STATED MEETING 1 5/12/2022 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Via Microsoft Teams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, May 12, 2022 10:14 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK STATED MEETING 2 5/12/2022
Thank you, and good morning to everyone. We're going to get started now. Before we begin the Council session today, I would like to make the following announcement: Due to the continuing threat to public health from COVID-19, City Council is currently meeting remotely. We are using Microsoft Teams to make this remote meeting possible. Instructions for how the public may view the meeting and offer public comment are included in the Stated Meeting notice that was published in the Daily News, the Inquirer, and the Legal Intelligencer prior to the meeting, and can also be found on PHLCouncil.com. I now note that the hour has come. The Clerk will call the roll to take attendance, and members that are in attendance, say a couple of words to make sure that your image is displayed on the screen. Mr. Decker, please call the STATED MEETING 3 5/12/2022
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and the viewing public in Philadelphia. Thank you.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, the viewing public, and thank you, Reverend, for being here.
Good morning, Council President, colleagues, and Philadelphia. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the viewing public. I am present.
Good STATED MEETING 5 5/12/2022 morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Prayers go out to all the families who have lost loved ones to senseless gun violence.
Good morning, President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Philadelphia. I am present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I'm present as well. STATED MEETING 6 5/12/2022
Good morning, Mr. President, colleagues, and to the viewing public.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. I am present.
Good morning, Council President and colleagues. Present.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning, Philadelphia. I'm present.
And good morning to you all. Thank you for joining us today. We have established a quorum, so Council will now come to order. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes the Reverend Father Roman Pitula of the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral STATED MEETING 8 5/12/2022 He is here today as the guest of Councilman Domb. I would ask all members and guests to please bow your heads for the invocation. Reverend Father, please proceed.
Thank you, Council President. Almighty God, we thank you for all your blessings you bestow upon us. We thank you for all gathered here at this assembly as we seek to do our work for the benefit of our fellow Americans and residents of the great City of Philadelphia. We thank you for our lives and for the lives of our citizens. We thank you for all your civil authorities, our Mayor, City officials, otherwise levels, and this assembled Council. We thank you for freedom and peace, which we cherish on our American soil, and we pray for peace around the STATED MEETING 9 5/12/2022 the people in Ukraine as they suffer during this horrific war. In the Holy Scripture, you say that all authorities come from you, oh Lord, as the supreme sovereign. Therefore, by accepting our authority, grant us to productively conduct our work with the spirit of the light and eagerness. We ask for your guidance to show us how to fulfill our duties in the best way possible to provide our service to those whom we are called to serve. Give us your wisdom, oh Lord, to overcome all obstacles we may face during our work, and bless us with the desire to find solutions to successfully resolve the issues and to assist to those in need. We ask you to open our minds and our hearts to the needs of all who may seek our help in economic, social, humanitarian, and other matters. STATED MEETING 10 5/12/2022 says that fellow citizens ought to comply with the governing authorities. Therefore, grant us understanding of our congregated responsibilities and obligations to be promoters of peace and order within our communities. In these times, many are affected by different calamities and misfortunes who hope to receive a helping hand from those who are able and willing to help. May we be challenged and encouraged to reach out to them and to provide needed assistance and support. We are tasked that there are endless needs that ought to be addressed. There's a need to see and sense the welfare and true needs of our people. We need to see the compassion for elderly and lonely, the needs to look at our youth and their future. There's extreme thirst for justice and acceptance. There's a need to work in harmony and agreement. There's a need to STATED MEETING 11 5/12/2022 dignity. We see the need to bring back peace into our homes and our hearts. You may see and confirm that there are lots of issues and concerns that are currently present and that surround us, and we are not to look at these issues as obstacles but as opportunities, opportunities to work and find solutions. We are to put all our efforts under your great leadership and guidance, oh Lord, and we will be firm and strong in fulfilling our tasks that you have put on our shoulders. Direct our thoughts, words, and actions toward the right path and help us to intelligently elevate our options. Help us to be united in making the best possible resolutions and to effectively carry them out that our contribution will be productive and fruitful. Oh, mighty Lord, we bow down our heads before you and ask for your blessings for us to be faithful to our STATED MEETING 12 5/12/2022 to open and to hear and see the needs of others whom we serve. Amen. Thank you, and God bless you.
Amen. Thank you so much, Reverend. We appreciate your spiritual guidance and your invocation this morning. Thank you so much.
Our next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 5th, 2022, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 5th, 2022 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and STATED MEETING 13 5/12/2022 Journal of the meeting of Thursday, May 5th, 2022 stand approved. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and our Journal is approved. And our next order of business is requests for leave of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the members of Council, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you. The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. Councilman Johnson, did you need to be recognized now? STATED MEETING 14 5/12/2022
Thank you, Council President. Council President, I have to take care of business inside the district and want to be voted aye on all bills and resolutions today.
Okay. And leave shall be granted. Let the record reflect that Councilman Johnson is voting aye on all bills and resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion concerning certain legislative matters that may arise during today's session of Council that were not listed on the STATED MEETING 15 5/12/2022 prior to today's session. Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that any of the following matters, if considered today, may be added to the agenda for this session of Council and, as required by law, subsequently published on an amended agenda after the consideration of those matters: resolutions authorizing hearings, amendments to bills on first reading, the reconsideration of a bill vetoed by or re-called from the Mayor, resolutions taking substantive action to be voted on in this session, a motion to withdraw a bill or resolution that is not on the Calendar, and a motion placing a bill or resolution on or returning a bill or resolution from the Suspension Calendar that is not listed on today's Calendar. The purpose of this motion is to provide the public with notice STATED MEETING 16 5/12/2022 Council that arose too late to be included on the Calendar that was published prior to today's session. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and properly seconded that the legislative matters stated by Councilwoman Parker may be added to the agenda for today, should those matters arise during the course of this session of Council. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion is approved. And our next order of business is communications. I would ask the Clerk to please read any messages that he may have from the Mayor or any other STATED MEETING 17 5/12/2022
From the Mayor to the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on May 9, 2022, I signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on April 28, 2022, and that on May 9, 2022, I signed the following bill which was passed by Council at its session on May 5, 2022: Bill No. 220291. And I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the Rebuild Project Statement for Fiscal Years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 pursuant to Bill No. 170206; and An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or a portion of a certain parcel of land in and about the area bounded by Wharton, 12th, Reed, and 11th Streets for further conveyance; STATED MEETING 18 5/12/2022 Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by revising certain tax rates; and An ordinance amending Section 19-1301 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Homestead Exclusion," to increase the amount of the homestead exclusion; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tax Exemptions for Longtime Owner-Occupants of Residential Properties," and revising the cap on the total amount of exemptions authorized in the program, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Decker. That concludes messages from the Mayor and communications, and our next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. STATED MEETING 19 5/12/2022 And by way of a reminder, we are asking that all resolutions, including privileged resolutions, be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council, unless they are being referred to committee. In our current remote environment, this procedure will provide an appropriate opportunity for public comment. I would like to thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation. Mr. Decker, please read the titles of the legislation that's being offered today by our members.
Councilwoman Parker offers five bills and three resolutions. On behalf of Council President Clarke, an ordinance providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of the proposal set forth in a Resolution approved by Council an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter relating to the creation of the Division of Jobs STATED MEETING 20 5/12/2022 and Training Opportunities within the Department of Commerce.
And an ordinance amending Title 18 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Commerce," by adding a new Chapter, entitled "Workforce Development Activity and Reporting," to promote workforce development activity, and to require the Department of Commerce to report to Council certain aggregate information regarding employment rates and training opportunities, and to report on assessments of the economic impact of the City's workforce development programs.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Wage and Net Profits Tax," by revising certain tax rates. STATED MEETING 21 5/12/2022
And an ordinance amending Section 19-1301.1 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Homestead Exclusion," to increase the amount of the homestead exclusion.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-3900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Tax Exemptions for Longtime Owner-Occupants of Residential Properties," to revise the cap on the total amount of exemptions authorized in the program.
Also on behalf of Council President Clarke, a resolution proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create the Division of Jobs and Training Opportunities within the Department of STATED MEETING 22 5/12/2022 Commerce, to provide centralized services to Philadelphians seeking jobs and training opportunities in the public or private sectors.
