Thank you very much. You mentioned about having kiosks at five libraries. Can you tell us where are the libraries located?
One in North Philadelphia, one near Northeast, in 117 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. Overbrook, in -- there are two others and I will give you those names, but they represent where there are issues for kids in the schools and the libraries.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. We are very grateful to have this special museum in our city. I know their work. We all love their floor. We know their work with students in and around various schools with our city, and we know that they always try to be prudent and conservative in their request, and we're certainly happy to support you and this museum and commend you for your fine work.
Thank you. 118 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC.
Yes. Very quickly, Madam President. As Council's official designee to the Atwater Kent Museum Board of Trustees, I just want to say -- and I went to a lot of the Board of Trustees meetings representing Councilman Cohen over the years. This is -- we won't call it a hidden treasure anymore, because I think it's getting more well known, certainly by the work of Viki and David and everybody involved, but the citizens of Philadelphia really should go to this museum more often. They really learn a lot. I'd like to think I know a lot about the City of Philadelphia and its history, and I've learned a lot by participating on the Board of Trustees, and they all do a great job. Congratulations on what you do. As Councilwoman Blackwell says, on the limited resources you have, you do a 119 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. tremendous job.
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I echo the comments of my colleagues. And if you would, just share with us briefly the relationship you enjoy with the Philadelphia Recreation Department.
Thank you, and thank you for your support. We are administratively a part of the Recreation Department going back to the '51 Home Rule Charter but also the way the Museum was set up. The building we're in is owned by the City of Philadelphia and it was then set up as a part of the Recreation Department. We're 120 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. supported in administrative ways by the Department, payroll and facilities management, and then we operate independently with the Board of Trustees.
That's useful information. So would it be accurate to say you're a City agency and not a stand-alone 501(c)(3)?
Well, we are a 501(c)(3). We have set up, the Board several years ago, set up an independent 501(c)(3) with the Board of Trustees.
So that allows you to solicit funds from the foundation community?
We do. We're so delighted. We've just negotiated. We're going to have a thousand kids coming through in after-school and summer 121 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. programs. So we're very excited, a new sort of manager of these programs, and so we're very excited about that. It's not only our school programs but home schoolers, after-school and summer programs.
I see. Speak then, finally, about the after-school programming, how many weeks, how many hours a day and the age of the young people.
We no longer -- and I apologize for perhaps misspeaking. We no longer run an after-school program five days a week for ten weeks. We no 17 longer do that. We couldn't sustain that from a staffing point of view with the number of students. And so what we now do is provide services to other after-school programs. So they now bring their kids to our program for a session on Philadelphia history or their communities or some aspect of our collection where we can bring our 122 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. collection down.
Like, for example, we just had a great event with the 76ers and the Police Athletic League and there were 45 kids from far South Philadelphia near the Wachovia Center, and they came and had a fabulous time, and we talked about -- it was from slavery to civil rights, and we showed some of our great material on that, and it was a wonderful afternoon. But that's more typical of what we do now.
Okay. And then, finally, I know in previous discussions there has been an interest on behalf of you and your Board members to do more always based on available resources with regards to the marketing of the great programs that you have there. Are there any new plans in place or underway to further market the work of the Atwater Kent?
Two things. One of 123 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. them is, we're working with a group of ten historical and cultural museums, smaller organizations, around William Penn and his continuing legacy in Philadelphia, and that's a fall program and it's really designed to really bring during a week, a ten-day period some attention to this great visionary, but also someone whose legacy resonates today. And that's to showcase some of the smaller collections. And we're working with GPTMC to do that. Another program that we're very excited about is the initiative called the Quest for Freedom. It's a statewide initiative that's also locally very much involved with GPTMC, and what we're doing -- it's the Quest for Freedom. It ties in underground railroad sites and important collections of African-Americans in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia specifically. And we're doing a regular program through the summer for three months on every Friday 124 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. at 2 o'clock for general visitors to bring down aspects of our collection that wouldn't normally be on view. So I think we're working with a variety of different -- our own efforts, but also to try to connect our work into the wider marketing efforts that are going on for the City.
