COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLIC MEETING BEFORE COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON RULES - - - Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Wednesday, 1/24/01 9:44 a.m. - - - RES. 000796 - Appointing Christian DiCicco to the Board of Directors of SEPTA. BILL 000643 - Changing zoning designations of areas of land located within area bounded by Market, 46th, Locust, 40th, Walnut, and 38th. . . BILL 000710 - Amending section on "Frankford Avenue Special Services District Controls". . . BILL 000711 - Changing zoning designations of certain areas of land located within area bounded by Aramingo, Butler St. Thompson, and Castor. . . BILL 000789 - Amending an ordinance approved July 18, 1995 which approved the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Stenton Avenue Urban Renewal Area. . . BILL 000794 - Amending an ordinance approved which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area. . . BILL 000795 - Re 1538 Cecil B. Moore Avenue for commercial reuse. . . PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA, Chair COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY, Vice Chair COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER - - - VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 561-2220 2 01/24/01 - RULES COMMITTEE I N D E X Page Res. 000796 Augusta Clark, Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Agencies, Authorities, Boards, and Commissions Christian DiCicco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Bill 000643 Thomas Chapman, City Planning. . . . . . . . . 13 Christopher White, Community Resident. . . . . 18 Bill 000710 Thomas Chapman, City Planning. . . . . . . . . 22 Bill 000711 Thomas Chapman, City Planning. . . . . . . . . 24 Bill 000789 Herbert Wetzel, RDA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 John Unger, Ogontz Ave. Revitalization Corp. 31 Bill 000794 Herbert Wetzel, RDA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Cardell Blue, PHA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Francis Vargas, APM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Bill 000795 Herbert Wetzel, RDA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Eva Gladstein, Philadelphia Empowerment Zone 60 3 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000796 P R O C E E D I N G S
Good morning, everyone. I apologize for the delay. This is the Committee on Rules public hearing, and a quorum is established. To my left is Councilman DiCicco, to my right is Councilwoman Blackwell and Councilman Nutter, and I know that Councilman Kenney has been here since 9 o'clock, so he apparently left the room for a moment. I would ask the clerk to please read Resolution No. 000796.
A resolution appointing Christian DiCicco to the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority.
I believe there is someone from the Administration who will testify on this resolution. (Witness comes forward.)
Good morning. SEC'Y CLARK: Good morning, Madam President.
Please identify yourself for the record. SEC'Y CLARK: My name is Augusta Clark, 4 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000796 and I am Secretary of Agencies, Authorities, Boards, and Commissions, and I've reduced that long name to AABCs. (Laughter.) SEC'Y CLARK: Good morning, President Verna and members of the Council Committee on Rules. My name is Augusta Clark, and I am Secretary of Agencies, Authorities, Boards, and Commissions. I am here to testify in favor of Resolution 000796. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. This resolution would appoint Christian DiCicco, Esquire, to the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA, to serve a five-year term. Mr. DiCicco is an attorney from the law firm of Dilworth Paxson in Philadelphia. He specializes in corporate, real estate, and securities law. Mr. DiCicco, who was born and raised in Philadelphia, attended California State University - Los Angeles where he received a bachelor of arts in psychology. After graduating from UCLA, he returned to the Philadelphia region and attended Widener University School of Law, in 5 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000796 Wilmington, Delaware. As a member of the Widener Law School, as a student at Widener, Mr. DiCicco served as law clerk to the Honorable Annie J. DeFino, who sits in the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas. He has also worked as a summer associate in the firm of Rayness, McCarthy, Binder, Ross & Mundy. During his third year of law school, he participated in the prestigious Juvenile Advocacy Clinic sponsored by the Widener School of Law. In addition to his varied professional and academic achievements, Mr. DiCicco has a solid record of public service. As Director of Operations for the Citizens Alliance for Better Neighborhoods, he's responsible for coordinating various community enhancement projects that bring value to the neighborhoods of Philadelphia. Madam President, I believe that Mr. DiCicco will serve Philadelphia well as a member of this board. Therefore, I am pleased to support this resolution. I thank you for the opportunity to testify and hold myself available for questioning.
Thank you. 6 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000796 Are there any questions of Mrs. Clark? (No questions.)
Mr. DiCicco, do you mind approaching the table, please. (Witness comes forward.)
I just want to say at the outset that we are very proud that your name has been recommended for this position. I just have a few questions to ask, and maybe we should have you identify yourself for the record first.
Thank you, Madam President. My name is Christian DiCicco, and first I'd like to thank Secretary Clark for her kind words as well, and it's an honor to be before these distinguished Councilmembers.
Thank you. Can you tell us in your opinion what insight you will bring to SEPTA as a new board 7 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000796 member.
Pleasure. I rode the subway throughout Philadelphia since my days in high school at St. Joe's Prep on Girard Avenue as an avid user of public transportation in this city, as well as when I lived in California, I took the bus every day to school. And I feel as though I have an insight to compare the public transportation systems in major cities, from Philadelphia to Los Angeles.
Good for you. Do you feel that you can have a good working relationship with the county representatives?
I met with the county representatives prior to this meeting, and I feel as though I will have an excellent working relationship and good communication amongst ourselves.
And do you 8 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000796 plan on keeping Council as well as the Mayor informed on all important issues at SEPTA?
I feel as though it's my duty to keep the City informed about SEPTA and to get feedback from the City as to their concerns and issues.
