COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE3 - - -4 Room 400, City Hall5 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 23, 20096 4:30 p.m. 7 - - - 8 9 PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA10 COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR.11 COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM GREENLEE12 COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN MARIA QUINONES-SANCHEZ13 COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN14 COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO15 16 BILLS 090212, 090213, 090214, 090215, 090218, 090119, 090220 and 09022117 RESOLUTION 090226 18 19 20 - - -21 22 V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Services23 Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 60024 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.267025 2 1
Good2 evening, everybody. I am so delighted3 that many of you have come this evening4 to our continued budget hearings. I want5 to thank Councilmembers Tasco and Miller6 for inviting us here this evening, and I7 certainly want to extend my thanks to the8 Bishop.9 Thank you, Bishop, for having10 the meeting in this absolutely beautiful,11 beautiful church. I am almost tempted to12 come here for services one Sunday,13 because when I look at the amount of14 people that they must have in the choir,15 it has to be absolutely magnificent.16 However, at this time, I would17 like to introduce our Majority Leader,18 Councilwoman Tasco.19
Thank you,20 Madam President.21 Good evening, everyone.22 Afternoon, evening. We're almost there.23 I certainly appreciate your taking time24 out to come this evening to let us hear25 3 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 what you have to say about the budget2 that is before the City Council.3 Contrary to what some would4 like to believe, that we're not doing5 anything about the budget, the budget6 process works like this: The Mayor7 presents his budget to City Council, and8 then we listen to all of the departments.9 They come before the Council to talk10 about what money they have and also how11 they plan to spend that money, and then12 we spend time asking questions about the13 programs. We raise a lot of issues that14 you as our constituents have raised with15 us about services. And so it's a long,16 in-depth kind of discussion that goes on17 for a few weeks. And our budget is18 planned out through May, because the 5th19 and the 6th I believe we do have the20 School District that comes before the21 Council.22 So we're there every day23 listening to the various departments, and24 you will see some of the Administration25 4 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 members come in this evening to hear your2 comments. And so I wanted you to know3 this is part of our way to include you in4 this process and allow you to be in your5 neighborhood and not necessarily have to6 come down to City Hall.7 We did not have the opportunity8 to participate in the forums that were9 held prior to the Mayor's budget, but10 Councilwoman Miller and I thought it was11 most important that we have this hearing12 in this community so that we can hear13 from you and what recommendations you may14 have, some of the concerns you may have.15 And so as we deliberate what we have to16 do to fill this gap that is facing us17 during this fiscal crisis, that we have18 input from you, who we represent.19 So thank you again for coming.20 And for those of you who are interested,21 this program will be replayed tomorrow on22 Channel 64 at 9:00 p.m., Saturday morning23 at 8:30 a.m., Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m.24 and Sunday evening at 9:00 p.m. So25 5 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 you'll have an opportunity, if you have2 neighbors who could not come and you want3 them to see and hear, you can let them4 know, and certainly if you testify, you5 can see yourself testify.6 Thank you so much.7
Thank8 you, Councilwoman.9 At this time, I would like to10 recognize Councilwoman Miller.11
Thank12 you. Thank you.13 I just want to thank everyone14 for taking the time to come out today.15 This is the time for you to come out and16 be heard, come out and have input.17 I had some folks in my office18 earlier today talking about what was19 important to them with this particular20 budget, and I asked them, I said, Well,21 I'm glad to hear from you, but can you22 come out tonight and just give us a23 little bit of your testimony. This is24 your opportunity.25 6 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 As Councilwoman Tasco said, we2 wanted to make sure that we brought City3 Council out to you. That way, you4 wouldn't have to come all the way in5 town. Some of the Councilmembers on6 their way here today said, How do you7 guys come to work every day, it's too far8 to travel. So sometimes we know that,9 and we think it's important that we can10 make things just a little bit closer and11 a little bit more convenient for our12 constituents.13 This budget process, as14 Councilwoman Tasco explained, is15 something that we've done every year,16 same process. The Mayor presents the17 budget. We review the budget, have our18 input. But this budget, I believe -- I19 know since I've been there for 14 years,20 the dollar amount of this budget is21 unlike any other budget. I mean, this22 city is in fiscal crisis. So we have23 very, very, very hard choices to make24 this year, and that's why it's so25 7 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 important that we hear from you.2 So without further adieu, I'm3 going to end my comments and just again4 thank everybody for coming out. And if5 anyone wants to testify and hasn't signed6 up, I know that Derek is over there and7 some other folks are around, so you can8 give them your information or you can9 just sign up to testify. Three minutes,10 though.11 Thank you.12
Thank13 you.14 And before we hear from you, I15 would like to acknowledge some of the16 people that are in the audience. Clay17 Armbrister, the Mayor's Chief of Staff.18 Please stand.19 (Applause.)20
Rob21 Dubow, our Finance Director.22 (Applause.)23
And24 our Recreation Commissioner, Commissioner25 8 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Slawson.2 (Applause.)3
Thank4 you. And now we will open up our5 meeting.6 This is a continued public7 hearing of the Committee of the Whole8 regarding the budget. Our first9 witnesses will be?10 MR. McPHERSON: Cicely11 Peterson-Mangum, John Ungar, Majeedah12 Rashid, Jason Salus.13 (Witnesses approached witness14 table.)15
Good16 afternoon. Please identify yourself for17 the record and proceed with your18 testimony.19
Good20 afternoon, Council President Verna,21 Councilmembers. My name is Cicely22 Peterson-Mangum and I am the Executive23 Director of Logan Community Development24 Corporation. Before I begin my25 9 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 testimony, I want to give special thanks2 to Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller and3 Councilwoman Marian Tasco for bringing4 these hearings to the community and for5 offering us a platform to express our6 views and recommendations regarding the7 City's Fiscal Year 2010 budget.8 I am here to urge the City to9 commit funding to the work of community10 development corporations and economic11 development initiatives. Economic12 development is an important strategy in13 eradicating poverty and generating the14 resources necessary for human development15 and a stable community. The work of CDCs16 strengthen neighborhood economies and, in17 turn, the City of Philadelphia's tax18 base.19 Among the many comprehensive20 economic development activities, you will21 find that CDCs strengthen neighborhood22 commercial corridors; help start-up23 businesses with site selection, marketing24 and business plans; provide technical25 10 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 assistance and services to existing2 businesses; market their neighborhood's3 assets; and help local residents obtain4 jobs. All of the foregoing initiatives5 have resulted in significant positive6 economic impact on communities, helping7 expand local access to goods, services8 and jobs.9 For the past 25 years, the10 Logan neighborhood of Philadelphia has11 suffered high levels of poverty, crime,12 disinvestment, abandonment and13 foreclosures. This slow decay stems from14 the demolition of previously sinking15 homes in the neighborhood, which left a16 40-acre abandoned lot along a once17 vibrant residential section. As a18 result, hundreds of families and19 businesses fled the neighborhood.20 We urge Council to restore21 funding for programs like the Housing22 Trust Fund and funding for affordable23 homes. City funding will benefit our24 neighborhoods and residents and help25 11 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 facilitate future affordable housing2 efforts and efforts to stabilize the3 neighborhood and assist disenfranchised4 families with secure, stable living5 conditions.6 The Housing Trust Fund helps7 everyone. It expands housing8 opportunities, prevents foreclosures,9 evictions and homelessness, supports home10 repair, creates jobs, strengthens the11 City's tax base, leverages other funds12 and rebuilds communities to benefit all13 Philadelphians.14 We also urge Council to fund15 property acquisition and the reuse of16 vacant properties. The ability to17 acquire vacant and abandoned properties18 is critical to developing new homes and19 businesses and improving the quality of20 life in our neighborhoods.21 In addition to improving the22 City's system to acquire and dispose of23 property, it is critical that adequate24 funding be made available to support such25 12 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 developments. The City should recycle2 previous funds committed to acquire3 properties and identify new resources to4 support future acquisition needs.5 We thank the City for its6 current investment in the work of CDCs7 and affordable housing, and we ask for a8 continued commitment and investment.9 Funding for such programs should be an10 integral part of the City's overall11 strategy to reduce the high rate of12 vacancies and foreclosures in our13 neighborhoods and to ensure housing and14 stability for citizens of all incomes.15 To conclude, I'd like to thank16 you for your time, attention and17 interest. Community housing and economic18 development initiatives are important19 vehicles for continued growth and20 stability in our neighborhoods, and I21 welcome any opportunities to continue22 this conversation.23 Thank you.24
Thank25 13 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 you very much.2 Please identify yourself for3 the record.4
Yes. My name is5 Jason Salus and I'm with Mount Airy USA.6 Good afternoon and thank you7 for the opportunity to address Council.8 I'm the Director of Real Estate9 Development for Mount Airy USA, the10 community development corporation for11 Mount Airy. As you may or may not know,12 we have four primary service areas: real13 estate development, commercial corridor14 revitalization, which works to attract15 and retain retail businesses to our16 commercial corridor, housing counseling,17 which assists first-time buyers and helps18 homeowners avoid foreclosure, and our19 neighborhood programs that help to20 strengthen our sense of community.21 My message today is a simple22 one. Supporting the City's community23 development corporations is not simply24 another appropriation; it's an investment25 14 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 that pays dividends for Philadelphia's2 neighborhoods and strengthens our3 communities.4 I'd like to take just a minute5 to share some examples of how Mount Airy6 USA has leveraged our support from the7 City to attract investment to Mount Airy.8 We've worked to bring more than9 $35 million of public and private10 investment to the Germantown Avenue11 commercial corridor.12 We've succeeded in attracting13 new restaurants and retailers to our14 corridor, and transformed over 55,00015 square feet of abandoned and blighted16 properties into vibrant new retail and17 office commercial spaces.18 We've constructed 11 affordable19 new townhomes for first-time,20 income-qualified home buyers.21 By the end of this year, more22 than two years of community planning will23 culminate leveraging $4 million in city,24 state and federal funds to enhance the25 15 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Germantown Avenue streetscape.2 Mount Airy USA's housing3 counselors have assisted hundreds of4 individuals in buying their first homes,5 while helping struggling homeowners work6 through their finances to stay in their7 homes.8 We spearheaded the9 implementation of the Mount Airy Business10 Improvement District and now serve as its11 managing agent and the manager of the12 BID's cleaning corps.13 And in 2008, we led a14 neighborhood greening effort that15 resulted in planting 65 trees.16 The results of this important17 work are clear: Every dollar investment18 in Mount Airy USA generates over $30 of19 non-local investment.20 We could not have accomplished21 so much without the support of the City22 through our work with the Commerce23 Department, the Office of Housing and24 Community Development and, of course, our25 16 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 elected leaders.2 This economic environment is3 precisely the time to support the work of4 our CDCs to rebuild communities that are5 hit hardest by the downturn, communities6 that are the first to watch properties go7 vacant and businesses close. Of acute8 interest are opportunities to expand our9 housing counseling capacity and our real10 estate development capacity, working in11 tandem to reduce the potential for blight12 in Mount Airy and advance the13 revitalization already underway.14 As this budget process15 progresses, I'd urge the City to continue16 supporting Philadelphia's CDCs, which do17 the important granular work of rebuilding18 our neighborhoods block by block,19 promoting opportunities for20 homeownership, small businesses and21 entrepreneurs that comprise our city's22 bright future.23 Thank you.24
Thank25 17 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 you. It sounds like you've been very2 hard at work, both of you, and I would3 strongly urge you to keep in close4 contact with your Councilwoman,5 Councilwoman Miller, who I'm sure you6 have worked very closely with. But I7 congratulate you on all that you've done.8
My name is John13 Ungar. I'm the Executive Director of14 Mount Airy Revitalization Corporation.15 First of all, thank you, Council16 President Verna, and, of course, thank17 you, Councilwomen Tasco and Miller and18 the rest of Council. We appreciate this19 opportunity to talk about the City's20 budget.21 I only just have a couple of22 points to make about the City budget.23 Likewise, another CDC representing the24 East Mount Airy community. But the first25 18 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 point I want to make is, it's very2 important you do not cut resources to3 middle-class neighborhoods such as Mount4 Airy. Specifically, the City should5 continue to invest in the business6 districts and assist small businesses in7 middle-class neighborhoods.8 The improvements that our9 organization has made on Wadsworth Avenue10 are already having a direct positive11 impact on the community. As a result of12 our government investment into13 streetscape improvements on Wadsworth14 Avenue, several business owners are now15 investing their own money into their own16 storefronts. In addition, it's having a17 positive impact on the surrounding18 neighborhood. Many residents tell us19 they're pleased with how the neighborhood20 looks. They feel a new sense of pride in21 their community. And others from outside22 are already noticing the community. So23 we're attracting new shoppers, new24 residents. This is exactly what we need25 19 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 to strengthen the middle-class tax base.2 And as I've said before other3 testimonies, the impact of the business4 district affects the surrounding5 neighborhoods. The Wharton School at the6 University of Pennsylvania conducted a7 study a few years ago showing that the8 health of the business district directly9 impacts the housing values of the10 surrounding neighborhood. So if a11 business district is weak and struggling12 with crime and vacancies, the property13 values of the surrounding residential14 neighborhood are going to decrease. On15 the other hand, if you have a vibrant,16 safe, thriving business district, it17 actually increases the housing value. So18 I encourage you to continue investments19 in middle-class business districts, as20 well as the other business districts.21 The second point I want to make22 is to encourage investment in23 sustainability and energy efficiency,24 both for businesses and for residents.25 20 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Aside from being good policy, many of our2 small businesses operate in older3 buildings with older equipment that's not4 energy efficient. As you all know, in a5 couple of years the utility cap rates are6 going to expire and the rates are going7 to increase for everybody, and I think8 it's going to hit a lot of our businesses9 hard. Those that are not doing well10 already, we may lose them. They may shut11 down. Likewise, it's an issue for our12 homeowners, especially those on a fixed13 income. We need to find some way to14 direct resources to enable them to15 weatherize their homes, adopt16 energy-efficient improvements so that17 they can stay in their homes and it will18 be affordable for them.19 Finally, the last point I want20 to touch on is the mortgage foreclosure21 crisis. As you well know, this part of22 the City, West Oak Lane and Mount Airy,23 has one of the highest concentrations of24 high interest -- mortgages and high rate25 21 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 of foreclosures. It's important the City2 address this with resources both on the3 front end and on the back end. On the4 front end, we have some very good housing5 counseling agencies up in the Northwest.6 We need to provide resources for them.7 We need to direct people to those8 agencies.9 (Bell rung.)10
Therefore -- also11 on the back end. We're not going to be12 able to prevent all of the foreclosures,13 so there needs to be funds available for14 non-profit CDCs such as ours to acquire15 these properties and rehabilitate them16 and put them back on the market. We17 cannot let vacancy spread through our18 community and hurt the work that we've19 already done and so much success in the20 Northwest.21 Thank you for your time.22
Thank23 you. Thank you.24 The Chair recognizes Councilman25 22 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Clarke.2
Thank you,3 Madam President.4 I'd just like to say obviously5 thank you very much for your testimony6 and showing your interest in the things7 that we're doing in the City of8 Philadelphia. In particular, I'd just9 like to say to Ms. Peterson-Mangum, I10 want to appreciate the fact that you've11 recognized the importance of being able12 to use NTI acquisition funds to13 revitalize our communities, putting to14 good use either underutilized or15 properties that have been off the tax16 rolls for quite some time.17 Unfortunately, our NTI acquisition18 funding was suspended almost a year ago.19 Actually, I think it's actually a year to20 the date, and we are somewhat frustrated21 by not being in the position to continue22 to utilize that.23 So hopefully we'll be able to24 get whatever is being done, the audit or25 23 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 whatever the process is, to get it back2 online so we can go out and aggressively3 develop these communities and put these4 underutilized properties back on the tax5 rolls and make these neighborhoods the6 type of neighborhoods that we would all7 appreciate having.8 So thank you again for9 recognizing that.10