Okay. Well, you mention the underground railroad. Then I must ask, have you had an opportunity to meet with or speak with Audrey Johnson Thornton, who is unveiling the Underground Railroad Museum at the Historic Belmont Mansion later in the month of May?
You may want to consider that, because there's a potential dot to be connected there.
Thank you for your testimony. 125 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC.
Thank you. Are there any more questions from members of the Committee? (No response.)
We will now hear from City Planning Commission. Good morning. Welcome. We do have a copy of your written testimony. We'll be very happy to supply that to the stenographer, who will transcribe it in full. I would ask you to abbreviate as much as you can, please.
Sure. Good morning, Council President Verna. Can 126 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. you hear me?
My name is Janice Woodcock. I'm the Executive Director of the City Planning Commission and Secretary of Strategic Planning. Thank you for the opportunity to present the City Planning Commission's proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2008. 6 million, a Community Development Block Grant request for 183,000 and a request of 222,000 in Federal Transportation Grant funds. 3 million due to increases in requested appropriations in Class 100 and Class 200. The requested increase in Class 100 appropriations for personal -- personnel services is -- it is personal services is 127 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. 4 percent, and provides funding for a contractually mandated four percent wage increase effective July 1, 2007. This Class 100 request would fund 53 positions, including 49 in the General Fund. Our Class 200 request for the purchase of services includes a 250,000, or 217 percent, increase in funding to retain consulting services and technical expertise associated with existing and anticipated initiatives, such as undertaking a new plan for the Central Delaware Riverfront; development review and impact mitigation for two proposed gaming venues along this riverfront; and preparing for the creation of a Zoning Code Commission if approved by the voters in the May 15th primary. As you know, the City Planning Commission has a role in many of the aspects of the development process, including subdivisions, zoning and site environmental remediation. In the past year, the Development Planning Division 128 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. has reviewed 920 development plans submitted under the requirements of the subdivision ordinance. Additionally, 85 plans were submitted and reviewed under the Wissahickon Watershed regulations, 88 plans were reviewed for compliance with flood plain laws, and 49 plans reviewed for compliance with the Pennsylvania land recycling and site remediation requirements. Environmental clearances were issued for 19,000 properties and 13 Congressional Economic Development 14 Initiative, EDI, grants for federally 15 funded activities to ensure that the City 16 remains eligible for its Community 17 Development Block Grants and 18 Commonwealth-administered federal funds. 19 The staff also reviewed 33 20 Street bills, 13 Public Property bills, 21 28 Zoning Code and Zoning map amendments, six Master Plan amendments, and approximately 2,000 Zoning Board of Adjustment applications. Our Community Planning Division 129 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. has worked actively on urban renewal, neighborhood planning, technical assistance and participated on various Boards and Advisory Committees this year. Community Planners work closely with the Redevelopment Authority to facilitate neighborhood renewal. During the fiscal year, we completed two redevelopment area plans, two blight certification reports and a half dozen redevelopment proposals. During the past year, the Community Development Division released the Parkwood NTI Plan and an update of the Strawberry Mansion Plan and last month we presented the East Tioga Plan to the community and the Council. One of the primary responsibilities of our Strategic Planning and Policy Division is the coordination and preparation for the City's Capital Budget and Program. This division, along with Community Planning, analyzes and presents to the Commission the School District's annual Capital 130 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. Program and facility site plans. In addition, the Strategic Planning and Policy Division initiates and manages a variety of research and policy analysis work in the areas of economic development, housing and open-space planning. Division staff participates on many interagency task forces within the municipal government and also works with non-governmental entities such as the Schuylkill River Development Corporation and New River City Development Corporations with planning and development tasks.
The Division has special responsibilities with regard to transit and transportation planning. The City receives significant funding from federal and state governments for improvements to our transportation system. In most cases, these monies must be matched with local funds and carry extensive requirements for planning to ensure regional coordination. 131 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. S. Census Bureau to prepare the 2010 census of population. Our Urban Design Division supports the work of the City Planning Commission by focusing on, planning for and visualizing the built environment, and recommends physical changes to the form of the City and its neighborhood. The Division initiates its own work elements and collaborates with other Planning Commission divisions in that regard. In the past year, the Urban Design Division has completed design studies for the Christ Church View 132 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. Corridor, Nicetown Open Space Plan, Passyunk Square, and has performed reviews of many development sites throughout the City, including the proposed gaming sites along the Delaware Riverfront. And speaking of the Central Delaware, this division has been instrumental in working with and coordinating the City's consultants in planning for this riverfront. The Urban Design Division is also working with the Strategic Planning Division and the Managing Director's Office in the development of GreenPlan Philadelphia, which is the first open space comprehensive plan for the City. Finally, our GIS and Graphics Division continues to provide mapping services to a broad range of users. Last year, this division created almost 450 maps for City Councilmembers, other elected officials, City agencies, community associations and in support of Commission staff work. Almost all of the 133 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. projects and programs previously mentioned have used maps created by the GIS Division. It's worthy to note that the GIS Division is currently participating with other Commission staff, MOIS and the Department of Licenses and Inspections, along with the Building Industry Association, to develop an online zoning application. This project requires the GIS Division to perform quality control checks on existing parcels for accuracy and to work with the project team to solve many technical issues. The completion of this effort will likely extend into the early calendar year of 2008. The GIS Division is also in the process of developing a computer application using the Environmental Systems Research Institute's software that will allow us to create dynamic maps and data to be shared via the Internet. This is intended to help facilitate a 134 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. variety of planning tasks. This project will extend through the Calendar Year 2007. In summary, I want to say informally that the Planning Commission's goal is to continue to use technology to help the City move forward and do larger-scale citywide planning that is possible in a more efficient way. We also want to continue to strengthen our partnerships with organizations outside of the government with all the other different parts of government that engage in planning, and to this end, I know that our testimony sounds quite complex, but in fact, that's what it takes from an agency such as us to accomplish these goals. This concludes my testimony. I'd be happy to take any questions you may have.
Thank you. In your testimony, you mention 135 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. that the City will host the 99th National Conference of the American Planning Association and that we are expecting approximately 6,000 City Planners from the United States, Canada and the world to spend five days in Philadelphia exploring our streets, visiting our neighborhoods and enjoying our hospitality. When will that occur?
That begins this coming Sunday, and the dates are April 14th through 18th. I also have -- through our partnerships with volunteer work, we've created a guide and I brought them here for Council in case you'd like to have a copy. The Planners that visit will be receiving these guides as their invitation to enjoy the City of Philadelphia.
Oh, that would be nice. Also, in your testimony you indicate that over the next year, Division staff will begin working with 136 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. the U.S. Census Bureau to prepare for the 2010 census population. How do you work with the Census Bureau?
To be honest, I am not totally familiar with exactly how it is that we perform that work, but I'd be happy to get back to you with a description. I do know that in preparation for the census, that we end up looking to see if our data is complete and what we will need to do in order for the federal folks to come in and have an efficient experience. But I'd be happy to get back with the details on exactly how.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. Good afternoon, Ms. Woodcock. On of your testimony in reference to the Strategic Planning and Policy 137 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. Division, you say the Division has special responsibilities with regard to transit and transportation planning. Are all of the Administration's transportation personnel housed there?
We have folks that work on transportation issues in OSP. And in addition, when we talk about transportation planning, there are a whole host of what we call TCDI studies, and what that is, working with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, we are looking at ways to strengthen our land-use policy in relation to our transportation system. So we not only have staff that deal with transportation issues including capital facilities and the transit lines themselves and the policies that SEPTA has, we also are engaged in planning to support our transit system to strengthen the ridership through a land-use policy.
My question is not so much how the Planning 138 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. Commission interacts with regard to transportation, but if all of the transportation personnel within the Administration are actually housed within the Planning Commission.
Are there functions related to transportation that go beyond Planning or that should go beyond Planning in the area of transportation?
Yes, I do believe so, because it requires the government, the leadership of government, including this Council, to communicate with all levels of state and federal governments to make sure that our transportation system is sound.
So while it's not your decision, you would agree that there probably should be other aspects of transportation located in other parts of the Administration and functions beyond the Planning Commission? 139 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC.
Well, I will say yes to that question, but I will also tell you that we routinely meet with other departments, including Law and Commerce, when there is a transportation-related development issue, and knowledge exists in those departments related to transportation even though the title of the staff person in those agencies or staff folks in the agencies may not say "transportation planner" on them.
Well, I guess to ask the broader question, is transportation a serious enough issue that not only should it be broader than just the Planning aspects, but it should be a separate office or department or possibly even under the Mayor's Office more directly?
I would defer to the Mayor's Office to answer that question. I know in the past there have been transportation -- there have been 140 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. transportation staff in the Mayor's Office and that in recent history in Planning Commission that those folks will move over to Planning. I do want to tell you, though, that I believe that we are working very closely with state officials related to the problems that we're facing not only in terms of transportation and transit but how to coordinate the land-use policy that must go along with good transportation planning. They have to be done together. So while our office might not be the only office, I think it's very important that the responsibility for transportation policy remain with the Planning Commission.
And can you just cite some of the members of the Administration that work directly on transportation issues outside of the Planning Commission?
Well, I'd like to ask Gary Jastrzab to list the folks 141 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. that he's got working with him in the Law Department on your transit working group, and then I can talk about some folks with highways.
In the Law Department, we've worked very closely with the City Solicitor and some of his staff members, in particular Dan Cantu-Hertzler, Jay Barry Davis. Housed on our own floor in the Office of Strategic Planning is Chris Zearfoss. We have in addition in the Planning Commission two Transportation Planners in the Strategic Planning and Policy Division.
In addition, we work with the Streets Department. We have new staff there that we have met with already, because we see that there are very important issues that we need to mutually understand rather than fragment that review process. So we've met with Commissioner Tolson, Dave Perri and Darren Gotti, who is the new Surveyor. 142 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC.
So the Solicitor's Office deals with legal issues; the Streets Department deals with streets issues; Planning deals with planning aspects. But is there anyone outside of the Planning Commission that actually has a transportation title or any major function outside of the Planning Commission with regard to transportation?
You're welcome. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you very much. Councilman Goode talked about the issue of transportation and funding for transportation studies. Have you done any with regard to the SEPTA El 143 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. Reconstruction Project from 46th to 63rd?
Yes. We have completed a TCDI study that looked at how to increase the density along that corridor. The study had many good recommendations. And often with a study, when you get to the end of that study, you need to take the next step, and we are very interested in taking the next step so that we can use any investments that the City -- resources that the City may have in terms of what it owns and pair that with adjustments that we might be able to make in regulatory overlays that are there to promote the development of that corridor. And given the fact that the construction along that corridor of the El has been delayed, we believe that's a very serious issue that we should attend to.
I think I saw it, but would you send me another copy? And also, we've had more than 30 businesses, some 33 businesses, 144 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. close due to that horrendous project. But it's supposed to end the end of next year. We are looking at and have already met with PIDC about creating maybe a special service district and a TIF in order to try to create some opportunity for businesses to survive and reopen. Would you be interested in working with us in that regard?
Absolutely. In fact, I believe my staff may have contacted your staff already to look at that issue so that we can work together.
Thank you. We'll be in touch. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President.
You're welcome. Are there any other questions from members of the Committee? (No response.)
Thank you very 145 4/10/07 - WHOLE - BILL 070114, ETC. much.
The Committee will stand in recess until tomorrow, Wednesday, April the 11th at 10:00 a.m. Thank you very much. (Committee of the Whole adjourned at 12:30 p.m.) - - - 146 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter on April 10, 2007, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. ______________________________ MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)