COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC HEARING COMMITTEE ON PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS - - - - Room 696, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, March 10, 2004 9:40 a.m. - - - - BILL 040031 - An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to purchase fee simple title to a certain parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon, situated on the Northwest side of Algon Avenue at Fox Chase Road, all under certain terms and conditions. BILL 040093 - An Ordinance renaming the Recreation Department facility identified as Manayunk Park located on the 4300 block of Silverwood Street as "Pretzel Park." PRESENT: COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN, Chair COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN MICHAEL NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN BRIAN O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN TASCO - - - - V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 I N D E X BILL 040093 PAGE KEVIN SMITH, Manayunk Neighborhood Council............................ BILL 040031 KENNETH SIPOS, Public Property......... 10 KAREN BORSKI, Fairmount Park Com....... 12 3 03/10/04 - PARKS - BILL 040093
Good morning. The City Council Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs is now in a public hearing the hear testimony on Bill 6 040093 and 040031. The members joining us this morning are Councilman W. Wilson Goode, Councilman Frank DiCicco and Councilmember Marian Tasco. Clerk, could you please read the title of Bill No. 040093.
Bill 040093, an ordinance renaming the Recreation Department facility identified as Manayunk Park located on the 4300 block of Silverwood Street as "Pretzel Park."
Thank you, David Ford. Joining us also is Councilman Jack Kelly, a member of this Committee. Could Kevin Smith please come up to testify on Bill No. 040093? Good morning.
Please start by 4 03/10/04 - PARKS - BILL 040093 stating your name for the record.
My name is Kevin Smith. I'm with the Manayunk Neighborhood Council. Dear Committee Members, the park located 4300 Silverwood Street has been listed in City records as Manayunk Park since its creation in the early 1900s. However, no 9 residents know it by that name. In the minds of residents in as far back as anyone can remember, the park has been known as Pretzel Park. In 1998, a group of community organizations joined to form the Friends of Pretzel Park. We immediately began working with Councilman Nutter, the Department of Recreation, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. When we began our work, the Department of Recreation installed signs welcoming visitors to Manayunk Park. There are two stories about the origin of the Pretzel Park name. One relates to the pretzel shape of the sidewalks, two large loops in the center with triangular spaces at three of the five entrances. The 5 03/10/04 - PARKS - BILL 040093 original pretzel shape was renewed with recent renovations made possible by Councilman Nutter. The other name may have originated when a vendor began selling pretzels in the park and many residents went there to buy pretzels and thought that's why it was called Pretzel Park. In either case, it's time for the official name of the park to come in line with the real name of the park. This was demonstrated graphically when in the normal course of cleaning up the park, I climbed a ladder to remove a sticker from the "Welcome to Manayunk Park" sign at the Silverwood and cotton Street entrance. While graffiti is not a major problem, it is persistent consists of crude scrawlings and band and radio station stickers. As I climbed a ladder to remove the defacement, I realized it was a picture of a pretzel and not some random symbol. I had to laugh and admire the defiance. It is Pretzel Park and not Manayunk Park. Today, there's still a small Pretzel sticker on the Manayunk sign. I celebrate 6 03/10/04 - PARKS - BILL 040093 that pretzel and this change to bring the official name of our little piece of Manayunk heritage back to the community. The Friends of Pretzel Park received many improvements from our coalition with the City and PHS. The park received an attractive garden house with electricity and outdoor water hookup. Sidewalks were replaced and we were granted a part-time seasonal maintenance attendant. Over the years, dedicated volunteers have installed and painted new and old benches, picked up loads of litter, leaves debris, spread tons of mulch, repeatedly removed graffiti, and established, watered, and weeded gardens. We now a very successful dog run and an exciting and innovative playground. Pretzel Park has been renovated into a lovely urban park where children can play, dogs can run, people can sit and enjoy the action or take a peaceful stroll. We would like to thank Councilman Nutter, the City of Philadelphia, our State Representative Kathy Manderino, the 7 03/10/04 - PARKS - BILL 040093 Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and the many volunteers and other organizations that made this possible. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Thank you, Kevin Smith. Are there any questions for this witness? (No response.)