And on her own behalf, Councilwoman Parker offers a resolution authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings to examine the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on professional services, specifically barbershops and beauty salons; to assess the impact of these SABER grants administered by the Commerce Department; and to explore the creation of a new specialized grant program for barbershops and beauty salons.
Yes. STATED MEETING 23 5/12/2022 Today's Calendar.
And a resolution recognizing May 14, 2022 as "Letter Carriers Food Collection Day" in the City of Philadelphia in Honor of their annual "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive. Mr. President, Councilwoman Parker would like to be recognized for a motion on this resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President. For this resolution introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson and I, I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit consideration of this resolution on today's Final Passage Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It's been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended to allow passage today on this resolution. All in favor indicate by saying STATED MEETING 24 5/12/2022 aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. That will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson offers one bill, entitled "An Ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising and clarifying certain landscaping requirements and provisions and making related technical changes."
Councilwoman Gym offers one bill and two resolutions, entitled "An ordinance amending Section A-703.2 of Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Special Certificate of Inspection,' to include satisfaction of STATED MEETING 25 5/12/2022 certain plumbing facilities and fixture requirements as means of certifying compliance with certain water quality requirements for issuance of certain special certificates of inspection."
And a resolution honoring twelve of Philadelphia's emerging Asian American leaders: Lan Dinh, Chi-Ser Tran, Neil Makhija, Dr. Esther Hio-Tong Castillo, Stephanie Sun, Anne Ishii, Jennie Nam, Sreymum Sok, Sinta Storms, Thi Lam, Sheila Maddali, and Maia Weintraub for their deep commitment to empowering their communities, and their work in fighting for food sovereignty, dismantling barriers in social services, expanding economic opportunity and justice, investing in community-based arts, advancing representation in sports, and protecting civil rights on the occasion of Asian American and Pacific Islander STATED MEETING 26 5/12/2022 History Month.
And a resolution honoring Philadelphia-born author, podcaster, cultural critic, media trailblazer, and Peabody award winner Phil Yu, founder of "Angry Asian Man," a destination website on Asian American pop culture, politics, sports, and more, and co-author of the New York Times best seller Rise: A Pop History of Asian America from the 90s to Now.
Councilman Jones offers two bills and one resolution, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 10-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Animals,' to revise certain provisions relating to the ownership of chickens, roosters, and hens; and making technical changes."
STATED MEETING 27 5/12/2022 Referred to committee.
And an ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by revising Section 14-303, Subparagraph 11A, entitled "Registered Community Organizations," by establishing a fund to be used by Registered Community Organizations to obtain legal representation for hearings and appeals before the Zoning Board of Adjustments.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President and colleagues, for your indulgence. I want to briefly talk about some of the difficulties some of our community organizations are having trying to shape the direction of development in their respective communities. All too often we set up a David and Goliath scenario where big STATED MEETING 28 5/12/2022 development uses its power, its might to hire attorneys to stifle the input of many of our Registered Community Organizations. Too often their arms legally are too short to box with the big companies and are drained of necessary resources trying to provide legal representation, are often sued by developers when they pursue their inputs to the ZBA. One of the bills that is being considered is to add more community organizations on the Zoning Board of Adjustment authored by our President Darrell Clarke, but a companion piece is to level the playing field so that Registered Community Organizations can have that input, not be obstructionists but to be partners in the developments in the communities in which they live. So thank you for this Council's consideration. Thank you, Mr. President. STATED MEETING 29 5/12/2022
Thank you, Councilman. That issue came up consistently during the course of the conversation about the Zoning Board, so thank you. That will be referred to the appropriate committee.
Councilman Jones also offers a resolution celebrating Joel Embid as MVP: "Most Valuable Philadelphian."
That will be on next week's Calendar. Let's just hope that he's still playing next week. Next week's Calendar.
Councilman Johnson offers one bill and two resolutions, entitled "An ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Zoning and Planning,' by revising and clarifying certain provisions and technical changes."
STATED MEETING 30 5/12/2022 Referred to committee.
And a resolution also naming the 1500 block of Lombard Street as Wesley Way, to honor the historic Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church.