Well, I can say that the apple never falls far from the tree, and I know how efficient and hard-working Councilman DiCicco has been on this body, and I am absolutely certain that he will work equally as hard and be an asset. So the Chair -- are there any questions or comments from members of the committee? The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to take the opportunity to say a few words about Christian. I know his father may be less likely to say something publicly because he is so proud of you and it's obvious how proud he is after all the hard work you've done and all the hard work he did to get you through school and to law school and to see you sitting here today as an accomplished 9 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000796 professional. So I just want to say, Madam President, that I -- okay, he's 28 years old yesterday, I understand, which is making me feel a little bit old as I sit here today, but I saw him firsthand in the neighborhood through his with work with Citizens Alliance actually driving the street sweepers, driving the backhoes, shoveling snow in work clothes, with work gloves. I mean, he's not one to shun hard work and to get his hands dirty and to get in there and make the neighborhood a better place. I've seen him from when his father owned a restaurant and was, you know, working seven days a week sometimes, you know, seven nights a week also, and I saw him come from a young youngster -- I was a preteenager, I guess, at the time -- through his teenage years, through his college years, although he was in California when he came back for holidays, and we saw him grow and mature, and I'm very, very proud to be able to cast my vote today both on the committee and on the floor in two weeks to make him a member of the SEPTA Board. I think he's got a great 10 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000796 future ahead of him, and we're happy to have him living in this city, 'cause his father would kill him if he ever thought about moving out of the City. (Laughter.)
But I just wanted to say that for the record, and I'm very proud of you personally, having known you and seen where you're going where and you may go. Good luck.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. DiCicco, would you now for this record like to admit -- it's my understanding that you have the largest number of detention days of any person in your class at St. Joe's Prep; isn't that correct Mr. DiCicco? (Laughter.)
I can neither confirm or deny those allegations. 11 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000796
Thank you very much. Certainly, I would like to say that this is a pleasant surprise. It's a pleasure meeting you, and I wish you all the best.
I don't want you to ever get the impression that we treat all of our witnesses as kindly as you've been treated today. (Laughter.)
Are there any other questions or comments from members of the committee? (No further questions.) 12 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000643
Do we have anyone else to testify on this resolution? (No response.)
Seeing none, we will now consider our next bill. Thank you, Mr. DiCicco.
The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 000643.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Market Street, 46th Street, Locust Street, 40th Street, Walnut Street, and 38th Street. (Witness comes forward.)
We're starting a new session, and I know that we have a rule that testimony is to be delivered 48 hours prior to a hearing. We did not receive testimony on these bills until after 5 o'clock yesterday. That is not going to be tolerated in the future, and I just want to be on the record on that, and 13 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000643 if it weren't that Councilmembers were really interested in some of the bills that are scheduled before us today, I would certainly have recessed this until another day. Please read the title of 643. Oh, you did read it? Okay, kindly identify yourself for the record.
Good morning, Madam President and members of the committee. For the City Planning Commission, my name is Thomas Chapman. Councilmember Blackwell introduced Bill 15 No. 643 on October 12th of 2000. This bill 16 represents a comprehensive rezoning under the Planning Commission Citywide Zoning Remapping Program. It encompasses approximately 143 acres of land in a part of West Philadelphia. This rezoning covers an area bounded by Market Street, 46th Street, Locust Street, 40th Street, Walnut Street, and 38th Street, and represents the northern section of the Spruce Hill neighborhood. The zoning committee involved in work of this remapping included representatives of the 14 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000643 residential, the business, the development, and the institutional communities and have met several times over the past summer. The most significant change that this bill proposes is the changing of most of the land that is currently zoned C-4 Commercial. This change was done to reflect the fact that most of the development in this area was significantly less dense than that which is permissible under the C-4 classification. In most instances, these properties were changed to either a C-2 Commercial or a C-3 Commercial designation, depending on the pattern of existing land use or the existence of development opportunities. Where the land use pattern was residential in nature, the zoning designation was changed to reflect that use. In most cases, the residential zoning designations used allowed for multi-family dwellings reflecting the current use of the residential properties and the proximity of the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. This bill was prepared at the request of and in conjunction with the Spruce Hill Civic 15 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000643 Association. The rezoning was the subject of several meetings with the zoning committee of Spruce Hill during the summer of 2000. This group consisted of representatives of the residential community, the business community, the development community, and the institutional community. The executive board of the Spruce Hill Community Association approved the proposed remapping at its meeting of September 12, 2000, and the proposal was adopted by the entire civic association at its general membership meeting on September 28, 2000. The Planning Commission, at its meeting of January 18, 2001, recommended that Bill No. 643 be approved and recommend that City Council also approve this bill. I would be happy to answer any questions from members of the committee.
I'm sorry, excuse me. With your permission, I would like to offer an amendment to this bill. Actually, I'm offering this on behalf of the University of Pennsylvania; I don't believe that the representative of the University is here today. 16 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000643 There were three changes to the map that were requested by the University. They have been discussed with the community, and there was agreement by the community to support these changes.
Yes, I do. Madam President, the map on the top indicates the three properties in red where the changes to what has been introduced or proposed.
Let me ask you, Mr. Chapman, the Spruce Hill Community Association is still in agreement with this amendment, is it not?
Yes, at our Planning Commission meeting this past Thursday, Spruce Hill and the University of Pennsylvania both attended 17 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000643 and supported the bill.
I knew they were in support of the bill, but I neglected to check on the amendment. Thank you.
We're just looking at the bill, and actually, other than the title, the bill is all maps.
So you'll make certain that a copy, as you have given us one copy in red, will be given to the Chief Clerk's Office?
Are there any questions and/or comments? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you. As this committee will note, we did send a letter yesterday around supporting this. As has been mentioned, this has been going on for 18 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000643 at least six months. The Spruce Hill Community Association has a zoning committee that's been active for many, many years -- I don't know how many years, maybe years or something, a very 6 long time. And the University of Pennsylvania 7 also submitted in writing letters of support. 8 So given that everybody was agreed with 9 this ordinance, we're happy to support it. 10
Thank you. 11 Any other questions from members of the 12 committee? 13 (No further questions.) 14
Do we have 15 anyone else to testify on this bill? Seeing none, the next bill --
Good morning. Please identify yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Hi. My name is Christopher White, I'm a community resident, and I didn't 19 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000643 really hear about this zoning ordinance until last night, and many people in the neighborhood only heard about it when the notices went up. There's some various concerns. It's not a very clear process with the zoning change. One concern is as while with -- our concern is, while I think housing is always a good thing --
I'm sorry, you're speaking to closely in the mic. and it's really jumping back.
Okay. While I would be glad if it was more open to there being more housing and cheaper housing in the neighborhood, and while I would like to block any future chain stores in the neighborhood, I wouldn't want the zoning change to prevent, say, like more like family grocery stores from starting or things of that nature. Another thing is, friends of mine who've lived in other cities, like a friend who's with me today, for example, who lived in Portland saw zoning changes happen like this, and what it 20 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000643 could affect -- it affected people who live in apartments above store fronts. I'm not -- it's not clear to me whether or not this would happen in the same way, but the tax brackets changed and they were evicted, and then they were replaced by high-rise apartments. If this change causes that, I'd also be opposed to that. I'm also upset that there's a new amendment by U Penn. I attended a Spruce Hill Community Association meeting a few months ago, where Penn unveiled a plan that they have this partnership with (indiscernible) and Fannie Mae. What this plan says that it's a plan of theirs to buy up all apartment buildings, all buildings that have four units or more in them, and to raise the rent to what they call "moderate income housing rents." Their idea of moth moderate, when asked at this meeting, is $500 for a one-bedroom apartment; that's not the rate for a one-bedroom apartment in that neighborhood now. And if this would allow -- this plan is opposed by the community, and if this makes it easier for U Penn to carry through with Travel Co. (ph.), then I would be opposed to it also for that reason. 21 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000643 Thank you.
Thank you very much. If you would talk with my staff person, Darwin Beauvais, our staff attorney, we're glad to work with you and will certainly put you in touch with the sponsors of the bill so that you are comfortable before we have a full vote. Today is our committee meeting, but it still has to go before Council on two sessions, so we want to make sure that you are comfortable with everything that's happening. We appreciate your coming down as a neighborhood resident and we really want to work with you on this bill.
Do we have anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.)
I would like the record to reflect that Councilman Clarke has joined the committee. The clerk will please read the title of Bill 000710. 22 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000710
An ordinance amending Title of the Philadelphia Code relating to "zoning 4 and planning," by amending Chapter 14-1600, 5 entitled "Miscellaneous," by amending Section 6 14-1619, entitled "Frankford Avenue Special 7 Services District Controls," by expanding the 8 boundaries of the district, under certain terms 9 and conditions. 10
Good morning again, 12 Council President Verna and members of the 13 committee. My name is Tom Chapman, and I am from 14 the City Planning Commission. Councilwoman Krajewski introduced Bill 16 No. 710 on November 16th of 2000. It's a relatively minor amendment to the zoning code. This bill amends the Frankford Avenue Special District Control Section of the zoning code, which is a zoning overlay affecting commercially-zoned properties with frontage on Frankford Avenue extending from Harbison Avenue to Leon Street. As the Council knows, zoning overlays are an additional layer of controls that are placed on top of the controls of the underlying 23 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000710 zoning classifications. Zoning overlays can serve many purposes; most of them further restrict the allowable uses of a property; others provide additional sign controls, building height restrictions, parking restrictions, and setback restrictions. Bill 710 amends this overlay by simply extending the area that is subject to the controls to include commercially-zoned properties on Cottman Avenue between Leon Street and Erdwick Street. This was an oversight when the original bill drafted since these properties are clearly a part of Mayfair-Holmesburg shopping district on this stretch of Frankford Avenue. There are no 16 additional amendments to the provisions of the overlay. It is our understanding that Councilwoman Krajewski intends to propose future amendments to this section of the code, dealing with issues such as parking, landscaping, setback, and prohibited uses. The Planning Commission, at its meeting of April 6, 2000, recommended that Bill No. 14 be approved. This bill was the original ordinance 24 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000710 that added the Frankford Avenue Special District Controls section to the zoning code. The Planning Commission, at its meeting of January 18, 2001, recommended that Bill No. 710 be approved, and recommended that the City Council also approved this amendment. I would be happy to answer any questions from the members of the committee.
Thank you. Are there any questions from members of the committee? (No questions.)
Do we have anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, I would ask Mr. Mezzaroba to please read the title of Bill No. 711.
An ordinance amending the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Aramingo Avenue, Butler Street, Thompson Street, and Castor Avenue.
Once again, good morning, 25 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000711 Council President Verna and members of the committee. My name is Tom Chapman, and I'm here on behalf of the City Planning Commission. Councilwoman Krajewski introduced Bill 6 No. 711 on November 16, 2000. Bill 711 amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of a 27-acre parcel of land from a classification of G-2 general industry to class AFC, area shopping center. The site in question is bounded by Aramingo Avenue, Butler Street, Thompson Street, and Castor Avenue, and is located in the Port Richmond section of the City. In 1997, the Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a variance for uses at this property to be those as permitted in an area shopping center district. The uses on this block currently include a supermarket, a bank, a fast-food restaurant, and a Home Depot that's currently under construction. Many of the parcels along Aramingo Avenue in the immediate vicinity of this site are developed commercially despite the fact that the zoning remains G-2 general industry. In most 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000711 cases, these properties were developed with commercial uses at a time when the G-2 classification still permitted commercial uses. This bill will allow the commercial development on the property to have future expansions, in conformance with the AFC area shopping center zoning designation. The Planning Commission, at its meeting of January 18, 2001, recommended that Bill No. 711 be approved and recommended that the City Council also approve this change. One thing I would add to my testimony, and that is on December 30th of 2000, Belgrade Street, which you can see on the map Mr. Kramer is pointing to right now, the white strip, that street was stricken by an act of City Council, so that by -- by the law, the area shopping center zoning would go to the middle of that stricken street.
I'm sorry. Do you mind repeating your last statement?
I didn't hear you. 27 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000711
Sure. On December 30th of the year 2000, Belgrade Street was stricken, and that Belgrade Street is that white strip that Mr. Kramer is pointing to. By operation of law, once a street is stricken, the zoning on the adjoining properties is taken to the center line of the street. In this case, since the zoning on both sides of Belgrade Street is area shopping center, that area shopping center designation would be extended to the former bed of the street.
So that what you're seeing there would no longer have that white strip in the middle of it; the whole map would be red.
Okay, any questions from members of the committee? (No questions.)
Do we have anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.) 28 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000789
Seeing none, the clerk will read the title of Bill 789.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved July 18, 1995, which approved the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Stenton Avenue Urban Renewal Area, by approving the first amendment of the redevelopment proposal, which provides, inter alia, for the expansion of the boundary for the Stenton Avenue Urban Renewal Area to include 6913 Stenton Avenue, the additional land acquisition of 6913 Stenton Avenue, and provisions of certain relocation services, as required by law, for the individuals, families, and business concerns which will be displaced. (Witness comes forward.)
Please identify yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony.
My name is Herbert Wetzel, and I'm the Executive Director of the Philadelphia 29 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000789 Redevelopment Authority. Madam Chairperson and members of the committee, I'm here to speak in support of Bill 5 No. 000789, which is the first amendment to the Stenton Avenue redevelopment proposal and urban renewal plan for the Stenton Avenue redevelopment area and the Stenton Avenue urban renewal area. This bill would authorize the Redevelopment Authority to acquire one property, a vacant and abandoned utility shed, to eliminate blight in the area, as part of the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation's Gateway Project. This property will be developed into a full-service laundromat to serve the area residents. This project will serve to enhance the area, which is already benefitting from a newly-developed 174,000 square foot retail and commercial space that was developed by the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation. The development of this property, located at 6913 Stenton Avenue, will require the demolition of an abandoned utility shed, and there is no relocation associated with this activity. Madam Chairperson and members of the 30 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000789 committee, I respectfully request favorable consideration of Bill No. 000789, and would ask for the suspension of Council rules to allow for a first reading on February 1, 2001. The map up there indicates the urban renewal areas both in the red and the blue, and the taking is going to be on that smaller red parcel, if it could be pointed out. Right here is where the taking is going to take place. On the larger red parcel and the blue parcel, development is already complete, with a combination McDonald's-Amoco, and then next to that, FAME, which is a job training and placement center that's been developed on that particular site. So we will have, by doing this, eliminated all of the blight in that particular area and, again, created an economic development activity on this parcel.
Great. Could you simply point out in the photo to the property in question, please.
And that top photo, it's 31 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000789 actually the lot between -- right in that particular area, and you can see it's blighted and the trash-strewn lot and everything, and this will be developed.
Mm-hmm. Thank you. Are there any questions from members of the committee? (No questions.)
Do we have anyone else to testify on this bill? Would you please approach the table, sir. (Witness comes forward.)
Good morning. Kindly identify yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Good morning, Madam President and committee members, my name is John Unger, and I'm the Director for Economic Development for the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation. Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation, or "ORC," is a nonprofit community development corporation founded by Pennsylvania State Representative Dwight Evans in 1983. The 32 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000789 target area served by our corporation is the West Oak Lane community. For over years, ORC has carried out 5 its mission, which is to create and stimulate 6 economic development and improve the quality of 7 life in West Oak Lane. Since the beginning of 8 1983, we've grown from a group of concerned 9 volunteers to a professional staff of 10 governed 10 by a 19-member board of directors. 11 We take a wholistic approach to 12 community revitalization. As a result, we've 13 provided a wide range of services, including 14 mixed-use development, commercial development, 15 property management, employment training, clean 16 sweep services, business support services, 17 activities and education. Over the years, we've completed the rehabilitation of a 35,000 square foot commercial shopping center, rehabilitation of 46 low-to moderate-income rental apartment units, a 14,000 square foot mixed-purpose community center, which houses day care, social service agencies. We've also established the West Oak Lane Charter School, a full-service family restaurant on Ogontz Avenue, as well as the 33 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000789 renovation of an abandoned factory, which is now the FAME Manufacturing Education Program, as well as the joint Amoco-McDonald's. Both FAME and Amoco McDonald's are in the renewal area we spoke about. All of these projects combined add up to over 200,000 square feet of development and a total investment of $24 million in the neighborhood. Despite the two major completed projects in the Stenton Avenue Urban Renewal Area, there still exist some vacant parcels that are a blight to the community. The most visible is 6901 to 13 Stenton Avenue, directly across from the Amoco-McDonald's and Martin Luther King High School. It's currently an abandoned gas station, with an abandoned utility shed; we plan to tear down the structures and put up a full-service laundromat. We've been talking to a national laundromat chain which has expressed interest in this site. We're working with Redevelopment Authority, the City Commerce Department, the Pennsylvania Department of Community Economic Development in developing this site, which we believe will remove the last blighting influence 34 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000789 in that intersection.
Apparently, you're doing an excellent job, and I personally want to applaud you. I think all of this sounds absolutely wonderful.
Are there any questions or comments from members of the committee? The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you. I visited that area when the school started and got a tour with Representative Evans, and I concur with the President's comments about what a great work. Thank you.
Do we have anyone else to testify on Bill 789? (No response.) 35 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794
Seeing none, the clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 4 000794.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 15, 1969, as amended, which approved the redevelopment proposal, the urban renewal plan, and the relocation plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area, by approving the 27th amendment of the redevelopment proposal, the 19th amendment to the urban renewal plan, and the 18th amendment to the relocation plan, which provide, inter alia, for additional land acquisitions of approximately 117 properties and provision of certain relocation services, as required by law.
Good morning. I'm here to testify on behalf of Bill No. 000794, which would authorize the 27th amended redevelopment proposal and the 19th amended urban renewal plan for the North Philadelphia Redevelopment Area in the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area. Additionally, the 36 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 Redevelopment Authority would be authorized to acquire 117 properties for different projects, 4 and I'll outline the projects that would be 5 affected by this taking. 6 The first one is Susquehanna Seniors Facility. Nine properties will be acquired at the request of the Office of Housing and Community Development for the development of a senior rental housing facility. A developer has yet to be identified for the site. Funding for this project will be provided by the Office of Housing and Community Development with Year'24 CDBG funds; the acquisition costs will be paid for by the Office of Housing and Community Development with Year '24 CDBG funds. Of the nine properties to be acquired, we estimate anticipate one relocation. The second project is the Francisville Design Project. Previously, we have acquired properties for this project, and this is to require one additional property for the Francisville Design Project. Acquisition of this property will complete the site for the Phase I Francisville design. The acquisition cost is $2,986, and will be funded in the OHCD RDA 37 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 contract Year '21. The project is located at 15th and Perry Streets in the Francisville neighborhood. The project consists of new construction of affordable for-sale units for 6 low- and moderate-income families. Funding for 7 this development will be provided by Year '25 CDBG 8 funds from the Office of Housing and Community 9 Development. The developer has yet to be 10 identified for this project, and the process of identifying the developer will be through request proposals conducted by the Redevelopment Authority. As this property is a vacant lot, there is no relocation required. The third development is APM Senior Housing Development. Five properties are being acquired for the development of a senior rental housing project. The estimated cost of the acquisition is $24,150, and the acquisition costs are being paid for by APM, which is the nonprofit developer. Development costs will be financed with a combination of Section 202 funding, which is from the federal government, and private financing sources. As these five properties are vacant lots, there is no relocation required for 38 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 this particular project. The next project is the APM Headquarters Project. Nineteen properties are being acquired for the APM Headquarters development. The estimated acquisition costs for these properties is $29,147. Again, the entire cost of acquisition is being borne by APM. The development costs for their new headquarter building is estimated to be $4,218,000. ); and the remaining funding will be a combination of permanent financing and foundation grants. All properties involved in this taking are vacant lots and, therefore, no relocation will be required. The next project is Ludlow Village V. All of the properties within the block bounded by Oxford Avenue, Jefferson Street, Franklin Street, and Eighth Street will be acquired, as requested 39 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 by the Office of Housing and Community Development. This acquisition includes 34 properties that will be combined with PHA 5 properties and 7 existing RDA-owned properties to 6 develop housing that would be for sale to low- and 7 moderate-income families. The acquisition costs 8 are estimated to be $383,686. The City's Office 9 of Housing and Community Development is supporting both the acquisition costs and the planning efforts for Ludlow Village V, the next phase of home ownership in the Ludlow area. As indicated by being number five, there's four previous developments that have been completed.
Of these properties, five are occupied, and relocation services will be provided to each of the occupied -- or the residents of the occupied properties. The next project is a public housing in-fill activity. PHA has requested the Redevelopment Authority's assistance in acquiring 49 properties for the development of 105 units of scattered-site home ownership and rental properties to be added to the --
Excuse me, you said 105 or 117? 40 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794
No, they're going to develop 105 units. They already own a significant amount of property, and we're acquiring additional land to be added to that.
Well, I think your testimony indicates 117 units of scattered-site home ownership and rental properties. It's very immaterial, but I think that the record should indicate whether it's 109 or 117.
Yeah. We can straighten that out. I know we're acquiring 117 properties for all of the projects in PHA. Let me -- (Mr. Wetzel confers with colleague off record.)
All right. For this particular taking, it is 105. Overall, it's 117.
Okay. The RDA, after acquiring these properties, will dispose them to the Philadelphia Housing Authority. The anticipated development costs are $16 million, and 41 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 will be funded through HUD Comprehensive Grant Funds. The acquisition costs of these parcels is estimated to be $595,651, and those funds are being provided to the Redevelopment Authority by the Public Housing Authority. Of the 49 properties, are occupied 8 and will require relocation services.
I think copies of our testimony may be different from yours.
It says that anticipated development costs are 18.4 million; you testified to it being million. Which is 16 it? (Mr. Wetzel confers with colleague off the record.)
Okay. What they did is they separated it out. There were two condemnations. You have my apology here. This particular funding amount, the $16 million, would be for the 105, and the other condemnation, when added together, does get you to the 117. You have my apology here. 42 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794
Again, the Redevelopment Authority is entering into a cooperation agreement which will require PHA to reimburse the Authority for these particular activities. That cooperation agreement has been signed. The Planning Commission, at their meeting on December 14, 2000, approved the 27th amended Redevelopment Authority proposal and the 19th amended urban renewal plan as set forth in Bill 000794 for the acquisition of 117 properties. This bill is consistent with the plan for the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area and would enhance community development. 43 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 Therefore, Madam Chairperson, and members of the Rules Committee, I respectfully request favorable consideration of Bill No. 5 000794. I would also for the suspension of Council rules so as to permit the first reading of this bill on February 1, 2001.
Thank you. I would like the record to reflect that Councilman Mariano has sent a letter asking that we approve APM. Apparently, it's on the boundary line of Councilman Clarke and Councilman Mariano's district, and Councilman Mariano has sent a letter to the committee giving his support for senior housing.
I don't know if you're able to answer the question, but I had a question about the PHA in-fill housing, home 44 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 ownership. And can you talk to me a little bit about the process? (Witness comes forward.)
I am Cardell Blue from the Philadelphia Housing Authority. Good morning, members of the committee.
You indicated in the testimony that the in-fill housing was going to be a homeowner initiative. Can you talk to me about how that is going to work?
Yes. The home ownership portion of the development was referred to as a "lease-purchase program," so that the residents who will occupy the houses after they are built 45 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 will be screened in terms of counseling and in terms of their income and in terms of their desire to be a homeowner, and then they will be renters under an ACC, meaning a public housing tenant in the beginning. They, of course, will be lease-to-purchase, and then they will become a homeowner through the lease-purchase program under a public housing subsidy.
The timeline will depend on each resident who -- the individual resident and what their particular matter -- what their particular situation is at the time that the counseling and the screening goes on. However, we estimate that it would be a maximum of about five years.
So potentially, if there's a person who fits the hiring of the criteria, in two years, they could potentially become a homeowner?
It's possible. If they came to the table with those kind of credentials in the screen and counseling process, yes. 46 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794
And all of those residents will be current residents of the Housing Authority, or would they be off of the waiting list? I mean. . .
It could vary. The residents who are currently in the Housing Authority will be given the first preference because they are already residents to move from being a renter to a homeowner. But, by the same token, a family who is on the waiting list, who then becomes a resident of PHA could well be a eligible resident for the program.
Can you correct me? I think I heard you say that a portion of the in-fill housing will be home ownership.
Yes. It will be -- there will be home ownership and rental. We haven't come up with the specific numbers of that percentage but, of course, it will be major relocation, which you are familiar with, Councilman, that's going on with our Hope VI development and our mixed-finance development at Cambridge Plaza, Martin Luther King Plaza, Schuylkill Falls. We have residents there who are 47 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 being dislocated as a result of that development that is going on. So it is very possible that some of the new homes that are built could be used for those resources because we don't have enough of those at the moment.
When was that determined? 'Cause this is the first I'm hearing of that.
This is the first I'm hearing of that, 'cause when the program was proposed to our office, it was our understanding that all of them were going to be home ownership.
Well, I think that the majority -- it is clear that the 2400 block of College Avenue, which is the 12 units which we testified before Council on, that is, there are 105 units that we're discussing today, and, of course, the 12, we had already been before Council before and testified. Now, those 12 units that are going to go on the 2400 block of College Avenue will be 100 percent home ownership. All I'm basically saying now is, it is very possible that the remaining 105 could be all 48 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 home ownership; but at the same time, if there is a need to find resources for many of the residents who are being dislocated from Cambridge Plaza and others, some of the units could end up being used for that purpose. But that is not the primary purpose of the program.
At what point will you determine that? 'Cause I'm, you know, having heard this for the first time today, and I'm assuming that you would like us to report this out of committee. I'd like to get a sense of when you make the determination of the ratio of home ownership versus rental before we proceed on final passage of the bill.
So I'd like to know that. 'Cause, as you recall, in several public meetings, particularly up in the Diamond Street area and in the 13th Street area, the public discussion was that, in fact, they were going to be home ownership units. And what I don't want happen that what said at those public meetings will not be factual. As you know, in one of those areas, I 49 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 have is a State senator who lives a block away, and she was very instrumental in that particular public meeting, and I want to ensure what was said there today is in fact true.
We will certainly cooperate wit you and determine what that proposed ratio will be and will get that information back to you.
Thank you. One last question of Mr. Wetzel. All of these developments -- is it your anticipation that they will all be done by the spring of 2003?
Yeah, it is. APM's headquarters and APM Seniors, clearly the headquarters financing is close to being completed, I imagine, and they're here today to speak regarding that, and they're going to be applying for the housing funding. Francisville Design, we're going to do 50 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 the RFP this spring to get that particular one out. Again, PHA's in-fill, whatever that agenda is, I'm not sure. And then Susquehanna Senior still has to apply for HUD 202 financing. So the most sure one right now, at least the ones with the resources, are the PHA in-fill and the APM headquarters and the Francisville Design; those three have financing significantly in place.
Yeah, and Ludlow as well. It's the other two that are going to depend on HUD financing, that are going to be unpredictable at this point.
So only Seniors have made the determination that it in fact will, in fact, be a 202 application and not a tax credit?
My understanding, at least tentatively, in discussions with John Kromer, is that the idea would be to go for HUD 202 financing at this point.
Can you clarify that? 'Cause at some point, he indicated that his 51 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 preference was the tax credit deal, not 202.
And, again, I think this one has not had a developer identified at this point in time; am I correct? I think I'm correct on that as well.
Mr. Blue, Mr. Wetzel has asked for the suspension of the rules on this bill. Would you be able to provide the Councilman with the information that he has requested if in fact we do that before we consider this?
Yes. We will provide the 52 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 information in a timely manner so that the rules can be suspended, because this project is that important to us in terms of being able to start as early as possible.
Thank you. And, Mr. Wetzel, I assume that all of the people to be relocated have been notified, and you're working with them?
We actually technically can't notify people until a declaration of taking is filed. So that we -- under the urban renewal law, our board has to vote for a declaration of taking. It is not legal for to us contact them in advance of that. But our staff is an excellent staff and has worked effectively with hundreds of people in helping them move. In many cases, not in all cases, but in most cases, people's -- literally, their living style is enhanced as a result of relocation because of the significant benefits that are available.
Thank you. Any other questions from members of the committee? 53 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 (No further questions.)
Do we have anyone else in the audience to testify? Please approach the table. (Witness comes forward.)
Thank you, Mr. Blue. Good morning. Kindly identify yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Good morning. My name is Francis Vargas, and I'm here today representing Asociacion de Puertorriquenos En Marcha Incorporated, otherwise known as APM. I'm here to provide testimony in support of Bill 000794. APM is a social service agency which was founded 30 years ago to serve the needs of Philadelphia's Latino community. Today, APM has grown into an organization which employs over 200 local residents and serves both Latinos and non-Latinos citywide. Just over ten years, APM decided to venture into community development. In the past ten years, APM has developed 212 rental units for low-income families 8 home ownership units for 54 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 low-income first-time home buyers, and a shopping center, including a 40,000 square foot supermarket. Currently, APM is working on developing a home ownership project, a State- and City-funded demonstration project, that we anticipate start construction in December of 2001. As we look ahead at our strategic plan over our next two projects, we have a 30-unit seniors development and a headquarters facility for APM, both of which are located in the Model Cities Urban Renewal Area and included in Bill No. 000794. The proposed APM seniors development will be located in the northwest corner of Fifth and Norris Street, across the street from our shopping center, (indiscernible) Plaza. This site is currently a vacant lot, and we plan to develop a 30-unit newly-constructed residential facility for senior citizens. From a development standpoint, this proposal development will clearly complement several million dollars of development and investment, both across the street in the shopping center and a block away in our other houses 55 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 developments. Perhaps even more crucial is that this proposed development would address the growing need in our community for decent, safe, affordable housing for our elderly. The project has an estimated development cost of $3 million. APM will be applying to HUD for Section 202 funding and will seek out additional private sources to fill the financing gap. The second project included in Bill No. 11 000794 is the proposed APM headquarters. The proposed facility will be a newly-constructed 55,000 square foot two-story building that will house many of APM's social service as well as our administrative offices. This will allow APM to centralize some of our core operating functions as well as create new programs and expand our existing services. The land we are requesting the Redevelopment Authority to acquire consists of 19 vacant lots that form half a city block. The site is located on the 2400 block of North Sixth Street. This project will complement the City's neighborhood transformations initiative with the removal of blight along the Sixth Street corridor, and will also complement our other existing 56 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000794 developments along the 1900, 2000, 2100, and 2200 blocks of North Sixth Street. 2 million. To date, we have $3 million committed to this project. The remaining funds will come from some of our private foundations that we will try and seek additional funding from as well as a couple of banks have committed to long-term low-interest financing for the projects. APM has also received additional commitments from La Raza, which I think Mr. Wetzel testified on. Both of these projects are examples of APM's community development efforts and our attempts to improve the quality of life for the residents of our neighborhood. Our track record has proven that we have the capacity and the dedication and the commitment to carry out the two projects I have just described and to continue to implement our strategic plan. I want to thank you for your time and your cooperation, and I want to respectfully request that you support our two proposed projects and our development efforts and that you support 57 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000795 Bill No. 000794. Once again, thank you and good day.
Thank you. And we thank you for taking the time to come in to testify. Are there any questions or comments from members of the committee? (No questions.)
Do we have anyone else to testify on Bill No. 794? (No response.)
Seeing none, I would ask Mr. Mezzaroba to please read the title of Bill No. 000795.
