COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 12, 2013 10:45 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY COUNCILMAN DENNIS O'BRIEN COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Good morning, everyone. I'd ask all guests and visitors to please retire behind the rail. I'd ask the members to please take their seat. Thank you. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair recognizes Reverend Dr. Leslie D. Callahan, Pastor of Saint Paul's Baptist Church, also a good friend and also one of our Philadelphia Housing Authority commissioners. She is here today as the guest of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. I would ask all members and guests to please rise. (Members and guests rise.)
Let us pray. Almighty God, supreme ruler of all creation, righteous judge before whom all hearts and attentions are laid bare, we come this morning to render thanks for all your goodness and bringing the Council of the City of Philadelphia into business and prepare for the well-being of our city. As you keep concerned watch over all peoples and places, grant a special measure of your presence and power in these chambers. In the midst of testimony, committee assignments, deliberation, and debate, we pray for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom to discern the best direction for our city. Great shepherd, guide Council President Clarke as he directs these conversations. Inspire each member of Council, both directly and through their staff and constituents. Be with Mayor Nutter and the rest of City government and workers. Send deep and abiding peace to all who reside in this community. And at the end of this day, may all who speak find a hearing, may all who struggle find relief, and may all who labor earn their rightful pay and rest. In the name of the Ancient of Days who does all things well, we pray. (Amen.)
Thank you. Thank you so much, Pastor. Council shall be at ease. (Council at ease.)
Thank you so much. Before we start our business, the Chair would recognize Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for a point of personal privilege, that we all rise for a moment of silence for the late Councilwoman Joan Krajewski, who has served this body great and has served the constituents of the 6th District also great.
Thank you. Will everyone please rise. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you. We'll now proceed. order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 20th, 2013. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 20th, 2013 be approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, June 20th, 2013 stand approved. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the Journal is approved. The next order of business is the requests for leaves of absence, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the majority, there are no requests for leaves of absence today.
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of the minority, there is one request, and that is for Councilman Brian O'Neill.
Thank you, sir. Leave shall be granted. At this time, I would like to dispense with the regular order of business and I would like to welcome and thank everyone who has come down here today to see your government in action. We really appreciate the fact that you thought it was important enough for you to come down here and see us do the business of the people. We appreciate it so much that we hope that you enjoy actually come back. So, again, I want to thank you all so much for being here today. Today we have no presentations, so we will probably have -- did I hear somebody complaining? No? So the next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-of-Arms delivers the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. Mr. Decker, please read those messages.
To the President and members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that on June 25 and September 6, 2013, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on June 13, 2013, except Bill No. 130308-A, which I am returning without my signature; and that on June 25, July 11, and September 6, 2013, I signed all of the bills that were passed by Council at its session on June 20, 2013, except Bill Nos. 120142-A 120143, which I am returning without my signature; and I am transmitting for the consideration of your honorable body a resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Models Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 2108 through 44 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 2105 through 47 Nicholas Street, and 1631 through 37 North Twenty-Second Street; and Also an ordinance amending Section 19-201 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in U.S. Bank; and An ordinance amending Chapter 19-2700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sales and Use Tax and Hotel Occupancy Tax," by providing for additional sales and use tax, all under
Thank you. Those messages will be printed in the Journal today. Do you have any other communications, Mr. Decker?
Thank you. At this time, I'd like to recognize Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I would also like to request that we stand in silent reverence to Reverend Henry T. Wells, One Day At a Time, who passed away yesterday, a long-time member of the entire City, certainly lived in President Darrell Clarke's district, and it is with great regret that we announce his passing.
Thank you, Councilwoman. I'd like to ask everyone to please rise for a moment of silence. (Moment of silence.)
Thank you all so much. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one bill, one non-privileged resolution, and one privileged resolution.
Thank you, Councilman. Mr. Decker, please read them.
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 proposing an amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to protect the dignity and basic rights of the City's Police Officers, Firefighters, Paramedics and other public safety personnel; and to preserve the integrity of the City's long-term budgeting and planning, by requiring the approval of the Administrative Board and Council before certain interest arbitration awards may be appealed.