And a resolution urging the United States Congress to pass the Judiciary Act of 2021, to restore the integrity of the United States Supreme Court by adding four new seats.
Councilman Green offers three resolutions, entitled a "Resolution calling upon the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pass House Bill 140, the Parking Protected Bike Lane and Plaza bill, to empower municipalities to buffer bike lanes with parking on state roads."
Next week's Calendar. STATED MEETING 31 5/12/2022
And a resolution recognizing May 15 through 20, 2022 as the inaugural Multicultural Media Professionals Week in the City of Philadelphia.
That will be on next week's Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I believe I need to be recognized after the next -
And a resolution applauding Philadelphia's selection as a participant city in the Municipalities Reimagining Community Safety Initiative.
The STATED MEETING 32 5/12/2022 Chair now recognizes Councilman Green.
No. It's not after this resolution. It's the final resolution.
All right. Go ahead. That will be on next week's Calendar.
Okay. Thank you. No need to be recognized, Council President.
All right. Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please proceed.
Councilwoman Gauthier offers two bills and one resolution, entitled "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 from STATED MEETING 33 5/12/2022 Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land located in and about the area bounded by 56th Street, Lindbergh Boulevard, 61st Street, Passyunk Avenue, and the Schuylkill River."
And an ordinance amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Designation of Bicycle Lanes," to authorize bicycle lanes on Lindbergh Boulevard between 58th Street and 65th Street.
And a resolution designating May 15, 2022 the Inaugural Day of Serenity in the City of Philadelphia, providing communities disproportionately impacted by gun violence the opportunity to gather in peace and healing. STATED MEETING 34 5/12/2022
Councilman Thomas offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Committee on Children and Youth to hold hearings addressing the findings of the Enough is Enough Students (EIE) Against Gun Violence Campaigns survey which aims to address the experiences of Philadelphia high school students surrounding gun violence in the city."
Councilman O'Neill offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2900 of Title 19 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Senior Citizen Low Income Special Tax Provisions,' by extending the deadline for low-income seniors to apply for a refund of forgiveness of Real Estate Taxes."
STATED MEETING 35 5/12/2022 Referred to committee.
Councilman Squilla offers one bill, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 19-1303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Discounts and Additions to Tax," by tolling additions, interest and penalties on real estate tax when the assessed value of property is under appeal and limiting tax payments due based on certain assessments under appeal."
Councilwoman Bass offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution urging the School District of Philadelphia to enhance its maternity leave program."
Councilman Oh offers one resolution, entitled a "Resolution honoring the life and legacy of the Honorable Norman Mineta, who STATED MEETING 36 5/12/2022 3, 2022, during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month."
There are no other bills or resolutions being offered today by the members, Mr. President.
Thank you very much, Mr. Decker. That concludes the introduction of bills and resolutions today, and our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. Excuse me. I'm sorry. I got a little off track. Our next order of business is reports from committee, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for a report from the Committee on Public Safety. Councilman, you're on mute.
Thank you, Mr. President. The Committee on Public Safety reports one bill with a favorable STATED MEETING 37 5/12/2022
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred Bill No. 210802, entitled "An ordinance amending Section 12-1120 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled 'Abandoned Vehicles,' to authorize Public Safety Officers to authorize the removal of abandoned vehicles, all under certain terms and conditions," respectfully reports it has considered the same and returns the attached bill to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Thank you. The Chair again recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you STATED MEETING 38 5/12/2022 again, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended as to permit first reading of this Bill No. 210802 at our -(Duly seconded.)
Go ahead. It has been moved and properly seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bill No. 210802. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and this bill will be placed on our First Reading Calendar today. And our next order of business is the consideration of the Calendar. I note that the bill just reported from STATED MEETING 39 5/12/2022 with a suspension of the rules has been deemed to have had a first reading. This bill will be on our Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar at our next session of Council. As there are no additional bills on our First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion concerning the resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the following resolutions on the Final Passage Calendar. They are Resolution Nos. 220385, 220386, 220388, 220389, 220390, 220391, 220392, 220393, 220394, 220397, 220398, 220399, 220400, and 220401. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be STATED MEETING 40 5/12/2022 2ND READING suspended to permit the use of a Consent Agenda to consider the resolutions just read by Councilwoman Parker. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries, and we will consider the Resolution Consent Agenda shortly. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Parker for the purpose of calling up bills and resolutions that are on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar.
Thank you, Mr. President. In addition to the resolutions being considered on the Consent Agenda, the following resolutions and bills are being called up from the Second Reading and Final Passage STATED MEETING 41 5/12/2022 Calendars today. They are Nos. 220395, 220396, 210685-A, 220186, and 220261. All other bills and resolutions are being held, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilwoman. Before we proceed with the consideration of the Calendar, we will have our public comment session. So we'll take a couple of minutes to connect our speakers we have for today's meeting. (Short recess.)
Thank you very much, and we are back. So now that everyone is connected to the meeting and before considering the resolutions and bills we have before us today, we will consider the public comment. It will go as follows: Public comment must concern matters on the Second Reading and Final STATED MEETING 42 5/12/2022 Passage Calendar for possible action at a session of Council. A speaker on any of those matters must sign up in order to testify. You must call 215-686-3406 by 3:00 p.m. the day before the session to sign up for the public comment. When you call, we will take your name, phone number, the number of the legislative item you are commenting on, and whether you are in support of or against the legislation, and we'll add your name to the list. We will then telephone each person on the list during the Council session and invite them to our remote meeting. Today we will have three minutes to speak but, however, based on the volume, from time to time we may have to adjust that timeframe. In order to be fair to all those wishing to speak, I intend to hold faithfully to the established time limit. So once invited to the meeting and asked to begin your testimony, a timer will be STATED MEETING 43 5/12/2022 started. We will monitor your remaining time throughout the testimony, and when there are 30 seconds remaining to your time, you will be reminded of this. Once your allotted time has passed, you will be asked to conclude your remarks, and shortly thereafter you will be muted and disconnected from the remote meeting. We also reserve the right to limit the number of speakers where repetitious comments are being made on the same subject matter, which could affect callbacks for the public comment at a meeting. Please be aware that this is a public meeting and it is being recorded, and because the meeting is public, participants and viewers have no reasonable expectation of privacy. So by continuing to be in the meeting, you are consenting to being recorded. I would thank you very much for your participation in this public forum. Mr. Decker, would you please STATED MEETING 44 5/12/2022 call the first name on the list for our public comment session today. You're on mute, Mr. Decker.
I'm sorry, Mr. President. The only speaker we have today is Tiffany Green, commenting on 220391.
Thank you. Good morning. Just state your name for the record and please proceed with your testimony.
Tiffany Green. I'm opposing Resolution Bill 220391. We recently found out about this bill being up for passage and we had sent a letter to Councilman Johnson asking him to remove or withdraw this, because the 14 City properties being disposed to the Land Bank, the Land Bank hearing was put on hold on Tuesday. And so we wanted to have discussion, because we do not support this, because, again, this is 14 houses going up for 195,000, workforce STATED MEETING 45 5/12/2022 development to market-rate housing. We don't know the price for market-rate housing. And, again, we have not gotten the low cost homeownership, affordable homeownership, for low-income families. But what I have a concern about and I feel it's very disingenuous that the fact that Councilwoman Parker stated that there was no legal action and that Council President Clarke had to notify Council President -- Councilman Johnson that he had a leave of absence today. Because we wanted the bill pulled. We just found out about it, and we asked this morning to have it withdrawn. I'm saying all of that to say at this point, this is very disingenuous, and this goes to the thousand properties that you claim you're going to use for workforce development. Point Breeze was one of the test sites, we believe now, for workforce development. Workforce development was a new name they put on it. Actually, this STATED MEETING 46 5/12/2022 is low market-rate housing. When you move into 195,000 to 230,000 range, you do a jump start, and when these houses were built in Point Breeze, we found that market-rate developers were coming in around the area and starting to build houses at $400,000 and $500,000. This is a jump start kick, and this is not fair, especially based on the fact that the City has come out with 2023 tax assessments and raising of our tax assessment. These houses need to be -- the thousand houses need to be at least 160,000 or below, because we have a lot of low-income, moderate-income, cost-burdened families out here who are only being paid $15 an hour or less, and we need to address that. The City has had thousands of market-rate houses already built in this community, and this is not fair to take a thousand and still want to put in that $200,000 level. When you go to $200,000 STATED MEETING 47 5/12/2022 level, you're telling the private market that these neighborhoods are up and coming, and it's not fair to us. Basically we feel at this point that Point Breeze