COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY AND PUBLIC WORKS Remote location using Microsoft® Teams Tuesday, December 5, 2023 1:00 p.m. PRESENT: COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA, CHAIR COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA, VICE-CHAIR COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY
230403, 230512, 230773, 230774, 230827, 230829, 230830, 230832, 230833, 230835, 230839, 230840, 230844, 230851, 230854, 230855, 230857, 230858, 230859, 230864 - - -
Good afternoon and thank you for joining us this afternoon, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. Today is Tuesday, December 5th. Before we begin our public hearing, I'd like to make the following announcement: City Council Committees are currently meeting remotely. We are using Microsoft Teams to make these remote hearings possible. Instructions for how the public may view and offer public testimony at public hearings of Council Committees are included in the public hearing notices that are published in the Daily News, Inquirer and Legal Intelligencer prior to the hearings and can also be found at PHLCouncil.com. I now note that the hour has come. Mr. Clerk, will you please call the roll call to take attendance. Members that are in attendance will please indicate that you are present when you hear your name is called. Also, please say a few brief words when responding so that your image will be displayed on screen when you speak. Mr. Clerk, please call the roll.
And I am present. Thank you. A quorum of the Committee is present and this hearing is now called to order. This is the public hearing for the Committee of Public Property and Public Works regarding Bill Nos. 230403, 230512, 230773, 230774, 230827, 230829, 230830, 230831, 230832, 230833, 230835, 230839, 230840, 230844, 230851, 230854, 230855, 230857, 230858, 230859 and 230864. Mr. Clerk, will you please read the titles of the bills.
Bill No. 24 230403, an ordinance amending Title 16 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Public Property," by adding a new Chapter requiring the creation of lactation spaces; all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 230833, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease with Crown Two Penn Center Associates, LP, for use by the City, of all or a portion of the premises located at 1500 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 230835, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest to all or a portion of certain parcel or parcels of land from the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 230774, an ordinance authorizing the Director of Aviation, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest in all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Executive Avenue, Enterprise Avenue, I-95 and Penrose Avenue, more commonly known as 8350 Enterprise Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 230512, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire, on behalf of the City, fee simple title or a lesser interest, by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation, agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise, for the purpose of making, enlarging, connecting, extending, operating, and maintaining public parks for recreational use, certain parcels of land, generally bounded and located between Vine Street, Fairmount Avenue, 8th Street and 12th Street, together with all improvements thereon and all associated easements and appurtenances; and to lease the property, or a portion thereof, to the Center City District; all under certain terms and conditions. 230844, an ordinance 14 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, for use by the City, of all or a portion of the premises located at 2844 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions. 230827, an ordinance 24 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, for use by the City, of all or a portion of the premises located at 1000 East Comly Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. , for use by the City, of all or a portion of the premises located at 6601 New State Road, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions. 230855, an ordinance 20 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease agreement with Orthodox Street Properties, LLC, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 3150 Orthodox Street, under certain terms and conditions. 230857, an ordinance 5 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to modify certain easements and enter into an easement agreement with Famell, LLC for a portion of the parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Noble Street, 12th Street, Callowhill Street and 13th Street, more commonly known as 411-19 North 13th Street, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 230858, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an amendment to a sublease with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, for use by the City, of an additional portion of the premises located at 1327-29 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions.
230859, an ordinance 5 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an amendment to a sublease with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, for use by the City, of all or a portion of the premises located at 1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions. 230773, an ordinance 16 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to grant to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, an easement on a portion of the parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Race Street, 24th Street, Spruce Street and the Schuylkill River, under certain terms and conditions. 230839, an ordinance 2 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into an amendment to a lease agreement with AC HSS Office Ventures II, LLC, for use by the City of an additional portion of the premises located at 1930 South Broad Street, under certain terms and conditions. 230840, an ordinance 12 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, for use by the City, of all or a portion of the premises located at 1221-23 Bainbridge Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions. 230864, an ordinance 23 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease agreement with LIM SIV HOUY for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 3724 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa, under certain terms and conditions. 230829, an ordinance 8 authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to facilitate development of a Project Area consisting of, 1, property bounded by Callowhill Street, North 19th Street, Wood Street, and North 20th Street; and, 2, property bounded by Wood Street, North 18th Street, Vine Street and North 19th Street, by (a), conveying to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development fee simple title to all or portions of parcels of land within the Project Area; (b) acquiring fee simple title to all or portions of parcels of land or condominium units and improvements located in the Project Area; and (c) acquiring and granting fee or lesser interests in real estate in all or portions of parcels of land and condominium units and improvements in the Project Area, including leaseholds, easements, and other interests; all for the purpose of facilitating the potential development, construction, and operation of an annex to the Free Library of Philadelphia Parkway Central Branch; a building to house the African American Museum of Philadelphia; a residential apartment building with ancillary retail and other uses; a parking garage; a public plaza; and a hotel or other use of the former Family Court building; and appurtenant improvements; all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 230830, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease agreement with The Leon Sullivan Charitable Trust, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 1415 North Broad Street, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 230831, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, for use by the City, of all or a portion of the premises located at 1628-40 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under certain terms and conditions. Bill No.
230832, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority, as a sublandlord, for use by the City, as a subtenant, of a portion of the premises located at 216 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill No. 230851, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to lease or sublease a portion of the premises owned by the School District of Philadelphia bounded by Walnut Street, South 59th Street, Spruce Street, and South 58th Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and more commonly known as Sayre Morris Recreation Center, from the School District of Philadelphia or from the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, all under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you so much. I'm so sorry. That was a lot of bills. Before we begin to hear testimony from the witnesses we have for today, everyone who has been invited to the meeting to testify should be aware that this public hearing is being recorded. Because the hearing is public, participants and viewers have no 15 reasonable expectation of privacy. By continuing to be in this meeting, you are consenting to being recorded. Additionally, prior to recognizing Members for the questions or comments they should have for witnesses, I will note for the record that at this time we will use the chat feature available in Microsoft Teams to allow for Members to signify that they wish to be recognized. In order to comply with the Sunshine Act, the chat feature must only be used for that purpose. Before I call on the Clerk to call the first panel, do any of my colleagues have any opening comments?
Madam Chair, this is Mark Squilla. I just want to be recorded as present for the record.
Councilman Squilla, you've been marked present. Thank you so much for joining us today. There being no comments from members of the Committee, Mr. Clerk, will you please call the first panel we have to testify this afternoon for Bill No. 230403.
Madam Chair, for Bill No. 230403 we will be hearing from Bridget Collins- Greenwald, Commissioner of the Department of Public Property.
Good afternoon, Commissioner. Are you connected and ready to proceed? COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: I believe so. Can you hear me?
