City Hall Roll Call: June 15th, 2023
City Hall Roll Call: June 15th, 2023
Council to hold hearings on Roosevelt Blvd. Subway proposal
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Now that the primary is over, it's time to put the divisiveness of the election behind us and focus on what really matters - laughing at ourselves and making the City of Philadelphia an even better place to call home.
That's why we're bringing together the most terminally online of this election cycle for a happy hour to raise some money for a good cause, all while highlighting the terrible political takes and laughable predictions from this cycle.
Join us on Wednesday, June 21st at the Pen & Pencil where the funniest, worst and dumbest tweets get read out loud. We'll probably give out some awards too.
Nominate your favorite tweets today!
Suggested donation of $10 to attend, with all proceeds benefiting Philabundance.
Welcome to City Hall Roll Call, a summary of City Council’s weekly Stated Meeting. Reminder, the information provided below is not an official or complete record. City Council’s official legislative database can be accessed through Legistar.
For a full play-by-play of the Council session, including speeches and public comment, be sure to follow me on Twitter.
Session Recap:
In its second to last session before summer recess, Council cleared dozens of bills and resolutions off of its final passage calendar, while introducing a few noteworthy pieces of legislation.
With the I-95 collapse highlighting the lack of public transit options available to Northeast Philadelphia, Councilmember Mike Driscoll (D-6th) introduced a resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Transportation to hold public hearings to examine the impacts of and funding opportunities for the extension of the existing Broad Street Line to Northeast Philadelphia. The Roosevelt Boulevard Subway was first proposed over a century ago to service communities in the northeast part of the city. Proponents for the subway argue that its construction would:
provide affordable access to jobs, reduce traffic congestion, enhance pedestrian safety, and fight climate change. A study from 2003 predicted that the subway would have 124,500 daily riders and reduce travel time from Far Northeast to City Hall from 60 to 32 minutes.
Image Credit: www.twitter.com/BlvdSubway
While the Council committee does not have the authority to bind the city in support of the project, the hearing itself is a huge validator for a movement that has largely been a grassroots effort to date.
Council continued its focus on public safety with Councilmember Anthony Phillips (D-9th) introducing a bill “prohibiting certain facial coverings” from being worn in certain places - a ski mask ban. In a speech following the bill’s introduction, Phillips explained that he has been hearing from constituents asking when Council would take action to ban masks given their rising presence in crimes across the city. He cited numerous other jurisdictions that have enacted similar bans, stating that “common sense” tells you if someone is wearing a ski mask in ninety-degree weather, they are about to commit a crime.
Phillips went on to explain that the mask issue is both a “public safety issue and a quality of life issue. People shouldn’t feel intimidated going about their business.” While he acknowledged that banning masks themselves wouldn’t necessarily stop shootings, he explained that a ban would make it easier to help police identify suspects in crimes and make residents feel less intimidated in their neighborhoods. Concluding his speech, Phillips urged community action telling parents to “stop letting your children wear them and stop buying them.” He also asked retailers to stop tolerating them in their places of business, “stop letting people wear them in your stores.”
The bill received significant support from his colleagues with Councilmembers Jim Harrity (D-AL), Curtis Jones, Jr (D-4th), Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd), Katherine Gilmore-Richardson (D-AL), Cindy Bass (D-8th), Quetcy Lozada (D-7th), Mark Squilla (D-1st), Brian O’Neill (R-10th), Mike Driscoll (D-6th) and Sharon Vaughn (D-AL) co-sponsoring the measure.
Another novel public safety measure was introduced by Council President Darrell Clarke (D-5th) in the form of a resolution authorizing hearings on the potential use of drones as a crime fighting tool. A timeline for a hearing on the matter has not yet been set.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd) introduced a resolution authorizing the creation of “the Philadelphia Reparations Task Force” to study and develop reparations proposals. In a speech on the floor of Council, Gauthier stated that many of the present day crises facing our city have their roots in the “original sin” of slavery. Gauthier explained that the task force would complete “a comprehensive, data driven study” to determine the city’s complicity in the systemic disinvestment in the Black community and identify means towards rectifying that.
Finally, Council did not vote on the budget bills this week but is expected to do so at its last scheduled session on June 22nd. Council has until June 30th to pass the budget prior to the July 1st start of the City’s new fiscal year. Council stands adjourned until Thursday, June 22nd at 10 AM.
Bills and Resolutions Introduced Today (By Subject Matter)
Due to the volume, ceremonial resolutions introduced by Councilmembers that honor or memorialize individuals or organizations will not be listed below, but can be found on Legistar.
🚓 Public Safety
Bill prohibiting certain facial coverings from being worn in certain spaces. (Phillips)
🗺️ Land Disposition / Acquisition
Bill authorizing Public Property to acquire title to land certain parcels of land bounded by Vine, Fairmount 12th and 8th Streets for Park use. (Squilla)
Resolution authorizing the transfer of land located in the 1st Councilmanic District. (Squilla)
Resolution authorizing the transfer of land located in the 5th Councilmanic District. (Clarke)
Resolution authorizing the transfer of land located in the 5th Councilmanic District. (Clarke)
Resolution authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 5th Councilmanic District. (Clarke)
Resolution authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 5th Councilmanic District. (Clarke)
Resolution authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 5th Councilmanic District. (Clarke)
Resolution authorizing the transfer of land located in the 7th Councilmanic District. (Lozada)
🚦Streets
Bill authorizing encroachments in form of a sidewalk cafe at 4001 Crescent Street.(Jones)
🔏 Contract / Agreement Authorization
Resolution approving the lease amendment for a portion of the Center City Redevelopment Area. (Clarke)
Resolution rescinding authorization contained in Resolution 220748, authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 5th Councilmanic District. (Clarke)
📛 Board / Commission Appointments
Resolution approving a reappointment to the Philadelphia Water Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board. (Clarke)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution urging Members of National Baseball Hall of Fame to nominate Dick Allen to the Hall of Fame in 2027. (Johnson)
Resolution calling on US Congress to pass the “Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act.” (Johnson)
Resolution authorizing the Commerce and Economic Development Committee to hold hearings on the City’s ability to prepare individuals for careers in the life sciences industry. (Gauthier)
Resolution authorizing the creation of the “Philadelphia Reparations Task Force.” (Gauthier)
Resolution calling on the City to modernize intermodal communications so the City can be better prepared to respond to a crisis. (Jones)
Resolution calling on PECO, PGW & PWD to make info about residential energy use and costs easily available to residents. (Clarke)
Resolution calling on PECO, PGW and PWD to develop comprehensive plans to reduce energy costs and improve efficiencies. (Clarke)
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to conduct hearings on the usage of drones as a law enforcement tool. (Clarke)
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Transportation to hold hearings to examine the impacts of and funding opportunities for the extension of the existing Broad Street Line to the underserved Northeast. (Driscoll)
Resolution authorizing a Joint Regulatory Task Force to examine the role of L&I and recommed revisions to the building and Philadelphia Code. (Driscoll)
Bills and Resolutions Introduced Today (By Member)
Due to the volume, ceremonial resolutions introduced by Councilmembers that honor or memorialize individuals or organizations will not be listed below, but can be found on Legistar.
Councilmember Mark Squilla (D-1st)
B: Authorizing Public Property to acquire title to land certain parcels of land bounded by Vine, Fairmount 12th and 8th Streets for Park use.
R: Authorizing the transfer of land located in the 1st Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
R: Urging Members of National Baseball Hall of Fame to nominate Dick Allen to the Hall of Fame in 2027.
R: Calling on US Congress to pass the “Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act.”
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
R: Authorizing the Commerce and Economic Development Committee to hold hearings on the City’s ability to prepare individuals for careers in the life sciences industry.
R: Authorizing the creation of the “Philadelphia Reparations Task Force.”
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th)
B: Authorizing encroachments in form of a sidewalk cafe at 4001 Crescent Street.
R: Calling on the City to modernize intermodal communications so the City can be better prepared to respond to a crisis.
Council President Darrell Clarke (D-5th)
R: Calling on PECO, PGW & PWD to make info about residential energy use and costs easily available to residents.
R: Calling on PECO, PGW and PWD to develop comprehensive plans to reduce energy costs and improve efficiencies.
R: Authorizing the transfer of land located in the 5th Councilmanic District.
R: Authorizing the transfer of land located in the 5th Councilmanic District.
R: Approving the lease amendment for a portion of the Center City Redevelopment Area.
R: Authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 5th Councilmanic District.
R: Authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 5th Councilmanic District.
R: Authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 5th Councilmanic District.
R: Rescinding authorization contained in Resolution 220748, authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 5th Councilmanic District.
R: Authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to conduct hearings on the usage of drones as a law enforcement tool.
R: Approving a reappointment to the Philadelphia Water Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board.
Councilmember Mike Driscoll (D-6th)
R: Authorizing the Committee on Transportation to hold hearings to examine the impacts of and funding opportunities for the extension of the existing Broad Street Line to the underserved Northeast.
R: Authorizing a Joint Regulatory Task Force to examine the role of L&I and recommed revisions to the building and Philadelphia Code.
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (D-7th)
R: Authorizing the transfer of land located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Anthony Phillips (D-9th)
Bill: Prohibiting certain facial coverings from being worn in certain spaces.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
📛 230226 (Jones): Appointing Cheryl McConnell to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion.
📛 230227 (Jones): Appointing Laura Beyer to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion.
📛 230228 (Jones): Appointing Nathan Muchnick to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion.
📛 230229 (Jones): Appointing Sereena Quick to the Board of Directors of the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion.
📛 230262 (Squilla): Appointing Vince Lattuca to the Board of Directors for the Old City Special Services District.
🗺️ 230459 (Clarke): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 924, 927, 928, 936 Edgley Street; 926, 928 French Street; 2106, 2112, 2140, 2141, 2142, 2143, 2151, 2166, 2170, 2172, 2215, 2217, 2219 N. Franklin Street; 2112, 2130, 2144, 2214 N. Marshall Street; 2105, 2107, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2119, 2121, 2133, 2140, 2143, 2146, 2150 N. Percy Street; 904, 910, 912 W. Susquehanna Avenue; 2102, 2109, 2126, 2128, 2130, 2131, 2134, 2135, 2136, 2150, 2210 N. 7th Street; 2101, 2113, 2121, 2155, 2167-69, 2201 N. 8th Street; 2124, 2126, 2132, 2150, 2165 N. 9th Street; 2121 N. 10th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District.
🗺️ 230494 (Clarke): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1901 N. Ringgold Street; 1910 N. 24th Street located in the 5th Councilmanic District.
🗺️ 230495 (Clarke): Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 815 W. Firth Street in the Fifth Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title.
🏆 230496 (Clarke): Also naming the 2200 block of 29th Street, as “Henry ‘Sly’ Schley Way” to honor the life and memory of renowned North Philly barbershop owner and barber, Henry Schley.
🗺️ 230503 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 759, 761, 763, 773, 779, 783 Pallas Street and 4041 Cambridge Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
🔏 230504 (Gauthier): Approving the redevelopment contract of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Mantua Urban Renewal Area, identified by house numbers and street addresses as 3701 Brown street, 3703 Brown street, 3705-3711 Brown street, 3713-3717 Brown street, 3719-3733 Brown street and 3700-3706 Mantua avenue; and authorizing the Redevelopment Authority to execute the redevelopment contract with Triangle Senior Housing One LP and to take such action as may be necessary to effectuate the redevelopment contract.
🏆 230506 (Squilla): Showing support for Philadelphia Haitians, team Haiti and Haitian Americans during the crisis in the Nation of Haiti and urging the Administration of the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia City Council to demonstrate unwavering support for the people of Haiti.
🏆 230507 (Squilla): Also naming South Broad Street between Lombard and South Streets as “Jerry Blavat Way”, to honor the life and legacy of South Philadelphia legendary entertainer and disc jockey, Jerry Blavat also known as “The Geator with the Heater” and “The Boss with the Hot Sauce”.
🏆 230### (Thomas): Congratulating Champion of the Week, Big Picture Alliance.
🗣️ 230### (Johnson): Urging Members of National Baseball Hall of Fame to nominate and accept Dick Allen to the Hall of Fame in 2027.
⚖️ 230### (Gauthier): Authorizing the Commerce and Economic Development Committee to hold hearings on the City’s ability to prepare individuals for careers in the life sciences industry.
⚖️ 230### (Clarke): Resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to conduct hearings on the usage of drones as a law enforcement tool.
⚖️ 230### (Driscoll): Authorizing the Committee on Transportation to hold hearings to examine the impacts of and funding opportunities for the extension of the existing Broad Street Line to the underserved Northeast.
🏆 230### (O'Neill) Honoring and recognizing GQ Aviation for a decade of service as a premier flight school in the Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
Bills
🏗️ 230302 (Jones): Approving a major amendment to the Saint Joseph’s University Master Plan related to a proposed Residence Hall and Student Center and the addition of six existing buildings to the Master Plan and to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land, all in the area bounded by City Avenue, 52nd Street, Woodbine Avenue, Wynnefield Avenue, Overbrook Avenue, Upland Way, and Drexel Road.
🚦 220576 (Clarke): Authorizing Howard Foreman (“Owner”) to install, own and maintain various encroachments, including but not limited to, a proposed fence and other structures at 1338-44 Rising Sun Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19140, and other locations abutting the Caribbean Feast Restaurant, (“the Property”).
🚦 230049 (Clarke): Authorizing the construction, installation, ownership, use and maintenance of a sidewalk café at 425-449 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.
🚦 230129 (Clarke): Authorizing the paving of Boston Place from Tenth Street to Eleventh Street.
🚦 230151 (Jones): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides Port Royal Avenue between Henry Avenue and Old Line Road.
🚦 230185 (Phillips): Amending Section 12-919 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “On-Street Parking of Boats, Motor Homes, Truck Campers and Vending Carts,” by providing for further regulation of semitrailer and truck tractor parking.
🚦 230187 (Jones): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Conshohocken Avenue between Belmont Avenue and City Avenue.
🚦 230188 (Jones): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Lancaster Avenue between Woodbine Avenue and Sherwood Road.
🚦 230189 (Jones): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Tower street and Pensdale street; Ripka street and Wilde street; Mansion street and Hermitage street; Green lane and Manayunk avenue; Lauriston street and Markel street; Terrace street and Roxborough avenue; Dexter street and Monastery avenue; Cotton street and Manayunk avenue.
🚦 230202 (Clarke): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Camac street and Sedgley avenue; Rising Sun avenue and N. 13th street; Victoria street and Germantown avenue; N. 13th street and Luzerne street.
🚦 230203 (Clarke): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: George street and N. 4th street; George street and N. 2nd street; Shackamaxon street and Girard avenue; Ridge avenue and Mount Vernon street; American street and Poplar street; N. 4th street and Poplar street; Mount Vernon street and N. 11th street.
🚦 230204 (Clarke): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Green street and N. 16th street; Mount Vernon street and N. 15th street; Mount Vernon street and N. 16th street; Mount Vernon street and N. 19th street; N. 15th street and Fairmount avenue; N. 23rd street and Fairmount avenue.
🚦 230205 (Jones): Establishing parking regulations on both sides of Conshohocken Avenue between Monument Road and Falls Road, all under certain terms and conditions.
🚦 230206 (Jones): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of 66th Street between City Avenue and Woodbine Avenue.
🚦 230207 (Johnson): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Chadwick street and Washington avenue; S. 26th street and Bainbridge street.
🚦 230208 (O'Neill): Amending The Philadelphia Code by adding a new section prohibiting the parking or maintaining of semitrailers and truck tractors at residential properties.
🚦 230248 (Clarke): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Arlington street and Ringgold street; Willington street and Montgomery avenue; Gratz street and Fountain street; Stiles street and N. 15th street; N. 19th street and Berks street.
🚦 230272 (Clarke): Establishing parking regulations on both sides of N. Carlisle Street, between W. Girard Avenue and Poplar Street.
🚦 230273 (Johnson): Amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 200578) approved January 20, 2021, entitled “An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 46-S by striking from the City Plan and vacating Penrose Ferry Road from Penrose Avenue to its terminus northeastwardly therefrom and reserving and placing on the City Plan a right-of way for various public utility purposes within the lines of Penrose Ferry Road being stricken and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said right-of-way being reserved, under certain terms and conditions,” by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.
🚦 230274 (Johnson): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Camac street and Johnston street.
🚦 230275 (Gauthier): Establishing a no truck parking regulation in the vicinity of N. 51st Street and Brown Street.
🚦 230306 (Gauthier): Authorizing the installation, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments in the vicinity of 3931 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
🚦 230320 (Jones): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on the westwardly side of Belmont Avenue between Monument Road and Conshohocken Avenue.
🚦 230325 (Squilla): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of pedestrian light poles, with accompanying LED luminaires, and concrete planter boxes in the vicinity of 1325 N. Beach Street.
🚦 230326 (Squilla): Authorizing Northern Liberties Business Improvement District to own, operate and maintain certain lighting encroachments along the 400 and 500 blocks of 2nd Street in the City of Philadelphia.
🚦 230358 (Gauthier): Revising parking regulations for the north side of 49th Street, Paschall Avenue to Grays Avenue; the east side of Grays Avenue, 49th Street to Lindbergh Boulevard; and, the east side of Lindbergh Boulevard, Grays Avenue to Harley Avenue.
🚦 230359 (Gauthier): Delegating to the Streets Department the authority to establish certain parking restrictions by regulation on both sides of Walnut street between 40th street and 63rd street.
🚦 230402 (Phillips): Amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 180560) approved July 10, 2018, entitled “An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 250 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Montour Street from Adams Avenue to Foulkrod Street, under certain terms and conditions,” by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.
🔏 230404 (Clarke): Authorizing the Procurement Commissioner to enter into a contract for the construction of a sewer and appurtenant work, required to provide public sewer service, in the 1200 block of North Newkirk Street.
🚦 230405 (Clarke): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Norris street and N. 15th street and N. 19th street; Page street and N. 16th street and N. 20th street and N. 23rd street; Monument street and N. 17th street.
🚦 230406 (Clarke): Authorizing the installation, ownership, and maintenance of various encroachments in the vicinity of 1907-1915 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 and 1904-40 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
🚦 230409 (Johnson): Amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Designation of Bicycle Lanes,” to authorize a bicycle lane in each direction on Bartram Avenue, from 84th Street to Essington Avenue; and making associated changes to parking regulations within the same limits.
🚦 230416 (Squilla): Amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Designation of Bicycle Lanes,” to authorize a bicycle lane on East Market street from 2nd street to 6th street; and making associated changes to parking regulations within the same limits.
🚦 230417 (Squilla): Amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Designation of Bicycle Lanes,” to authorize a bicycle lane, in the southbound direction, on North 2nd street from Race street to Market street; and removing a travel lane on North 2nd street within the same limits.
🚦 230436 (Clarke): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Randolph street and Cambridge street; Parrish street and N. 13th street; Orianna street and Poplar street; Orianna street and George street.
🚦 230438 (Jones): Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 230 and 289 by placing on the City Plan two irregularly shaped areas, one located along the northeasterly side of Ridge Avenue and extending from a point northwest of the Wissahickon Creek to a point approximately four hundred twenty four feet further northwestwardly therefrom and the other located along the southwesterly side of Ridge Avenue extending from a point northwest of the Wissahickon Creek northwestwardly to the southwesterly side of Main Street, thereby widening said Ridge Avenue, and authorizing the opening of the portions of the said widened Ridge Avenue extending through property owned by the City,
🚦 230439 (Jones): Adding a parking regulation on N. 34th Street between Indiana Avenue and Commissioner Street.
🚦 230444 (Gauthier): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 4333 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, under certain terms and conditions.
💼 230271 (Phillips): Amending Section 9-105 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Penalties,” and Chapter 9-4400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Responsible Business Operations,” to further define nuisance businesses, provide for additional enforcement and penalties, and make certain technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
🏆 230324 (Driscoll): Officially re-naming and designating Bridesburg Park, located at 3101 Orthodox Street in the City of Philadelphia, as “Robert A. Borski Park”.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Wednesday, June 21st
Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development , 10:00 AM - Council will hold public hearings on the role and responsibilities of Philadelphia’s Landlord-Tenant Officer position; the policies and procedures it manages in the eviction process, particularly around writs of service; and clarifying oversight, ethics, and public accountability for the Landlord-Tenant Office.