And a resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to protect the dignity and basic rights of the City's Police Officers, Firefighters, Paramedics and other public safety personnel; and to preserve the integrity of the City's long-term budgeting and planning, by requiring the approval of the Administrative Board and Council before certain interest arbitration awards may be appealed.
That resolution will also be referred to committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring the career of long-time WPVI cameraman Robert Pruitt on his retirement after 44 years of service to the Philadelphia community.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce one non-privileged resolution, one bill on my behalf, one on your behalf on behalf of all the citizens of Philadelphia who believe in what's good and right that deals with $50 million so that City Council can dispose of and repurpose School District buildings in our city. Thank you.
That's the 50 million for the schools. Thank you.
I know we have some interested parties here today. We want to make sure we get that out there. Thank you, Councilwoman. Mr. Decker.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Section 2 of an ordinance (Bill No. 090120) approved April 15, 2009, entitled "An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 107 and 130 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of Forty-Seventh Street from Fairmount Avenue to Brown Street; striking from the City Plan and vacating Aspen Street from Forty-Seventh Street to Markoe Street.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Third Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer five resolutions, one co-sponsored by Councilman Henon, one co-sponsored by Councilmembers Goode and Reynolds Brown, and three resolutions offered on your behalf.
A privileged resolution honoring and congratulating Charlie Manuel for the most wins in Phillies franchise history in his time as the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution calling on the City Council of Philadelphia Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings concerning women's economic and social issues and the challenges women face in the workplace and to examine the solutions which the City can provide to increase economic security for women.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 2108 through 44 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, 2105 through 47 Nicholas Street, and 1631 through 37 North Twenty-Second Street.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Sixteenth and Thirty-Seventh Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Twenty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will also be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Henon.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer five bills, one privileged resolution.
An ordinance authorizing Pradeep Kuthiala, owner and operator of the newsstand located at 6000 North Broad Street, to construct, use, and maintain conduits in, under, and across 6000 North Broad Street.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a no bus parking regulation on the 400 block of 66th Avenue, both sides.
That ordinance will also be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance establishing a no truck parking regulation on Cheltenham Avenue, between East Mount Pleasant Avenue and Vernon Road, south side.
And an ordinance establishing a no bus parking regulation on the 6600 block of Lawrence Street, both sides.
And an ordinance amending Bill No. 130325, entitled "An ordinance approving the Fiscal Year 2014 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works.
And a privileged resolution declaring October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month."
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Johnson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one bill and five resolutions.
An ordinance amending Title 10 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Regulation of Individual Conduct and Activity," by adding a new Chapter 10-2000, prohibiting the use of a three-dimensional printer in order to manufacture a firearm.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring, recognizing and commending the American Jewish Committee for its global diplomacy and legislative advocacy for democratic values and the well-being of the Jewish people worldwide.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring, recognizing and commending the Honorable Abram Frank Reynolds for his efforts to promote justice, adequate representation, and healthy development for youth.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring, recognizing, and commending Black Girls RUN! of Greater Philadelphia for its outstanding achievements in promoting healthy lifestyles and fitness.
That resolution will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution honoring, recognizing, and commending Susan G. Komen Philadelphia for striving to make a world without breast cancer a reality throughout the Philadelphia tri-state area.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to examine the School District of Philadelphia's transition plan following the recent school closings.
And that resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Sixth and Forty-Eighth Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one non-privileged resolution sponsored by all members of Council.
A privileged resolution recognizing and honoring the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations (Concilio) on the occasion of the 54th Annual Puerto Rican Festival Week and Parade in Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. No bills or resolutions today.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Brien.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilpeople Greenlee, Kenney, and Bass.
A privileged resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Law and Government to investigate and hold public hearings reviewing the City of Philadelphia's recent Request for Proposal seeking a single law firm to provide legal representation to all indigent clients when a conflict of interest requires appointment of outside counsel.
Thank you. That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer two bills and I would like to be heard on the second bill.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Non-Competitively Bid Contracts; Financial Assistance," and Chapter 20-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Political Contributions and Expenditures," by further providing with respect to contribution limits for certain applicants and contractors seeking or having contracts with the City, and for certain lobbyists.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by limiting the exemption of certain real estate taxes for improvements to, or construction of, certain real properties.
