Welcome to Thursday’s City Hall Roll Call, powered by The Committee of Seventy.
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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. Also, don’t forget to tune in on Tuesday mornings at 10:25 a.m. to WURD Radio and Reality Check’s “City Council Calendar with Lauren Vidas.” Show host Charles Ellison and I preview the issues and break down the legislation that Council will tackle at its Thursday meeting.
Session Recap:
At today’s session, Council took aggressive action aimed at preserving the affordability of a housing development in West Philadelphia. After multiple amendments and months of conversations, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd) called Bill No. 210788-AA up for a vote. Titled, “Affordable Housing Preservation Overlay District,” the bill would establish a temporary demolition moratorium and change the zoning of a block of land bounded by Market and Ludlow Streets and 39th and 40th Streets.
Currently, this block of land is home to the University City Townhomes, whose owner recently chose not to renew its affordable housing contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The property, which is home to approximately 70 families, is located in the heart of University City. As reported by WHYY:
The apartment complex’s location has already drawn the attention from estate companies that focus on developing lab and manufacturing space for life sciences companies, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal. Based on its size and its development, the parcel could sell for up to $100 million, the report said.
In calling up the bill for a vote, Gauthier explained why she felt such drastic action was necessary, stating, “It is an injustice to stand by and watch. working class people…who helped build these neighborhoods get pushed out.” She noted that the Black Bottom neighborhood in West Philadelphia, where the homes are located, had effectively been razed to make way for a science campus “in the name of Urban Renewal.” She observed that the University City Townhomes were a rare example of affordable housing in one of the most amenity rich neighborhoods in the City, which was something she believed strongly in protecting.
Gauthier also warned that the “opt-out” provision that allowed for the conversion of this property was just one of many set to expire. Gauthier noted, “By the end of 2025 over 300,000 affordability agreements are set to expire, 5,600 of them in Philadelphia.” The Councilmember also stated that this bill was just part of a larger strategy needed to ensure the maintenance and creation of affordable housing opportunities in Philadelphia.
While recognizing the need for more affordable housing, opponents of the bill argued that it is governmental overreach in that it singles out a specific property for legislative action that will significantly devalue the property. Despite objections from the property owner and representatives from the Philadelphia’s real estate industry who testified during the committee hearing, the bill passed 15-1, with Councilmember Allan Domb (D-AL), the sole “no” vote.
With the affordable housing crisis showing no signs of abating, expect additional legislation aimed at preserving affordability from Councilwoman Gauthier who stated, “We as a city have an obligation to step up and step in...and create intentionally equitable communities."
Council stands adjourned until Thursday, March 17th 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.
🏗️ Construction / Zoning
Bill approving Amendments to Drexel University Master Plan related to Kelly Hall Building. (Gauthier)
Bill revising definitions in the Property Maintenance Code related to drinking fountain and water dispensers, to add provisions related to drinking facilities in schools and requiring filtration systems. (Gym)
🗺️ Land Disposition / Acquisition
Resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to transmit deeds for land located in the 5th Councilmanic District to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. (Clarke)
🔏 Contract / Agreement Authorization
Bill authorizing the Chief Information Officer to purchase software licenses for the City. (Clarke/Admin.)
🚦Streets
Bill providing for no truck parking on S. 61st Street. (Johnson)
Bill authorizing the relocation of curb line on Ridge Ave on City Plan 163. (Jones)
💸 Finance / Budget
Bill requiring Annual reporting related to unclaimed property owned by the City of Philadelphia. (Gilmore-Richardson)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to examine potential solutions to address the widespread illegal dumping taking place in Philadelphia. (Gauthier)
Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
Bill - No truck parking on S. 61st Street.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
Resolution - Authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to examine potential solutions to address the widespread illegal dumping taking place in Philadelphia.
Bill - Approving Amendments to Drexel University Master Plan related to Kelly Hall Building.
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th)
Bill - Authorizing the relocation of curb line on Ridge Ave on City Plan 163.
Council President Darrell Clarke (D-5th)
Resolution - Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to transmit deeds for land located in the 5th Councilmanic District to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.
Councilmember Brian O’Neill (R-10th)
Bill - Authorizing the Chief Information Officer to purchase software licenses for the City. (Clarke/Admin.)
Councilmember Katherine Gilmore-Richardson (D-AL)
Bill - Requiring Annual reporting related to unclaimed property owned by the City of Philadelphia.
Councilmember Helen Gym (D-AL)
Bill - Revising definitions in the Property Maintenance Code related to drinking fountain and water dispensers, to add provisions related to drinking facilities in schools and requiring filtration systems.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
🏆 220191 (Parker): Congratulating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on her historic nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States and urging the U.S. Senate to confirm her nomination.
🏆 220192 (Parker): Commending the City of Philadelphia Board of Pensions and Retirement for their prudent actions over the years to increase the Pension Fund’s actuarial funding ratio.
🗣️ 220193 (Parker): Calling on Mayor James F. Kenney and his administration to conduct an annual review of how the City’s elimination of the Rule of Two has impacted workforce diversity in both hiring and promotion.
🏆 220194 (Gilmore-Richardson): Celebrating Author Mollie Elkman and Her Children’s Book, The House That She Built, on the Occasion of Women’s History Month.
🏆 220195 (Gilmore-Richardson): Recognizing and supporting the accomplishments of women and girls throughout history on the occasion of Women’s History Month.
🏆 220196 (Jones): Recognizing and honoring Dr. Eydie Miller-Ellis for her unwavering commitment to the advancement of the careers and goals of. women and minorities in the field of medicine.
🗺️ 220198 (Johnson): Authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to convey title to the Land Bank for 2609-27 Sears street, 3014-26 Wharton street, and 1308-14 S. 26th street located in the Second Councilmanic District.
🏆 220199 (Johnson): Honoring Reuben Jones, executive director of Frontline Dads, for his dedicated leadership in promoting public safety and justice reform in Philadelphia.
🗣️ 220200 (Green): Calling upon the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Governor Tom Wolf to raise or remove the cap on the amount of tax credits available under the Film Production Tax Credit Program.
🏆 220201 (Clarke): Honoring and commemorating the life and memory of Jennifer Bennetch and the impact of her housing activism on the City of Philadelphia.
🏆 220202 (Domb): Honoring and congratulating Drexel University President John Fry on his 2021 receipt of the William Penn Award from the Greater Philadelphia Area Chamber of Commerce, and for his many contributions to Drexel University, the local community, and the entire Philadelphia region.
🗺️ 220203 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to various properties located in the Third Councilmanic District.
🏆 220204 (Thomas): Honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week NBC10’s Miguel Martinez-Valle and Augustine Conte III for representing Philadelphia in Beijing as the only Philadelphian reporters and photojournalists to cover the 2022 Winter Olympics.
🔏 220205 (Squilla): Authorizing the conveyance of an interest in and the assignment of the redevelopment agreement for 2032 Lehigh Avenue located in the First Councilmanic District.
🗺️ 220206 (Bass): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2919 N. 23rd Street located in the 8th Councilmanic District.
🏆 220207 (Oh): Recognizing Darrell K. Choates Sr. for his ongoing success and contributions in fields of business and community development as CEO of the Choates Family of Companies LLC.
🏆 220209 (Oh): Recognizing and commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines with the theme “Gifted to Give.”
🗣️ 220210 (Oh): Calling on the City of Philadelphia to terminate all contracts and financial ties with Russian businesses and investments.
🏆 220### (Jones): Welcoming President Biden and the House Democratic Caucus to Philadelphia for the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference.
🏆 220### (Bass): Honoring the 200th Anniversary of the birth and life of Harriet Tubman.
⚖️ 220### (Gauthier): Authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to examine potential solutions to address the widespread illegal dumping taking place in Philadelphia.
Bills:
🏗️ 210778-AA (Gauthier): Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by adding Section 14-532, entitled the “/AHP, Affordable Housing Preservation Overlay District” and making other related changes; to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by 39th Street, Ludlow Street, 40th Street, and Market Street; and to establish a temporary demolition moratorium with respect to properties within the aforementioned area.
🚦 210801 (Gauthier): Amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 170002) approved May 22, 2017, entitled “An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating the easterly houseline of University Avenue.
🚦 210804 (Bass): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Mentor street and Windrim avenue; Pelham road and Mower street.
🚦 210805 (Bass): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Sulis street and N. 2nd street; Ashdale street and N. 4th street; Rittenhouse street to Wissahickon street.
🚦 210806 (Bass): Establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Tioga street and N. 15th street.
🏗️ 210807 (Bass): Changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Penn Street, Morris Street, Coulter Street, and Priscilla Street.
💸 210827 (Clarke): Authorizing an increase in the non-electoral indebtedness of the City within the Pennsylvania constitutional limit; authorizing the Bond Committee to sell bonds at public or private negotiated sale, to provide funds toward various capital municipal purposes; providing for appropriations to the Sinking Fund Commission for the payment of such bonds; and authorizing agreements to provide credit or payment or liquidity sources for the bonds in connection with issuance of the bonds, and certain other actions.
🚦 210828 (Gauthier): Amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 170086) approved May 22, 2017, entitled “An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating portions of the houselines and curblines of Convention Avenue.
🏗️ 210829 (Squilla): Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by amending certain provisions of Section 14-502, entitled “/ CTR, Center City Overlay District,” to. create a new subarea of the Old City Residential District.
🚦 210927 (Gauthier): Amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Designation of Bicycle Lanes,” to authorize a bicycle lane, in the eastbound direction, on Chestnut street from South 63rd street to South 45th street; and to remove a travel lane on Chestnut street within the same limits.
🚦 210955 (Jones): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of N. Daggett Street from Callowhill Street to Vine Street.
🏗️ 210957 (Gauthier): Approving amendments to the University of Pennsylvania Master Plan in the area bounded by Walnut Street, 34th Street, Spruce Street, and 40th Street, related to the Graduate School of Education building at 3700 Walnut Street.
🚦 211019 (Jones): Establishing no truck or trailer parking regulations on N. 60th street between W. Oxford street and Clifford terrace, both sides; N. 61st street between W. Oxford street and Clifford terrace, both sides; and W. Columbia avenue between N. 60th street and N. 61st street, both sides.
🏗️ 220005 (Jones): Changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Girard Avenue, 54th Street, Westminster Avenue, Haverford Avenue and 56th Street.
💸 220114 (Clarke): Authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022 from the General Fund o the General Fund.
💸 220116 (Green): Approving the amendment of the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget providing for expenditures for the capital purposes of the Philadelphia Gas Works (including the supplying of funds in connection therewith) subject to certain constraints and conditions, and acknowledging the receipt of the Revised Forecast of Capital Budgets for Fiscal Years 2023 through 2027, as amended.
🚦 220045 (Jones): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on both sides of Overbrook Avenue from 64th Street to 66th Street.
🚦 220053 (O'Neill): Establishing a no truck parking regulation on Horning Road from Roosevelt Boulevard to its terminus further northwestwardly therefrom.
🗺️ 220076 (Clarke): Authorizing the Philadelphia Housing Authority to acquire fee simple title to certain properties located in the vicinity of 9th Street to the east, 11th Street to the west, Cumberland Street to the north, and Susquehanna Avenue to the south.
🏗️ 220119 (Squilla): Authorizing an existing bulk window at 2519 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125.
🚦 220144 (Gauthier): Amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, by amending Section 9-203 relating to Street Vendors, by prohibiting street vending on certain portions of Market Street.
🚦 220145 (Gauthier): Amending Section 12-701 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Designation of Bicycle Lanes,” to authorize a bicycle lane on West Market Street from 34th street to 30th street; and making associated changes to parking regulations within the same limits.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Thursday, March 10th
Committee on Streets and Services, 1:00 PM - the Committee will hear testimony regarding Beets, Brine and Salt and the recipe for Philadelphia’s Streets in Winter.
Friday, March 11th
Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention, 9:30 AM - the Committee will conduct hearings to examine the correlation between domestic violence and gun violence.
Monday, March 14th
Committee on Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation, 9:30 AM - the Committee will hold its quarterly hearing that include monthly reporting requirements and to discuss the fiscal position and overarching social impact goals of the City.
Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, 1:00 PM - the Committee will consider an ordinance renaming and designating the property commonly referred to as the 11th and Venango Playground, located at 3600 North 11th Street, as the "Williams Moore Reed Memorial Park” in the City of Philadelphia.
Wednesday, March 16th
Committee of the Whole, 10:00 AM - the Committee will consider the appointments of McCullough Williams III to the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate board, Jay. S. Feldstein and Bernie A. Prazenica to the City Avenue Special Services District board, and Erik Derr and Brennan Tomasetti to the Old City Special Services District board.
Monday, March 21st
Joint Committees on Public Safety, Labor and Civil Service & Fiscal Stability and Intergovernmental Cooperation , 9:30 AM - the committees will hold a hearing examining the current staffing landscape within the Philadelphia Police Department to identify problems and solutions to improve public safety.
💸 📆 Budget Hearing Calendar (as of 2/24/22)
Tuesday, April 5th, 2022
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Five-Year Plan
Capital Program
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
Mayor’s Office (including Deputy Mayors and Office of Labor)
Wednesday, April 6th, 2022
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Department of Finance
Department of Revenue
Tax Bills
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
Sinking Fund
Board of Pensions
City Treasurer
Public Testimony – Tax Bills
Tuesday, April 12th, 2022
Full Day (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Office of Property Assessments
Board of Revision of Taxes
Wednesday, April 13th, 2022
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Department of Human Services
Office of Homeless Services
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
Behavioral Health
Public Health
Tuesday, April 19th, 2022
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Office of Public Property
City Commissioners
Office of Procurement
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
Aviation
Fleet Management
Wednesday, April 20th, 2022
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Commerce
Office of Human Resources
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
Chief Administrative Office
Office of Innovation & Technology
Tuesday, April 26th, 2022
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Police
District Attorney’s Office
Defender’s Association
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
First Judicial District
Law Department
Sheriff
Wednesday, April 27th, 2022
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Register of Wills
City Controller
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
Licenses and Inspections
Water Department
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Mural Arts Program
Free Library
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
SEPTA
Parks & Recreation
Wednesday, May 4th, 2022
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
School District of Philadelphia
Community College
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
Public Testimony - School District
Tuesday, May 10th, 2022
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Managing Director’s Office
Mayor’s Office of Children & Families
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
Planning and Development
Wednesday, May 11th, 2022
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Streets Department
Fire Department
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
Prisons
Tuesday, May 24th, 2022
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Department Callbacks
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
Public Testimony
Wednesday, May 25th, 2022
Morning (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Department Callbacks