Yes, we do hear you. State your name for the record and begin your testimony. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Great. Good afternoon, Councilperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald. I'm the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property. And I'm here to testify in favor of Bill No. 230403 introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, which would institute the creation of lactation spaces in City-owned buildings. DPP will work with our partner agencies to create clean and private space for lactation use in City-owned buildings as well as provide proper signage and ensure their placement in all newly constructed City-owned buildings. DPP has worked with Councilmember Gilmore Richardson's Office and the Chief Administrative Office to assure this most-needed activity will have a place in City-owned buildings where feasible. The Department of Public Property supports this measure. And accordingly, I respectfully ask that City Council approve Bill No. 18 230403. I'm requesting the suspension of the rules as to allow for the first reading at the next session of Council. Thank you. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Commissioner. And Councilmember Gilmore Richardson also provided this afternoon additional information for that bill. If anyone has any questions or would like that information to be forwarded to them, please let us know. Are there any questions for this witness regarding Bill No. 10 230403? (No response.)
Thank you, Commissioner. Mr. Clerk, will you please call the next witness.
Madam Chair, the next witness is Stephanie Tipton, Acting Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you so much for joining us today. Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Sure. Good afternoon, Councilmember Lozada and other members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Stephanie Tipton. I am the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Philadelph -- City of Philadelphia, excuse me. I'm here to testify in support of Bill 12 No. 230403. The Office of the Chief Administrative Office, CAO for short, fully supports Bill No. 16 230403. The bill advances the Kenney Administration's commitment to building a more equitable city where determinants of success are not defined by race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, income, disability or neighborhood. By providing accessible lactation spaces, the City communicates our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that recognizes and supports the diversity of its workforce, including working parents. Moreover, this bill 6 dovetails with our employee issues regarding the gender racial wage gap that exists in Philadelphia as well as our various departments' Racial Equity Action Plan, which is focused on changing the workplace perception of parental leave, and in particular motherhood. A 2020 report conducted by the United Nations Children's Fund cites that the creation of lactation spaces in the workplace can support breast-feeding employees return to work, improve their performance, reduce turnover rates and increase breast-feeding employees' sense of belonging and commitment to the organization. Beyond the responsibility we have for our workforce, making lactation space more available on City property will also help make City services and buildings more inclusive and more accessible to the public. My office is committed to developing processes and procedures to support the implementation of the bill. My office will facilitate awareness of and access to available lactation spaces, including those accessible only to employees or those accessible to the public, who will also annually file the report and required under the bill. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. We look forward to working together with members of City Council to implement the bill. And I'd also like to particularly thank Councilwoman Gilmore Richardson for championing these changes and for her partnership with the Administration on these efforts. This concludes my testimony and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you so much for your testimony. And, yeah, thank you to Councilmember Gilmore Richardson for such an important piece of legislation. Are there any questions or comments from members of the Committee for this witness? (No response.)
Thank you so much. Thank you. Mr. Clerk, will you please call the first panel we have to testify this afternoon on Bill No. 25 230833.
For Bill No. 2 230833, it will be Bridget Collins- Greenwald Commissioner of Public Property.
Good afternoon, Commissioner. Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony. We're going to hear that a lot this afternoon. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: You're going to hear my name (inaudible). Okay. Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald and I'm the Commissioner of Public Property and I'm here to testify in favor of Bill No. 230833 introduced by Councilmember Jones for President Clarke, authorizing the Department of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a lease agreement with Crown Soup Penn Center Associates, LP for warehouse space in the concourse level of 1500 JFK Boulevard, also known as 2 Penn Center. The City of Philadelphia's Department of Revenues' outgoing mail processing center has been located at the concourse level of 8 Penn Center since 1999. Due to the pandemic creating supply shortage problems, Revenue requested that outgoing mail processing center expand by a couple of thousand square feet to ensure supplies are always in stock in order to process hundreds of thousands of envelopes, a critical component of the City's revenue collection process. DPP was able to locate 2700 square feet of storage space in the concourse below 2 Penn Center and near the original facility in the concourse level below 8 Penn Center. This proposed lease for additional storage in the concourse will coincide with the proposed original 1999 lease extension terms including having the same lease rate and expiration date. The Department of Public Property supports this measure. And accordingly, I respectfully ask that City Council approve Bill No. 9 230833. I'm requesting a suspension of the rules as to allow for the first reading at the next session of Council. Thank you. I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Thank you for your testimony. Are there any comments or questions from members of the Committee for this witness? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, please call the next witness on the panel.
Madam Chair, the next witness was -- sorry. There are no further witnesses for Bill No. 230833.
Thank you so much. Mr. Clerk, would you please call the roll -- please call the panel for Bill No. 230835.
Madam Chair, the next speaker is Bridget Collins-Greenwald, Commissioner of the Department of Public Property.
Good afternoon. Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald and I am the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property. I'm here today to testify in support of Bill No. 25 230835 introduced by Councilmember Jones for President Clarke, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to acquire fee simple title or lesser real estate interest to all or a portion of certain parcel or parcels of land from the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, all under certain terms and conditions. This bill will allow the City to take title to several vacant parcels relieving the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and the Philadelphia Land Bank of their care, custody and control, and allowing for the parcels to be put in the City inventory and allowing for the City to plan for a future use for these parcels. All District Councilmembers are in support of the transfer of these properties. The Department of Public Property fully supports this measure. And accordingly I respectfully request that this Council approve Bill No. 23083 -- yes, 230835. I'm also requesting a suspension of the rules as to allow for the first reading at the next session of Council. Thank you. I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you so much, Commissioner. Are there any questions or comments for the Commissioner regarding Bill No. 230835? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, will you please call the next witness on this panel.
Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Will you please call the first panel to testify this afternoon on Bill No. 230774.
Madam Chair, our first witness is Jim Tyrrell, Chief Revenue Officer for the Department of Aviation.
Good afternoon, Mr. Tyrrell. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony. Thank you for being here today.