Thank you, Mr. President. Today I introduce a second tax abatement bill. The bill asks a simple question, if we want to continue to take money from the School District through the abatement program. If you want to stop taking money from the School District, vote yes. If you want to keep taking money from the School District, vote no. I support both bills, but members have three options. You can vote for both bills, you can vote against both bills or you can vote for one or the other. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. And that bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes -Councilman Johnson, did you need to be recognized?
Good morning, Mr. President. I offer two resolutions this morning, one co-sponsored by all members of City Council and the other co-sponsored by Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez.
A privileged resolution honoring the life and legacy of E. Steven Collins.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar.
And a privileged resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Rules to hold public hearings to investigate strategies and offer recommendations for the improvement of collection procedures, to increase current and delinquent revenues from the School Income Tax.
That resolution will also be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer one privileged resolution and one bill on your behalf.
Co-sponsored by all members of Council, the privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 19-201 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "City Depositories," by authorizing the City Treasurer to deposit funds in U.S. Bank.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution honoring and celebrating Academy Award-nominated film producer and director Lee Daniels for his remarkable contributions to society through film and community service.
That resolution will be on today's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer five bills and one non-privileged resolution.
An ordinance amending Section 9-204 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Center City," in order to expand the previously designated vendor location on the east side of 5th Street between Commerce Street and Market Street by permitting vending on the east side of 5th Street between Arch Street and Market Street.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Sepviva Street, Butler Street, Aramingo Avenue, Castor Avenue, Gaul Street, Westmoreland Street, Tulip Street, and Castor Avenue.
And an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by the Frankford Creek, Aramingo Avenue, Wheatsheaf Lane, Sepviva Street, Butler Street, Frankford Avenue, Valetta Street, Coral Street, Vici Street and Frankford Avenue.
And an ordinance amending Section 19-1303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Discounts and Additions to Tax," by tolling additions, interest and penalties when the assessed value of property is under appeal; limiting what the Department can bill for tax years under appeal; and requiring for the tax year under appeal payment of an amount at least equal to the prior year's tax.
And an ordinance amending Section 19-1806 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization of Realty Use and Occupancy Tax," by tolling interest, penalties and costs when the assessed value of taxable property is under appeal.
And a non-privileged resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, without consideration, deeds conveying conditional fee simple title to certain City-owned lots or pieces of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon, situate in the Thirty-Ninth Ward of the City of Philadelphia.
That resolution will be on next week's Final Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you, Mr. President. I have two bills and one privileged resolution co-sponsored by Councilwomen Tasco, Blackwell, and Blondell Reynolds Brown. Thank you.
An ordinance amending Section 9-206 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Neighborhood Business Districts," by designating an area within the general vicinity of West Olney Avenue as a Neighborhood Business District.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And an ordinance approving a new plan, estimated costs and proposed method of assessment of the Germantown Special Services District of Philadelphia for and concerning business improvements and administrative services to the Germantown area of the City.
That bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
And a privileged resolution recognizing, honoring, and celebrating Dawn Michelle Staley, on the occasion of her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2013.
That resolution will be on this week's Final 2ND READING Passage Calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. That concludes our introductions of bills and resolutions. Today we have no reports from committees, so the next order of business is consideration of the Calendar. As there are no bills on the First Reading Calendar, the Chair recognizes Councilman Jones for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage.
Thank you, Mr. President. The following resolutions and bills are being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar today: Nos. 130311, 120651-A, 130248, 130143, 130485, 130412, 130459. All other bills and resolutions are being held.
Thank you so much, Councilman. Before considering these resolutions and bills on the Final Passage, we will consider public comment. Public comment will be as follows: In the middle of the Council Chambers at the gate, you will see a podium. On that podium is a microphone. There is a device next to the microphone that will indicate your time. The time for your public comment will be three minutes. When it's time for you to speak, the light on the device will turn green. When it turns yellow, that means you have 30 seconds to conclude your remarks, and when it turns red, that means that your three minutes are up. And we'd ask that you please adhere to those particular guidelines. So if there's anyone who wishes to speak today for public comment on bills and resolutions that are only on the Final Passage Calendar, we'd ask that you please sign up to the table to my left. Thank you. Mr. Decker, would you please read the names.