has been used as some type of guinea pig, and at this point, we feel that this is City-sponsored gentrification when you take and use workforce development housing and infuse it into poor Black neighborhoods and then want to say that at this point, this is some type of affordable housing. It is not. It is lower market-rate, and this is not fair to us, and we feel that this is a way that -- majority Black City Council, is this your way of answering the question that it's not fair and protecting our residents in the community who have supported you, voters and constituents. We cannot continue no longer to go down this road, because this gentrification is really heated up. And what I'm personally upset about after all STATED MEETING 48 5/12/2022 my years of advocacy is see a developer at 1332 South 23rd Street list the house for $669,000. I say to you, Council President, I say to you, Council President Clarke, I just want to ask you one question. How are you going to address the housing prices that are increasing in our neighborhood? Not the taxes. The housing prices at $669,000. Please, I ask you to vote no to this resolution and allow us to have a conversation with the Land Bank for low affordable housing in our area. Thank you.
Thank you very much for your testimony. We appreciate your concern about what's going on in a number of neighborhoods. We are addressing those issues, and you will see over the next year a significant amount of affordable housing being built and a significant strategy to address those individuals who want to own a home STATED MEETING 49 5/12/2022 build wealth by virtue of homeownership. But I appreciate your continued advocacy for those individuals, and we will be addressing those issues very shortly.
Thank you. We appreciate it. That concludes our public comment for today. We will now consider today's Resolution Consent Agenda. I would ask the Clerk to please read the titles of all resolutions on the Consent Agenda. After each title is read, any member may object to the inclusion of the resolution on the Resolution Consent Agenda. Upon such an objection and without debate, the STATED MEETING 50 5/12/2022 immediately removed from the Resolution Consent Agenda and be placed on today's regular Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, will you please now read the titles of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda.
Resolution No. 220385, entitled 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 Fifth Councilmanic District, including on the following streets: Monument Street, North Sydenham Street, and North 31st Street"; and Resolution No. 220386, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Fifth STATED MEETING 51 5/12/2022 District"; and Resolution No. 220388, entitled a "Resolution honoring twelve of Philadelphia's trailblazing Asian American leaders: Lily Yeh, Aisha Khan, Ali Zakar and Nanjeen Kabita, Hor Chou, Pastor Aldo Siahaan, Anna Perng, Nancy Nguyen, Su Ming Yeh, Chef Chris Cho, Wei Chen, and Le-Quyen Vu for their transformative work in building community, expanding educational opportunity, preserving culture and the arts, investing in youth leadership, and upholding civil rights on the occasion of Asian American and Pacific Islander History Month"; and Resolution No. 220389, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 3009 Wharton Street, 1554 South Dover Street, 6052 Kingsessing Avenue, 6050 Kingsessing Avenue, 1926 STATED MEETING 52 5/12/2022 60th Street & 6032 Chester Avenue, in the Second Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 220390, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 2628 Titan Street and 2630 Titan Street in the Second Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 220391, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 1900 through 02 Point Breeze Avenue and 2111 Sigel Street in the Second Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 220392, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1210, 1212 and 1214 South 27th Street, 2723, 2725, 2727, 2729, 2731, 2733, 2735, 2737 and 2739 Ingram Street, 2704, 2706, STATED MEETING 53 5/12/2022 2710, 2712, 2716, 2720, 2724, 2726, 2738 and 2740 Manton Street, 2705 and 2720 Oakford Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 220393, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1543 South Dover Street, 1545, 1547, 1549, 1551, 1553, 1554, and 1555 South Dover Street, 1540 through 54 South Myrtlewood Street, and 1546 South 30th Street located in the 2nd Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 220394, entitled a "Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to certain properties located in the Second Councilmanic District"; and Resolution No. 220397, entitled a "Resolution honoring the 125th anniversary of the education justice and parent and caregiver advocacy STATED MEETING 54 5/12/2022 organization, the Philadelphia Home and School Council, which continues its long legacy of establishing diverse and representative Home and School Associations, sponsoring workshops to train advocates, and empowering marginalized school communities by giving Philadelphians voice and power in the decisions that shape their children's schooling"; and Resolution No. 220398, entitled a "Resolution renaming the 4000 block of Filbert Street 'Elsie Wise Way' to honor the life and legacy of Elsie Wise, civic leader and founder of the West Powelton Steppers and Drum Team"; and Resolution No.
220399, entitled a "Resolution honoring and congratulating Champions of the Week, Neumann-Goretti High School's Girls Basketball team, on their successful 2021-2022 season and winning the 2022 PIAA Girls Basketball 3A Championship title"; and Resolution No. 220400, entitled STATED MEETING 55 5/12/2022 "Resolution proclaiming May 2022 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Philadelphia to pay tribute to the rich history and significant contributions made by generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our country, state, and city"; and Resolution No. "
Thank you, Mr. Decker. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Parker for a motion to adopt each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move the adoption of each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda. (Duly seconded.) STATED MEETING 56 5/12/2022 5/12/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that each of the resolutions on the Resolution Consent Agenda be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. We will now consider bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 220395.
A resolution recognizing and congratulating Barbara Silzle for her years of dedicated, vital, and transformative leadership as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund.
The STATED MEETING 57 5/12/2022 5/12/22 - STATED - 2ND READING Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Council President. I'm joined in this resolution by other members of this body that serve on the Cultural Fund - Councilmembers Bass, Squilla, and Oh - to really congratulate Barbara for her leadership of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund. Unfortunately, every year the Cultural Fund has had to battle to do the work that they do to provide resources to so many grassroot community-based organizations that are really providing vital funding and opportunities for people in neighbors all around the City of Philadelphia, which has really been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. They've done that in spite of some of the challenges they've had in the dollars that have not been allocated to the Cultural Fund. But she has provided real leadership in bringing people together to make sure that we provide a STATED MEETING 58 5/12/2022 5/12/22 - STATED - 2ND READING robust arts and culture community in the City of Philadelphia. I commend Barbara for her years of leadership and stewardship of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund in spite of the global 19 pandemic and the dance that we do every year in the budget process where Council has to step up to provide more dollars back into the budget process to make sure that those grassroots community-based organizations around the City of Philadelphia have the resources they need to operate in order to make sure we have a more vibrant life in the City of Philadelphia. And I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.) STATED MEETING 59 5/12/2022 5/12/22 - STATED - 2ND READING
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Resolution No. 220396.
A resolution honoring the life, work, and accomplishments of Shakeda Gaines, whose years of service as President of the Philadelphia Home and School Council has immeasurably shaped parent and family engagement in public schools, set a precedent for how to incorporate social justice values into positions of leadership, and established a clear expectation for how public schools should educate, inspire, and empower students and families in Philadelphia.
Thank STATED MEETING 60 5/12/2022 5/12/22 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Council President. I would like to offer an amendment to the Resolution No. 220396. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council, and I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Resolution No. 220396 be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. That amendment has been adopted. The Chair again recognizes Councilwoman Brooks for a motion on the amended resolution.
Thank STATED MEETING 61 5/12/2022 5/12/22 - STATED - 2ND READING you, Council President. I move for the adoption of the resolution, as amended. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and seconded that the resolution, as amended, be adopted. All in favor indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted. Mr. Decker, please read the title of Bill No. 210685-A.
An ordinance amending Subcode "A" (The Philadelphia Administrative Code) of Title 4 (The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code) of The Philadelphia Code, by amending Section A-703, entitled STATED MEETING 62 5/12/2022 5/12/22 - STATED - 2ND READING "Special Certificate of Inspection," to enhance building safety requirements for educational occupancies.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Green for an amendment to Bill No. 210685-A.
Thank you, Council President. I would like to offer an amendment to Bill No. 210685-A. A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of Council. I move for the adoption of the amendment. (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)