Thank you, Chair. Good afternoon, Chairwoman Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins -- I'm sorry. My name is Jim Tyrrell. I'm Chief Revenue Officer for the Department of Aviation, which manages both Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport. I'm here today to testify in support of Bill No. 230774 to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest in all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Executive Avenue, Enterprise Avenue, I-95 and Penrose Avenue, more commonly known as 8350 Enterprise Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, all under certain terms and conditions. As you are aware, PHL is a self-sustaining entity which uses no local taxpayer dollars for its operation and generates significant annual economic impact for our region. In 2019 alone, activity at PHL generated approximately $16.8 billion for the regional economy and supported over 100,000 jobs. The Airport does all of this in a very small footprint, 2584 acres, and when compared to other large hub airplanes across the nation. When opportunities for the acquisition of near-airport property arise, it is essential for our team to take an interest in order to a future airport expansion efforts or to prevent development that would be detrimental to airport operations. Bill No. 230774 would authorize the City's Department of Aviation, which manages PHL to acquire roughly an 18-acre parcel of land on Enterprise Avenue located adjacent to the Water Department's Southwest Water Treatment Center. The parcel is owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and was previously used as a Liquor Control Board warehouse. The Department of Aviation has agreed to purchase the property for a priced established by an independent appraisal for $38 million. In the short-term, this property is an essential access point to the recently announced 261,000 square feet (inaudible) which will be constructed to the north of the parcel. A portion of this property will serve as an important point of ingress and egress to the site during construction and after completion of the facility. The Department of Aviation may also have to temporarily lease out the warehouse building, which is currently unoccupied. In the future, this parcel has been identified as an important component in PHL's ongoing cargo operation plans. I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to present testimony in support of Bill No. 18 230774. I kindly ask that the -- I kindly ask the Committee for a favorable recommendation and that the rules be suspended to allow for the first reading at the next Council session. I'm happy to answer any questions the Committee may have, and this concludes my testimony. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you, Mr. Tyrrell. Are there any questions or comments from members of the Committee for this witness? (No response.)
There being none, thank you again for joining us this afternoon. Mr. Clerk, are there other witnesses on this panel?
Madam Chair, our next witness is Aparna Palantino, Deputy Commissioner of Public Property.
Good afternoon, Ms. Palantino. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony. Thank you for being with us this afternoon.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada. Could you please restate the number of the bill?
Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Aparna Palantino and I serve as the Deputy Commissioner for Capital Infrastructure and Natural Land Management for the Department of Parks & Recreation. I'm here today to testify in support of Bill No. 230773, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to grant to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation an easement on a portion of the parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Race Street, 24th Street, Spruce Street and the Schuylkill River, under certain terms and conditions. This bill will allow for easements to be granted to PennDOT related to the reconstruction of the Market Street Bridge as it relates to the Schuylkill River Trail. These easements will allow PennDOT access to their staging area for the project. The City has been cooperating with PennDOT on the design for the bridge rehabilitation. Easements will have a minimal effect on trail access and usage. The Department of Parks and Recreation fully supports this measure. And accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approve Bill No. 230773. I'm also requesting a suspension of the rules so as to allow for first reading at the next session of Council. Thank you. I would be glad to answer any questions you may have regarding this proposed ordinance.
I have a question. Are you reading 230774 or 230773? I'm on 774.
And while he confirms that, I'd like to inform that Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson has also joined us. I'd like to recognize her for the record.
Thank you. Thank you so much, Madam Chair. And thank you to the Members of the City Council Committee on Public Property. I just wanted to take a moment to talk about the legislation that I authored that will be heard in Committee today, Bill No. 230403. I just want to note for the record that this legislation will codify the requirements for lactation spaces in City facilities. It will create a new definition for lactation spaces stating they must be private, separate from bathrooms. They must have an electrical outlet, a surface and a chair and be near some running water. The legislation requires the creation of lactation spaces. The new and renovated buildings will clarify that departments must find space if the dedicated cannot be provided. Additionally, this bill 2 requires the Chief Administrative Officer to report information on lactation spaces to the Chief Clerk of City Council every year, so annually we anticipate receiving this information via the City Clerk of City Council. I just want to take a moment to thank the Administration, to thank all the City departments who participated in the citywide survey that was taken via the CAO. And I want to thank the Department of Public Property on their suggestions for the legislation as well as the Law Department for helping us work through the amendments. I want to thank the advocates who spoke to us. I also want to thank those who did not initially I'll say understand the need for additional requirements and codification of the Code. We just want to make sure that this is clear, and we thank everyone for their participation in this process for helping to get to the best place of this legislation. We know this has been a long time coming. We know a bill 8 like this takes months and months and months. But we just want to say thank you all so very much for what you did to help us get to a yes. So with that, Madam Chair, I respectfully request the support of all my colleagues in today's Public Property Committee hearing. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilmember. We heard testimony earlier this afternoon from Commissioner Bridget Greenwald. We understand the importance of the legislation and we are working really hard to set the example right for others to follow in their work spaces. And so, hopefully we will be able to move this legislation out of Committee today. So thank you very much for your work on that and to the Administration as well. Ms. Palantino, are we okay to move forward? Were you able to find your testimony for Bill No. 10 230774?
Madam -- I actually have an update on that. So Public Property actually does not have testimony on the -- so after Jim Tyrrell we have no 17 further panelists on this bill. Aparna will be speaking later on 230773.
Our apologies, Ms. Aparna. Thank you so much, Mr. Clerk. Mr. Clerk, will you read the panel -- the first to testify on this panel for Bill No. 1 230864. 2
Madam Chair, we're going to be hearing from Bridget Collins-Greenwald, Commissioner of the Department of Public Property. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald and I'm the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property. I'm here today to testify in favor of Bill No. 16 230864 introduced by Councilmember Bass, authorizing the Department of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a lease agreement with Lim Siv Houy for retail space at 3724 North Broad Street. DPP was tasked with monitoring the availability of space adjacent to the Free Library of the Philadelphia's Nicetown branch for its future expansion. This past summer 1500 square feet became available next door. This proposed new lease would enable the Free Library to move toward a more modern layout for the Nicetown community to enjoy. Councilmember Bass is very supportive of this expansion for the Nicetown community. The Department of Public Property supports this bill as it is proposed to be amended. And accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approve Bill No. 17 230864. I'm requesting a suspension of the rules as to allow for first reading at the next session of Council. Thank you. I'll be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Thank you for your testimony. Are there any comments or questions for this witness regarding Bill No. 230864? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, will you please call the next witness on this panel.
Thank you so much. We will proceed. Mr. Clerk, will you please read the name of the person to testify for Bill No. 230827.
Our next panelist is Bridget Collins- Greenwald, Commissioner of DPP.
Good afternoon again. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald and I'm the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property. I'm here to testify in favor of Bill No. 230827 introduced by Councilmember Phillips, authorizing the Department of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for space at 1000 East Comly Street. Tasked with finding a reserved vehicle storage facility for the Philadelphia Fire Department, DPP was able to identify a former crane and tractor trailer storage facility that appropriately meets the unique and very specific vehicle dimensions and low-capacity requirements suitable for heavy-duty, bulky and oversized fire apparatus storage. The Philadelphia Fire Department has insufficient vehicle storage space which has resulted in numerous vehicles being parked outside. Cold winters and exposure to the elements have led to an increase in maintenance cost and shortened vehicle lifespan. After fully understanding Fire's operational logistical needs, 1000 East Comly provides an ideal solution to house Fire's reserve apparatus long-term. The City -- the Department of Public Property supports this matter. And accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approve Bill No. 230827. I'm requesting a suspension of the rules as to allow for first reading at the next session of Council. Thank you and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you. Once again, are there any comments or questions regarding Bill No. 230827 for Commissioner Greenwald? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, will you please call the next panelist to testify.