Clarc King, commenting on 120118. (Witness approached podium.)
Thank you, President of the City Council. Thank you, Councilmembers. I am here to comment on the proposal 120118, the proposal to examine the feasibility of transferring operations or selling Philadelphia Gas Works. I believe this proposal must be tabled. Selling off a great asset like this for paper money while the world financial system is in need of reorganization is a bad idea. A new financial economic system is in order. Right now the private-sector system of finance and funding of government is the origin of the City's budgetary crisis. Money and energy cartels prey on government entities throughout the nation. City Council must investigate its finance contracts, as a lopsided result in losses is a sure indication of the rigging of interest rates. While reviewing the Dodd-Frank Act, City Council must investigate its relationship with the too-big-to-fail banking facilities. I would like to propose the creation of the public bank of Philadelphia, the local fed facility, with its ability to create credit. A transaction tax at the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Philadelphia's own assets, tax bases, and what-have-you can be used to create credit to launch the redevelopment of Philadelphia. As much as you may like and respect the private sector, they have not delivered the goods. The City's security policy that includes full employment and economic platforms that enhance the standard of living of the population can only come through the creativity that government can provide. We are going in the wrong direction, appeasing and struggling to be in compliance with the system called the monetary financial system. It is an economy cancer delivery system. We must look for another way. Thank you so much.
Tiffany Gire, commenting on 120651-A. (Witness approached podium.)
Good morning. It's Tiffany Green. I'm commenting on this bill for -- it's coming up for final passage. I would hope that we would start the new year off in an honorable manner. Back in September of 2012, this ten-year tax abatement bill was submitted in, and at the time, it read it would be reduced down to five years and then 20 percent each time, from 80 to 60 to 40 to 70 [sic]. Now, at this particular point, when we met with Councilman Goode, we went over the bill and we supported it. For a whole year this bill has been sitting like this. We reached out to other groups and we told the groups about the bill, and they said that they could live with that, that the ten-year tax abatement would be reduced down to five years and then reduced 20 percent until it expires. But last year in June, in the last two weeks or three weeks, this was changed back up to ten years, up to ten years, and this is like a bait and switch, and this is not fair, because we stand here today begging for money for our kids to have school supplies. And as we all know, property taxes go towards -- a portion of the property taxes go towards our kids and the school system. Yet we still want to stick with this ten-year tax abatement. This is not right. If you're going to go down to five years, then you should stick with that. Secondly, it was not really publicized and there was no real hearings on the new amendment that was submitted back in late June 2013. That's why we consider this a bait and switch, because there was no time to even have public hearings on the fact that you raise it back up to ten years and then at the fifth year you want to start the expiration. Right now you have thousands of condominium buildings with one, two, three units -- I mean, 100 to 300 units all getting ten-year tax abatement. What you fail to realize is that one building has a transfer. So one owner can transfer the ten-year tax abatement to 200 different individual housing units. So that means that you have multiple -instead what you have on the books is showing one tax abatement for one building, you have a transfer to multiple homeowners, condominium owners. I'm saying that this bill needs to be voted down today. It needs to go back through the right process. It needs to have public hearings on this new amendment bill. And if you're going to go down to five years and the groups agree to that, then let's do that, because this is about having money for our School District and our kids. We shouldn't have to go around begging for supply money. (Applause.)
There are no other speakers on the public comment list, Mr. President.
9/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING There being no one else for public comment, that concludes that section of our session. We will now consider the resolutions and bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. Mr. Decker, would you please read the title of Resolution 130311.
A resolution urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to oppose legislation that will legalize predatory small-dollar lending, commonly known as payday lending, in Pennsylvania.
Mr. President, I move that we withdraw this resolution from the Calendar. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. All those in favor of withdraw? (Aye.)
Those opposed? 9/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING (No response.)
The ayes have it. Resolution 130311 is withdrawn. Mr. Decker, please read the title of 120651-A.
