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