Thank you so much. Will you please call the first panelist to testify on Bill No. 230854.
Our next panelist is Bridget Collins- Greenwald, Commissioner of the Department of Public Property.
Thank you, Commissioner. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony on Bill No. 24 230854. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. I am Bridget Collins-Greenwald, the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property and I'm here today to testify in favor of Bill No. 230854 introduced by Councilmember Driscoll, authorizing the Department of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a lease agreement with NF 6601 New State Road Partners, L.P., a warehouse space located at 6601 New State Road. The proposed lease will allow the PA Task Force to continue to call 6601 New State Road its home for the next 15 years. Made up of different agencies, PA Task Force deploys across the country and responds to federal disasters. On the Tax Force's behalf, DPP is pleased to oversee an affordable lease term that would also include a significant tenant improvement allowance for future renovations. The Department of Public Property supports this measure. And accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approve Bill No. 230854. I'm requesting a suspension of the rules as to allow for the first reading at the next session of Council. Thank you. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you so much, Commissioner. Are there any questions or comments from members of the Committee regarding Bill 230854? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, will you please call the next witness.
Madam Chair, our panelist for 230855 is Bridget Collins-Greenwald from DPP.
Good afternoon. Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald and I'm the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property. I'm here today to testify in favor of Bill No. 20 230855 introduced Councilmember Driscoll, authorizing the Department of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a lease agreement with the Orthodox Street Properties, LLC for space located at 3150 Orthodox Street. With Philadelphia Water Department's plan for a significant project of the Baxter Water Treatment Plant, DPP became tasked with finding alternative space for the Philadelphia Sheriff's Transportation Unit. Currently the Sheriffs share a portion of the space with PWD at the treatment plan. DPP identified 3 acres of industrial land suitable for the Sheriff's Office trailer storage requirement and located within reasonable proximity to the current location. The proposed new lease will give the Sheriff's Transportation Unit its own space and enable PWD to continue with their project as planned. The Department of Public Property supports this measure. And accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approve Bill No. 230855. I'm requesting a suspension of the rules as to allow for the first reading of the next session of Council and I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you once again for your testimony. Are there any questions or comments from members of this Committee regarding Bill No. 13 230855? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, will you please call the first panel to testify on Bill No. 230512.
Madam Chair, our first panelist is Paul R. Levy, President and CEO of the Center City District.
Yes, we can. Thank you so much for being with us this afternoon. Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony.
Thank you. My name is Paul Levy. I'm President of the Center City District and I'm pleased to deliver this testimony in support of Bill No. 230512. Thank you very much, Chairperson Lozada. I'm pleased to offer my support on this bill authorizing the Department of Public Property to acquire on behalf of the City a fee simple title by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation or agreement in lieu of condemnation of the defunct Reading Rail Line that runs from Vine Street to Fairmount Avenue. I also want to thank Councilman Squilla for his leadership on introducing this. To implement this initiative, the PPD is pleased to enter into an agreement with the City to cover all the costs of acquisition, design and engineering needed to build the next phase of the Rail Park from Vine Street to Fairmount Avenue. The CCD willingly accepts the responsibility this bill 12 authorizes for the City to enter into a long-term lease with the CCD for us to maintain this new park. The Center City District built the first phase of the Rail Park from Broad Street to Callowhill, which was completed in 2018. And this park has been very well-programmed by the Friends of the Rail Park that has become a great asset for local residents for families with children throughout the City and for visitors across the region. CCD has successfully raised more than $100 million to build four other parks in Center City including Dilworth Park, and we're pleased to build on that experience and work in partnership with the City and neighborhoods from Lower Philadelphia, Callowhill and Chinatown to create a great neighborhood park and active transportation trail. We're very pleased to receive strong letters of support from the 14th Ward, Registered Community Organization West Poplar Neighbors, Callowhill Neighbors and the Chinatown Development Corporation. We pledge to work closely with all of them on all phases of this exciting project, and I'll remain personally involved in managing this project. Thanks for the opportunity to testify.
Thank you so much for your testimony today. Are there any questions or comments from members of this Committee for this witness?
Councilmember Lozada, Mark Squilla. I had a question.
Thank you. And thank you, Mr. Levy, for your work on this and thank you for your support and working with the community. Obviously as we move forward, there's a lot of support from the surrounding RCOs and we have letters of support from some of them. Would it be possible to gauge a qualified community engagement professional or firm to form a committee, advisory committee, community advisory committee that would oversee the community engagement process that could be composed of the Friends of the Rail Park, Callowhill Neighbors, PCDC, Chinatown organization, West Poplar, 14th Ward, the CCD, somebody from my office, just so that all constituents feel and can be represented in the process to help share community input? Is that something that you think we could put together and move forward on as hopefully if we're able to get control of this property, let's move forward and develop it?
Councilman, it's an excellent suggestion. We're more than glad to embrace. There's obviously lots of sensitivity when there's redevelopment like this. And so, a comprehensive outreach process with an independent consultant to engage all those groups is something we welcome and help support.
All right. That would be great. Any time as we do and develop, there's always good things that come from it, but there's also concerns about, you know, if we do develop these things and they become positive impacts on the community, is it possible the justification of other things, even possible outlook of even legislation as far as overlays and other things we can put in place to protect affordability and others. So thank you for that. I appreciate your work and effort in moving this forward and all the conversations we had along the way. And also appreciate all the community groups and the Friends of the Rail Park in their involvement as this proceeds. And hopefully, this legislation will move us forward in a way that we could control this parcel and develop it into a great place for all. Thank you so much.
Yeah. If I can just again acknowledge your leadership in introducing this and convening all the groups. This was a very helpful process that you led. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Levy. Thank you, Councilmember Squilla. Are there any other questions from members of this Committee for this witness? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, will you please call the first panelist to testify on Bill No. 230844.
Ms. Chen, thank you so much for being with us this afternoon. Will you please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon. My name is Rebecca Cordes Chen. I'm Executive Director of Friends of Rail Park and we are the 501(c)(3) organization responsible for stewarding the 3-mile vision of the Rail Park, a linear park built on historic rail lines connecting 10-plus neighborhoods connecting Philadelphians to the City and each other. Thank you, Councilman Squilla, like the other folks had mentioned for your dedication to this transformative project. The Friends of the Rail Park would like to provide their support for the blight removal and remediation of the Rail infrastructure running from Vine Street to Fairmount Avenue, east of Broad Street and the Viaduct. The Viaduct is a significant portion of the 3-mile vision for the Rail Park. The concept of the Viaduct is that it is in disrepair, demise and blight streets and communities and is contaminated with hazardous waste due to prior railroad and industrial use from prior practice of using lead-based paints. It's a site of frequent short-dumping, and its current owner is not receptive to addressing these issues that negatively impact our community. It is the position of Friends of the Real Park that with the incorporation of a deep community engagement process and commitment to return the Viaduct to public control upon completion of the blight removal and remediation efforts, either then the City of Philadelphia or the Friends of Rail Park as the organization of record, that the development of a minimally viable-based trailable Center City District would be a positive improvement for the community and the City of Philadelphia as a whole. Friends of the Rail Park wish to emphasize the critical importance of an equitable and inclusive development process for the success of this project and the well-being of the neighborhood that will be impacted by the finished public space. Our collective commitments to such a process will help ensure that the benefits of this development are shared ethically amongst all community members. This approach is vital to combating the rest of the physical, economic and cultural displacement posed by the developments of this scale while fostering a sense of ownership, pride and connection within the neighborhoods surrounding the Viaduct. Should Bill 23012 move forward, Friends of the Rail Park anticipate being engaged to support Center City District's community engagement process and efforts to guarantee public control in order to ensure the Viaduct's development aligns with the (inaudible) and aspirations of our neighborhood. Thank you very much.
I keep putting my speaker on mute because there's so much noise coming from outside, so I apologize for that. I was just saying thank you so much, Ms. Chen, for your testimony. Coming from a District like mine, I understand how important community engagement is and how important it is for residents to feel like they're a part of the process and working with community-based organizations is extremely important. So thank you so much for being with us today. Are there other members --
I want to also thank Rebecca and her leadership and Friends of the Rail Park for what they have done up to this point and their planning process moving forward and want to let them know that we appreciate all their service and work on this, and we'll look forward to continuing that collaboration and cooperation working together as we move forward not only on this, but hopefully in the cut and some other project seeing this as a really great park that could really be second to none in the entire country. So thank you so much, Rebecca, for your leadership and your teams and the Friends and looking forward to continue working with you.
Thank you. Mr. Clerk, are there other panelists for Bill No. 230512?
I'm sorry. Bridget, would you like to -- COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Yeah. I actually did have testimony that I provided. I can basically -- I'm just going to re-echo what everyone said, but I did want to request a suspension of the rules to have first reading for the next session. So if I could get that on the record, that would be great. And everything that Rebecca and Paul said is exactly what I was going to say.
Your request has been noted for suspension of the rules on Bill No. 14 230512. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Thank you.
Thank you so much. Mr. Clerk, will you please call the first panel for Bill No. 21 230844.
We'll be hearing from Bridget Collins- Greenwald, Commissioner of the Department of Public Property.
Thank you, Commissioner. Would you please state your name for the record and begin your testimony for Bill No. 230844. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Good afternoon, Councilperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald. I am the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property and I'm here today to testify in favor of Bill 15 No. 230844 introduced by Councilmember Lozada, authorizing the Department of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipality Authority for a warehouse space at 2844 Frankford Avenue. Philadelphia Fire Department, Philadelphia's Department of Public Health and the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services created the AR-3 Unit, which provides response to low-acuity non-traumatic EMS incidents in the Kensington area. DPP identified 2844 Frankford Avenue as the potential home of the AR-3 program due to its unique offering of multiple drive- in bays located on both the front and rear sides of the warehouse. Considered for active vehicle use and storage, AR-3 vehicles would enter and exit the 27,000 square foot facility that Frankford Avenue and Emerald Street would use. This proposed new lease would bring a tenant improvement allowance along with the landlord's custom fit-out and a turnkey delivery of this space. The Department of Public Property supports this measure. And accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approves Bill No. 3 230844. I'm requesting a suspension of the rules as to allow for the first reading at the next session of Council. Thank you and I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.
Thank you so much, Commissioner Greenwald. We understand the importance of the work that AR-3 does in the Kensington community. I look forward to doing whatever we can to accommodate and facilitate whatever needs they have in order for them to continue the important work. Are there other members of this Committee with questions or comments for this witness regarding Bill No. 230844? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, are there other witnesses for this bill?
Thank you so much. Mr. Clerk, would you please read the first panelist to testify on Bill No. 230857.
Our panelist is Aparna Palantino, Deputy Commissioner of Public Property and Public Works.
Good afternoon, Ms. Palantino. Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony for Bill No. 230857.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Aparna Palantino and I serve as the Deputy Commissioner for Capital Infrastructure and National Land, the Department of Parks & Recreation. I'm here today to testify in support of Bill No. 3 230857, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to modify certain easements and enter into an easement agreement with Famell, LLC for a portion of the parcel or parcels of land in or about the area bounded by Noble Street, 12th Street, Callowhill Street and 13th Street, more commonly known as 411 to North 13th Street, under 15 certain terms and conditions. 16 This bill would allow for 17 the development of the property 18 adjacent to the Rail Park while 19 preserving certain easement needed for the maintenance and if necessary, improvement of the retaining wall supporting the Rail Park. I have an amendment to offer that is hopefully circulated to the members of the Committee that requires the City's modified easement with the adjacent property owner to have protections against excessive shading over the Rail Park and any subsequent development of the property. The Department of Parks & Recreation fully supports this measure. And accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approves Bill No. 230857. I'm also requesting a suspension of the rules so as to allow for first reading at the next session of Council. Thank you and I will be glad to answer any questions you may have regarding this ordinance.
Thank you for your testimony this afternoon. Are there any questions for this witness from members of this Committee? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, are there other witnesses for Bill No. 3 230857?
There being none, Mr. Clerk, would you please call the first panel to testify on Bill No. 230858.
Our next panel is Bridget Collins-Greenwald, Commissioner of Department of Public Property.
Good afternoon. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony on Bill No. 230858. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald and I'm the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property. And I'm here today to testify in favor of Bill 2 No. 230858 introduced by Councilmember Squilla authorizing the Department of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority office space at 1327 to 29 Chestnut Street also known as the Widener Building. The City of Philadelphia's Office of the DA has been located at the Widener Building since 2005. Ideally located across the street from City Hall, the building offers unique amenities such as advanced 24/7 security and a private entrance exclusive to the Office of the District Attorney. In 2021 upon approval by City Council, DPP extended the entire 200,144 square foot premises through 2032. DPP has since reviewed this space with DI -- the Department -- the DA's Office and it was determined that additional space is needed due to increases in staff and hiring-than-expected employee retention. This proposed lease amendment would allow the District Attorney's Office to take an additional 26,585 square feet on the 17th floor. The amendment would also provide a significant tenant improvement allowance that can be used to modernize and create more efficient space throughout the premises. The Department of Public Property supports this measure and accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approves Bill No. 20 230858. I'm requesting a suspension of the rules so as to allow for the first reading at the next session of Council, and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions from members of the Committee regarding Bill No. 230858? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, are there other witnesses for Bill No. 10 230858?
Thank you so much. Mr. Clerk, will you please read the first panel to testify on Bill No. 230859.
Our next panelist is Bridget Collins- Greenwald, Commissioner of DPP.
Good afternoon. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony for Bill No. 230859. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald and I'm the Commissioner of Public Property. I'm here to testify in favor of Bill No. 230859 authorizing the Department of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for office space at 1101 Market Street. City departments have been located at 1101 Market Street since 1982 and the building offers a prime location close to most City office locations. Currently the City's lease at 1101 Market Street contains a unique clause related to Aramark, a previous tenant of the building, which allows the other current and majority tenant in the building to claim the 12th, 13th and 14th floors for its own use beginning in February 2025. DPP currently leases and utilizes the 12th and 13th floors. This proposed lease amendment will remove the Aramark clause at the 14th floor and extend the entire 274,798-square foot premises August of 2024. The amendment would also include incentives such as tenant improvement allowances. The Department of Public Property supports this measure and accordingly, I respectfully ask that City Council approve Bill No. 16 230859. I'm requesting a suspension of the rules as to allow for the first reading at the next session of Council. And I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you so much for your testimony. Are there any questions or comments from members of the Committee for this witness? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, can you please read the name of the next panelist?
Thank you so much. Will you please call the first panelist to testify on Bill No. 230773.
Our panelist is Aparna Palantino, Deputy Commissioner on Public Property and Public Works.
Good afternoon, Ms. Palantino. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony for Bill 21 No. 230773.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Aparna Palantino and I serve as the Deputy Commissioner for Capital Infrastructure and Natural Land Management for the Department of Parks & Recreation. I'm here today to testify in support of Bill No. 7 230773, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to grant to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation an easement on a portion of the parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Race Street, 24th Street, Spruce Street and the Schuylkill River, under certain terms and conditions. This bill will allow for easement to be granted to PennDOT related to the reconstruction of the Market Street Bridge as it relates to the Schuylkill River Trail. These easements will allow PennDOT access to their staging area for the project. The City has been cooperating with PennDOT on the design for the rehabilitation. These easements will have a minimal effect on trail access and usage. The Department of Parks & Recreation fully supports this measure. And accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approve Bill No. 230773. I'm also requesting a suspension of the rules so as to allow for first reading at the next session of Council. Thank you and I'd be glad to answer any questions you might have.
Thank you so much for your testimony on Bill 230773. Are there any questions or comments from members of this Committee? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, are there other witnesses for this bill?
Thank you so much. Mr. Clerk, will you please read the first panelist for Bill No. 230839.
The panelist is Bridget Collins-Greenwald, Commissioner for the Department of Public Property for 230839.
Good afternoon, Commissioner. Please state your name for the record and proceed with your testimony regarding Bill No. 230839. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald and I'm the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property. I'm here today to testify in favor of Bill No. 1 230839 introduced by Councilmember Johnson, authorizing the Department of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a lease agreement with AC HSS Office Ventures II, LLC at 1930 South Broad Street, also known as Constitution Health Plaza. City Council's approval of Property Bill No. 210248 in 2021 authorized DPP to enter into a lease agreement for a new BSL-3 laboratory space at Constitution Health Plaza on behalf of the Department of Health. DPP is pleased to share that the new lab project is now complete and the space was delivered to the Department of Health on November 1, 2023. As we finish construction and move towards the scheduled delivery date, it became apparent that the original measurements did not reflect the actual square footage and the lease premises needed to be updated. This proposed lease amendment adds 5,959 square feet to the original premises and completes all outstanding lease-related items now that the project has been completed. The Philadelphia Department of Health is eager to utilize the brand new BSL-3 lab space long-term and DPP is proud of the overall project. It is actually very cool if you look at the lab, I have to say. That's my personal note. The Department of Public Property supports this measure. And accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approve Bill No. 20 230839. I'm requesting a suspension of the rules as to allow for the first reading at the next session of Council and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you so much for your testimony. Are there questions for this witness on behalf of the Committee? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, will you please read the name of the next panelist to testify regarding Bill 11 No. 230839.
Thank you. Mr. Clerk, will you please call the first panelist to testify this afternoon on Bill No. 230840.
Good afternoon, Commissioner. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony on Bill 1 No. 230840. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald. I'm the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property. I'm here today to testify in favor of Bill No. 230840 introduced by Councilmember Johnson, authorizing the Department of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipality Authority for space at 1221 to Bainbridge 18 Street. 19 The current lease started 20 in 2015 and is set to expire in 21 2025. Executing a new long-term 22 lease before the expiration date 23 would enable the City to receive immediate and needed improvements to this space and remove the possibility of the property being listed as available to prospective developers for purpose. This proposed new lease would give the City the opportunity to remove the old lease language and update it to its now standard and more appropriate lease language. The new lease would also include a less-than-market and affordable rent schedule benefiting the City for the next years. 13 The Department of Public 14 Property supports this measure. 15 And accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approve Bill No. 230840. I'm requesting a suspension of the rules as to allow for the first reading at the next session of Council. And I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions or comments from members of the Committee regarding Bill No. 3 230840? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, will you please read the name of the next panelist on this bill.
Thank you. Mr. Clerk, will you please read the name of the first panelist for Bill No. 230829.
For Bill 17 230829, we have three panelists. The first is Bridget Collins- Greenwald, Commissioner of the Department of Public Property.
Good afternoon, Commissioner. Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Sure. Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald and I'm the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property. And I'm here today to testify in favor of Bill 9 No. 230829 introduced by Councilperson Jones for President Clarke, authorizing the City to convey to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development certain parcels of land for further conveyance. On behalf of the City, PIDC manages the developers selection process for 1801 Vine Street and 1901 Wood Street. I will describe the selection process, schedule and commodity coordination further. PIDC issued a request for qualifications to purchase and develop the site on July 9, 2021 and received seven responses and created a short list of four firms. Two responses were received in early 2023. Both firms were invited to make presentations to the City Selection Committee in June of 2023. The Selection Committee selected National Real Estate Advisors and Frontier Hospitality and Development. Among the review criteria the Selection Committee considered was the consistency of the proposed development with the City Planning Commission's 2035 plan for this area, along with the plan for the relocation of the African American Museum in Philadelphia and the development of the Parkway Central Library's Children and Families Center and Auditorium. Throughout the RFP process, there was communication with the Councilmember's office and inclusion of the local Registered Community Organization, which was the Logan Square Neighborhood Association. The Logan Square Neighborhood Association also participated in the developer interviews in June of 2023. The duration and depth of coordination with the community was extensive and has served as a model for PIDC's community engagement on site to markets for the City with their RFP. The Department of Public Property support this measure. And accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approve Bill No. 230829. I'm requesting a suspension of the rules as to allow for first reading at the next session of Council. And I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you so much for your testimony. Are there any comments or questions from members of the Committee for this witness? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, will you please call the name of the next witness.
Thank you so much, Mr. McDowell. Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony. MR. McDOWELL: Good afternoon, Councilwoman Lozada and members of the Public Property and Public Works Committee. My name is William McDowell. I'm the Senior Director at National Real Estate Development, and I'm here on behalf of National Frontier Hospitality and Development. We were thrilled to be awarded the project in late summer. We have been interested in this project and tracking it over two years and we feel that we understood the process and the components of the project and put together a good proposal. This is a large complex project and has a lot of different elements. And I think the headline of this has been really the relocation of the African American Museum really to the Parkway, which I think is the key component of this project. There's also an addition to the library which included a Children and Family Center, which is something that they have been looking for, for forever. I do have some visuals if I'm allowed to share the screen if that would be appropriate. I was asked to prepare a presentation. It's short, if somebody wanted to give me access.
I don't know how to do that, but maybe -- and I don't know if that's permissible or not. But will one of our members of our Tech staff be able to respond to that and give him the capacity, if possible? COUNCIL TECH SUPPORT: Yes, we will give him access to present. MR. McDOWELL: I'm also here with Ron Patterson who is our attorney from Klehr Harrison. Okay. I've got the command. Can everyone see my screen?
Yes. MR. McDOWELL: So this is a quick overview of the project that was presented and was awarded. As we said, it's a mixed-use project that includes the new home for the African American Museum in addition to the Free Library, a private development of up to 600 units of housing and a ground floor retail and the adaptive reuse of the Family Court building on the adjacent block. Here's the site plan. You can see the enormity. This is two full City blocks, 1801 Vine Street which is the Family Court building, you've got the Free Library here and then the mixed-use development on 1901 Wood was the components that I just described. Again, we're looking to create a vibrant mixed-use community similar to the community we made on East Market Street creating a live, work, play atmosphere. This is the adaptive reuse of the Family Court building into a 217-room hotel that our partner Frontier with Evens Charles, who is a graduate of Temple University is going to lead. He has significant experience and has developed a number of Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt hotels all along the East Coast. This is the connection of the Parkway, the Barnes is on your left, the library is on your right and this really I think creates a true cultural district along the Parkway with the addition of the African American Museum. Across the street now is the underconstruction Calder Gardens project. This is the addition to the Free Library, the Children Family Center. This is set apart from the historic facade of the building but will be connected underground, and they both surround a public plaza so that we can have active and engaging outdoor programming. This is the plaza that will be open to the public and accessible. It really is the extension of (inaudible) Boulevard. You can see The Barnes in the background and the retail on the ground floor of the residential project. Our team I think we are looking to set a new bar for diversity and inclusion. We've got true equity opportunities for minority firms. And Frontier and National will lead that, but we have other local firms, Method, we've got BKP Development and Smith & Roller. Again, having true equity opportunities in this development. We've also got equity investment opportunities on the construction side of this project with an aggressive EOP plan, which provides true profit-sharing for minority contractors, subcontracting opportunities for MBE, WBE and DBE firms and aggressive goals for the hiring of minority and female workers. We also will be providing mentoring and internship opportunities and we are committed to this throughout the duration of the project. These are the project components. Again, you can see the public nature of this project where you can come in and go out and it's not closed off of development. This is just the physical rendering of the project components, and again the public spaces that are provided. That concludes my testimony and I'm happy to answer any questions you might have for this project.
Thank you so much for your testimony. Is your partner going to speak before I call for questions or --
Good afternoon, Madam Chairwoman. Ron Patterson, land use counsel for National Real Estate Advisors. No, I have nothing to add. I was just making myself available for the significant and substantial project, if there are any questions regarding land use and zoning entitlements and so on.
Thank you so much for your testimony today. It looks like it will be a beautiful project. Are there any questions or comments from members of this Committee? (No response.)
There being none, thank you so much. Mr. Clerk, are there other witnesses for Bill No. 230829?
Thank you so much. Mr. Clerk, will you please read the name of the first panelist to testify on Bill No. 22 230830.
Madam Chair, the next panelist is Bridget Collins-Greenwald, Commissioner of the Department of Public Property.
Good afternoon, Commissioner. Again, please share your name for the record and proceed with your testimony on Bill No. 230830. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Good afternoon, Chairperson, members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald and I'm the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property. I'm here to testify in favor of Bill No. 230830 introduced by Councilmember Jones for Council President Clarke, authorizing the Department of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a lease agreement with the Leon Sullivan Charitable Trust for space at 1415 North Broad Street. The Department of Human Services Achieving Independent Center, commonly referred to as AIC, has been located at 1415 North Broad since 2013. The AIC was created to support our local youth by providing education, employment and housing services to 18- to 23-year-olds preparing to age out of the foster care system. A new lease agreement would transition lease management from the DHS provider over to DPP and create more flexibility from DHS from an operations and budgeting standpoint. Furthermore, the proposed 10-year lease includes a significant tenant improvement allowance intended for building renovations and improvement providing DHS with an opportunity to reinvest in the AIC and the youth members that it serves. The Department of Public Property supports this measure. And accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approve Bill No. 230830. I am requesting a suspension of the rules as to allow for the first reading at the next session of Council. And I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you so much for your testimony. Are there any questions or comments from members of the Committee regarding Bill No. 12 230831? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, are there other panelists for this bill?
Madam Chair, there are no further panelists for Bill No. 230830.
Thank you so much. Mr. Clerk, will you please read the name of the first panelist for Bill No. 230832.
Madam Chair, the next panelist is Bridget Collins-Greenwald, Commissioner of the Department of Public Property.
Thank you, Commissioner. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony for Bill No. 8 230832. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Good afternoon, Councilperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald, and I'm the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property. I'm here to testify today in favor of Bill No. 18 230832 introduced by Councilmember Jones for Council President Clarke, authorizing the Department of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipality Authority for space at 216 North Broad Street. The proposed 216 North Broad Street lease would provide the City and its providers the unique opportunity to utilize brand new custom built space for the next years. Additionally, a tenant 8 improvement allowance would be made 9 available allowing the City to 10 continue to refresh and maintain 11 the turnkey delivered space over 12 the lifetime of the lease. 13 The quality of the space 14 coupled with the affordable rent 15 rate benefits the City long-term. The property already meets the appropriate zoning requirements, so permitting applications can begin immediately. The Department of Public Property supports this measure. And accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approve Bill No. 230832. I'm requesting a suspension of the rules as to allow for the first reading at the next session of Council. And I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you so much for your testimony. Are there any questions or comments from members of the Committee regarding this bill? (No response.)
There being none, Mr. Clerk, are there other panelists for this bill?
Thank you. Mr. Clerk, can you please read the name of the first panelist to testify on Bill No. 230851.
Our first panelist and our last panelist is Aparna Palantino, Deputy Commissioner of Public Property and Public Works testifying on 230851.
Thank you so much, Ms. Palantino. Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony for Bill No. 5 230851.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Aparna Palantino and I serve as the Deputy Commissioner for Capital Infrastructure and Natural Land for the Department of Parks & Recreation. I'm here today to testify in support of Bill No. 230851 introduced by Councilmember Gauthier, which would authorize the City to enter into a lease for the Sayre Morris Recreation Center Pool from the School District of Philadelphia. Bill No. 230851 is a technical bill with a practical purpose, restoring Sayre Pool to public use in Cobbs Creek. With capital contributions from the City, the Commonwealth, Councilmember and its own fund, there is a plan in place for the School District to renovate Sayre Pool. This ordinance would allow the City to lease it either directly from the District or through PAID which accommodations for occasional School District youth use. The lease will run for 13 years with possible renewal up to 14 10 more years. Parks & Recreation 15 is excited to program the pool for 16 the use of our residents, 17 particularly those in Cobbs Creek. 18 Therefore, we ask for a favorable 19 recommendation of Bill No. 230851 20 and that the rules of Council be 21 suspended to allow first reading at 22 the next session of City Council. 23 Thank you for your time and I'd be 24 happy to answer any questions you 25 may have.
Thank you so much for your testimony. Are there any questions or comments from members of this Committee for this witness? (No response.)
Mr. Clerk, you confirmed that there are no other witnesses for Bill No. 10 230851, correct?
Let the record show that members of this Committee have also received written testimony from Callowhill Neighbors Neighborhood Association, 14th community organization RCO, PCDC and WPNA in support of Bill 21 No. 230512 it looks like. I'm not really sure, but we received testimony for that as well. Are there any comments or anything members of this Committee would like to share for this panel or for any of the bills that were read through the hearing? (No response.)
Hearing no further questions or comments from members of this panel, there will be no other panelists to testify. We will take a brief break to connect members of the public that wish to testify on two bills before this Committee today. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Councilmember, can I ask a question real quick?
Sure can. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Was there anything for Bill No. 230831?
Yeah. So, Bridget, I do have you down for 230831. I think we skipped that from 30 to 32, right between there. That's you. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Okay. You know what, it sounds very similar because 8 Penn Center is listed too so I thought we missed it. Do I do that one or --
Yes. That's Bill No. 230831? COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Yes.
Will you please state your name for the record and begin your testimony. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Sure. Good afternoon, Councilperson Lozada and members of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works. My name is Bridget Collins-Greenwald. I'm the Commissioner of the Department of Public Property. I'm here to testify in favor of Bill No. 230831 introduced by Councilmember Jones for Council President Clarke, authorizing the Department of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipality Authority for warehouse space in the concourse level of 1628 to 40 JFK Boulevard also known as 8 Penn Center. The City of Philadelphia's Department of Revenue's outgoing mail processing center has been located at the concourse level at 8 Penn Center since 1999. The facility is strategically and conveniently located near the triplex and provides easy underground access for the (inaudible) where Revenue happens at this payment center. The current lease expired in 2019. But due to the pandemic, a lease expansion was never addressed. The proposed lease extension brings a list of new space improvement and provides the Department of Revenue employees with quality space that has been long before overdue. The Department of Public Property supports this measure. And accordingly, I respectfully request that City Council approve Bill No. 230831. I'm requesting a suspension of the rules as to allow for the first reading of the next session of Council. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Are there questions or comments regarding Bill No. 230831 for this witness? (No response.)
There being none, we will now take a brief break to connect members of the public that wish to testify on two bills before the Committee today.
Madam Chair, we do not have any members of the public signed up for public comment on any of the bills today.
Okay. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilmember Squilla. Councilmember Squilla, I know you're the Vice-Chair. Are you ready to offer a motion for amendments or we also asked Councilmember Driscoll to help because we were not sure if you were going to be able to connect today. How would you like to proceed?
Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Councilmember Driscoll, can you please read the bills if the hearing is over and the Committee is present?
Councilmember Squilla, yes, let me begin with -- which bill?
The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a motion on the amendment to Bill 230403.
I'm sorry. Just to interrupt very briefly, we need to conclude the public meeting aspect of it really quick. It's of the script.
All right. This concludes the public hearing of the Committee. We will now go into a public meeting to consider the action to be taken on the bills before this Committee today. We will now convene the public meeting. Mr. Clerk, will you please call the roll to take attendance. Members that are in attendance, would you please indicate that you are present when your name is called. Also, please say a few words when responding so that your image is displayed on screen when you speak. Mr. Clerk, call the roll.
Madam Chair, I am present. Good afternoon, everyone.
Good afternoon, Madam Chair, I'm present, colleagues.
I am present. Thank you. A quorum is present and we will now begin our public meeting. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a motion to amend Bill No. 230403.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I offer an amendment to Bill No. 230864.
Thank you. The Chair notes for the record that Councilmember Gauthier seconds the motion. It has been properly seconded that the amendment to Bill No. 230403 be approved. All those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the amendment to Bill No. 230403 has been approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a motion to amend Bill No. 230864.
A copy of the amendment has been circulated to all members of the Committee. Can I have a second?
The Chair notes that Councilmember Gauthier seconds the motion. It has been moved and properly seconded that the amendment to Bill 17 No. 230864 be approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the amendment to Bill 230864 has been approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a motion on the amendment to Bill No. 5 230857.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Councilmember Vaughn seconds the motion to Bill No. 17 230857. All those in favor please say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the amendment to Bill No. 230857 has been approved. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Driscoll for a single motion on Bill Nos. 230403, 230512, 230773, 230774, 230827, 230829, 230830, 230831, 230833, 230835, 230839, 230840, 230844, 230851, 230854, 230855, 230857, 230858, 230859 and 230864.
Madam Chair, I offer all those amendments as stated to all listed bills as you've just annunciated.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Councilmember Gauthier seconds the motion as amended for Bill No. 230864 as amended for Bill No. 820 -- or 230857, as amended Bill Nos. 230512, 230773, 230774, 230827, 230829, 230830, 230831, 230832, 230833, 230835, 230839, 230840, 230840, 230844, 230851, 230854, 230855, 230858 and 230859 be reported from this Committee with a favorable recommendation and further move that the rules of Council be suspended to permit first reading of these bills at the next session of Council. All those in favor of this motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. This concludes the business before the Committee on Public Property and Public Works today. Thank you so much to all of the Committee members and everyone who testified earlier today, for your patience and for doing the necessary work to have government move forward. Thank you so much. You guys have a great afternoon and a great evening.
Thank you. COMMISSIONER COLLINS- GREENWALD: Thank you. (Committee on Public Property and Public Works concluded at 2:50 p.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. __________________________________ TANEHA CARROLL