Thank13 you again.14 Any further questions or15 comments?16
No. I'd17 just like to thank these representatives18 for coming out to speak, and I want you19 to know it took us a long time to get20 CDCs in the 9th Councilmanic District,21 but we have -- other than OARC. OARC has22 been around a long time. But they both23 work very hard, and Cicely certainly in24 the Logan area of the City of25 24 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Philadelphia, which has been devoid of2 having leadership over there with a3 community organization. So we appreciate4 her leadership and John's leadership in5 working with the North Northwest.6
Thank7 you.8 Thank you again.9 Before we hear from our next10 speaker, I'm sure you all recognize the11 people that are up at the table.12 Nevertheless, I would like to introduce13 them. To my extreme left is Councilman14 Rizzo. Next to him is Councilman Clarke,15 Councilwoman Miller, as you know. To my16 extreme right is Councilman Goode,17 Councilman Green, Councilman Greenlee,18 Councilwoman Tasco and Charlie McPherson,19 who is in our office.20 Thank you. Kindly identify21 yourself for the record.22
Good afternoon.23 My name is Majeedah Rashid. I am the24 Chief Operating Officer of the Nicetown25 25 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 CDC. I want to thank Council President2 Verna and my great Councilwoman, Donna3 Reed Miller, as well as Councilwoman4 Tasco and all of the honorable Council5 representatives here.6 As I said, I'm the Chief7 Operating Officer of the Nicetown CDC and8 I'm also a member of the Philadelphia9 Association of CDCs, and I also am the10 Executive Director of the Nicetown CDC11 Neighborhood Advisory Committee, whose12 service area includes census tracts13 within the 8th and 9th Council Districts.14 I have two positions. I could15 have many positions. They go on and on,16 but I chose to focus on two today. And17 for your consideration, my first position18 is regarding property acquisition.19 I just want to share a story20 with you. The Nicetown CDC, briefly, was21 founded in 1999 with a mission to22 establish effective and sustainable23 community economic development24 initiatives in Nicetown and its25 26 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 surrounding neighborhoods. We have2 fulfilled our mission with a holistic,3 citizen-driven approach, which includes4 re-establishing the Nicetown Neighborhood5 Advisory Committee in 2002, which we6 definitely could have not done without7 the support and interest of Councilwoman8 Donna Reed Miller.9 In 2006, the City of10 Philadelphia expanded the Nicetown CDC11 service area -- Nicetown CDC NAC program12 service area boundaries, and today our13 service area includes 12 census tracts.14 The Nicetown CDC NAC is a program of the15 Nicetown CDC and has been successful with16 ensuring citizen participation in the17 development and planning process. It has18 been the vehicle by which the Nicetown19 CDC has developed a series of economic20 development plans and projects which21 target Nicetown's commercial corridor and22 the blocks connecting to it. From those23 plans, we have implemented a Clean and24 Safe initiative that encourages25 27 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 businesses and residents to be2 responsible for cleaning and maintaining3 the environment in front of and around4 their businesses and homes. This5 includes facade improvements, new trash6 receptacles and planters, banners,7 signage along Nicetown's corridor and the8 rehabilitation of vacant and abandoned9 property.10 The Nicetown CDC embarked on11 its first affordable housing project in12 2004, with five properties that were to13 be conveyed to us by the Redevelopment14 Authority. We are a grassroots15 organization and very naive to some16 degree, and we were excited when we17 received the memo from the RDA which we18 believed would give us site control and19 allow us to utilize the Homeownership20 Rehabilitation Program, HRP, to redevelop21 these abandoned and blighted properties.22 Needless to say, it was nearly three long23 years before we actually got the project24 underway. During that25 28 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 acquisition-related delay, two of the2 properties were lost to sheriff sale and3 developed by other private developers.4 (Bell rung.)5
The Nicetown CDC6 and its NAC program have since assisted7 the owners of those properties with8 heater replacement, roofing and other9 basic system repair. 14 In close proximity to our first15 HRP project are three properties adjacent16 to each other in the 4300 block of 16th17 Street. 20 The block is well organized, and the21 block captain and other neighbors came to22 us to let it be known that they did not23 want the properties torn down. 9 Council has since passed an ordinance to10 initiate that process, but it is now hung11 up somewhere between Council and the12 forensic audit at the RDA. Meanwhile,13 the properties have been open to the14 elements for years and have become15 imminently dangerous. Of course, the16 community wants to know why these17 buildings are sitting there, when we told18 them that we would improve the19 neighborhood by rehabilitating them for20 homeownership. The residents often ask21 us, What are you people doing? 5 The Nicetown CDC is ready,6 willing and able to hit the ground7 running and eliminate this ugly,8 blighted, unsafe disgrace. 15 It's regarding the Neighborhood Advisory16 Committee and its contract relating to17 operating funds. This point is related18 to the funding of the 22 NACs in the19 City. I want to bring to your attention20 that NAC contracts begin officially on21 October 1st and are rarely executed22 before mid-January. 1 three-month period, or maybe longer in2 some cases. No funds for staff payroll,3 taxes, utilities, supplies and other4 vital needs. 13 For the record, NACs are often14 reminded by OHCD that annual funds15 allocated are based upon reimbursable16 contract activities and merely represent17 seed money that should be supplemented by18 fundraising efforts of NAC19 administrators. 1 Philadelphia. They should also invest2 more in capacity building and3 professional development funding, which4 will also help to eliminate many fiscal5 issues of NACs. 10 In conclusion, of course, the11 Nicetown CDC will continue to implement12 programs that strive for effectiveness13 and the production of measurable outcomes14 in serving the community. However, our15 organization as well as others will16 continue to suffer if the execution17 process of NAC contracts is not improved18 or upgraded immediately. 23
Thank24 you very much.25 33 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Are there any questions or2 comments?3 The Chair recognizes Councilman4 Green.5
Thank you6 very much for your testimony. I have a7 question for you.8 If the RDA were to transfer9 those properties to you, how many people10 would you employ and would they be from11 the neighborhood or local contractors?12
Well, they would13 definitely utilize neighborhood14 contractors, because the Nicetown CDC15 prioritizes minority contracting. But I16 would say right off the bat, we would17 work with the YouthBuild Charter School,18 which is primarily a minority19 organization, and for subcontracting of20 special needs, special values on schedule21 values, we would utilize neighborhood22 contractors that have the qualifications.23
But I'm24 trying to get a sense of how many people25 34 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 aren't being employed in the neighborhood2 because of this delay in getting the3 property to you. Is it 20 people that4 currently could have jobs?5
I would say easily6 between 25 and 30 people are not being7 employed.8
And that's9 happening all over this city as a10 consequence of this forensic audit.11
It's a very13 large problem in many Council districts,14 and we're doing everything we can on City15 Council to try to help the Administration16 recognize that there's a difference17 between an audit and making stuff18 available to citizens to employ people in19 neighborhoods.20 Thank you.21
Thank23 you.24 Any further questions or25 35 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 comments?2
I just3 have a comment. I invite you to testify4 when we have OHCD budget hearings with5 City Council. We'll notify you. Thank6 you.7
Majeedah,13 I'd like to thank you for coming and14 thank the other CDCs for coming here15 today. We do know that the acquisition16 dollars are very, very important, and if17 we -- we're doing all that we can. I18 believe the audit is either nearly done,19 if not finished. I suggest you call the20 Mayor's Office and ask them when the21 audit is going to be finished, because22 I'm not really sure.23 But in any event, we do hope --24 thank you for your perseverance and all25 36 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the good work all of you do in2 neighborhoods. Thank you.3
Thank6 you.7 Just a moment, please. We do8 have members that have joined us. To my9 extreme left is Councilwoman Brown,10 Councilman Curtis, and to my right is11 Councilwoman Sanchez, who I understand12 would like to be recognized for a13 question.14
Yeah.15 Can any of the CDCs speak to if in the16 discussions with OHCD, for those of you17 who have either NAC or CDC contracts,18 have you been in discussions around the19 stimulus, weatherization and your ability20 to ramp up those activities as it relates21 to potential stimulus money? Any of the22 CDCs.23
Is24 someone going to respond? Please come up25 37 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 to the table and use the microphone.2 Thank you.3
I'm sorry. You4 were referencing if NACs were able to5 access --6
Have you7 been in discussions with the8 Administration about the potential9 stimulus money and the increase in10 weatherization, and those of you who have11 the capacity to ramp up those activities,12 have you been in discussions about that?13
Well, we've been14 in serious discussion about it, not15 necessarily with the Administration of16 the City, but with other community-based17 organizations. The Nicetown CDC is18 currently engaged in a project that will19 allow us to be a part of stimulus funds20 that are coming down in relation to21 weatherization and a lot of green22 activities.23
Are you24 applying directly to the state or to the25 38 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 feds?2
We are applying --3 for this particular project, it's4 directly to the federal government.5
Thank8 you.9 The Chair recognizes Councilman10 Jones.11 Just a moment, please.12
Thank you,15 Madam President.16 On behalf of my colleague,17 Blondell Reynolds Brown, we apologize for18 our lateness, but we were on a panel for19 greening out at the Cira Centre, a part20 of a vibrant discussion about the future21 of greening in the City of Philadelphia.22 I guess a couple of questions23 come to mind. One of the concerns of24 this body is, how does the stimulus25 39 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 package and how does the green trickle2 down to CDCs like Nicetown and are you3 plugging in to PWDC by way of contracts4 or transitioning traditional trades such5 as plumbing, roofing to green trades?6 Because I do understand that there will7 and are looking for those kinds of8 proposals to take a plumber to be a gray9 water recycler or a roofer to be a green10 roofer. So I wanted to know, is it11 trickling down to CDCs like Nicetown?12
Well, not per se13 in regards to PWDC, but we are looking to14 do some things. For example, we are15 contracted by the City with land care,16 and we're looking at ways to engage our17 land care activities in a more green18 manner in regards to pesticides and19 things of that nature, storm water20 management and that kind of thing, and21 the people have been trying to put us in22 contact with stimulus funds that may23 assist us in that way. But we haven't24 been engaged in direct stimulus funds25 40 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 activities that would help us in that2 regard.3
I think4 it's -- Councilwoman Tasco says if we do5 things in haste, we will repent in our6 leisure.7 Is that right? Did I butcher8 it?9
All right.12 Thank you.13 But I don't want us to move14 with such haste that we leave CDCs and15 these opportunities behind. If we're16 talking about revamping how we deal with17 rainwater runoff and the rain garden is18 going to be the landscape out here at19 intersections, then it seems to me that20 we should be connecting with folk in the21 CDC community to prepare young people22 from neighborhoods to be able to be rain23 garden installers, developers,24 assemblers, and those connects are very25 41 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 important so that the stimulus package2 actually stimulates Ogontz Avenue here.3
I think we6 need to challenge ourselves not to move7 so fast that we leave the opportunities8 on the table.9
Majeedah,15 it's my understanding that Nicetown and16 other groups were encouraged to form a17 coalition around job training as it18 relates to the stimulus dollars --19
And that's23 something that was initiated -- it's a24 very good project with three CDCs and25 42 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 some other community-based organizations,2 and especially American Cities3 Foundation, who is -- they're like the4 gurus of a lot of this greening5 initiative, especially the training6 aspects. And thanks to Congressman Chaka7 Fattah and the U.S. Labor Secretary, we8 were urged to maintain this coalition and9 identify ways that we can utilize those10 stimulus funds. So we're real excited11 about that.12
Thank15 you.16 The Chair -- just a moment,17 dear.18 The Chair recognizes19 Councilwoman Brown.20
Thank you,21 Madam President.22 The forum we just left was23 actually hosted by the American Cities24 Foundation, where the principal interest25 43 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 is to make sure that green happens in2 what some might call at the neighborhood3 level as well.4 So the opportunity I see5 here -- and Councilman Jones and I and6 others want to put this in writing -- a7 letter to the Mayor making a request that8 the announcement that is happening I9 believe next week by Mark Alan Hughes,10 who is the public policy director of the11 City and it appears to me one of the12 principals in the sustainability efforts13 that will be rolled out by the14 Administration, that everybody that cares15 in any way, shape or form about greening,16 sustainability, energy conservation be17 invited to a major press conference that18 is being led by him over the next ten19 days. I simply don't know the date. But20 your presence there will be important,21 because what's missing is gaps of22 information, misinformation. We can't23 afford late information. And it's my24 understanding that this important25 44 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 announcement, it will launch, if you2 will, the Administration's goals and3 initiatives around how the Administration4 plans to roll out and dispense of those5 recovery dollars.6
That's a good7 suggestion, and we would like to avail8 ourselves of that here in the Northwest,9 because we're big on greening in the10 Northwest.11
Thank14 you.15 MR. McPHERSON: Our next panel16 consists of Emanuel Freeman, Bruce Tabbs,17 Dot Newton and Miriam McClare.18 (No response.)19 MR. McPHERSON: They left their20 testimony.21
And22 that will be given to the stenographer so23 it will be made part of the record.24 Thank you.25 45 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 MR. McPHERSON: Our next panel2 consists of Veronika Johnson and3 Gwendolyn Tucker.4 (Witnesses approached witness5 table.)6 MR. McPHERSON: They can't7 hear?8 Veronika Johnson and Gwendolyn9 Tucker. The names before that was10 Emanuel Freeman, Bruce Tabbs, Dot Newton11 and Miriam McClare.12 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:13 Hello. Please identify yourself for the14 record.15
Can you18 speak into the mike? You have to pull it19 a little closer.20
Thank you. My24 name is Gwendolyn Tucker. I'm happy to25 46 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 have the opportunity to, President Verna2 and the members of City Council, to make3 this testimony, and I would like to first4 thank Donna Reed Miller for attending our5 last town hall meeting and helping6 resolve several problems, but then again,7 I'm here to speak for the Cliveden Hill8 Association and their concerns about the9 budget relative to proposed property tax10 increases.11 My name is Gwendolyn Tucker of12 Mount Airy and I reside in the 8th13 Councilmanic District. I'm here today to14 express the concerns of the members of15 the Cliveden Hills Association. For over16 40 years, our organization and its17 membership have been and continue to be18 active in the protection, preservation,19 development and growth of this Northwest20 community. We continue to do so through21 partnership with business, government and22 community residents to maintain and23 support a stable, safe environment.24 To this end, we would like to25 47 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 state our objections to any, especially2 double digit, increase in our property3 taxes for any duration for the following4 reasons:5 Number one, Philadelphia has6 had a longstanding problem with the7 inequitable assessment of properties8 across City districts. Overassessment of9 minority neighborhoods and10 underassessment of properties and11 districts such as ex-Senator Fumo's have12 been documented for more than 20 years.13 In 1981, a lawsuit was filed and settled,14 and on November the 11th, 1994,15 Councilman, now-Mayor Nutter and Council16 adopted a resolution to create a Property17 Tax Review Committee to investigate and18 resolve this complex issue. To date,19 assessment reform has not been20 accomplished and is sorely needed.21 Number two, higher property22 taxes will have a disproportionate impact23 on retired senior citizens. Over 6024 percent of homeowners in our community25 48 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 are senior citizens on fixed incomes who2 have lived in and maintained their3 properties for over 30 years. Senior4 citizens in Philadelphia have already5 been excluded from benefiting from the6 state gambling proceeds which now go to7 the City wage taxes.8 Number three, given the current9 state of the banking and accompanying10 housing market and the increase in the11 number of bank foreclosures on homes,12 higher property taxes will increase the13 likelihood of more homeowners abandoning14 and/or losing their property, as well as15 possible flight of valuable, stable,16 long-supporting retired senior citizens.17 (Bell rung.)18
While the ten-year19 property tax abatement plan encourages20 the development of new buildings, it is21 categorically discriminatory against22 existing homeowners, who will be assessed23 additional property taxes to meet budget24 shortfalls.25 49 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 We believe that an additional2 inequitable increase in the property3 taxes will lead to the destabilization of4 our community and the City as a whole.5 We, therefore, encourage the Mayor and6 the City Council to undertake serious7 legislative initiatives to eliminate the8 inequities and inefficiencies in the real9 estate property tax system as it10 currently exists, actively pursue the11 collection of many delinquent property12 tax accounts, suspend or add a special13 condition to tax abatement and tax-exempt14 establishments, and explore alternative15 approaches to meet the budget shortfalls16 which do not disproportionately impact17 upon senior citizens and minorities.18 Thank you.19 (Applause.)20
Yes.24 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:25 50 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Please introduce yourself for the record.2
My name is3 Veronika Johnson.4 Okay. With the lady sitting5 next to me, I feel a little slighted.6 I'm not just here for myself, but I think7 just about every Councilmember up here8 knows why I'm here. So I have three9 minutes, so let me keep it short.10 First of all, I'd like to thank11 Councilman Green, your staff member Tracy12 Hardy. I'd like to thank Darrell Clarke,13 Donna Reed Miller. Most of all, from the14 depth of my heart, I want to thank15 Councilman Curtis Jones, Tumar Alexander16 and Councilwoman Marian Tasco, your17 Sharon Vaughn.18 My problem is with an agency.19 Am I allowed to identify an agency?20 PHDC.21 In 2001, I lost my grandmother.22 I'll be very brief. In 2002, once23 survived my grandfather. Found him dead24 in the backyard. September of that year,25 51 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 lost my grandmother. That June the2 following year, lost my brother. After3 that, four other people, the only people4 I have to depend on, but nobody was5 there. My house became in disrepair.6 Excuse me.7 (Witness crying.)8
And my background9 really is outreach group specialist from10 PWDC. It is what I've done for everybody11 else for so many years. Actually, when12 Councilman Jones was at PCDC, I needed a13 place to take clients. He found a place14 for me to take 80 clients per day.15 So if I don't speak about16 myself, I won't get emotional.17 So that being said, the way I18 fight for other people, I never fought19 for myself. I never asked for anything20 for myself.21 Also, going through that, my22 daughter was pregnant, going through a23 separation. Fiance had eight24 (unintelligible).25 52 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 My best friend, she died, had2 to bury her. So my neighbor told me --3 they moved in next door. They said, Have4 you looked at the back of your house?5 I never had a reason to go out6 the back of my house, because I'm at7 (unintelligible) and Ogontz. They had8 just moved in. When I looked, my mouth9 dropped. My previous neighbor on the10 other side had lost the house to11 sheriff's sale. I don't know if you12 remember. In '96 when they had those13 shootings, October 30th on the corner,14 his son got killed. Made it to the15 house, died in the house. A month later,16 his daughter's -- one baby father killed17 the other baby father inside of the18 house. All this is documented. He19 literally lost it, left the house. The20 house is a total mess. I have a21 certified letter from him.22 Another neighbor came to me.23 She works for PHDC. She said, You're24 able. I never knew she was actually25 53 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 going to be the inspector.2 So to make a very long story3 short, I've had six inspections. No one4 has ever had six inspections. These5 inspectors gave me their numbers.6 (Bell rung.)7
Their cell8 numbers, everything.9 So what I've been going through10 now since 2005, if I had known being a11 caregiver for two people, the only two12 people I have left now, I would have done13 something to repair it myself. They14 approved me. They gave it to L&I.15 Everything was a go. Every piece of16 document that I have in here, as I said,17 I think mostly everyone saw, one being18 from -- originally as of last week, I19 never applied. By the grace of God, I20 found it that I did apply. That went21 away. Then it was a thing I was on over22 income. Due to Sharon Vaughn, Derek23 Green, other people, especially Curtis24 Jones -- I thank him -- I was able to25 54 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 prove that I wasn't over income. Then2 with Tumar Alexander, we all went into a3 meeting September, and everything was4 supposed to be okay. It wasn't about5 over income now. It was about my6 residency. That went away. Then after7 the residency, they wanted to know if L&I8 will say -- this is after I have been to9 court four times for L&I. They wanted to10 know if L&I would be okay with them11 building it back up at the cost of what12 it was.13 Very long story short,14 everything was a go after September. I15 received a letter in November 21st saying16 everything would be okay as long as I17 removed the deck. Someone from 332 came18 up. They were going to move the deck on19 a Saturday. We said, No, let's wait20 until Monday.21 I called them on Monday. They22 said, No, we didn't get it out yet. And23 we know if you take the deck down, the24 house is going to fall down. That was25 55 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 November the 21st.2 So with them approving me3 November 21st saying that everything was4 good, I said, I'll tell you what, I'll5 use the same person you're going to use,6 come out of my pocket and pay for the7 deck. Okay. Everybody was all right8 with that. Calling every day. January9 21st I received a letter saying, No, you10 no longer can have that. You have to pay11 for both houses. This is the point I'm12 making. My house, as well as the house13 next door.14 So my Councilman wrote the15 letter explaining everything that I would16 like to give all of you a copy so you can17 see where we are. That was in January.18 Then I received a letter in February19 telling me, Okay, we haven't heard20 anything from you -- and I've been21 calling every day -- which I know isn't22 true. If you don't respond, then we're23 going to just consider it gone.24 I responded in a certified25 56 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 letter. They said they never got it.2 That was in March. Then in April, I3 received a letter since I hadn't4 responded, they wouldn't take no further5 action. In my letter I just asked them6 to give me the scope of what they wanted.7 I went and got a contractor. I had five8 contractors. Then they said it had to be9 a contractor off their list. I got their10 list. They told me there was no such11 list. I had to fax them the list. I got12 the list. Then the contractor from their13 list gave me his estimate.14 Now, at this point, I don't15 know where to go.16
I'm17 going to tell you where to go. There's a18 gentleman sitting there who is the Chief19 of Staff to the Mayor. I am sure that he20 has someone with him who can take the21 necessary notes so that I'm sure he'd be22 very happy to look into it.23
Thank25 57 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 you.2
Can I add one3 other thing? I have been in contact with4 Mr. Altman, Ms. McCollough.5 Unfortunately, she had to go on vacation6 for Portugal. So I'm not here to point7 fingers. I just want to get answers. If8 you're telling me this is the gentleman9 to do it, I thank you very much.10
I11 have full confidence that he's going to12 be able to help you.13
Lastly, because14 I'm due back in court for the seventh15 time April the 30th and I have to do16 something.17
Once again, thank20 you, Councilman Jones, Clarke, Tasco,21 Green and, most of all, Tumar Alexander.22 And I almost got to you, Councilman23 Goode.24 Thank you very much.25 58 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
Thank2 you.3 Thank you all.4 Incidentally, you were talking5 about property taxes, and I see that we6 may have a number of seniors in the7 audience. I do hope that people who are8 under PACENET are taking advantage of a9 bill that Council passed several years10 ago whereby if you're a senior citizen,11 own your home and you are under PACENET,12 your property taxes will never go up13 until such time as you sell that property14 or, God forbid, you die and somebody else15 should take over. But I think a lot of16 seniors are not aware of that and17 certainly should be. So I think that we18 have to spread that word around, because19 we're being told that there are thousands20 of seniors who do come under that PACENET21 guideline who are not applying and they22 should be.23
I thank you for24 that information, because I am not25 59 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 familiar with it, and I did run across it2 when I was in City Council. However, it3 would be helpful if I can call your4 office, Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller,5 and get that information, and I will6 certainly disseminate it. I do have7 several resources within the community to8 disseminate that and to offer the support9 to the senior citizens.10
Actually,13 can you just give me your e-mail address14 and we'll get the information to you?15
Our20 next panel?21 MR. McPHERSON: The next panel22 consists of Kevin Peter, Sloane Folks,23 Jennifer Powell-Folks.24 (Witnesses approached witness25 60 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 table.)2 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:3 Hello. Kindly identify yourself for the4 record.5
Hi. My name is6 Kevin Peter. 8 With regard to raising revenue,9 WMAN's Board and the community members we10 heard from believe strongly that property11 tax increases cannot form the largest12 share of the revenue source. 17 WMAN Board members also18 expressed concern that a two-year19 temporary increase in the property tax20 would indeed become permanent as the wage21 tax, which was originally adopted on a22 temporary basis, became permanent many23 years ago. 1 project was also a concern. We've2 already heard from residents within West3 Mount Airy who are planning to move out4 of the City if the property tax increase5 passes. 9 With regard to service cuts, we10 echo the values expressed in the recent11 Great Expectations citizen budget12 workshops that we do not want to see cuts13 to the Police and Fire Departments. 18 We want their funding to continue at19 current levels. 9 Through West Mount Airy Neighbors,10 volunteers care for Ned Wolf Park, Emlen11 Circle and other green parts of the12 community. West Mount Airy Neighbors is13 a partner organization with Fairmount14 Park, and our Streetscape Committee15 engages in many activities to beautify16 our community, including twice-annual17 tree plantings. We work closely with the18 14th District Police and with our local19 Town Watches to support their efforts,20 and we use our 1,100-address e-mail list21 to promote safety by distributing Safety22 Alerts about crime incidents, as well as23 crime prevention information and24 resources. )13
In closing, we14 return to the current crisis and look15 ahead to the future. We believe that it16 is essential that the City government17 right size itself for a smaller18 population. We understand that current19 staff openings are either not being20 filled or are being filled on a21 provisional basis, and we applaud those22 steps. However, we urge City Council and23 the Mayor to engage in a long-term,24 serious effort to make the difficult25 65 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 choices necessary to bring our government2 in line with our city's size and our3 capacity to raise revenues and fund4 necessary services. We're grateful for5 this opportunity to share our views.6
Thank7 you very much.8 I would ask everyone to try to9 stay within the time limit, because we10 have a number of people that signed up to11 testify and we would like to give12 everybody that opportunity. We did13 promise the Bishop that we would actually14 be out of here by 7 o'clock, and I see15 the time is drawing very near. So if you16 would try to be as concise as possible,17 we would appreciate it. Thank you.18 Please identify yourself for19 the record.20
My name is Sloane25 66 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Folks. I am the Director of Economic2 Development and Planning for Central3 Germantown Council. I thank you for the4 opportunity to testify, and today I'm5 going to be testifying on behalf of6 funding for non-profits and our community7 development corporations.8 Again, my name is Sloane Folks9 and I'm the Director of Economic10 Development and Planning for the Central11 Germantown Council. Today I am here to12 testify in favor of public funding for13 non-profits and CDCs.14 Central Germantown Council is a15 non-profit community development16 organization which works in the 19144 zip17 code, census tract 241 and has benefited18 greatly from the infusion of Community19 Development Block Grant funding.20 Throughout my career working with21 non-profit organizations and municipal22 authorities in the City of Philadelphia,23 I have witnessed infusions of direct and24 indirect public funding assist in local25 67 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 job creation, housing counseling, career2 counseling assistance and construction3 for very low, low and moderate-income4 families. More specifically, public5 funding has been responsible for the6 following programs in which I have been7 involved:8 The creation of SBA9 intermediary entities assisting small10 business borrowers in the development of11 their business plans and loan packaging,12 which has subsequently been submitted to13 the SBA for increased qualification and14 the possibility of SBA guaranteed loans;15 National Trust for Historic16 Preservation-designated Main Street17 programs both in Germantown and18 Frankford, which were two of only a19 handful of pilot programs in urban20 business districts around the country.21 Both Germantown and Frankford Main Street22 programs focus on revitalization of the23 business corridors through a proven24 five-point approach to economic25 68 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 revitalization. These points include2 organizational development, marketing and3 promotional activities, design and4 streetscape implementation, quality of5 life, and economic restructuring for the6 business corridor.7 The Germantown Special Services8 District is a privately directed9 municipal authority charged with the10 responsibility to provide the Germantown11 business corridor with complimentary12 sidewalk sweeping services and safety13 ambassadors who act as the eyes and the14 ears of the police on Germantown Avenue,15 as well as providing welcoming presence16 to visitors and shoppers.17 CDBG funding has allowed each18 of these initiatives to begin or maintain19 delivery of services to the community and20 has contributed to the following increase21 in these growth indicators:22 A net new increase in23 businesses in the Germantown corridor,24 the creation of new permanent jobs in the25 69 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 community. Private sector investment2 presently in Germantown Avenue and3 Central Germantown is in the order of4 more than $4 million.5 As has been demonstrated, the6 use of public funding has been a critical7 stimulus in the economic development and8 commercial revitalization of the9 Germantown community, as well as10 instrumental in the creation of a more11 livable and enduring community.12 I fully urge the continued13 support of public funding for economic14 development initiatives for very low, low15 and moderate-income communities.16 Thank you for your time.17
Thank18 you.19 Good evening. Please identify20 yourself for the record.21
My name is22 Jennifer Powell-Folks. I am the Program23 Director for Giving of Self Partnership.24 Giving honor to God and the great Pastor25 70 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 of this church and Mother Morris and the2 Honorable Councilwomen Tasco and Reed3 Miller by which the programs that we4 operate are in the 8th and 9th Council5 District.6 I am engaged as the Program7 Director, which is human service, and for8 some of us who know, it's GOSP. We're9 located at 6101 Limekiln Pike in the 8th10 Council District and we operate11 out-of-school-time programs at Second12 Macedonia Baptist Church, which is in the13 9th Council District. So I'm doubly14 blessed with two wonderful ladies who15 support us, and I thank you.16 We are a community-based17 organization that functions as a18 community center, with children and youth19 services, senior services, medical20 offices and a daycare center. I have had21 the privilege of working with and for the22 late Reverend Dr. Thomas Ritter, Founder23 of Giving of Self Partnership, Co-Founder24 of OIC and the Pastor of Second Macedonia25 71 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Baptist Church for 50 years. And he's2 greatly missed.3 I am testifying on behalf of4 public funding to human service agencies5 in the prospective Council districts and,6 most especially, citywide. Since 2004, I7 have developed and managed children and8 youth services to residents and schools9 that operate because of public funding.10 Just last fiscal year, we worked with11 over 500 people, more than 300 children12 and over 100 families in desperate need13 of counseling, mentoring and sustainable14 living situations. I am here to serve15 and to implore Council to limit or16 eliminate any cuts to funding to many of17 the departments that service children and18 families.19 Presently, Giving of Self20 Partnership's children and youth services21 are funded through DHS, and we have been22 previously funded by the Department of23 Behavioral Health, and our services24 include qualified in-home case25 72 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 management, in-home violence prevention2 and de-escalation groups, family support3 and linkage services, promotion of peace,4 and youth-led community service, which5 includes summer camps, after-school6 programs and after-school clubs.7 Agencies like Giving of Self8 Partnership are the last line of defense9 when children are beginning to go astray,10 to protect those in harm's way, provide11 mentorship and to direct children towards12 positive directions, and our13 out-of-school-time programs are safe14 havens for children in dangerous15 situations. In short, we provide16 qualified services to disenfranchised17 populations or, in plain language, we18 stand against the evil forces out to19 destroy our children and our families.20 The goal of programs like ours21 that service children and keep them off22 the streets are to increase their23 academic success, reduce youth violent24 behaviors, stabilize their family and25 73 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 living situations, and give them the2 ability to access and utilize appropriate3 community supports.4 (Bell rung.)5
Although6 there are a number of goals I could go7 into, I'm going to try and keep it brief,8 and simply, our goals feed directly into9 the City's goals to improve10 Philadelphia's service delivery.11 Appropriate funding levels will increase12 opportunities to better support youth,13 families and communities and ensure the14 safety, permanency and well-being.15 Finally, as a provider of16 necessary youth services, because in some17 cases we are the only hope families have18 of supporting and saving their children,19 which was Reverend Ritter's vision, I20 pray Council follows you ladies' generous21 lead and continue to support agencies22 like ours with the same level of funding,23 because if we fail to appropriately24 support children, especially K through25 74 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 8th grades, we will fail them and they2 will be lost for life.3 Thank you.4
Thank5 you very much.6 Any questions or comments from7 members of the Committee?8 The Chair recognizes Councilman9 Green.10
Thank you,11 and thank you for all the work you do in12 the City of Philadelphia, all three of13 you that testified.14 I just wanted to make a fact15 known that I think is often missed in the16 debate we've been having around the17 budget, and that is related to your18 comment, sir, from Mount Airy USA.19 The Administration -- there is20 currently a hiring freeze in City21 government. However, for next year in22 many, many departments, they are23 increasing the number of positions paid24 for out of the General Fund in Class 100,25 75 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 and that creates, depending on how many2 you think are critical or not, a $10 to,3 say, $30 million availability, and I'd4 just like to take a quick poll. How many5 people think the City should -- raise6 your hand if you agree with this concept.7 How many people do you think the City8 should extend its hiring freeze into next9 year before we raise taxes?10 (Audience members raising their11 hands.)12
Thank you.13 Thank you, Madam Chair.14 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:15 You're welcome.16
If I could just17 respond to that quickly. Many of us who18 work in the private sector are extending19 our hiring freezes well into next year.20
Thank22 you.23 The Chair recognizes24 Councilwoman Miller.25 76 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
I just2 want to thank you for coming in, and3 don't forget to leave us a copy if your4 testimony is written. Leave us a copy.5 Okay?6 Thank you.7 MR. McPHERSON: Our next panel8 consists of Christie Balka, Leni Johnson9 and Jerome Knowling.10
Hi,11 Christie.12 Please identify yourself for13 the record and proceed with your14 testimony.15
Good evening. My16 name is Christie Balka and I want to17 thank Council for the opportunity to18 testify at this community hearing. It's19 an honor to speak after the last speaker.20 I am the Director of Childcare and Budget21 Policy for Public Citizens for Children22 and Youth. I'm also a lifelong resident23 of Northwest Philadelphia. I was born24 and raised here, attended schools here,25 77 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 own a home about a mile from here, and2 have raised two children here.3 When I was growing up, a great4 deal was made about the fact that in5 Northwest Philadelphia we live and work6 together across racial differences. Too7 little was made of our economic8 differences, which have only increased9 since I was a child.10 Today, some of the most11 affluent people in our city make12 Northwest Philadelphia their home, as do13 some of those who are the most14 economically challenged. Economic15 hardship, although very much present, is16 often invisible in our community, but in17 the last census, nearly one in four18 children in Northwest Philadelphia lived19 in poverty.20 Today, more than ten percent of21 pregnant women in the Northwest receive22 no -- received late or no prenatal care,23 and almost one in seven children were24 born at low birth rate, but there were25 78 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 stark differences from one zip code area2 to another in this part of the City.3 Throughout the Northwest,4 children had elevated blood levels that5 were higher than the citywide average,6 putting them at risk for lead poisoning.7 There are only a dozen childcare centers8 in Northwest Philadelphia that meet state9 standards for high quality, and excluding10 Girls High and Central, 86 percent of11 students attending senior high in12 Northwest Philadelphia scored at or below13 basic in reading, and 79 percent scored14 basic or below basic in math.15 After-school and family support16 programs are in short supply, and our17 libraries are not open full time.18 So here we are, some of the19 most affluent residents of the City,20 living adjacent to some of the most21 hard-pressed. In some ways, the22 Northwest is a microcosm of a city in23 which some residents rely more heavily on24 public services and some have a greater25 79 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 capacity to pay for those services with2 tax dollars.3 In the face of the global4 economic meltdown, cutting services for5 children and youth would only increase6 the disparities that we find in our7 community. Study after study shows us8 that less prenatal care, fewer parenting9 programs, after-school programs,10 recreational opportunities, summer11 internships and hours spent in the12 library result in higher infant13 mortality, lower academic achievement,14 less job readiness, higher unemployment15 and more violence. This would be16 disastrous for our community and for our17 city. Cuts like the ones being proposed18 are simply not an option.19 While no one likes the thought20 of raising taxes, I urge you as Council21 to raise taxes in order to preserve22 services for our children and youth.23 (Bell rung.)24
I hope you'll raise25 80 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 taxes in a way that reflects our2 communities and our city's economic3 diversity. First, make sure everyone,4 individuals who are living in abated5 properties, large businesses that are6 doing business here but don't pay tax7 here, and tax delinquents, pay their fair8 share. But we understand that this won't9 be enough. So I urge you to enact tax10 increases, if only temporarily, that ask11 more of those who can afford to pay and12 less of those who cannot. Wage and13 business taxes fit the bill and so might14 a property tax increase that includes15 exemptions or circuit breakers for those16 on limited income, including seniors.17 PCCY urges you to support any18 tax increase that is fair and affordable19 for most residents. We urge you to think20 about increasing taxes as a way to shore21 up the next generation of children and22 youth in the City.23 I appreciate the opportunity to24 speak to you this evening and I25 81 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 appreciate all your support for children2 and youth.3
Thank4 you.5 Any questions or comments from6 members of the Committee?7 (No response.)8
Thank9 you again.10 Do we have Leni Johnson or11 Jerome Knowling here?12 (No response.)13 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:14 Mr. McPherson, please call the next15 panel.16 (Witness approached witness17 table.)18
Good19 evening. Please identify yourself for20 the record.21
My name is22 Jerome Knowling. I'm coming here on23 behalf of the coalition to save the24 library, the Friends of the Free Library25 82 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 at the Ogontz-Cohen branch of the2 library.3 What I'm coming to talk about4 is the impact on the budget cuts in the5 branches of the Free Library. Number6 one, the staffing. None of the 1117 positions lost to the layoffs and8 transferred to the 3-1-1 call center has9 been restored.10 Number two, full-time municipal11 guards laid off, one of the 11 in the12 system. Twenty percent of the branches13 are without full-time guards.14 Three, hours of operations are15 drastically reduced now on a16 five-day-week schedule instead of17 six-day, Monday through Friday, open18 alternate Saturdays and closed alternate19 Mondays. Confusing to patrons who cannot20 keep track of the hours of operation,21 many of the doors to find the library22 closed. Schedules are posted inside and23 outside of the building, but much24 confusion remains. Many disgruntled25 83 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 patrons who complain to front-line staff.2 Five, minimum of four staff3 needed to open in order to open the4 library, including the security guard.5 Otherwise, staff is redeployed to another6 branch and the library is closed for the7 day.8 Five, material, budgets, books,9 magazines, newspapers, music CDs and10 videos cut by 30 percent.11 Six, no money to purchase12 summer reading books, lists, for students13 in Grades 1 through 12. A donor book14 drive is in place to try to provide a15 supply of these titles.16 Number seven, no budget for the17 summer reading program for children,18 teens or adults.19 Number eight, all programming20 suspended due to uncertainty of21 schedules. No programs can be booked in22 advance.23 Number nine, after-school24 program budgets cut and hours for25 84 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 after-school leader and student2 assistance program eliminated.3 Number ten, Sunday hours4 eliminated in three regional libraries,5 west, north and south, in the Northwest6 area of the City. Sunday hours only at7 the Central Building.8 Outreach activities suspended.9 Staff cannot spend time away from the10 branch visiting schools, daycare centers.11 No funds for Saturday overtime for staff12 to participate in community events,13 health fairs, et cetera.14 Number 12, which is the last,15 staff overworked and low morale. Stress16 rate high due to uncertainty about the17 future.18 Just one more thing I would19 like to say, the branch of Ogontz20 Library, David Cohen, he fought very hard21 to get this library here. When I was a22 child --23
We24 know.25 85 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 (Bell rung.)2
When I was a3 child, we were looking for this library4 to come, and we're ready to fight to keep5 this library here.6 Thank you very much.7
Thank8 you. Thank you, Mr. Knowling.9 (Applause.)10 MR. McPHERSON: Our next panel11 consists of Reverend Dr. Mattie Pinkney,12 Tyvonne Mackey, Dorothy Zarr, Anthony13 Richardson and Mattie Carter.14 (Witnesses approached witness15 table.)16
Good17 evening. Please identify yourself for18 the record and proceed with your19 testimony.20
My name21 is Reverend Anthony Richardson from the22 Agape Baptist Church.23 I'm here not in any official24 capacity for the church, but as a25 86 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 concerned citizen, and I'd like to thank2 this Council for allowing me to testify.3 I'm here to talk about the4 increase in taxes. I don't know how5 we're going to do it. I mean, with our6 current recession, most people have lost7 their jobs, and homes are being8 foreclosed on, and unemployment checks9 are stretched as far as they could go to10 cover their basic living expenses.11 Families are in need of healthcare and12 childcare. It just doesn't seem like13 this is the appropriate time for a tax14 increase.15 (Applause.)16
I do17 understand -- I won't be long.18 I do understand that these tax19 dollars do fund our education and things20 like that. I work for a daycare. I work21 for the Agape Community Outreach22 Services, and I know how important23 education is. As our day-to-day24 operations, our standards are that our25 87 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 children have moral values and that they2 learn how to study and prepare themselves3 and that they may not be so easily4 compromised as they move on into middle5 school and to high school. And we house6 an after-school program and a daycare.7 So I do know the value of8 education and I do understand that our9 tax dollars fund these things, but I say10 to the Council today, if there is any11 way, any kind of way possible that we can12 do this thing without raising the taxes,13 I challenge you to find a way. I14 challenge each and every one of you to15 find a way.16 Times are hard. Times are17 tough. We know that our children need18 education. Education is one of the most19 important things that's going on now.20 Without education, life is at a zero21 level.22 So I'm just asking if this23 Council can put their heads together and24 find a way that we can get around this25 88 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 tax increase and keep some of these2 programs going, the educational programs3 going, I ask that you would do so.4 Thank you.5
Thank9 you very much.10 DEACON CARTER: Praise the11 Lord.12 My name is Deacon Mattie Carter13 from Agape Baptist Church and I'm here to14 speak for the senior citizens.15 (Applause.)16 DEACON CARTER: I am a senior17 citizen and I'm on a fixed income, and18 property tax increasing and increase of19 medical increases and insurance20 increases, and when you're 80 years old,21 how can you do it? Because it's tough.22 (Applause.)23
God24 bless you. God bless you.25 89 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 DEACON CARTER: People that has2 raised their children up from babies here3 has had to move out of Mount Airy because4 they couldn't afford their house anymore.5 I mean senior citizens like me. And6 there are senior citizens that come to7 the church right now and they complain8 about this going up, that going up and9 they can't afford it. What can you do?10 Some of them even going in shelters.11 So, I mean, is there any way12 that things can change up a little bit13 for our senior citizens, including me?14 Amen.15 (Applause.)16 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:17 You're adorable.18 DEACON CARTER: On fixed income19 you live day by day, you know.20 Hallelujah. You just have to live on day21 by day. But can't y'all do us a little22 bit better and not just let us have to go23 out of the homes we've been in for years24 because we can't afford the tax increase,25 90 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the property increase and, for God sakes,2 the insurance?3 Amen. All I'm going to say is,4 Help.5
Thank6 you.7 The Chair recognizes --8 (Applause.)9
Ma'am, are10 you aware that you can't call yourself a11 senior citizen when you're 39?12 DEACON CARTER: Bless the Lord.13 I was born 1928, August the 24th, 1928.14 God bless you.15
Thank you,18 Madam Chair.19 The President mentioned20 PACENET. I just wanted to let people in21 the audience know, if you're a single22 person over 65, you can apply for that if23 you make up to $23,500 a year, and if24 you're a married couple living together,25 91 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 you can apply for PACENET, which, as the2 President said, will freeze your taxes3 while you stay in that house, if you make4 up to $31,500 a year.5 Thank you.6 DEACON CARTER: Thank you very7 much.8
Thank9 you both very much.10 Any other questions or comments11 from members of the Committee?12 (No response.)13
Thank14 you again.15 Our next panel?16 MR. McPHERSON: Consists of17 Edward Roberson --18
I just21 wanted to add to what Councilman Green22 said. You can sit down. I just wanted23 to say that, Madam President, with24 respect to the PACENET, normally it's a25 92 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 form received in your real estate tax2 bill, but this particular year because we3 changed the bill to take it from 14,0004 to 23,000, that number was not in the old5 tax bill, but the Administration has6 indicated that you can still get that7 program for your house and yourself up8 until October of this year. Am I9 correct? So if you fall under that10 guideline, contact the Revenue Department11 or call one of your Councilpeople, and12 we'll make sure that you get the form to13 take advantage of that program.14
Thank15 you.16 MR. McPHERSON: The next panel17 consists of Edward Roberson, Junette18 Marcano, William Evans and Gloria Gilman.19 (Witnesses approached witness20 table.)21
Good22 evening. Kindly identify yourself for23 the record.24
Certainly.25 93 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 First of all, I want to say good2 afternoon to all, especially to my3 Councilwoman, Marian Tasco. Thank you4 for organizing this, along with5 Councilwoman Reed and hello to Blondell,6 former Simmons Dance Company. So we have7 a nice relationship, a long friendship8 with a lot of people here.9 My name is Edward Roberson.10 I'm the current President of the Melrose11 Park Garden Civic Association, and I'm12 here -- there's been a lot of testimony13 about taxes and wages and the budget. I14 understand that. I understand the City15 is operating and/or projected to operate16 at a budget deficit for the next five17 years. However, my testimony will focus18 on a public safety and health issue.19 For many years, I have20 relentlessly tried to have the back21 driveways repaired. This is a pet peeve22 of mine.23
And I24 think of Councilwoman Tasco's.25 94 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
Yes. I had2 succeeded in getting a Band-Aid repair3 for one section of one driveway. That4 work was done several years ago, and now5 the concrete has cracked and repairs are6 needed again. There are two other cracks7 in this same section. This has created a8 very dangerous situation. Damage to cars9 and, even more importantly, medical10 issues could arise, because our children11 play in these areas.12 Perhaps I'm naive. I've13 contacted contractors and received14 estimates. However, my attempts to15 retrieve money from homeowners have16 failed. I may have to try another17 technique. Maybe I'll try the Pied Piper18 technique: Dangle something in front of19 them. I don't know what to dangle,20 though.21 Therefore, because of the22 existing dangerous and hazardous23 conditions of these driveways, I'm here24 to solicit help from the City and City25 95 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Council. If the City of Philadelphia has2 to budget money to repair driveways and3 then assess each homeowner, so be it.4 And this was already done with a5 retaining wall in our area. The means6 will justify the end.7 If these repairs are not made,8 the Melrose Park Garden community will9 face another problem, damage to our10 homes, foundations shifting, property11 becoming unsettled. This will occur over12 a period of time when there is a rain13 runoff. If this continues unresolved,14 our community will face the same15 devastation that happened in the Logan16 area, and we don't want that to happen.17 The Melrose Park Garden18 community is a very strong community.19 Our property value has gone up each year20 I've lived there with my wife and my twin21 daughters, and it's a good community.22 But we need your help. I'm here on23 behalf of Melrose Park Garden, but I'm24 quite sure other communities are going25 96 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 through the same problem.2 (Bell rung.)3
Something has to4 be done.5 And I just want to thank you6 for your time and anticipated cooperation7 in this matter.8 Thank you.9
Thank you12 so much, Mr. Roberson, for coming out.13 If we hadn't had this crisis in the14 budget, we're working with the Streets15 Department on the proposal that I've put16 in with them, and they're very positive17 about getting it done. It's just that we18 got sidetracked. So we're still on --19 the issue is still before us and we're20 still going to try to work it out.21
We know --24 most people don't want the City to pay.25 97 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 They want a process by which everybody2 pays, and that's what we're working on.3
So, Clay,5 Rina has been working with us and if she6 could get back on this issue, I'd7 appreciate it very much.8 Thank you.9
Thank10 you.11 The Chair recognizes Councilman12 Jones.13
Thank you,14 Madam President.15 I appreciate your testimony.16 I, like Councilwoman Tasco, share a17 district that is comprised of driveways18 and alleys. And I'm going to throw19 alleys in there as well.20 Early on in my administration21 here in Council, she educated me about22 some of the issues regarded by the23 Administration on how we approach this.24 It is my opinion that as we start to25 98 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 define what a shovel-ready project is and2 we start to define what infrastructure3 is, this public safety issue is more4 important than we may be giving it credit5 for.6 If you look at an alley -- and7 you don't have them in Mount Airy, but in8 West Philly where I come from, we have9 alleys where you go through and as a kid,10 I must admit, I played in them. But more11 important than the play area is how12 first-responders get to the public in13 cases of fire, in cases of police action.14 So it is a public safety issue, and if15 they cannot access these common areas and16 get to vulnerable people like seniors and17 chase perpetrators, then we are putting18 ourselves in a public safety hazard.19 So I share with my colleague,20 Councilwoman Tasco, the urgency that even21 though we are in a budget deficit -- and22 I understand it, I see the numbers, but23 we should be planning for the day when we24 are not. And shovel-ready to me means a25 99 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 driveway that some Volkswagens have2 disappeared in that we should be filling3 and we should be taking care of those4 common areas.5 Thank you, Madam President.6
Good afternoon.10 My name is Gloria Gilman. Thank you for11 the opportunity to present testimony on12 behalf of Philly Neighborhood Networks13 and the Coalition for Essential Services.14 Philly Neighborhood Networks is15 a citywide grassroots organization16 dedicated to educating Philadelphians17 about the political process and how to18 utilize it through both the electoral19 process and by issue organizing to20 achieve a more just society. We have21 joined with over 30 organizations to22 create the Essential Services Coalition,23 representing many tens of thousands of24 Philadelphians throughout the City, with25 100 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the purpose of advocating to preserve the2 essential services provided by the City3 in a fair and equitable tax -- by fair4 and equitable taxation of all5 stakeholders.6 I have lived most of my life in7 Philadelphia, the last 22 years in Mount8 Airy, and as a sole practitioner9 attorney, I'm a small business owner. I10 love the uniqueness of Philadelphia, but11 will be even prouder of our city when our12 tax structure reflects the values and13 exists to serve the needs of the majority14 of the people who reside and work here.15 We ask that City Council adopt16 a budget that is not dependent upon state17 approval, that invests in our18 neighborhoods, creates quality jobs for19 our residents and is adequately funded by20 a progressive tax system in which21 corporations, large non-profits and22 individuals pay their fair share.23 We believe that you can achieve24 this by approving a Fiscal Year 201025 101 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 budget based upon real revenue within the2 City's control, by rejecting the Mayor's3 Plan B contingency budget with its4 drastic cuts to services, which the Mayor5 will propose if the state does not6 approve the sales tax increase, and by7 fully funding essential services. This8 means not only rejecting the Mayor's9 proposed cuts to services in Plan A, but10 restoring the cuts already made in the11 last year to pre-crisis levels.12 We believe that you can13 increase taxes in such a way that they're14 broad-based and fair, placing a greater15 burden on those most able to pay and16 protecting those least able to sustain17 increased taxes from additional burdens,18 whether on sales or property taxes or on19 the use of City services, such as the20 health centers, and by reaching fair and21 just contracts with City workers and22 allowing the budget process to continue23 to be fully transparent with continued24 public input. We truly appreciate your25 102 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 giving us this opportunity to have input2 today.3 An analysis of the tax burden4 on business will reveal that contrary to5 the Mayor's assertions and the beliefs we6 have been fed by the media, the business7 tax burden is not substantial in this8 city. The Mayor tells us that the9 business privilege tax chases business10 away from the City and that any increase11 will make the City less attractive to new12 businesses, but research reveals that13 what new businesses look for is not low14 taxes, but the quality of life a city15 provides, the achievement level of its16 schools, the educational level and17 availability of the workforce, the18 existence of cultural activities, the19 maintenance of parks and recreational20 opportunities. Instead of asking21 business to contribute its fair share to22 the City, the Mayor wishes to place an23 additional unbalanced substantial burden24 on individual homeowners through25 103 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 increased property taxes and on2 individuals through a sales tax increase,3 which would impose a greater burden on an4 individual the lower the person's income.5 We have an unusual situation in6 Philadelphia.7 (Bell rung.)8
We have many low9 income and lower/middle income families10 who are homeowners and who live within11 the boundaries of the City. That is part12 of what accounts for the unique fabric of13 Philadelphia. We need our tax structure14 to support people keeping and maintaining15 these homes and strengthening our16 neighborhoods by having policies friendly17 to small business. We, therefore, call18 for rolling back the gross receipts tax19 portion of the business privilege tax to20 its former level of 0.002875 -- that's21 double its current rate -- while22 exempting all businesses grossing less23 than $500,000 in receipts. This would24 exempt 85 percent of all business25 104 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 taxpayers, thereby stimulating small2 business growth and employment by3 imposing a temporary and not overly4 burdensome increased tax on the larger5 businesses most able to absorb an6 increase. Thus, a business with gross7 receipts of $501,000 would pay only an8 additional $720 annually. Yet, the City9 would raise $70 million a year.10 Pittsburgh and Harrisburg11 already benefit from having dual classes12 of business taxpayers. Many of the13 businesses who would wind up paying this14 tax are located outside the City15 boundaries, and this is the only tax that16 they contribute to the City despite the17 benefits they receive from doing business18 here. As it is so minimal, it is not19 credible that any of these businesses20 would opt instead to cease doing business21 in the City.22 We also call for a rollback of23 the City wage tax temporarily to the 200424 levels, while implementing the25 105 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 already-passed Working Families Wage Tax2 Rebate to protect lower income families.3 This would bring an estimated additional4 $322 million annually. Further, wage5 taxes should not be reduced as planned by6 the gambling revenues, as this is no time7 to cut taxes to celebrate new revenues.8 City Council should take9 advantage of the opportunity to redirect10 any gambling revenues, now at $8011 million, received to other needs. We12 also urge you to equalize wage taxes for13 those who work within the City, but live14 outside it with those who live and work15 here.16 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:17 Excuse me. Do you mind abbreviating --18
--21 the remainder? It's very important, very22 interesting, but we have any number of23 people that would like an opportunity to24 testify.25 106 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
We unfortunately5 have few ways to obtain appropriate6 contribution to the City from those who7 benefit from the City but live outside8 our region. This would be one way to9 help bridge that gap and would be10 expected to bring in an additional $7111 million annually.12 There is widespread agreement13 that our current property tax system is14 arbitrary and discriminatory with an15 unfair burden on low-income and minority16 homeowners and needs to be made fairer to17 all property owners. Raising property18 taxes prior to making the system more19 equitable substantially increases the20 discriminatory impact. Once we have made21 the system more equitable, if we wish to22 raise taxes, we then need to protect23 those least able to handle an increase in24 taxes: the poor, elderly and others on25 107 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 fixed incomes.2 We, therefore, ask you to3 consider providing homestead exemptions4 and to advocate such from the state, and5 circuit breakers, if that would be6 required. Further, the current ten-year7 tax abatement program, which has8 disproportionately benefited wealthy9 homeowners and developers, should be10 halted, as it is a wasteful, inefficient11 means of attracting new residents and12 development. The Center City District13 has determined that it was an14 insignificant reason new residents moved15 to the City.16 The sales tax is regressive and17 imposes a much greater burden on18 low-income people than on wealthier19 individuals. It harms small businesses,20 who depend on local residents to purchase21 their goods, and it cannot be changed22 without approval from Harrisburg.23 Please do not pass a budget for24 this coming year that depends on25 108 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Harrisburg's cooperation, for we cannot2 count on that. If the budget ultimately3 fails because these funds do not get4 approved, then you, City Council, give up5 your right to establish the budget to the6 Mayor, who can step in and take whatever7 remedial action he deems necessary.8 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:9 Again, I'm going to ask you to summarize.10
I have one11 sentence left.12 You, our Councilpeople, must13 stand up for the residents of14 Philadelphia by passing a budget that's15 within your control and that promotes the16 best interest of all people by a fair and17 equitable tax system with proportional18 burdens on all stakeholders to protect19 our pre-crisis service levels.20 Thank you.21
Good afternoon.25 109 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Good evening to the Council --2
I'm3 so sorry.4 Councilman Goode, you want to5 be recognized?6
Thank you,7 Madam President.8 Ms. Gilman, I believe you9 mentioned three times in your testimony10 that City Council should not rely upon11 Harrisburg in passing its budget, that we12 should take all action that is already13 within our authority. Yet, in terms of14 your specific recommendations, you15 recommended a two-tier system in terms of16 gross receipts tax?17
The gross receipts18 tax, I believe that you can do that19 without Harrisburg's approval.20
Well, we'll23 provide whatever research we can to24 support.25 110 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
Well, did2 you research it? I mean, did you3 research it in terms of whether it's4 within our authority?5
I do believe that6 that there are -- that Pittsburgh has a7 two-tier system and we could do so as8 well.9
If10 Pittsburgh has a two-tier system, it11 doesn't mean that Philadelphia has the12 authority to have a two-tier system.13
Well, they have14 not been given permission by Harrisburg15 either, is my understanding.16
I believe that18 there has not been any specific authority19 granted to them by Harrisburg either.20
Do they have21 both a gross receipts and a net income?22
Okay. Thank24 you.25 111 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:2 Again, welcome.3
Thank you,4 Councilmen and women. Thank you for5 giving me this opportunity to testify.6 My name is Willie Evans. I'm a resident7 of Germantown. I've been a resident and8 homeowner since 1984. I've lived in9 Philadelphia all my life. I raised my10 four children with my wife, Michelle.11 Looking at the possibility of12 raising property taxes, I feel that will13 be a mistake on the part of the City, but14 I believe the residents is the biggest15 asset to the City, and I feel that we16 should run it like a business.17 Businesses tend to want to keep their18 loyal customers, and I think by raising19 taxes you will have a flight from the20 City as opposed -- as you'll get the21 opposite effect of bringing in income.22 You may be losing income.23 I believe by keeping the taxes24 the way they are will draw more people to25 112 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the City, because every other community2 are raising their taxes. So people are3 going to come where the taxes are4 reasonable. So I think that will give us5 what we wanted for us, bringing in more6 revenue.7 As far as the tax abatement,8 five years ago that was a good program to9 bring in business when the market was10 booming. That's not happening right now.11 The most vital asset is your residential12 existing home. It's better to keep a13 customer than try to get a new customer.14 Keep your residents here. It's cheaper15 than bringing in new ones.16 So you have to be careful about17 how you raise taxes on your existing18 customer, which is the residents of this19 city. If you maintain a fair tax for the20 residents -- because that resident is21 going to bring in more money than anybody22 else that come in, because we spend more23 money in the City than anybody else.24 (Applause.)25 113 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
So I say in this2 economy, giving away a tax abatement to3 bring in new customers isn't going to4 work. Keeping taxes low for the existing5 customer is going to draw more people to6 the City. People want to come to the7 City, but if you're chasing people out,8 who is coming in? If they come there for9 an abatement, then what's going to happen10 to the existing homes?11 So I'd like you to reconsider.12 Run it like a business and you'll do all13 right. Businesses don't raise their14 prices. They reduce their prices to15 bring in customers. Think about the16 volume of residents and not what we might17 lose because we raise taxes.18 Thank you very much.19
Yes.25 114 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Very quickly.2 Ms. Gilman, you mentioned was3 it a study by the Center City District4 that said that there was negligible5 effect of the tax abatement?6
Yes. It was a7 2006 study done by the Center City8 District. There were 16 factors9 identified, and they polled the people10 who came into the City who bought under11 the ten-year abatement, and it ranked 16,12 the last --13
I'd have14 to see that study. That is definitely15 different from what I hear from most16 people. But okay. I'd like to see that17 study. Thank you.18
Our19 next witness?20 MR. McPHERSON: Our next panel21 consists of Pat Redman, Leon Simmons, and22 I'm having difficulty with the23 handwriting that I believe is the24 Reverend Singleton from 1512 East Duval25 115 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Street.2 (Witnesses approached witness3 table.)4
Good5 evening. Please identify yourself for6 the record.7
My name is8 Junette Marcano and I am an ACORN member.9 I wish to thank you, Madam Chair --10
-- Councilwomen13 Donna Reed Miller and Tasco, for hosting14 this event and all Council present and15 honored guests.16 I am speaking about the17 proposed property tax increase.18 I am a senior. Recently my19 daughter, who assists me with my20 household bills, lost her job because of21 the economy, the current economy. If22 these taxes are increased for people on23 fixed incomes, which many people in this24 neighborhood are seniors on fixed25 116 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 incomes, we would have to make really,2 really difficult choices that affect our3 quality of life, what to choose to do and4 what we cannot do because we have to pay5 these increased proposed taxes.6 We are in the worst recession7 in 70 years, and many of us are hurting.8 We know that the City is in economic9 crisis, much as the rest of the U.S. We10 know that money has to be increased in11 some aspects, but we all need to know12 that everyone is paying their fair share13 of taxes. We do not need --14 (Applause.)15
We do not need16 the affluent to live off of the low- and17 middle-income backs. We need everyone to18 pair their fair share of taxes. That is19 only but fair. We cannot take from the20 poor to give to the affluent.21 The tax abatements were said to22 be responsible for much of the housing23 development in Center City. Almost all24 large metropolitan areas increased25 117 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 affluent people moving back into the City2 during the past ten years. However,3 these abatements, with the current4 economic crisis, need to be rescinded or5 limited. Some sort of modification needs6 to take place. We do not need to7 increase taxes off of the poor and low8 and moderate-income person and9 constituents and gratify the affluent.10 Thank you.11
Thank12 you. Thank you very much.13 (Applause.)14
Good15 evening. Please identify yourself for16 the record.17
I guess18 what I'm going to say is old hat, because19 I've heard it now since I've been here.20 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:21 Excuse me, sir. Would you mind22 identifying yourself for the record.23
Oh, I'm24 sorry. My name is Reverend Singleton. I25 118 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 live in Ms. Tasco's district on Duval2 Street, East Duval Street.3 You know, when I was in high4 school, one of the first things we5 learned was that the pilgrims came to6 America to get away from paying taxes.7 Well, they didn't escape, not if they8 came to Philadelphia. We're still paying9 taxes, and a lot of them.10 My income, not that you care,11 but just so you'll understand where we12 are, a month is $1,080. That's what I13 have to live on for a month. Out of that14 1,080, I got to pay $91 real estate tax.15 Now, forget I got to eat and I got to go16 places, but that's what it costs me just17 for taxes.18 But, you know, Ms. Tasco asked19 me a question. She said, Don't you like20 the good I do?21 Yes, but the thing is,22 Ms. Tasco, and to any Councilman here,23 is, we have no idea what you do. We24 don't. I don't know what you've done25 119 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 since I've been in Philadelphia, because2 everything that's done is done as a3 group. Council did it. So we got to4 blame the whole Council for what we don't5 like. But now if -- like if you vote on6 something and you put on there, Well,7 Ms. Tasco was against it or Mr. Green was8 against it or somebody else, then we9 would know who is doing a good job and10 who isn't. But we don't know that now.11 I'm sorry.12 Another thing is, I asked13 Ms. Tasco again -- because she was here14 talking to me -- I said, You know,15 somebody told me that being on City16 Council is like having a Supreme Court17 job, that you're there for life. And she18 cut me short on that one.19 But the thing is this: See,20 Councilpeople don't realize that very few21 people know what you do. Very few. But22 they know you by name. So when they go23 to vote, they look for a name, and that's24 what they vote for. They don't vote for25 120 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the job you did, because they really2 don't know. I know that. And I looked3 at Ms. Tasco. She's in my district. She4 ran unopposed. So naturally she's going5 to win.6 But the thing is this, that7 what we need to know is what does the8 Council and individuals do. In other9 words, if a big bill comes up, how10 come -- they publish everything they want11 published. They publish the DROP and12 they published you don't want to give up13 your cars and they published all of that,14 but with the job you do, we don't15 honestly know what it is. We really16 don't. And we should know. We have a17 right to know.18 But raising taxes is not there.19 See, we are not the problem here.20 Politicians are the problems here. What21 happens to the money that comes into22 Philadelphia?23 (Applause.)24
Where is25 121 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the money that goes into Philadelphia?2 I read the other day where --3 this city, between the Council and the4 Mayor, lost the City over 400-and-some5 thousand dollars because they didn't want6 to get the casinos started. Now, the7 casino would have brought -- I'm not a8 casino, I'm not a gambler, but the casino9 would have been tax money. It would have10 put people to work three shifts a day,11 and they would have been paying taxes and12 maybe somebody would make some money. I13 wouldn't because I wouldn't go there, so14 it doesn't make any difference.15 But the thing is, why couldn't16 you and the Mayor get together and get17 the job done? Now all of a sudden --18 see, the election is over now, so now19 everybody is in a hurry to get it done,20 after we've done lost all that money. It21 just doesn't make any sense.22 Where is your concern for the23 citizen and for people who voted for you?24 Where is your concern for the people who25 122 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 put their trust in you to take care of2 the business that -- we can't do it3 ourselves.4 (Bell rung.)5
We got you6 to do it. But when you get lax on the7 job, the only thing that really seemed to8 concern me in the last two months is City9 Council -- and I'm not taking anybody --10 is only concerned in what benefits them.11 They don't -- pick up the paper and read12 it. It's in there every day. But we're13 the ones you should be concerned. But we14 voted and put you in office, not that we15 know what you do, but because you're16 there already.17 I called the Council of Seventy18 and I said, Look, our City Council has19 been in office for over -- as far as I20 been in Philadelphia. How do we get them21 down to a certain number of years?22 She says, Well, what you have23 to do now is, you have to get 20,00024 signatures. Once you get the 20,00025 123 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 signatures, then guess what we got to do2 with it? We got to give it to you to3 vote on. That makes a lot of sense,4 don't it? Are you going to vote yourself5 out of a job? Not hardly, no. No,6 you're not going to do that. But in7 order to get -- like New York did, they8 tried to do it and I think they got away9 with it, gave them two terms and that's10 it.11 I don't want to do anybody out12 of a job, but maybe we're out of a job.13 You're wondering where we're coming from.14 We have to live, too.15
And we18 can't live paying all these taxes.19 Thank you.20
1 proper praise, because I am in his house,2 and I want to give God all of the glory3 and the praise right now. )6 MISS PAT: First I want to say7 that I'm part of Double Lyte Posse,8 community liaison. I have my club9 brother here. 10 I want to say to the City11 Council, first of all, I want to thank12 you all. I know what you do. I'm in13 City Hall. I walk down there and I come14 down, I see the things that you do. I15 see you guys on the weekend taking off16 those ties. And I know y'all are tired17 right now, but what my concern is, like I18 know the City is in the uproar about19 money. We all are. 1 do a lot of fundraisers, and we're2 hearing that a lot of pools are going to3 be closing, things for -- the activities4 for the kids in. We are willing to raise5 money to have clean, safe parties and6 have a good time, and raise the money to7 do things for the kids in the summertime8 to keep the kids off the street. The9 problem that I'm having is going to our10 city parks. We can have a park for a11 day, which is the Plateau, the Plateau12 Groove, where there is fence up, so we13 have an eyeball on the kids and they are14 safe. Some parents will be dropping15 their kids off. And they want $3,500 for16 us to raise -- I mean, for us to rent the17 Plateau Groove out, and I think it's18 unfair, because we're not coming to the19 City to ask the City for any money. 1 of give us a break where we can help the2 City keep the kids off the street. We3 also do the safe corridors. I'd like to4 thank Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller, who5 is really a strong supporter of us,6 Curtis Jones and Darrell Clarke. And any7 time I go in their office, they know I'm8 coming there, so they can help me to do9 something, and they're always there. And10 Tasco always say, Here come Pat again,11 but she's there to help us. So I want to12 say thank you. 14 I'm real. 15 I come in City Hall and I'm real. Like16 y'all just have a job, and I know you're17 doing the best you can. But we got to18 work with you all, and our Mayor have to19 work along with us. See, we a team. 23 I look at the City now. 1 is our mother, you know, and we are the2 children within the City, and the mothers3 have to tell their father, like this is4 what need to be done. You know,5 sometimes the father don't want to listen6 to us, but as a mother, y'all know how it7 is. 11 I know I have a way of saying12 things, but this is the only way I know13 how to say it and that's the way I look14 at it. So us as being the mothers, we're15 taking care of the children. )18 MISS PAT: And I'm here for the19 kids, because the kids are the ones that20 are suffering, you know. 1 Donna Reed Miller. 11 But I just wanted to like feel12 comfortable where I can say what I want13 to say. We always get -- yeah, we vote14 y'all in, but how about even as we vote15 y'all in, we need to help y'all while16 you're in. People always can slander the17 City, but it ain't the City. 18 We got to help one another. 1 together. We ain't got to go nowhere to2 ask for no money. 5 So I'm asking City Council to6 kind of help Double Lyte Posse, also the7 other motorcycle community that's out8 there to help us. When I come, I'm9 coming asking for some money, but how10 about the money that -- I'm already going11 to have it. 13
Thank14 you.15 MISS PAT: The pools be given16 to us.17 I'm sorry. I'm just going to18 say, good afternoon to you, Madam19 President. I love that. I love to say20 that to you.21
Thank22 you.23 MISS PAT: But I want to say24 thank you. I got to leave. I got to go25 130 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 to another meeting.2
I3 think one of the Councilmembers or maybe4 two would like to be recognized.5 Councilman Jones.6
Thank you7 for your testimony, and it was a colorful8 metaphor, to say the least, and the one9 thing that I took out of it, I took a lot10 out of -- you need to know more about11 what we do on a daily basis, and we grant12 you that, but also something you said,13 that you gave the analogy that pop is the14 Mayor and mom is Council, and it's a sad15 day in the house when mom and pop are16 arguing. And definitely mom and pop17 shouldn't be arguing in public, and we're18 going to try to do a lot better job of19 taking our disagreements about how things20 should happen inside, put our heads21 together and come out with a united front22 for all of the taxpayers, and not our23 children, but taxpayers out there. We're24 going -- I'm going to take note of that.25 131 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
Thank2 you.3 The Chair recognizes4 Councilwoman Tasco.5
But,6 Councilman Jones, it won't be7 transparent. We have to fight in public.8 That's what we're told, we have to be9 transparent. So if we're not10 transparent, the fighting has to take11 place in public.12 But we have the opportunity to13 discuss issues and agree to disagree and14 disagree. It doesn't mean that we're15 fighting. We have to respect each16 other's opinion. We have differences of17 opinion. We're not going to always agree18 100 percent.19 And, Miss Pat, I thank you for20 coming in here, because I see you21 everywhere, and you do help us.22 And I ask Mr. Singleton, we23 need your help in our community, because24 I've had any number of community meetings25 132 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 and public hearings and you've not been2 there. So I'd like to say that you are3 welcome to come and be helpful to us to4 what we're doing in our community. We're5 doing work on Wadsworth. We're doing6 work on Stenton. We're trying to fight7 the foreclosures. So maybe you don't8 know what we do because it doesn't get9 reported in the media what we do. It's10 only what we don't do that gets reported.11 So thank you very much.12 MISS PAT: I know I gotta roll,13 but I have one more thing. In the 8th14 District under Councilwoman Donna Reed15 Miller, we're doing clean-ups every week.16 And this is going to you. I think17 calling the office, I've been getting the18 secretary. Since I got y'all out here on19 the spot, I'm going to put you there.20 We've been asking for trash21 bags. What's been happening is, the City22 will not pick up our black trash bags,23 because I understand the guy said it's24 like personal trash. But when -- I got a25 133 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 bunch of kids every Saturday, we2 somewhere cleaning up somebody else's3 neighborhood and they will not take our4 black bags. So I went to the City to ask5 could I get some brown bags. The guys6 there pick it up. I went over there.7 You know what they told me? I couldn't8 get no more bags. We got to go to Home9 Depot to buy our bags. I don't think10 that's fair, when we got people who want11 to volunteer to clean up the City and not12 asking for no money. So I've been buying13 trash bags out of my own pocket, and my14 club been giving me money to buy trash15 bags so these kids can keep going.16 We always talk about those17 kids, right? But the kids are going to18 destroy the City if they don't have19 nothing to do. So we out here as a club20 like trying to make these kids like do21 something good, do something good. And22 we got a bunch of kids every Saturday.23 We going to a neighborhood, Yo, y'all24 want to clean?25 134 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Yeah, we'll clean.2 Give them a little sandwich, a3 bag of potato chips and a soda and they4 happy. And plus we teaching them some5 things. And then I come back to you guys6 in the City, Oh, you gotta call Carlton.7 You gotta call Carlton. And his name8 Buddy. I'm going to put him out there.9 He told me call you, e-mail him, all10 that. But here we want to do something11 to help and nobody want to help us. And12 I'm asking you, so come this Saturday,13 can I get some trash bags so we can go do14 something somewhere to keep our city15 clean? Because I am (unintelligible),16 but now I'm a Philadelphia Eagles fan,17 right? And I want to let them know,18 Philadelphia is not called Dirty. It's19 called Philadelphia. You know what I'm20 saying? So I would like to do that21 myself, and I got everybody behind me as22 far as the bike community to kind of help23 us keep our city clean. We need the City24 to help us.25 135 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
Thank2 you.3 MISS PAT: Thank you. I love4 y'all. Y'all have a blessed day.5
Thank6 you. Thank you.7 (Reverend Singleton speaking8 without microphone.)9
They're10 using Duval Street as a speedway, and11 some kid this summer is going to get12 killed on that street.13
There's a14 young lady out there at the table named15 Pat Trinkle. Would you give her that16 information, please, so we can address17 that. Thank you.18
I sure19 will. Thank you.20 MISS PAT: And that's going to21 be done. That's how we do it here.22
Thank25 136 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 you.2 MR. McPHERSON: The next panel3 consists of Leni Johnson, Eunice Beeks,4 James Wyatt.5 MISS PAT: Bye, y'all.6
Thank7 you.8 (Witnesses approached witness9 table.)10
Good11 evening. Please identify yourself for12 the record.13
My name is Eunice14 Beeks. First, I'd like to say good15 afternoon to our distinguished leaders of16 the City of Philadelphia.17 I come before the Council today18 not only as a block captain of the 840019 block of Fayette Street, but as a20 taxpayer and a law-abiding citizen of21 Philadelphia to express some possible22 solutions to help the City fight this23 budget crisis.24 These are not complaints, but25 137 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 suggestions to the Council to contemplate2 in coming up with ways to get our deficit3 back on track.4 I live in the 50th Ward5 represented by our own distinguished6 Councilwoman Marian Tasco, as well as our7 hard-working State Representative8 Cherelle Parker, respectively. I attend9 many community meetings, and I was told10 one of the suggestions is something11 that's going to be addressed, but if some12 of you are like me, over 50, you need to13 be reminded of some things.14 The first solution is the15 Police fleet management. In my research,16 and if it's correct, when Commissioner17 Ramsey came to Philadelphia, he installed18 several new Deputy Commissioners and19 Captains. I understand that from the20 rank of Captain and up there are three21 vehicles available to one individual.22 That is a car, an SUV and a truck.23 Now, I'm not talking against24 the Philadelphia Police Department,25 138 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 because they are Philadelphia's finest to2 me and I respect the job that they do,3 but we talking about trying to save some4 money here or get some money from5 somewhere.6 Even if you're on call 247 hours, a person should only have one car.8 You can only drive one at a time. That9 would allow for more patrol cars for the10 police on the streets. This would save11 the City at least $3.5 million a year.12 There are -- these are estimate numbers,13 but I tried to come as close as I could14 to the actual numbers.15 I know that I only have three16 minutes, so I'll just give you the17 estimates.18 Police vehicle saving19 estimates, gas alone, $650,000 to20 $700,000 per year. This number can go21 well into the millions based on the22 fluctuation of gas prices, tires and23 parts. This number does not include24 collision repairs. To eliminate some of25 139 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 these vehicles, we save the City quite a2 large sum of money.3 The second issue is abandoned4 housing. I am also a property owner in5 the 8th Council District headed by the6 Honorable Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller.7 The abandoned houses in the neighborhood8 has been dilapidated for years, and I9 understand that there are legal10 ramifications involved, but someone has11 to do the job so that the City can start12 getting revenue from these properties.13 When a property causes danger to the14 block in the community, as well as the15 depletion of value on everyone else's16 property, it becomes costly for everyone.17 (Bell rung.)18
My suggestion:19 Mayor Nutter is cracking down on tax20 delinquents who owe $50,000 and more. I21 suggest that the City property owners22 with back taxes of $5,000 or more, the23 property has to be -- and the property24 abandoned for at least three years, that25 140 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 property should be purchasable at a2 reasonable low cost to anyone interested3 in improving a neighborhood or block.4 (Applause.)5
The new owner must6 have at least the outside of the property7 repaired within one year or default on8 the property. This at least would start9 the process of making blocks safer and10 look better, and then people start to11 feel better about their surroundings.12 A volunteer task force should13 be formed to serve the City areas with14 housing abandonment issues. This is a15 snowball effect that if paid attention to16 could save the City millions of dollars17 in City revenue and create pride in the18 neighborhoods again and make the process19 inexpensive unless red-taped so that all20 the neighborhoods in Philadelphia can21 start coming up again. We should not22 have to wait on PHA or any other agency23 to build up our neighborhoods.24 Thank you.25 141 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
And I know I have4 three seconds. This is a letter that I5 faxed April of 2006 to Councilwoman6 Tasco's office. I am very, very pleased7 with the response that I have gotten from8 your office, your Administrative9 Assistant, Sharon Vaughn. These houses10 right here are not even in her district11 and she tried to help me. Three houses:12 One $17,094.13 in back taxes; second13 house, $8,865.33 in back taxes; third14 house, $5,861.68 in back taxes.15
This is in April.18 I faxed this April 7th, 2006.19 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:20 Disgrace.21
Now, somebody is22 not going to say nothing until one of23 these little kids get raped in one of24 these abandoned houses or a child gets25 142 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 killed.2 Let's work together. We can3 make this happen. That lady said it. We4 have money in this city. Let's do this5 thing. Let's stop talking. I've been to6 five meetings in three months, and I keep7 hearing the same thing over and over8 again. Let's get some action going.9 Let's get some volunteers. Let's get10 some task forces going. Y'all can't do11 it all.12 And as far as what Marian Tasco13 does, she works 24/7. I see. And I14 appreciate my State Representative and my15 City Council, because without them, I16 would not have some of the information17 that I have. But we have to be willing18 to research and survey and come with the19 facts, and if we come with the facts,20 it's your responsibility as City Council21 to address them and address them22 properly.23 Thank you.24
Thank25 143 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 you very much.2
Good evening to3 City Council members that are here. I'm4 encouraged that you've come out to the5 community instead of holding hearings6 downtown all the time. I think this is7 something that I would encourage you to8 do on a regular basis throughout the9 City.10 My name is Lani Johnson. I'm a11 resident here in this immediate area and12 I'm also a member of the Friends of the13 Free Library. Our local branch just a14 few blocks from here in walking distance15 is the David Cohen-Ogontz branch.16 I've been a resident in this17 community since the '60s, with the18 exception of several years in Montgomery19 County, and I've seen many changes during20 that time, some good and some not so21 good. But for the past several years, it22 has become more difficult for me to23 justify why I should continue to live in24 Philadelphia.25 144 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 It's been the best of times and2 the worst of times, and we're all going3 through difficult and perilous4 economically around the country, the city5 and our state. However, my concern is6 regards to the children. Their future7 and knowledge needed to succeed in8 today's world hinders on what we do as9 responsible adults and what you, our10 elected government officials, do in11 legislation and law.12 Young people do not need13 anything else to discourage them from14 learning, seeking knowledge and being the15 best that they can be. Sadly and16 realistically, we have already lost too17 many, and we can't afford to continue to18 have this happening. Our institutions of19 learning need to be kept humming at peak20 performance to be a safety net and21 positive stimulus for education and22 knowledge, and the libraries are part of23 that safety net.24 Having said that, there are a25 145 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 number of people, many in this room, that2 I'm familiar with that volunteer and3 donate our personal time to the library4 branches, civic organizations,5 after-school tutoring and coaching6 throughout the City to help make a7 difference, and these are the unsung8 heroes that we don't hear a lot about9 usually. And they're not doing it for10 fanfare, accolades or photo ops, but in11 most cases, many of them are doing things12 freely for the fact that we can't seem to13 get the funding that we need from the14 City.15 For those Councilmembers that16 are not aware, there are still some17 library closure issues and they have not18 been resolved as a result of the ruling19 that was given down for the 54 libraries20 to remain open. Some of them have been21 maintenance issues. Libraries have been22 shut down because they didn't have23 boilers, and they were closed for weeks24 in communities. There are others that25 146 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 didn't have the parts for the boilers.2 And there are hours of operation and3 staffing problems.4 A library has to have four5 people now to be open, three staff and a6 guard. Our particular library has to7 have a guard that is from an agency. The8 original guard was laid off. So as a9 result, if there are not enough people to10 open that library that day, that library11 is closed in the community, and as a12 result, the staff is deployed to another13 branch, and it's been causing a lot of14 issues, a lot of morale issues, and I15 just don't really find a lot of logic to16 the methodology that's being used to keep17 the libraries open but not at full staff.18 There have been issues with the19 resources and the lack of books. We're20 coming up this summertime and there's21 going to be issues as far as providing22 for the summer reading programs.23 (Bell rung.)24
And I'm finding25 147 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 that funding essential issues to function2 properly and effectively is needed for3 the schools, the libraries, our rec4 centers, our police and fire. These are5 all the fundamentals.6 People have been talking about7 sacrificing or shared sacrifice, but I8 don't feel that's for everybody. It9 seems to be limited to who considers to10 be one that's going to be in that shared11 sacrifice. But I feel it's time to12 readdress or revisit the ten-year tax13 abatement program. It's proved14 beneficial in its creation and it's15 appeared to have served the City and the16 business and investors very well, but I'm17 in favor of asking you to reform the18 terms and the number of years for19 abatement versus strapping a 19 percent20 property tax rate on the backs of the21 average homeowners. I don't know whether22 that proposed 19 percent is actually23 going to end up being temporary or24 permanent, but in addition, there appears25 148 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 no regard for the impact it may have on2 the senior citizens that are on fixed3 incomes.4 So I'm asking City Council to5 be bold enough to get a bill passed for6 amendment to the period for tax abatement7 and also the needed revenue to come -- be8 diligent and relentless in collecting the9 millions from the list of businesses and10 individuals that still owe the City money11 for many years. And that was a list that12 was constantly on Hallwatch, if you're13 familiar with that.14 I think the City government is15 failing its citizens who pay taxes to16 have revenue for services that we're17 entitled, and I'm asking you to collect18 overdue taxes, eliminate some of the DROP19 program loopholes that allow double20 dipping, and eradicate inefficiency and21 provide accountability for all your22 revenue.23 And, finally, I implore that24 you include appropriate funding in the25 149 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 budget for the libraries, which would be2 for 38 million for the fiscal year budget3 of 2010 to restore libraries to full4 service in our communities, the rec5 centers and pools and our health centers.6 If we must all bear this7 burden, I would like to ask City Council8 members, with sincerity, make adjustments9 yourselves so that your constituents can10 see that you have the best interest of11 the City and your residents at heart. It12 would show the citizens that you're doing13 whatever it takes as well to bring us14 through this crisis and keep the15 components intact that are needed for the16 children and the taxpayers who faithfully17 remain in the City in the good times and18 the bad.19 Thank you.20 (Applause.)21
Again, as a24 body, we're learning a lot, and I want to25 150 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 thank publicly Councilman Clarke for2 working with the President to bring us3 out to the community and really hear a4 lot of the concerns that you have. And5 one of the things -- I wish the gentleman6 was here and questioned some of the7 things we do as a body, but sometimes you8 look at a body and judge it by what they9 do, and then sometimes you should judge10 them also by what they don't let other11 people do to you. And in the case of the12 libraries, this Council overwhelmingly13 supported the libraries, overwhelmingly.14 In our own way and in our own districts15 we fought very hard for the libraries.16 One of the questions I have17 about that now is, it's my understanding18 that you have a situation where a lot of19 the staff that come into the libraries20 every day have to report in and then21 don't know where they're going to be22 deployed based on other shortages. So23 they're kind of moved around in a way24 that keeps the library open to the degree25 151 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 that they can, but also causes a problem2 by way of long-term planning. So if you3 are a librarian trying to work on a4 program for a summer camp or summer5 reading, you don't have that stability of6 knowing where you're going to be to be7 able to do any long-term planning other8 than day to day. Is that true?9
That's basically10 how it's working, and as a result of11 that, a lot of times residents will come12 to a library not knowing whether it's13 going to be open or not. Sometimes14 they're closed every other Monday and15 then they're closed every other Saturday,16 and people have to kind of try to keep17 all of these things in mind, and as a18 result of it, you have a lot of children19 that come to these libraries after school20 hours that need to use the computers, go21 online.22 So it's really very difficult23 to plan anything, and this is because of24 the budget, the way it's been cut, the25 152 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 way staff has been reduced. So it would2 be quite helpful, especially with3 libraries being one of the more positive4 things in the community besides our5 churches and our synagogues, it's6 something to keep the children safe.7 It's a learning environment. And we need8 to be encouraged to put whatever we can9 into our young people. Not just them,10 the adults come there as well, because11 they need the computers for jobs and12 checking -- even employment now you have13 to go online to do those types of things.14 So libraries are important. These are15 the young people that are going to16 probably be sitting in your seats one17 day, and we just need to make sure that18 we're encouraging them in positive things19 and not a lot of the things that they can20 be in trouble in out in the street.21
Thank22 you.23 Are there any other questions24 or comments?25 153 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1
Thank6 you both very much.7 Our next witnesses?8 MR. McPHERSON: Are Marlene9 Hardy, Rosalyn Watson, Carol Stupes.10 (Witnesses approached witness11 table.)12
I13 know you've all been very patient, but we14 did make a commitment to the Bishop that15 we would complete our hearing by 716 o'clock. So if you would please try to17 do your best in consolidating whatever18 words you want to share with us, we'd19 appreciate it.20 Good evening. Please identify21 yourself for the record.22
My name is Marlene23 Hardy and I'm here representing the24 Northwest Community Coalition for Youth25 154 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Partners in Saving Lives, and I will be2 as quickly as I can.3 To the City Councilwoman Marian4 Tasco and City Councilwoman Donna Reed5 Miller, the 8th and 9th District6 Council -- and this is a testimony from7 the Northwest Community Coalition for8 Youth and also Luther Baldwin.9 The purpose of the testimony is10 to highlight the impact of reducing the11 number of patrol vehicles assigned to the12 14th and 35th Police District and to13 request a reinstatement of the Curfew14 Center located in the 14th and the 35th15 Police District.16 At a time when our young people17 are being placed in harm's way because of18 the disappearance of funds for our19 after-school programs and youth programs20 in general, it seems cruel to have the21 burden of worrying about their safety and22 security further compromised by the23 reduction in police vehicles available to24 patrol our community.25 155 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 The perception of police2 cruising neighborhoods provides some3 deterrent to crime, just as the absence4 of cruisers suggests a welcoming attitude5 to those who would endanger the residents6 of our community. Police resources7 should never be considered as part of8 budget cuts.9 In the past year, 324 citizens10 and five police officers have been11 murdered in Philadelphia. It takes a12 special person to even consider working13 in law enforcement, and the pay is14 certainly not the major incentive. We15 can't afford a reduction in resources16 that support our police officers. In17 time of economic hardship, more police18 resources should be a priority.19 I would also remind our elected20 officials that our major juvenile21 crime-fighting tool is the proper22 operation and funding of Curfew Centers.23 Please restore funding to the Curfew24 Center which used to operate within the25 156 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 boundaries of the 14th and the 35th2 Police District.3 And just one more comment on4 that. Many of you may not be familiar5 with the Northwest Community Coalition6 for Youth, but it's a well-ran7 organization consisting of many of our8 community people, volunteers, teachers as9 well, and if you get an opportunity, we10 welcome and we would like maybe someone11 from besides -- I'm sure our Honorable12 Marian Tasco, she knows of the program as13 well. So if you get an opportunity, stop14 by sometime in our meetings. We would15 really appreciate it, and you will see we16 are one of the community organizations17 that doesn't exist anywhere in18 Philadelphia.19 Thank you.20
Thanks,23 Marlene.24 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:25 157 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Please identify yourself for the record.2
My name is Rosalyn3 Watson and I am here today representing4 HERO, which a non-profit organization5 located at 17th and Tioga Street in the6 Nicetown section of North Philadelphia.7 HERO stands for Helping Energize and8 Rebuild Ourselves. Doris Phillips is our9 Executive Director, but she could not10 attend this evening because of a medical11 energy today.12 HERO would first like to thank13 Donna Read Miller for inviting us here to14 share our problem with you, and in15 advance, we thank you for listening to16 us.17 HERO has been running a summer18 camp and after-school program for the19 past 15 years, where neighborhood20 children between the ages of 5 to 12 come21 to HERO for homework assistance,22 activities such as computer literacy,23 nutrition and physical fitness24 activities, educational and social trips.25 158 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 But most of all, coming to HERO, the2 children are in a safe, caring and3 nurturing environment.4 Our dilemma is, funds for this5 program runs out on June 30th of this6 year for not meeting a paperwork7 deadline. HERO accepts its part in not8 meeting the deadline, but we want PHMC --9 I don't know if I'm supposed mention the10 organization, but we want PHMC and DHS to11 look at our record for the past five12 years in working with them, where we13 never, ever missed a deadline in14 providing paperwork.15 Though we do receive other16 funding from other foundations and17 sources, the funding from DHS is a very18 large contributor. This would be a19 devastating loss to HERO and to the20 children of the community.21 We are here today to ask for22 help in resolving this crisis with DHS23 that can and will have a dramatic effect24 on our children in the community.25 159 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Thank you.2
Thank3 you very much.4 Are there questions or comments5 from members of the Committee?6 (No response.)7
Thank8 you again.9 MR. McPHERSON: Our next set of10 witnesses are Reverend Chester Williams,11 Francis Kilson, Habbibah Ali.12 (Witnesses approached witness13 table.)14
Good15 evening. Please identify yourself for16 the record.17
I think we22 understand that there is a correlation23 between education and poverty and between24 poverty and crime. The reason I'm here25 160 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 this evening is that there are a number2 of vacant properties in Philadelphia3 which are City-owned, and I believe that4 if these properties which are City-owned,5 if they were brought back to the City's6 tax roll as a viable source of income and7 at the same time developed, which would8 provide jobs and housing, that would9 serve to mitigate, one, the increase in10 taxes and, two, the City budget cuts. I11 think that the City with the current12 poverty rate of 24.9 percent and13 unemployment rate in the black community14 of 50 percent, that would certainly help15 to offset this deficit.16 My question to the Council --17 and I'm a constituent of Marian -- I'm18 sorry. Marian Tasco has done a lot for19 KIG Homes, but I'm a constituent of20 Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller. My21 question to the Council is, what can be22 done to bring these properties back to23 the City's tax rolls as a viable source24 of income and what can be done to25 161 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 expedite the sale of these properties,2 whether it be to CDCs or private3 developers?4
Do you7 have about four days?8 We understand your concern, and9 it is a concern of ours, and Councilman10 Clarke will respond.11
Thank you.12 Thank you, Councilwoman.13 First, thank you. How you14 doing today?15
I hear you,17 and I know you because I recall the18 interaction we had about some of the19 things that you were doing, I believe, in20 South Philadelphia, some of the21 development. I had an opportunity to22 meet you on a couple of occasions, and23 you were trying to do something in24 Brewerytown in earlier years and most25 162 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 recently up in the North Philadelphia2 community. And I have to say, because we3 do have some concerns about some of the4 policies associated with particularly5 disposition of vacant properties, not6 just for development purposes -- and I7 know Councilwoman Sanchez and I talk8 about this all the time -- of vacant9 lots, side yards, and there's been, to10 me, a somewhat inflexible position,11 policy position, as it relates to making12 sure that these properties can go to an13 individual who would be responsible at14 maybe nominal fee, where a person who15 took care of a vacant lot next to their16 property for ten years on their own, with17 no money, now that person is asked to pay18 market value for a lot, when they would19 say, I'm ready to buy this, not taking20 into account all the sweat equity that21 they put in the lot.22 In your case, the vacant lots23 that I know that I interacted with you24 on, you were prepared to bring properties25 163 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 online that had been vacant for I don't2 know how many years in that particular3 location, and you wanted to get a little4 creative and creating a market value for5 what we call working housing, workforce6 housing, I think the term that was used,7 for people that don't qualify for the8 traditional 80 percent and below median9 income properties, but don't make enough10 money to buy some of the higher-end11 properties in other parts of the City.12 And you and some of the people you were13 working with wanted to have some14 flexibility in the purchase price of the15 property, but because of the inflexible16 policy that wouldn't allow either as17 market value if you're a for-profit and18 if it's a non-profit, you get it for19 nominal, but you can only sell it or rent20 it to this category of people. So you21 have a wide margin in between that can't22 accommodate.23 My concern, like yours, is that24 if you take such a position and the25 164 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 properties continue to stay vacant and2 not on the tax rolls, who wins? Nobody3 wins. The City is not collecting taxes.4 People don't have the ability to live in5 a house. You don't have the ability to6 conduct business in the City of7 Philadelphia. And I think that some of8 these policies need to have some level of9 flexibility. You just can't simply have10 it at the extreme ends of the proposal.11 So I agree with you. We hear12 you. I know I've talked to a number of13 my colleagues about this policy that is14 either market value or it's nominal, but15 if it's nominal, you can only be a CDC or16 a non-profit and you can only rent and17 sell to these people.18 So I hear you. I feel you.19 And hopefully as we move down the line20 and once we get our NTI back up and21 running, we'll have some ability to have22 some flexibility so we can do some things23 to make some sense in this city.24
I appreciate your25 165 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 response, Councilman Clarke. My interest2 is not personal and it's not selfish.3
I4 understand that, and I shouldn't have5 brought that to the table. I just know6 you and --7
The reason I8 brought this up is because as we've done9 development throughout the City, part of10 our company, our ministry, is that we11 hire people in the community.12
We've noticed that14 there's a large number of black men on15 the corners, but we've also noticed16 there's an increase in pride and17 self-worth and self-esteem once they have18 a job.19
The reason I'm21 bringing this up is because once more22 properties become available, because23 there are developers out here that don't24 need public funding, that aren't asking25 166 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 the City for anything, but as soon as2 properties come on board and we can3 access more real estate and access more4 opportunity, I think we can help to5 increase employment.6
I agree,7 and I guess I didn't bring that up8 because I know what you do, so I didn't9 make that a part of my conversation,10 because it was an assumption that if11 you're going to build, you're going to12 build it making sure that all inclusion13 strategies are met, and I probably should14 have prefaced my statement by saying15 that.16 But I hear you. I agree. At17 the end of the day, it's about providing18 job opportunities and providing revenues19 for the City and providing productive20 citizens of the City of Philadelphia. So21 I'm going to continue to hopefully help22 and work with you all and people like23 yourself to continue to do some of the24 things that we need to do in our25 167 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 districts.2 Thank you.3
Thank4 you.5 Reverend, you've been very6 patient. Thank you.7
I give8 honor to each and every one of you and9 the President and all the Councilpeople.10 I missed my Councilwoman, Donna Reed.11 Where is she?12 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:13 She'll be back momentarily.14
I thank God15 for being here and for you all taking the16 opportunity to come to our neighborhood.17 I can't thank y'all enough. I feel like18 a kid in a candy shop when I heard that19 y'all was coming to our neighborhood. So20 I'm not here to --21 (Applause.)22
-- to23 attack you in any negative way. I'm here24 to say this: I'm the President and25 168 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Founder of the Chew and Belfield2 Neighborhood Organization. I've been a3 block captain for over 30-something years4 and a committee person for the 59th Ward,5 10th Division under Councilwoman Donna6 Reed Miller. I'm also the President of7 the National Alliance of Postal Federal8 Employees Union, the oldest black union9 in the United States. And I'd like to10 say to you that the Chew and Belfield11 organization, which range between12 Johnson, Chew to Walnut Lane and Chew, to13 Clearview to Musgrave, by the grace of14 God I founded that many years ago when15 David Richardson was available with us,16 and in doing so, our motto was to help17 those to get communication that never18 receive communication of how to grow.19 And right today we do that. We paint our20 curbs. We clean empty lots. We seal up21 empty houses. We call real estate people22 that own the empty lots or homes and say23 to them, We need you to come clean up24 your property, because we can't do but so25 169 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 much. And I guess because I get on the2 floor and they see who I am, they come3 out within a week and work with us in4 doing that. So I thank God for that.5 But we're going through a6 dilemma, and I know you know who I'm7 about to mention. I'm asking you all to8 help us. It's SEPTA. Why is SEPTA9 getting money from the City and can't10 help the community? I can't understand11 that part. For the simple reason, if you12 know anything about Washington Lane and13 Chew, we have a train station there, we14 have the XH and the 18 bus. We have15 plenty of senior citizens, plenty of16 handicapped like myself. I'm a disabled17 veteran from Vietnam, and not too long18 ago you might have seen me on TV. Thank19 God I'm here. A young gentleman tried to20 hijack my car and shot me, and I was in a21 coma for like a month. But God is good.22 He brought me here through it all to be23 here to let you know that we as a24 community with other organizations in our25 170 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 immediate area, we do everything to keep2 our neighbors informed of what's going on3 and what they should do to abide by the4 law and rules and regulations. But SEPTA5 seems like they get by, for the simple6 reason we're asking them that a critical7 thing that we face, there's a rail that8 they put directly through the train9 tracks, and if you see Washington Lane10 and Chew, if you park on one side and you11 you're handicapped or just a normal12 person and come back at night from City13 Hall working, you can't go back over to14 that car. You have to go down that hill,15 and many of our people have been robbed,16 unfortunately, because of that.17 So I'm asking you to get off18 the line to help us with that critical19 issue and get benches on our area for our20 senior citizens at these bus stops, where21 our seniors are lean and handicapped,22 leaning through the rain, the snow and23 cannot get no benches to sit there to24 help us out, and we paying taxes.25 171 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 God bless you.2
Thank3 you. Thank you very much, Reverend.4 Good evening.5
Good evening, Council6 President Verna, Councilmen and women.7 It's always a pleasure to be in your8 presence and to my fellow citizens of9 Philadelphia, who have taken time from10 their busy schedules to come out this11 evening. I am Habbibah Ali. I am the12 Executive Director and Founder of Rays of13 Hope, Incorporated. We are a 501(c)(3)14 non-profit that was established in 1993.15 I am a citizen of Philadelphia, born at16 PGH. For those younger people, that was17 the Philadelphia General Hospital. That18 has been long knocked down and gone.19 I'm here tonight to speak to20 you regarding housing, which is my area21 of expertise. I got involved in housing,22 as some of you know, from being homeless23 in the late '80s with my four children24 due to domestic violence. Councilwoman25 172 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 Tasco, former Councilwoman Augusta Clark,2 Councilman David Cohen, God bless his3 soul, Councilwoman Blackwell, Councilman4 Ortiz, these people have always, always5 been there for the homeless and the low6 income. I have lived in Councilwoman7 Miller's and Councilwoman Tasco's8 districts all of my life that I have been9 in Philadelphia. I left for a little bit10 and I came back.11 The City of Brotherly Love and12 Sisterly Affection is a place that I love13 to call home. And we're talking about14 children not having things to do and15 people losing their employment and people16 losing their mortgages. It is serious17 business when you are homeless. It's one18 thing not to have a home, a roof over19 your head to call a home, but when a20 person loses a mortgage, that's a whole21 family, including the children, including22 sometime the grandparents, the aunties23 and the seniors, people who have worked24 and contributed all their lives.25 173 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 I want to speak to you2 specifically about housing acquisition,3 the acquisition money that comes to the4 City from the Department of Housing and5 Urban Development through the RDA, the6 Redevelopment Authority, and OHCD. We7 are very fortunate that we are a very8 small non-profit, but we were awarded9 $1.2 million, with the help of10 Councilwoman Miller's office and some11 long, hard work, and also we got that12 money as a result of myself and about 10013 homeless men marching down Broad Street14 up to City Hall to Mayor Street's offices15 saying, What are you going to do with16 these homeless men? Because if you go to17 Broad and Ridge on any given day, it is a18 disgrace.19 Our men are not disposable, and20 they need other options than a halfway21 house and a homeless shelter or prison22 cell. How long can you be halfway?23 (Applause.)24
And every time that25 174 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 clock goes off, I think I need to go2 baste the turkey. So can you please turn3 off that clock? And I will be brief. I4 just think I need to go baste the turkey5 every time it goes off. Thank you.6 There are monies in housing7 acquisitions that have been allocated8 from the previous Administration that are9 frozen, and we need to thaw out the10 money. Irregardless of what's going on11 with this new Administration, they've12 been around long enough to get it right,13 to get with the program.14 Now, I understand we are trying15 to find money. So is the government, so16 is the world. But as we are here today,17 City Council, if you could please come18 together on approaching our Mayor and19 having those funds released for20 acquisition, like our program that's in21 the pipeline that has the money. $1.222 million for a little teeny weenie CDC23 that's run and operated by a formerly24 homeless mother is not anything to sneeze25 175 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 at, but I trust you. I've gone through2 hell and back to get there. Now, I3 cannot break ground. We have homeless4 families waiting in the shelters to go5 into these houses and I can't break6 ground because we have a new7 Administration that's freezing dollars.8 Thaw it out.9 I also feel as though if it10 would be to your benefit, all of the11 Councilpeople, to have OHCD, the Office12 of Housing and Community Development, and13 the RDA, the Redevelopment Authority,14 give you all reports on all the existing15 programs that they are overseeing, have16 the money for from the previous17 Administration. You got new money coming18 down for the new budget. You have things19 that are open and undone from the last20 Administration, and the people are the21 ones who suffer. These are taxpayers'22 monies, and I think that it is incumbent23 upon our representatives, who you are, to24 know and make OHCD and the RDA more25 176 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 accountable. I know they sit in front of2 you and give a nice report every year. I3 sat in many of them. I have learned so4 much from being homeless, from sharing5 Dignities Housing, which is an $116 million program that Councilwoman Tasco7 has been in support of, as well as8 Councilwoman Miller.9 I know what homelessness is.10 I'm not above going back into a shelter11 because life may be that way. It's no12 cake walk. But why since 2004 I'm13 allocated over a million dollars, because14 of red tape, we can't break ground?15 Now, Councilwoman Miller has16 looked into this, and I'm told that the17 new fiscal year things are going to start18 happening, but I think that OHCD and the19 RDA, these people are paid very well,20 with nice benefits, need to be held21 accountable. We need the acquisition22 dollars to be released so that programs23 can move forward so that people, our24 citizens, can see productive things25 177 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 happening in our community, in your2 districts.3 So I want to thank you for this4 time. I will continue with the housing5 activists to do the things that we do to6 help make sure the homelessness, low7 income, moderate, working people,8 taxpayers are on the front burner,9 because in the City, I do know it is the10 squeaky wheel that gets the oil, and you11 know I don't have no problem making12 noise.13 I want to thank you all. It is14 a pleasure to sit before you. I am15 always honored to come before these16 beautiful women and these handsome men.17 Yes, yes, Councilman Rizzo, and these18 handsome men. And it just makes me know19 that there are wonderful things that I20 can do when I grow up.21 Thank you.22
Thank23 you all very much. We appreciate your24 attendance.25 178 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 (Applause.)2 MR. McPHERSON: The next3 witness is Miriam Levy.4 (No response.)5 MR. McPHERSON: The last panel6 that I have is Reverend Dr. Mattie7 Pinkney, Tyvonne Mackey, Dorothy Zarr.8 (Witnesses approached witness9 table.)10
Thank11 you so much for being so patient.12 However, I'm going to ask you to try to13 be as brief as possible, because it is14 after 7:00 and we did give a commitment15 to the Bishop that we would be finished16 by 7 o'clock. So thank you so much.17 Please identify yourself for18 the record.19 Oh, the keys are here. They're20 ready to lock the door on us.21 Okay. Kindly identify yourself22 for the record and proceed.23
Good afternoon,24 ladies and gentleman in the Council. My25 179 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 name is Tyvonne Mackey. I have been a2 part of Agape since I was four years old.3 I am presently attending the Agape4 after-school program at McCloskey, but I5 attend Leeds Middle School. I have other6 siblings that attend Agape also. My7 other brother, Tyrone, used to, but now8 he is in high school. He attends Agape9 Church on Sunday, and we work together by10 running the church's video camera. My11 sister, Derita, who is 10, she's been12 with Agape since she was six weeks old.13 At two years old Derita has been singing14 at our after-school program concert. Now15 she's singing on the church choir. My16 aunt and uncle presently attend Agape and17 they will soon be going to Leeds in18 September. That will be new to them.19 We need a program at Leeds,20 because that way, they will see familiar21 faces being in a new environment. Since22 my grandpa passed away, Agape being at23 Leeds will continue to help them through24 difficulties. The after-school program25 180 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 provides the tools I need, such as2 computers, and the staff is available to3 help me to academically achieve my4 educational goals. I get to finish my5 projects and homework before I go home.6 I am an A and B student. I have made the7 honor roll every single year.8 (Applause.)9
Agape is a safe10 place to be. I have somewhere to go11 after school instead of being on the12 streets.13 Agape has activities such as14 holiday programs, learning how to speak15 in front of a crowd of people without16 being afraid. Agape has a summer program17 also, and the same principles are being18 taught throughout all of their programs.19 My mom chose Agape for my spiritual20 growth, and growing up in Agape has21 inspired me to be the best I could be.22 Agape has taught me how to love other23 people even if I don't know them. They24 are my inspiration. Agape is like a25 181 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 second family to me, because they taught2 me how to be good and kind to other3 people, and they treat me like a family4 member.5 The men of Agape is not6 available on Sundays only, but they are7 always there for me. They put my needs8 before theirs. If I was sad, Agape9 always cheered me up.10 Agape also taught me about11 conflict resolution. Instead of fighting12 all the time, I've learned how to solve13 problems in a peaceful way. If I ever14 thought that I could do something, Agape15 encouraged me to try. The most important16 Agape has taught me in all the wonderful17 things is what Jesus did and how he saved18 us by dying on the cross for all of us.19 If I ever had to go to a place and learn20 about God and have fun, I would go to21 Agape. I think they are one of the most22 fun, peaceful, trustworthy and kindest23 people I have ever known.24 Thank you, Pastor Pinkney, for25 182 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 opening up Agape, because without Agape,2 I will not have turned out to be the3 person I am today.4 Thank you.5 (Applause.)6
Good evening,9 Council. My name is Dorothy Zarr and I10 live in the Mount Airy section of the11 City and I also am a participant of12 Agape.13 I'm a mother with two special14 needs children, and the children have15 participated in Agape's after-school and16 summer camp program for over six or more17 years now. Without your funding, I18 wouldn't be able to afford this type of19 service. For the safety and the20 protection and the nurturing that these21 services provide, it's been beneficial22 and educational for me and my family.23 This is why I'm pleading with all24 officials here that you allow the funding25 183 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 to continue, because this is just2 something that we need. And me as a3 parent and having special needs at home4 all day, this is the only outlet that5 they have.6 I just -- I'm a pleader. I'm7 begging that the funds be available,8 because Pastor Pinkney has opened Agape9 Center for the first time I have ever10 heard for any special needs, and this is11 my plea for this evening, that you keep12 these services and fundings available to13 us.14 Thank you.15
Good evening,22 ladies and gentlemen of the Council and23 certainly to my Councilperson,24 Councilwoman Tasco. It is a pleasure to25 184 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 be here with you. My name is Mattie2 Pinkney and I am the Pastor of Agape3 Baptist Church and the Executive Director4 of Agape Community Outreach Services.5 I have a twofold plea today.6 Simply that you've heard these two that7 have come to you stating that we need to8 keep our fundings in place for our9 children. On the other side of that10 coin, I have people in my church and in11 my community that partake in the programs12 that can't afford the new taxes that are13 going to be levied upon them. And I know14 that -- I'm not here to ask you to do one15 or the other, because I know you're in a16 Catch 2 situation. You got to do17 something.18 What I am asking you, that when19 you do make your decision, that you take20 into account some of the ramifications21 that community people will feel if they22 don't -- if they're not able to comply23 with a lot of the new taxes that they24 have to; for instance, a business25 185 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 privilege tax that will be imposed on all2 of the people that lease from Agape.3 We're asked to pay that tax not only for4 this year but for next year, and if we5 don't come up with the funding to pay6 both this year and the following year for7 monies we haven't even earned yet, then8 we are levied with taxes and penalties9 that, if we're not careful, can almost10 amount to become even more than the11 actual tax.12 It's the same with taxes on13 homes, the new taxes that are coming up14 on the mortgage -- not the mortgage, but15 the real estate taxes. If older people16 don't get those taxes paid in time, they17 have to literally look at the penalties18 and the interest, and sometimes those19 rates are just downright ridiculous.20 We need your help in this,21 because if you look at some of the things22 that we have to pay in terms of our23 penalties and interest and even paying24 taxes on the business privilege end25 186 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 that's for next year, maybe you can find2 a way to kind of help us bridge those3 gaps so that we can be in compliance.4 Most of us want to comply. But whatever5 you decide to do, but you need to help us6 to be able to do that.7 I thank you. I appreciate your8 time. And, again, I also agree with the9 Reverend, that we are grateful for you10 coming into our community. God bless11 you, each and every one.12
Thank13 you. Thank you all very much.14 (Applause.)15 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:16 Councilwoman Tasco.17
Thank you,18 Madam President. I'll be brief.19 I first want to thank Bishop20 Morris and Elda Morris, Winifred Morris21 for allowing us to come into this22 wonderful sanctuary to have the hearings23 today.24 I want to thank my colleagues25 187 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 for all being here to hear what the2 people in the Northwest have to say about3 the deliberations that are before us.4 I want to thank all of you who5 have come out from the 8th and the 9th6 Councilmanic District, and even7 Mr. Roberson from Melrose Park with the8 driveways. I knew that was going to come9 up, if nothing else came up.10 But it's been a good evening,11 and we appreciate your words, your12 kindness. And I want to say to13 Mrs. Pinkney, Reverend Pinkney, we thank14 her for her leadership with Agape and her15 business activities on Wadsworth Avenue.16 She's very supportive of the community17 and works very well with the children.18 So I thank all of you for what you do in19 the community, and we just are very20 pleased to be here and I'm very glad we21 had a very good turnout.22 So thank you, Madam President.23 Thank you, my colleagues. Thank you,24 Elda, Winifred, for your patience, your25 188 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 love and this wonderful church, which2 does a lot of wonderful work in this3 community. Thank you.4 (Applause.)5
Thank you.6 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:7 Councilwoman Miller.8
I too9 want to thank everyone for coming out and10 thank you, thank you, thank you for the11 use of the church. I mean, this12 congregation has been so great and so13 wonderful. And you and your husband are14 always there for us, no matter what we15 ask you to do. So thank you.16 Thank you, everyone. Thank17 you.18
Thank19 you.20 This Committee will stand in21 recess until Monday, April the 27th at 1022 o'clock.23 Thank you all very much.24 (Committee of the Whole25 189 4/23/09 - WHOLE - BILL 090212, etc.1 recessed at 7:25 p.m.)2 - - -3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 190 1 CERTIFICATE2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the3 proceedings, evidence and objections are4 contained fully and accurately in the5 stenographic notes taken by me upon the6 foregoing matter on April 23, 2009, and that7 this is a true and correct transcript of same.8 9 10 11 12 13 ______________________________14 MICHELE L. MURPHY15 RPR-Notary Public16 17 18 (The foregoing certification of this19 transcript does not apply to any reproduction20 of the same by any means, unless under the21 direct control and/or supervision of the22 certifying reporter.)23 24 25