An ordinance amending Chapter 19-1300 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Real Estate Taxes," by reducing the amount of real estate taxes to be exempted for certain improvements to, or construction of, certain residential, commercial, industrial or other business properties; and by reducing the duration of such exemptions.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Bill No. 120651-A be tabled. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and properly seconded. 9/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING There's not supposed to be any debate, but I see Councilman Goode has his light on and I will alter from that particular provision today and hope I don't get in trouble. Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Mr. President. My comments will not change much from last year when I introduced this bill to modify the ten-year tax abatement. It's still about tax fairness. The final version of this bill will not allow for a full hundred percent tax abatement for ten years. Instead, the abatement will be capped at $500,000 per dwelling unit. The second five years of the abatement will decrease annually from 80 percent to 60 percent to 40 percent to 20 percent to 10 percent, until that taxpayer pays their full share. The opponents of this bill don't want the cap, but tomorrow is the deadline for the homestead exemption, which is capped at $30,000. So a 9/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING $500,000 exemption is very generous; some would say, as they just did, too generous. Having no cap is ridiculous. When I introduced this bill, I noted a Fels study from the University of Pennsylvania concluded that most of the beneficiaries of the tax abatement are private developers and higher income residents. In other words, it's generally a tax break for the few, the new, and the well-to-do, not for most of Philadelphia. Yes, I said that. I meant it, and I was right. The $500,000 cap on this program doesn't affect anyone but them. Public testimony from both Toll Brothers and Dranoff Properties confirmed that to be true. The witnesses not only admitted it, but they bragged about it, suggested that we needed to bribe better people to live here, bribe them to live here with our money, not their profits, at any cost. And they have the audacity to suggest that we take the money from 9/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING the schools to bribe people to move here because our school system is broken. I reject that. We should be focused on better schools for Philadelphia, not on importing people that they think are better. Our investment should be first in the current residents of Philadelphia and their children. For me this is still about tax fairness. Thank you, Mr. President. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. Move to table traditionally, as I said a little earlier, doesn't authorize debate, but I'm going to ask Councilman Green and ask you all that hopefully this will be the last conversation with respect to this bill, respectfully. Just following the rules. Councilman Green.
Thank you, Mr. President. Obviously I wouldn't have asked to speak if others weren't allowed 9/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING to. I apologize for that, and I thank you for your indulgence. Western Union, Naval Square, 2400 South, 22 units; 15th and Bainbridge, Artisan Townhomes, 28 Units; 12th and Lombard, six units; the Stables, Northern Liberties, 27 units; 10 Rittenhouse, hundreds; Symphony House, hundreds; Residences at Ritz Carlton, hundreds; Aria, probably close to a hundred; Murano, hundreds; SouthStar Lofts, 85 units; 1706 Rittenhouse, at least 30; conversion of Two Liberty; Parc Rittenhouse; 2200 Arch; 23-A Condos; the Granary; the Sansom; the White Building; 101 Walnut; 22 Front Street, Stampers Square; 2116 Chestnut; 1706 Rittenhouse; the Packard Building, among others, all of these properties contain over $500,000 units. All of these properties would not have penciled as construction projects. So, yes, the money does allow developers to be able to afford to build these homes to bring in new people to the 9/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING City of Philadelphia who might not otherwise be here without these projects, and these projects would not be developed without the tax abatement. The abatement is not about helping wealthy people not pay taxes. It's about getting buildings built in the first place in the City of Philadelphia. And so for that reason, I guess I would ask people to vote down the motion to table so that we can vote on this bill and vote it down to create certainty for our developers so that they keep doing business and constructing buildings and creating jobs in the City of Philadelphia. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Councilman. There is a reason why the provision is in there to not debate the table, because I suspect that there will be this back and forth. So I'd like to kind of go directly to the question. 9/12/13 - STATED - 2ND READING There was a motion. There was a second. And I would like to ask for a call on the motion and the second on the motion to table.
Roll call. Request for roll call. Councilman Kenney? Mr. Decker.
Mr. President, please clarify the aye vote, no vote, what it means.
Could you just please clarify what an aye vote does and what a no vote does.
Aye vote is to table, a motion to table, and I know I'm not supposed to editorialize, but this is essentially a table to discuss this at another time.
It's not necessarily voting down or in support or opposed to the particular bill. Mr. Decker, please call the roll.