An ordinance amending an ordinance approved December 22, 1987, which approved the redevelopment proposal and the urban renewal plan of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of the Cecil B. Moore Avenue Urban Renewal Area, by approving the 8th amendment of the redevelopment proposal and the 8th amendment to the urban renewal plan, by providing for certain changes, namely the acquisition of 1538 Cecil B. Moore 58 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000795 Avenue for commercial reuse, and by authorizing certain expressly designated condemnation proceedings; all as contained in the 8th amendment of the redevelopment proposal and in the 8th amendment to the urban renewal plan.
Madam Chairperson and members of the Rules Committee, I am here to testify on behalf of Bill No. 00795, which authorizes the 8th amendment redevelopment proposal and the 8th amended urban renewal plan of the North Philadelphia redevelopment area and the Cecil B. Moore Avenue urban renewal area. This bill authorizes the Redevelopment Authority to acquire one property, which is a vacant lot, for a project which the Redevelopment Authority has temporarily designated as Project 1528. The project is a commercial development that is sponsored by the City's Commerce Department and is located on the Cecil B. Moore Avenue. I anticipated that a representative of the Commerce Department would be here to testify. There may be someone from the Empowerment Zone who 59 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000795 will testify specifically as to the project activity itself, but it is to be a commercial development. The bill is consistent with a plan for Cecil B. Moore Avenue urban renewal area and would enhance community development in that area. Therefore, Madam Chair and members of the committee, I respectfully request your favorable consideration of Bill No. 000795, and I would also ask that Council rules be suspended to allow for first reading on February 1, 2001.
Thank you. Are there any questions from members of the committee? (No questions.)
Do we have anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.)
Do we have someone from the Empowerment Zone or the Commerce Department? (Witness comes forward.)
Good morning, how are 60 01/24/01 - RULES - RES. 000795 you?
Fine thank you. Identify yourself for the record, please.
Eva Gladstein, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Empowerment Zone. I'm happy to be here; I have not prepared any remarks, but I'm available. If there are any questions with regard to this specific request, I'd be happy to answer them. As you've already heard, this request is to gain the ability to develop an additional parcel that will complete the block and make this a more fruitful development for the community.
Thank you. Any questions from members of the committee? (No questions.)
Do we have 61 1/24/01 - RULES - PUBLIC MEETING anyone else to testify on Bill No. 795? (No response.)
Seeing no 5 one, this will conclude our public hearing. - - -
We will now go into our public meeting, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney regarding Bill No. 10 000643.
I make a motion, Madam Chair, that we approve the amendment to Bill 13 643, as read into the record. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the amendment to 643 be approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the amendment has been adopted.
Madam Chair, I move that Bill No. 000643, as amended, be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation. 62 1/24/01 - RULES - PUBLIC MEETING (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 000643 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation, as amended. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Madam Chair, I move that Bill No. 000710 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation, along with a request for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next Council session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 000710 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and also a recommendation that the rules be suspended in order to permit first reading at our next session of Council. All those in favor will signify by 63 1/24/01 - RULES - PUBLIC MEETING saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Madam Chair, I move that Bill No. 000711 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and that a request be made for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next Council session.
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 999711 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and also a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion carries. 64 1/24/01 - RULES - PUBLIC MEETING The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Madam Chair, I move that Bill No. 000789 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation.
I'm sorry. That Resolution No. 000789 be reported out of this committee favorably.
Do I hear a second? Oh, it's 796. It's the last one. Jim?
I'm sorry, yes, I correct that motion, Madam Chair, that Resolution 17 No. 000796 be reported out of this committee favorably. (Duly seconded.)
Madam Chair, I'm going to recuse myself from voting on this.
Thank you. All in favor that Resolution No. 000796 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation will signify by saying aye. 65 1/24/01 - RULES - PUBLIC MEETING Those opposed? The record will indicate that all members on the committee have voted in the affirmative, and that Councilman DiCicco has abstained. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney regarding Bill No. 000789.
Madam Chair, I move that Bill No. 000789 be reported out of this committee favorably.
And a request be made for a suspension of the rules to allow for first reading at our next session of Council.
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 000789 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and also a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? 66 1/24/01 - RULES - PUBLIC MEETING The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Madam Chair, I move that Bill No. 000794 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and a suspension of the rules to allow for first reading at our next Council session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill 000794 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and also a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Madam Chair, I move that Bill No. 000795 be reported out of this 67 1/24/01 - RULES - PUBLIC MEETING committee favorably, with a request made for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at our next Council session. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Bill No. 795 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and also a recommendation that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next session of Council. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and, the motion carries. This concludes our public meeting of the Rules Committee.
There's a question on 643, if there was a rules suspension. Was a rules suspension requested on there?
We're back into our meeting, and the Chair recognizes 68 1/24/01 - RULES - PUBLIC MEETING Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to amend my motion on Bill 6 No. 000643 to include a rules suspension to allow for first reading at or next Council session of the amended Bill No. 000643. (Duly seconded.)
It's been moved and seconded that Bill No. 000643 be reported out of committee, as amended; also with a request that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, and the motion carries. This concludes our public meeting of the Rules Committee. Thank you all very much. (Adjourned at 10:50 a.m.) - - - 69 C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Wednesday, January 24, 2001, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON RULES BILL NO.'S 000643, 710, 711, 789, 794, 795 RESOLUTION NO. 000796 __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter