.17 Okay? Maybe $700 a year, somewhere18 around there that he's paying. He have19 multiple property around there. But the20 thing is that $700 is not a lot to some21 people or maybe some business, but bigger22 business, of course, I'm probably sure23 that they're paying more in that. Okay?24 But like everyone said, we're in crisis25 147 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 basically. Putting more taxes, more2 burden. All right? Now we have to cut3 hours on employees, less employment and4 then it affects -- it's like a domino5 effect. It's going to affect not just6 the business, it's going to affect the7 employees and everyone else.8 And then there's a NOVA9 association, non-profit. We would rather10 have people donate money into a community11 like you said than rather have NID come12 in. We don't know who they are. We know13 what PCDC is, and we know what people14 that comes around us and telling us about15 this proposal that's happening, you know.16 We'd just rather not have the17 NID in and rather have someone in our18 community create a community to actually19 clean up the neighborhood, and whoever is20 in, is in. We don't have to be forced to21 be taxed.22 Thank you.23
Thank you24 very much for your testimony. Thank you.25 148 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 (Applause.)2
Jim Wade,3 Anna Lu, Demetrius Berkas.4 (Witnesses approached witness5 table.)6
Please7 identify yourself for the record, whoever8 would like to start first.9
My name is Anna Lu and10 I'm here on behalf of my father who owns11 property in the neighborhood, in the12 affected area.13 Just like a lot of immigrants,14 my dad, he wants to be here today, but he15 couldn't be here today because he have to16 work. He wakes up 5 o'clock every17 morning and goes to work for 12, 13 hours18 a day so he can afford the mortgage and19 afford school for me and my sister. And20 he wants me to be here today to show21 support to tell you guys that he wants to22 vote no to the bill.23 A few hundred dollar is not a24 lot, like somebody said. It's just cable25 149 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 bills, Comcast bills. But to a lot of2 immigrants, it's a lot. It's food on the3 table. It's electric bill, utility4 bills. And no one should say that --5 when they decided to come up with the6 NID, nobody ever come out and ask my7 father or get any opinions, nor did any8 paperwork or anything that explained to9 him what this is for. Everything that's10 sent through the mail was in English,11 which he doesn't understand, and nobody12 ever gets his opinions.13 So I don't think the bill is14 fair, and on behalf of my father, please15 vote no to the bill.16 Thank you.17
My name is Jim Wade23 and I have a property, a business, at 44524 North 11th street, and I started my25 150 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 business April 1st, 1980. I don't have2 to tell you that the last two to three3 years have been difficult, but maybe I4 do.5 This tax increase couldn't come6 at a more inoperative time. We've had a7 30 percent decrease in work, had to cut8 hours, do more and more to pay the bills.9 It is a major problem, as I feel much of10 the elected ruling body doesn't work in11 the business world and doesn't understand12 the businessman. Our pockets are thought13 to be bottomless and a well to be drawn14 from whenever the need arises.15 In meeting with other business16 owners in the area, I know I'm not alone,17 and we are still in a serious recession.18 I have a three-man shop and you might19 say, well, I won't be missed. But I20 provide service for a manufacturer that21 still has the sign "made in the USA" on22 his products. How rare is this? He has23 30 to 50 employees and relies on me daily24 to finish his product. We take pride in25 151 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 our work.2 The businesses in the City are3 treading water and having to lay off not4 just employees, but friends, families who5 depend on them. The more debt laid at6 our feet, the higher the unemployment and7 the higher the tax burden on those left.8 This is a downward spiral that we're in.9 I pray for wisdom for all of us, and I10 pray for your leadership as well.11 Thanks.12
My name is Kim Ling.18 I own a small business in 1104 Buttonwood19 Street and I am the property owner, too.20 My son lives in one of my properties that21 I own.22 I pay a lot of tax. I have23 four employees only. Every time I write24 checks to tax, I sweat. I don't want any25 152 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 more tax.2 But still I want to improve my3 communities. We have -- that's why we4 set up association, NOVA. We can vote5 the members. We can control them. If6 they don't do good jobs, we kick them7 out.8 We don't want the NID. We9 don't want the BID. I want to spend all10 my money under our control.11 Thank you.12
Thank you13 very much for your testimony. Thank you.14 (Applause.)15
Thanks for16 coming in.17 John Yuen, Cheri Honkala and18 Mike Untermeyer. Is Mr. Untermeyer here?19 (No response.)20
Please24 identify yourself.25 153 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071
My name is John2 Yuen. I did testify at the last hearing.3 I was amended out since then, but as I4 mentioned, my wife and I, we did start5 the petition campaign.6
I'm out now. But9 during our petition campaign, we heard a10 lot of heart-felt stories from not just11 residents, not just property owners as12 well as business that is within the NID13 currently.14 I do have two small children I15 do raise. I do work every day. In fact,16 I did take off today as well as the first17 hearing in support -- or actually in18 opposition of this bill, and I'm going to19 try to make it short. I understand it's20 a very long day for everybody.21 My name is John Yuen and I'm22 currently the President of NOVA, North of23 Vine Association. First, I'd like to24 thank the member of City Council for this25 154 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 opportunity to voice our concern2 regarding this bill. Our members are3 property owners as well as4 long-established businesses in our5 community.6 We have heard many businesses7 and property owner testimony earlier.8 This bill that's in consideration will9 have major impact to those who are10 struggling to keep their business afloat,11 especially in this economic time.12 You can see that this community13 consists of many ethnicities and not14 solely Chinese. This community has a15 unique history of accomplishment without16 forced taxation. There are as many17 community organizations per block as some18 area have Starbucks, coffee shops. To19 name a few, the Ho Yu Association, the20 Philadelphia Chinatown Development21 Corporation regularly provides services,22 improve the area, apply for grants and23 win approval of the citizens by listening24 to them. This community gets the job25 155 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 done and will continue to do so without2 taxing its citizens.3 So I would like City Council to4 reconsider all the negative impact to its5 citizens and businesses if this bill is6 passed. This bill is simply not fair.7 Thank you very much.8
Councilman12 DiCicco.13 Hold on.14 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I meant to15 ask, you were at the meeting yesterday?16
No, I wasn't.17 Actually, I was at work.18 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: When was19 NOVA created?20
About a week, two21 weeks ago. And it basically was22 understanding of mostly business owners23 and --24 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Just hold25 156 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 on. Two weeks ago. It's a 501(c)(3)?2
Yes.3 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Is there a4 schedule in place on raising money for5 things that NOVA would like to do and not6 let them, whoever "them" are --7
That's correct. One8 of the things --9 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: So let me10 ask you a question. Have you come up11 with an assessment for each of the12 business owners?13
No. What we decided14 as a group, who is our member, it's going15 to be strictly a voluntary basis --16 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: So when --17
--in terms of18 contribution and donation.19 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: So how20 many members are in NOVA?21
Currently on the22 official list is about 20 to 30.23 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Twenty to24 30 business owners and/or operators?25 157 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071
And also residents2 within the neighborhood.3 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And what4 do you plan on doing to enhance your5 business and/or community?6
Well, in addition to7 the current service that's provided like8 from Callowhill, they do have cleaning9 service, as well as the Chinese Christian10 Church. We also plan to do the same11 thing, to actually clean our12 neighborhoods as well as providing13 lighting and possibility, one of the14 discussions that obviously we have to15 raise funds for, camera system.16 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Lighting17 to your individual property?18
Individual property19 as well as neighborhood blocks.20 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Where is21 that money going to be generated from?22
Again, this is going23 to be strictly a voluntary basis.24 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: So if no25 158 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 one donates money, you can't do the2 things that you said you'd like to do.3
Well, certain4 things --5 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Or if they6 don't donate enough money to get those7 services, you won't --8
It depends again.9 These are things, certain agendas, that10 we want to actually put on the table, and11 certain things we have budget for, we12 will do. Certainly things like clean the13 street does not require any particular14 budget. We just require basically15 muscles and sweat.16 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I've been17 doing this for 44 years and those muscles18 after the first two events, they go away.19 How do you -- I guess my point20 I'm trying to make is, I've been21 listening and we've been listening to "we22 don't want them to control our23 community." "Them" I assume you mean the24 people who first came up with the idea of25 159 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 creating a NID?2
Yeah.3 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: My point4 is, if you're voluntary -- it's going to5 be a voluntary organization. So if you6 don't raise money other than the muscle7 to clean the street, you're not going to8 accomplish anything, but if you do want9 to do other things, you're going to have10 to tax each other or voluntarily say give11 us money.12
Voluntary.13 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Suppose14 you have a lighting project that requires15 a hundred thousand dollars.16
Then, first of17 all --18 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: So 2019 businesses will have to raise a hundred20 thousand dollars, which is a lot more21 than --22
If we choose. If23 the budget is not there, you have to live24 within --25 160 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: It won't2 get done.3
You can't say I want4 a Cadillac when you can afford a5 Volkswagen.6 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: No7 disrespect, which is what has happened8 for the last 30 years in that community9 until a new non-profit has been created10 to address these problems.11
But the first step12 is actually taking initiative, and we13 have taken initiative, and that's really14 the first step, willingness to actually15 take care of our own community.16 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Why don't17 you come together, as Councilman Kenney18 said earlier, and work. As I said19 yesterday and I believe Susan said20 something earlier, this Board that21 everyone thinks is going to be a22 dictatorship has really not been23 established yet. I will do everything in24 my power to ensure that members of the25 161 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 business community and property owners2 are represented on that Board.3
Absolutely. I4 perfectly agree with that, but I just5 received a package like from, I guess,6 City Hall last week of August, it7 wasn't -- I mean, I wasn't part of the8 actual process.9 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Well, I10 know this association, I know the folks11 here, and for 16 years, I know the12 struggles and the attempts that they've13 made to improve their community.14 Notifications out, cleanup days, planting15 of trees. It's been written about in the16 newspaper. So when people tell me that17 they don't know who these people are,18 it's like they dropped out of the sky,19 and they've been here for 30 years.20
I applaud what21 they're doing in terms of trying to do22 the clean street. I applaud PCDC, what23 they have done in the neighborhood, but24 this is also another group of people who25 162 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 also are willing to take it forward that2 we want to be part --3 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Then you4 should be a part -- the NOVA could be5 under the umbrella, if you will, of the6 NID. You become the business entity or7 interest involved in the NID. This could8 be a win-win for everybody. I have never9 seen -- and I'll end with this --10
I'm not taxing our11 neighbors.12 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Of all the13 BIDs I've done in my district that have14 all met with serious stiff opposition at15 the outset -- I don't want to pay any16 more taxes, we pay enough, business is17 bad. I recognize and respect that -- not18 one of those BIDs that had to be renewed19 has not yet been renewed. Everybody is20 in favor of it.21
I'm not disagreeing22 with your statistics. All we're saying,23 give us a chance, because I think with24 our -- I think our energy, we found --25 163 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 within two weeks, we got a lot of people,2 and all we do is just give a chance.3 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Volunteers4 won't get the job done, I will tell you5 that.6
I9 appreciate it.10 Just one final comment, and11 I'll say this just to you as I've said it12 to both John Chin and Mrs. Yep. These13 things are not mutually exclusive. It14 doesn't have to be one or the other.15 It's just that -- I say I'm still -- as16 much as I've sat through these hearings17 for two sessions now, I still don't18 understand the whole concept that if they19 do this, you can't do NOVA.20
Not necessarily. I21 think we have the same cause in terms of22 having cleaner, better community. I felt23 as a homeowner -- and I'm busy with my24 life, raising two children, and also my25 164 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 wife works evening, so we're round the2 clock. This is not something that we3 want -- I want to go back to my life, but4 with this issue, I mean, I felt really5 strongly and passionate about.6
There's no reason8 why -- this is a great country. This is9 democracy in the works.10
I think11 PCDC and NOVA and the NID could all live12 happily ever after, but...13
Thank you.19 Please identify yourself for20 the record and proceed.21
My name is Cheri22 Honkala and I am a green party candidate23 running for Sheriff of Philadelphia.24 I'm --25 165 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071
I'm sorry.2 Before you -- we had asked everybody, are3 you in the NID?4
Again, my name is9 Cheri Honkala and I'm a green party10 candidate for Sheriff of Philadelphia. I11 do not live in the neighborhood, but I12 have been campaigning for months in13 Chinatown and have been door-knocking,14 and I'm the only candidate that has15 translated posters on just about every16 business in Chinatown.17 The people of Callowhill and18 North Chinatown are fighting to preserve19 their neighborhood from a corporate20 takeover, but it's not the usual bad guys21 like the big banks foreclosing on homes22 or BP polluting our drinking water. No.23 It's some of our own City Councilmembers24 that demand submission to corporate25 166 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 control.2 They say that the people of3 North Chinatown are opposed to4 development because they want open spaces5 for affordable housing. Housing is a6 basic human right that comes before the7 profits for real estate developers. No8 residential property owner should ever be9 expected to subsidize the investments of10 developers.11 They say that the people of12 Callowhill North Chinatown are opposed to13 progress. Is it because they refuse to14 pay for a vanity project for the15 privileged? Why should one neighborhood16 pay the annual maintenance costs for a17 public park that is open to everyone? If18 the money is not for the park, then why19 does Monday's Daily News article make it20 so clear that the goal remains the same21 for the backers of the NID?22 They say that the people of23 Callowhill North Chinatown are cheap24 because they refuse to pay a modest25 167 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 corporate tax of $155 a year. That may2 be a modest amount for the privileged,3 but if you're raising a family or having4 to pay medical bills, maybe 155 is a lot5 of money. And if they can't afford to6 pay their corporate tax, then the Sheriff7 is expected to place a lien on their8 property.9 When I'm elected Sheriff, I10 will not place a lien on anyone's11 property because they cannot afford to12 pay a corporate tax to NID, BID or any13 other entity chartered by City Council.14 It's time for City Council to15 accept responsibility for neighborhood16 improvements and stop the collusion with17 real estate profiters and the privileged18 to expect the people to subsidize their19 profits.20 Please do not pass this bill.21 Gentrification and pushing neighbors22 around and not involving them doesn't23 equal a quality of life.24 Thank you.25 168 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071
Is there5 anyone else to testify on this bill?6 Yes, sir. Please come forward.7 Sir, you can take the short8 way.9 (Witness approached witness10 table.)11
My name is George14 Moy. I'm one of the founders of PCDC.15 That was 45 years ago.16 The following is my comments to17 the bill that's being acted on:18 Chinatown is a neighborhood19 that has been chosen time and time again20 for projects that no other community21 wants. Many of the comments posted22 regarding the issue of the Reading23 Viaduct indicates a lack of knowledge of24 Chinatown's past history. The following25 169 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 facts are an attempt to inform the2 uninformed of what makes this ethnic3 community what it is today:4 For example, the Independence5 Mall redevelopment project reduced6 Chinatown by approximately 15 percent and7 stretches all the way to the east side of8 9th Street. The residents at the time9 were not aware of the significance of10 this project as it took place in the late11 1950s and early 1960s. The people were12 not organized to meet those challenges.13 The Vine Street Expressway14 sliced Chinatown in half. It also15 removed another approximately 15 percent16 of a vibrant community. It threatened to17 eliminate the only facility built in the18 United States specifically for the19 Chinese, the Holy Redeemer Chinese20 Catholic Church and School. It is of21 historical significance.22 There was a proposal to23 construct a ramp from the Expressway that24 ran south to Market Street. This ramp25 170 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 would have destroyed all three of the2 christian churches in its path. The3 churches provide an invaluable service in4 assimilating the immigrants.5 An alternate plan was in place6 of a -- an alternate plan in place of a7 single ramp described above as two ramps8 on either side of Chinatown.9 Fortunately, the plan did not come to10 fruition.11 The Center City Commuter Tunnel12 was built between 9th and 8th Streets in13 the 1970s. It was not actively opposed14 by Chinatown, as the community had its15 hands full in dealing with the many other16 projects noted herein.17 Originally the Metropolitan18 Hospital was located in Society Hill.19 They were relocated to 8th and Race20 Streets. It dashed Chinatown's plan to21 relocate residents and businesses that22 were being displaced by urban renewal.23 The Market Street East Urban24 Renewal Plan consists of a series of25 171 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 garage structures on the south side of2 Arch Street that stretches from 8th to3 12th Street. It effectively boxed in and4 would have isolated Chinatown had not5 Chinatown negotiated a solution, the6 Chinatown Gate at 10th and Arch Streets.7 The Gallery project also8 impacted Chinatown both pro and con.9 Initial construction had no input from10 its neighborhood to the north. It had11 solid concrete panels facing Chinatown12 until it accepted PCDC's recommendation13 to have clear glass panels on either side14 of the 10th Street overpass.15
Mr. Moy,18 can I just interrupt you, respectfully,19 for a moment. I think most of us here20 are all relatively aware of the history21 of the Chinatown development issues, but22 could you confine to what any of these23 projects have to do with the NID, because24 that's really what we're trying to get on25 172 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 the record.2 Do you live in the NID? I'm3 sorry. We had asked every witness if you4 live in the NID or not.5
I don't necessarily6 believe that all the Councilpeople are7 aware of the history of what Chinatown8 had to face in the last --9
And I10 respect and I appreciate that, but we11 have to remember too, I grew up at 3rd12 and Snyder and they built a highway right13 down the middle of my neighborhood, and14 it was an Irish American neighborhood and15 to the north it was a Polish American16 neighborhood, and those people were all17 displaced. Sometimes governments do18 stupid things and it affects people, but19 I don't know whether highway location20 was -- I mean --21
They23 wrecked the eastern end of South Philly,24 and I got over it. I mean, it's like --25 173 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071
I'll try to make it2 brief by just mentioning some of the3 other projects without describing it.4
There was the7 Convention Center I and the extension.8 There was the federal prison. There was9 a Phillies ball park proposed and also10 the casinos.11
You're12 welcome, because we knocked that ball13 park out of the park. When I was sitting14 over here, we did that, if you remember.15
Why would anyone want16 to hamper or destroy Chinatown? We are a17 neighborhood that should be replicated,18 assisted in its growth and not stunted19 for the following reasons, and I'll just20 read quickly through those.21 The poor and well-to-do live22 side by side in Chinatown in harmony.23 There are thriving, hard-working people24 of family orientation. Juvenile25 174 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 delinquency is practically non-existent.2 Crime committed by others, not residents.3 The recent arrivals and the old-timers4 support one another. Assimilation is5 rendered by the churches and schools.6 Non-profits are supported by the people.7 Volunteer services such as clinics, legal8 aid are rendered by many in the9 community. Any new taxes, especially in10 this recession, is sure to be a job11 killer. The taxation without12 representation, this is what that is.13 Now, I'll cut this down, too.14 Mr. Struble, one of the15 supporters of the NID, described the16 Viaduct as scary. Well, dressing it,17 putting icing on it is not going to18 change the nature of it. It's going to19 make it permanent.20 Now, Chinatown -- PCDC funded21 itself -- funded a three-month pilot22 program to clean up Chinatown, and it was23 a success. We wanted to use the pilot24 program to talk the businesses in25 175 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 Chinatown and the residents to make that2 program a success. We're now -- we've3 been involved in that, and we're having4 some success.5 Now, the Center City District6 wanted Chinatown to be part of that7 program, their program. The problem was8 that you would have dozens of street9 cleaners, about two or three in a pack,10 walking down the street, picking up11 cigarette butts and whatever. The one12 person that we hired in this three-month13 program did the work of those dozens.14 So, you know, you're a business person15 and you see a group of people shooting16 the bull in a side alley or side yard or17 on a side street and you know you're18 going to be having to pay for that, that19 doesn't induce or persuade business20 owners to want to be part of that21 program. We're trying to do it ourselves22 more efficiently so that it becomes a23 permanent program.24 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Mr. Moy,25 176 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 the NID does not affect Chinatown. It's2 not within the boundaries.3
Chinatown North.4 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: But the5 Chinatown -- you hired people to do6 Chinatown. You're talking about --7
Yes. It can be8 extended. We can --9 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Okay.10
-- convince the11 people --12 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: You do13 know that Hing Wah Yuen is out? They're14 not in the boundaries. Do you know that?15
Pardon me?16 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: That Hing17 Wah Yuen is out, they're not part of18 this.19
Yes. But to me,20 that's conquer and divide. Divide and21 conquer.22 (Applause.)23
Wait a24 minute. Do you want back in?25 177 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: If you2 would like, I would amend the bill right3 now and put Hing Wah Yuen back in. So if4 the NID passes, you will be taxed.5 (Applause.)6
When you jump off a7 cliff --8 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: You want9 Hing Wah Yuen back in? Is that what10 you're saying?11 (Audience members yelling12 "yes.")13 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Why did14 you tell us to take it out two weeks ago?15
No. You suggested16 it.17 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aren't the18 same thing -- don't the same poor people19 who couldn't afford the NID still live in20 Hing Wah Yuen?21
Thank you24 very much for your testimony. I25 178 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 appreciate that.2 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: That's the3 most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.4
Anyway,5 we're just waiting for one returning6 Councilmember.7 That will conclude our public8 hearing on this issue and we are waiting9 to convene our public meeting. We are10 waiting for Councilman Rizzo to return.11 He'll be back in a few minutes.12 (Pause.)13
We will now14 convene our public meeting with a quorum15 present of Councilmen Rizzo, Clarke,16 Greenlee and DiCicco.17 The Chair recognizes18 Councilmember DiCicco to offer amendments19 to Bill No. 110307.20 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you,21 Mr. Chairman. Amendments have been22 distributed to all members of this23 Committee. I would move for the adoption24 of the amendments.25 179 10/27/11 - RULES - BILL 1103071 (Duly seconded.)2