City Hall Roll Call: March 20th, 2025
Non-Conformity Bill Gets Final Council Vote
Welcome to Thursday’s City Hall Roll Call, powered by The Committee of Seventy.
Subscribe to the Committee of Seventy's newsletter for weekly news and insights on local elections, redistricting, and efforts to improve our state and local government, all delivered directly to your inbox.
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 Blue Sky.
Session Recap:
Coming off last week’s Mayoral budget address and with budget hearings set to begin in earnest next week, today’s Council session was relatively light on both new introductions and matters on the final passage calendar. The most noteworthy introductions came in the form of a series of bills sent over by Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) to repeal the legislative package authorizing the 76ers to construct the arena on Market East.
Today’s voting calendar featured a rare split vote, regarding a somewhat controversial zoning bill, sponsored by Councilmember Jeffrey Young (D-5th). Young’s bill would further regulate non-conforming uses under the Philadelphia Zoning Code. As explained by the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jake Blumgart, “[Z]oning law in Philadelphia, like most other cities in Pennsylvania, allows for properties that predate existing land use laws to be allowed to operate as their current or similar uses. They revert to existing zoning laws only if the old use is abandoned for three years.”
Under Young’s bill, “a non-conforming use shall be deemed abandoned whenever such use is discontinued and a new use established, without the grant of a zoning permit.” This means that the property owner would be required to go through zoning to return to the previously allowed grandfathered use, or for the new use if they wish to continue. The bill passed by 15-2, with Councilmembers Anthony Phillips (D-9th) and Rue Landau (D-AL) voting no. The bill will only apply to properties in the 5th, 8th and 10th Councilmanic Districts. The remaining district councilmembers excluded their parts of the city from the bill’s coverage.
Mayor Parker has not publicly signaled whether she will veto the bill, which would require 12 of 17 members to vote to override the veto. Under the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, the Mayor has ten days to veto or sign the bill into law. If she fails to act within that ten day window, the bill will automatically become law without her signature.
City Council stands adjourned until Thursday, March 27th 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 No. 250242, Repealing in its entirety Bill No. 240972 (approved December 23, 2024), entitled “An Ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising certain provisions of section 14-906, entitled “Market Street East Sign Regulations,” all under certain terms and conditions.” (Johnson)
Bill No. 250243, Repealing in its entirety Bill No. 240971 (approved December 23, 2024), entitled “An Ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled Zoning and Planning, by amending certain definitions relating to signs; creating an “Arena Area” within the “/CTR, Center City Overlay District” overlay; and making related changes, including a master plan requirement and changes to accessory sign controls; all in connection with zoning rules for a proposed arena in Center City; and approving a master plan for the Arena Area; all under certain terms and conditions.” (Johnson)
Bill No. 250244, Repealing in their entirety the following Ordinances, all approved December 23, 2024: Bill No. 240966 (granting the necessary authorizations for the City to help facilitate development of a new arena for the Philadelphia 76ers); Bill No. 240967 (authorizing the execution of a Service Agreement between the City and PAID); Bill No. 240968 (authorizing striking Filbert Street from 10th Street to 11th Street from the City Plan; Bill No. 240969 (authorizing striking certain aerial portions of Tenth Street between Market Street and Filbert Street from the City Plan); Bill No. 240970 (authorizing the construction and maintenance of various right of way encroachments in the vicinity of the proposed arena); Bill No. 240963 (amending the existing Gallery at Market East Tax Increment Financing District in the area of the proposed arena); and Bill No. 240973 (approving the amendment of a neighborhood improvement district in the area of the proposed arena). (Johnson)
🗺️ Land Disposition / Acquisition
Resolution No. 250245, Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 708 N. Shedwick Street, 710 N. Shedwick Street, 714 N. Shedwick Street and 723 N. Shedwick Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code. (Gauthier)
📛 Boards and Commission Appointments
Resolution No. 250250, Appointing Malika Rahman to the Citizen’s Police Oversight Commission.
Resolution No. 250251, Appointing Gilberto Gonzalez to the Citizen’s Police Oversight Commission.
Resolution No. 250252, Appointing Michelle Enix-Kenney to the Citizen’s Police Oversight Commission.
Resolution No. 250253, Appointing LaTanya Whitehead to the Citizen’s Police Oversight Commission.
Resolution No. 250254, Reappointing Haakim Peay to the Citizen’s Police Oversight Commission.
🚦Streets
Bill No. 250421, Amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 220454), approved November 30, 2022, entitled “An Ordinance Authorizing the vacating of Krewstown Road from Norwalk Road to its terminus southwestwardly therefrom, under certain terms and conditions,” by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein. (O’Neill)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution No. 250248, Authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings on the status, conditions, operations, and economic factors at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to ensure the future of this City cornerstone as we prepare to welcome the world in 2026. (Thomas)
Resolution No. 250255, Condemning President Donald J. Trump and his administration for their decision to suspend income-driven student loan repayment plans and for politicizing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to target advocates working to oppose his anti-immigrant, anti-trans, anti-free speech agenda. (Landau)
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.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
Bill No. 250242, Repealing in its entirety Bill No. 240972 (approved December 23, 2024), entitled “An Ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising certain provisions of section 14-906, entitled “Market Street East Sign Regulations,” all under certain terms and conditions.”
Bill No. 250243, Repealing in its entirety Bill No. 240971 (approved December 23, 2024), entitled “An Ordinance amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled Zoning and Planning, by amending certain definitions relating to signs; creating an “Arena Area” within the “/CTR, Center City Overlay District” overlay; and making related changes, including a master plan requirement and changes to accessory sign controls; all in connection with zoning rules for a proposed arena in Center City; and approving a master plan for the Arena Area; all under certain terms and conditions.”
Bill No. 250244, Repealing in their entirety the following Ordinances, all approved December 23, 2024: Bill No. 240966 (granting the necessary authorizations for the City to help facilitate development of a new arena for the Philadelphia 76ers); Bill No. 240967 (authorizing the execution of a Service Agreement between the City and PAID); Bill No. 240968 (authorizing striking Filbert Street from 10th Street to 11th Street from the City Plan; Bill No. 240969 (authorizing striking certain aerial portions of Tenth Street between Market Street and Filbert Street from the City Plan); Bill No. 240970 (authorizing the construction and maintenance of various right of way encroachments in the vicinity of the proposed arena); Bill No. 240963 (amending the existing Gallery at Market East Tax Increment Financing District in the area of the proposed arena); and Bill No. 240973 (approving the amendment of a neighborhood improvement district in the area of the proposed arena).
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
Resolution No. 250245, Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 708 N. Shedwick Street, 710 N. Shedwick Street, 714 N. Shedwick Street and 723 N. Shedwick Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th)
Resolution No. 250250, Appointing Malika Rahman to the Citizen’s Police Oversight Commission.
Resolution No. 250251, Appointing Gilberto Gonzalez to the Citizen’s Police Oversight Commission.
Resolution No. 250252, Appointing Michelle Enix-Kenney to the Citizen’s Police Oversight Commission.
Resolution No. 250253, Appointing LaTanya Whitehead to the Citizen’s Police Oversight Commission.
Resolution No. 250254, Reappointing Haakim Peay to the Citizen’s Police Oversight Commission.
Councilmember Brian O’Neill (R-10th)
Bill No. 250421: Amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 220454), approved November 30, 2022, entitled “An Ordinance Authorizing the vacating of Krewstown Road from Norwalk Road to its terminus southwestwardly therefrom, under certain terms and conditions,” by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.
Councilmember Rue Landau (D-AL)
Resolution No. 250255, Condemning President Donald J. Trump and his administration for their decision to suspend income-driven student loan repayment plans and for politicizing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to target advocates working to oppose his anti-immigrant, anti-trans, anti-free speech agenda.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (D-AL)
Resolution No. 250248, Authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings on the status, conditions, operations, and economic factors at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to ensure the future of this City cornerstone as we prepare to welcome the world in 2026.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
🗣️ 250221 (Landau): Condemning the Trump Administration for its reprehensible actions to drastically defund the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which will have a devastating effect on the enforcement of fair housing laws, damage communities, and escalate the affordable housing crisis.
🏆 250246 (Thomas): Recognizing March as National Nutrition Month in the City of Philadelphia to raise awareness of the importance of nutrition education and healthy eating habits, and to recognize the contributions of Vetri Community Partnership in promoting community health and wellness.
🏆 250247 (Thomas): Recognizing March 2025 as "Creative and Nighttime Economies and Arts in Education Month" in the City of Philadelphia.
⚖️ 250248 (Thomas): Authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings on the status, conditions, operations, and economic factors at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to ensure the future of this City cornerstone as we prepare to welcome the world in 2026.
🏆 250249 (Johnson): Honoring Victim/Witness Services of South Philadelphia for 35 years of dedicated service to those affected by violence in South Philadelphia and across the City.
🏆 250256 (Landau): Honoring the life and legacy of the Honorable Phyllis W. Beck, retired judge of the Superior Court, who was a treasured member of the Philadelphia legal community, philanthropist, trailblazer, and mentor.
🏆 250258 (Landau): Declaring March 17 - March 21, 2025 as National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week in the City of Philadelphia.
🏆 250259 (Brooks): Honoring and expressing gratitude to Nicole Bartlett for her work helping grieving families cope with loss and mentoring young women in Philadelphia and across the country, on the occasion of Women’s History Month.
🏆 250260 (Driscoll): Honoring the Dedicated Employees of the Philadelphia Gas Works in Recognition of Natural Gas Utility Workers' Day on March 18, 2025.
Bills:
🏗️ 240427-AA (Young): Amending Section 14-305 of the Philadelphia Code entitled “Nonconformities,” by providing further provisions on changes from non-conforming uses.
🚦 250100 (Jones): Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 177 Markle Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127.
🚦 250147 (Phillips): Authorizing PHILIPPIAN BAPTIST CHURCH or a subsequent owner to install, own, and maintain an encroachment at 5801 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19141.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Tuesday, March 25th (Committee of the Whole - Budget)
Five-Year Plan & Capital Program (10:30-12:30)
Mayor’s Office (1:30-4:30 PM)
Wednesday, March 26th (Committee of the Whole - Budget)
Finance Group (10:00-12:30)
Department of Finance
Board of Pensions
City Treasurer & Sinking Fund
Department of Revenue
Office of Property Assesments
Tax Bills
Public Testimony (1:30-4:00)
Tax Bills
Monday, March 31st
Joint Committee on Licenses & Inspections and the Committee on Public Safety, 10:00 AM - the committees will hold hearings on enforcement against drug paraphernalia stores.
Committee on Appropriations, 2:00 PM - the committee will consider three bills revising various appropriation amounts to different departments and commissions.
Tuesday, April 1st (Committee of the Whole - Budget)
Chief Administrative Office Group (10:00-12:30)
Chief Administrative Office
Office of Human Resources
Office of Innovation & Technology
Procurement
Children and Families Group (1:30-4:00)
Human Services
Mayor’s Office of Education
Wednesday, April 2nd (Committee of the Whole - Budget)
Office of Clean and Green Group (10:00-12:30)
Sanitation
Office of Clean and Green
Philadelphia Energy Authority
Transportation Group (1:30-4:00)
Streets
Water
Aviation