I'd like to ask the District Councilperson representing this district, Michael Nutter, to share with us a few words.
Thank you, Madam Chair and Members of the Committee. This is an exciting and historic moment. The enormous weight of the matter before the Committee today, I would tremendously appreciate your support. Seriously, Kevin and Jane and the entire Manayunk Neighborhood Council, they have -- certainly working in partnership on a number of occasions with the Manayunk 8 03/10/04 - PARKS - BILL 040093 Development Corporation -- have really reclaimed Manayunk Park, which I only new as Pretzel Park in all my time, and turned it into a great place. So the community is really to be commended for it. We've had this unofficial name for a long period of time and now I think it's appropriate that we make it official. But I really want to commend them for their great works. And if you're over in that part of the town, you'd really enjoy the great things that they've done over there. So I appreciate Committee taking this matter and I appreciate your support. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.)
Mr. Kevin Smith and Councilman Nutter, when you are ready for the official unveiling, be sure to invite the Members of this Committee.
And supply pretzels. 9 03/10/04 - PARKS - BILL 040031
That would be appropriate. That concludes testimony on Bill No. 6 040093. We will now move on to Bill No. 8 040031. And we would ask the Clerk to please read the title of the bill.
Bill 040031 an ordinance 11 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to purchase fee simple title to a certain parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon, situated on the Northwest side of Algon Avenue at Fox Chase Road, all under certain terms and conditions..
Thank you. We would like ask the testifiers Ken Sipos from the Department of Public Property and the representative from the Fairmount Park Commission Karen Borski to please join us at the table. We'll start with the Department of Public Property. I ask you to please state 10 03/10/04 - PARKS - BILL 040031 your name for the record.
Good morning, Chairwoman Reynolds-Brown and Members of the Committee on Public Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. My name is Ken Sipos. I'm a Real Estate Specialist with the Department of Public Property. I'm here today to testify in support of Bill No. 040031, an ordinance 10 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to purchase fee simple title to a certain parcel of land with buildings and improvements thereon situated on the northwest side of Algon Avenue at Fox Chase Road. This bill will enable the adjacent vacant land at 8432 Algon Avenue to be incorporated to Pennypack Park. This bill 18 provides the legal description for previous Council Bill 030788 signed by the Mayor on December 31, 2003. The Department of Public Property supports this measure and accordingly I respectfully ask that City Council approve Bill No. 040031. I also ask that the Rules be suspended so that the ordinance may be passed 11 03/10/04 - PARKS - BILL 040031 upon second reading at Council. Thank you. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your testimony. Any questions for this witness from Members of the Committee? Councilman Jack Kelly.
We would like to acknowledge the presence of Councilman Darrell Clarke, a member of this Committee. 12 03/10/04 - PARKS - BILL 040031 We'll now move to Karen Borski of Fairmount Park Commission to offer your testimony.
Good morning Chairwoman Reynolds-Brown, Members of the Committee. Thank you for having us today. My name is Karen Lloyd Borski, Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Commission, and I am today to testify in support of Bill 040031, an ordinance 12 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to purchase fee simple title to a certain parcel of land at 8432 Algon Avenue, all under certain terms and conditions. This bill will enable the currently vacant land to be incorporated into Pennypack Park. Acquisition of this approximately 11-acre parcel will allow the Commission to protect the site and preserve it at open space in perpetuity. Acquisition of the parcel was approved by the Fairmount Park Commission in September of 2003. This bill provides the property's 13 03/10/04 - PARKS - BILL 040031 legal description for a previous Council Bill 3 No. 030788 which was signed on December 31st of 2003. That bill did not contain the legal description when originally introduced. The description was to be added TO Bill 030788 by amendment before final passage by Council, but that amendment mistakenly did not occur. Therefore, Bill No. 040031 is introduced to provide a legal description of the property that City Council already expressed its approval of the City acquiring. The Fairmount Park Commission, therefore, supports this measure and accordingly I respectfully ask that City Council approve Bill No. 040031. I also ask that the Rules be suspended so that the ordinance may be passed upon the second reading of Council. Thank you. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your testimony. Any questions for this witness? (No response.) 14 03/10/04 - PARKS - BILL 040031
I would like to ask our District Councilman Brian O'Neill to offer a few words on this measure.
Thank you, Madam Chairman. I just would like to thank the neighbors who stuck with me for I guess at least the last years on this project, 9 putting aside many second-rate developments 10 that were proposed by a second-rate developer, and hung in there until there was funds available to purchase this. Because this is real parkland. This isn't a nimbi project. This is true parkland, and I just think there were probably a lot of prayers out there that were answered. But I'd like to really thank the staff and the leadership at the Fairmount Park Commission as well, because they're real advocates. They didn't have to be brought in, they came in on this. Thank you.
You're welcome. We do have a letter to be read into the record. Clerk, would you please read.
This is a letter 15 03/10/04 - PARKS - BILL 040031 addressed to Councilman Brian O'Neill from Wanda Exline, President of the Dungan Civic Association. "Dear Councilman O'Neill, Dungan Civic Association strongly urges Fairmount Park to acquire this pristine land adjacent to Pennypack Park. This beautiful tract of ground, with rolling hills, trees, and wetlands should be designated part of Pennypack Park. Leaving this pristine ground as open green space is environmentally important to Pennypack Park and the surrounding area. Due to the high water table, this tract absorbs the runoff of water from the south's higher elevations as it runs down to the Pennypack Creek. There are other issues of traffic, etc., but mainly the beautiful picturesque view entering Pennypack Park via Krewstown Road should never be disturbed by any kind of construction. "Sincerely, Wanda Exline, President, Dungan Civic Association."
Thank you for that additional testimony. 16 03/10/04 - PARKS - BILL 040031 I would like to ask Councilman Kelly to please give a motion on Bill No. 040093. This concludes our public hearing. - - - - 17 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC MEETING COMMITTEE ON PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS - - - - Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - - - - Public meeting conducted by the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, held in Room 400, City Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the above date, to consider action on the following: BILLS 040031 and 040093. PRESENT: COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN, Chair COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL NUTTER COUNCILMAN BRIAN O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN TASCO 18 03/10/04 - PARKS - PUBLIC MEETING
Madam Chair, I would like to move that Bill 040031 (sic) be moved out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation. I'd also ask for a suspension of the Rules to permit the first reading of this bill at the next reading Session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
Bill No. 040093 has been moved and properly seconded. All in favor say aye. (Aye.)
Bill No. 040093 will be reported out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the Rules of Council be suspended to allow first reading at our next scheduled council meeting. I will then ask Councilman Clarke if he would to give us a motion Bill No. 040031. 19 03/10/04 - PARKS - PUBLIC MEETING
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that Bill No. 040031 be reported out of Committee with favorable recommendation and a request for a suspension of the Rules so as to allow reading at the next Session. (Duly seconded.)
Properly moved and seconded that Bill No. 040093 be reported out this Committee with a favorable recommendation and a further recommendation that the Rules of Council be suspended to allow first reading at our next scheduled Council meeting. All those in favor? (Aye.)
The bill is approved. That concludes this meeting of the Committee on Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs.
Madam Chair, I believe 20 03/10/04 - PARKS - PUBLIC MEETING that you really did just read 93 twice and never read 31, and since we got caught on a technicality last time, I just wanted to confirm that the record reflects 31.
We'll make another motion on Bill No. 040031 just to make the record clear. We have to go back into a public meeting so that we can consider Bill No. 11 040031.
Madam Chair, I move that Bill No. 040031 be moved out of this Committee with a favorable recommendation. I also ask for the suspension of the Rules to permit the first reading of this bill at the next Session of Council. (Duly seconded.)
Bill 040031 has been moved and properly seconded. All in favor say aye. (Aye.)
There are none opposed. Bill No. 040031 will be reported out of this Committee with a favorable 21 03/10/04 - PARKS - PUBLIC MEETING recommendation and a further recommendation that the Rules of Council be suspended to allow first reading at our next scheduled Session of City Council.
You're very welcome. Thank you for the clarity. Thank you, Council colleagues. - - - - (Council adjourned at 9:55 a.m.) 22 C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of March 10, 2004, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: COMMITTEE ON PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS _________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR