City Hall Roll Call: November 14th, 2024
Resign to Run Repeal Redux
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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 Blue Sky (Handle: broadandmarket.bsky.social)
Session Recap:
Today’s Council Stated Meeting was brief, but members introduced a significant number of bills that could have major impacts on city governance, development and traffic throughout the city.
Arena Inspired Legislative Proposals
City Council spent the last two days taking testimony on the proposed 76ers Arena Development. City officials testified in support of the project on Tuesday, with representatives from the development team testifying yesterday. One of the major concerns voiced by Councilmembers, as well as community advocates, has been how to preserve Chinatown as a cultural center and protect retailers and residents from potential displacement. Today, Councilmember Mark Squilla (D-1st) whose district includes both Chinatown and the proposed stadium development, introduced a bill to create a new Chinatown zoning overlay. To better understand today’s action, here is a brief, high-level primer on zoning in Philadelphia before we get to the actual legislation.
Zoning regulates two main things on every piece of property: 1) how that property can be used (e.g., retail, residential, office, park) and 2) the construction requirements or limits for that property (e.g., 65 feet height limit, parking requirements, open area minimums). Rather than list these specific requirements individually for each parcel in the city, the Zoning Code creates different “base zoning districts” which set forth the use and construction rules for each category (e.g, residential detached, residential attached, commercial mixed-use, etc.) These are the city standard rules for use and construction for each type of district. Sometimes, a neighborhood may require special rules in order to protect historic character or take into account a situation specific to that neighborhood. In these cases, City Council will create what is known as an “overlay.”
An overlay creates an additional set of rules or requirements for a specific geographic area that is different than the standard zoning rules. For example, if a neighborhood is experiencing lots of pollution from because it is home to a number of widget factories, a Councilmember could create an overlay for that neighborhood that would prohibit the opening of any more widget factories by right and could require future widget factories to go through the zoning process where they would need to get special approval. In brief, overlays are a tool used by Councilmembers to either further restrict or in rare cases, relax, the underlying zoning rules in a designated geographic area.
Back to present day council, where in today’s session Councilmember Squilla introduced a bill that would establish the “Philadelphia Chinatown Overlay District.” As set forth in the language of the ordinance, the goal of the legislation is “to preserve and protect the existing character of the Chinatown neighborhood.” The overlay applies to only properties “properties within CMX-3, CMX-4, CMX-5, and RMX-3 zoning districts located within the area bounded by Vine Street, Ninth Street, Cuthbert Street (Extended), 11 th Street, Race Street, and 13th Street.”
The overlay does a number of things:
Prohibits a number of uses within the overlay - Adult-Oriented Services, Smoking Lounges and Assembly and Entertainment facilities, which include casinos, nightclubs and public entertainment venues, movie theaters and event assembly facilities;
Creates a inclusionary housing provision to encourage affordable housing development;
Caps retail and commercial spaces at 3,000 square feet of gross floor area;
Restricts height and density bonus eligibility availability and ties it to the creation of affordable housing;
Prohibits accessory parking lots; and,
Prohibits non-accessory signage.
Another issue that has often been discussed during hearings relates to the quantity and quality of permanent jobs that would be created by a new arena. Today, Councilmember Jim Harrity (D-AL) introduced a bill on behalf of Council President Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd) that would extend prevailing wage requirements to concession workers at stadiums and arenas. Prevailing wages are generally defined as the average wage paid to similarly employed workers in that type of occupation. Prevailing wage in Pennsylvania is significantly higher than the minimum wage and typically results in a higher rate of pay for those earning the prevailing wage than they had been receiving previously.
The City’s authority to extend these wage requirements to stadium concession employees would be triggered by the structure of the 76 Place proposal which would see the developers donate the property and stadium and lease it back from the city, a common structure for these types of projects.
Elimination of Resign to Run
In non-arena news, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (D-AL) introduced a resolution and companion bill that would eliminate the Home Rule Charter’s “resign to run” rule. Under the provision, city employees, whether civil servant or elected official, must resign from their city position in order to seek elective office. As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, “It’s the fourth time in the last 20 years that Philadelphia officials have tried to repeal the long-standing “resign-to-run” rule, which is codified in the city’s Home Rule Charter and requires approval from voters to overturn. Philadelphia voters have twice rejected repealing it — once in 2007 and again in 2014 — and a 2020 bill to end the rule stalled in Council.”
The resign to run rule spurred a mass resignation in Council last cycle with then Councilmembers Allan Domb, Helen Gym, Cherelle Parker and Derek Green each resigning their council positions to run for Mayor. Former City Treasurer Rebecca Rhynhart also resigned her position to run for Mayor.
Councilmember Thomas told the public, “Voters deserve to have as many qualified and committed candidates on the ballot as possible. Ending resign-to-run will allow more local Philadelphians, public servants, and elected officials alike to strive for change at all levels of government.”
Smart Loading Zones Coming to Philly?
With red light cameras spreading throughout the city helping to reduce traffic accidents along dangerous corridors, Council is looking to take a further step in automizing enforcement for traffic and parking rules. Councilmember Squilla authorized a bill to create “smart loading zones.” Under the legislation, the Philadelphia Parking Authority would be authorized to “install smart loading zones that include sensors, a camera based parking enforcement system…and such additional technology necessary to administer and enforce this section.”
Unlike current citywide loading zones, which have no fee associated with them, “Motor vehicles may, upon payment of the fee of ten cents ($0.10) per minute, use smart loading zones for a period not to exceed one (1) hour.” Vehicles would have a three minute grace period to use the loading zone without payment.
The bill to expand the program comes after the City launched a smart loading zone pilot program along Walnut and Chestnut Street in 2022. The program allowed drivers to book loading zones in order to improve traffic flow in some of the more congested parts of Center City.
The legislation also authorizes the issuance of camera based violations “relating to prohibitions on stopping, standing, and parking vehicles…based on recorded images produced by a fixed or mobile camera-based parking enforcement system.”
City Council stands adjourned until Thursday, November 21st at 10AM.
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 amending section 14- 520, of the Philadelphia Code, entitled “Ninth District Overlay district” by reorganizing existing requirements and requiring special exemption exceptions for certain uses in designated areas. (Phillips)
Bill amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Packer Avenue, Seventh Street, Pattison Avenue, and Darien Street. To amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by adding Section 14-541 entitled “/PAK, Packer Avenue Overlay District and making other related changes, all under certain terms and conditions. (Johnson)
Bill amending the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located in the 7th Councilmanic District. (Lozada)
Bill amending the Philadelphia Zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Erie Avenue, Ninth Street, Hudson Street, Ontario Street, Sedgley Street, Sixth Street, Glenwood Avenue and Broad Street. (Young)
Bill amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Overlay Zoning Districts,” by amending Section 14-502, entitled “CTR/Center City Overlay District and 14-702, Floor Area, Height, and Dwelling Unit Density Bonuses, and creating Section 14-542, entitled “/PCH, Philadelphia Chinatown Overlay District,” and making related changes all under certain terms and conditions. (Squilla)
Bill amending title 14 of the Philadelphia code entitled zoning and planning by revising provisions for electric vehicle parking and electric supply requirements. (Ahmad)
🚦 Streets
Bill authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of city plan numbers 383-380-4385, and 386. (O’Neill)
Bill amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Traffic Code,” to create smart loading zones and a camera-based enforcement systems for designated parking violations, revise the procedures for identifying and handling stolen vehicles prior to towing, amend the parking violations subject to towing, and make related technical changes.
🚓 Public Safety
Bill requiring licensed firearm dealers to post signs warning that purchasing firearms for another is criminally punishable. (Jones)
🗺️ Land Disposition / Acquisition
Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of properties located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of properties located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
Resolution authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to various properties located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
Bill authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise in end to all portions of a certain parcel of land known as 923 West Butler Street.
💼 Business Regulation
Bill amending Philadelphia Code Section 17-107 to add stadium concession employees as a class of workers entitled to receive prevailing wages as defined by the city code from persons receiving city contracts or leasing land from the city or a city related agency, adding and modifying definitions and establishing when such requirements are effective. (Johnson)
📜 Charter Change
Bill providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the city of Philadelphia, of the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule charter to eliminate the requirement that city officers and employees resign from their city office or employment before becoming candidates for public office and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election. (Thomas)
Resolution proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule charter to eliminate the requirement that city officers and employees resign from their city office or employment before becoming candidates for public office and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia. (Thomas)
🔏 Contract Agreement Authorization
Bill authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into various lease and sublease agreements with various landlords and tenants for use by the city of all or a portion of various premises. (Johnson)
Bill authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for use by the City of a portion of the premises located at 1600-26 John F Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Young)
Bill authorizing the commissioner of public property on behalf of the city to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia municipal authority for use by the city of a portion of the premises located at South 30 South 15th Street. (Young)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution authorizing the joint committees on Public Safety and Parks and Recreation to hold hearings to examine the interdepartmental protocol administered by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management for urban fire management in public parks and park adjacent neighborhoods, considering the recent unprecedented droughts and wildfires across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (Jones)
Resolution calling on Governor Josh Shapiro and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission to stave off fare hikes and service cuts to SEPTA by flexing federal infrastructure funds from state highway projects to local transportation authorities. (Johnson)
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: Amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Overlay Zoning Districts,” by amending Section 14-502, entitled “CTR/Center City Overlay District and 14-702, Floor Area, Height, and Dwelling Unit Density Bonuses, and creating Section 14-542, entitled “/PCH, Philadelphia Chinatown Overlay District,” and making related changes all under certain terms and conditions.
B: Amending Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Traffic Code,” to create smart loading zones and a camera-based enforcement systems for designated parking violations, revise the procedures for identifying and handling stolen vehicles prior to towing, amend the parking violations subject to towing, and make related technical changes.
Council President Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
B: Amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Packer Avenue, Seventh Street, Pattison Avenue, and Darien Street. To amend Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code by adding Section 14-541 entitled “/PAK, Packer Avenue Overlay District and making other related changes.
B: Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into various lease and sublease agreements with various landlords and tenants for use by the city of all or a portion of various premises.
B: Amending Philadelphia Code Section 17-107 to add stadium concession employees as a class of workers entitled to receive prevailing wages as defined by the city code from persons receiving city contracts or leasing land from the city or a city related agency, adding and modifying definitions and establishing when such requirements are effective.
R: Calling on Governor Josh Shapiro and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission to stave off fare hikes and service cuts to SEPTA by flexing federal infrastructure funds from state highway projects to local transportation authorities.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
R: Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of properties located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
R: Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of properties located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
R: Authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Land Bank deeds conveying title to various properties located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th)
B: Requiring licensed firearm dealers to post signs warning that purchasing firearms for another is criminally punishable.
R: Authorizing the joint committees on Public Safety and Parks and Recreation to hold hearings to examine the interdepartmental protocol administered by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management for urban fire management in public parks and park adjacent neighborhoods, considering the recent unprecedented droughts and wildfires across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Councilmember Jeffery Young (D-5th)
B: Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest by purchase, dedication, donation, condemnation agreement in lieu of condemnation or otherwise in end to all portions of a certain parcel of land known as 923 West Butler Street.
B: Amending the Philadelphia Zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Erie Avenue, Ninth Street, Hudson Street, Ontario Street, Sedgley Street, Sixth Street, Glenwood Avenue and Broad Street.
B: Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Municipal Authority for use by the City of a portion of the premises located at 1600-26 John F Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
B: Authorizing the commissioner of public property on behalf of the city to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia municipal authority for use by the city of a portion of the premises located at South 30 South 15th Street.
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (D-7th)
B: An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Anthony Phillips (D-9th)
B: Amending section 14- 520, of the Philadelphia Code, entitled “Ninth District Overlay district” by reorganizing existing requirements and requiring special exemption exceptions for certain uses in designated areas.
Councilmember Brian O’Neill (R-10th)
B: Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of city plan numbers 383-380-4385, and 386.
Councilmember Nina Ahmad (D-AL)
B: Amending title 14 of the Philadelphia code entitled zoning and planning by revising provisions for electric vehicle parking and electric supply requirements.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (D-AL)
B: Providing for the submission to the qualified electors of the city of Philadelphia, of the proposal set forth in a resolution approved by Council proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule charter to eliminate the requirement that city officers and employees resign from their city office or employment before becoming candidates for public office and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election.
R: Proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule charter to eliminate the requirement that city officers and employees resign from their city office or employment before becoming candidates for public office and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
🗺️ 241034 (Lozada): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1766-72 N Bodine St; 2244 and 2246 Hope St; 218 Cecil B Moore Ave located in the 7th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
🗣️ 241035 (Brooks): Calling on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to establish an Office of the Public Healthcare Advocate within the Office of the Attorney General.
🏆 240### (Johnson): Celebrating the Philadelphia Tribune, an advocate and trailblazer for the African American community on the occasion of its 140 year anniversary as the oldest continuously published newspaper owned and operated by African Americans.
⚖️ 240### (Jones): Authorizing the joint committees on Public Safety and Parks and Recreation to hold hearings to examine the interdepartmental protocol administered by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management for urban fire management in public parks and park adjacent neighborhoods, considering the recent unprecedented droughts and wildfires across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
🏆 240### (Landau): Recognizing November 17th 2024 as World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims in the city of Philadelphia.
🏆 240### (Lozada): Declaring the third week of every November as Restorative Justice Week in the City of Philadelphia, in honor of the International Campaign International Restorative Justice Week.
🏆 240### (Squilla): Recognizing the 300th anniversary of the Carpenters Company of the city and county of Philadelphia, the nation's oldest trade Guild and Stewards of the Carpenters Hall.
Bills:
🚦 240004 (Johnson): Amending Title 11 (“Streets”) and Title 21 (“Miscellaneous”) of The Philadelphia Code to amend requirements concerning publication of notices in newspapers, all under certain terms and conditions.
🚦 240931 (Johnson): Authorizing and directing the changing of the name of Taney Street to LeCount Street, from West Toronto Street to West Somerset Street; from Ridge Avenue to Cecil B. Moore Avenue; from Master Street to Aspen Street; from Pine Street to Bainbridge Street; from Catharine Street to Christian Street; from Dickinson Street to Morris Street; and authorizing and directing the changing of the name of Taney Terrace, from Point Breeze Avenue to Jackson Street, to LeCount Terrace.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Monday, November 18th
Committee on Legislative Oversight, 1:00 PM (Independence Visitors Center) - the committee will hold hearings to assess the current state of Philadelphia’s preparations for the multitude of events being held across the city throughout 2026 as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday and Philadelphia’s central role in America’s founding.
Tuesday, November 19th
Committee of the Whole, 10:00 AM - the Committee of the Whole will consider the package of legislation related to the building of the Sixers Arena.
Wednesday, November 20th
Committee of the Whole, 10:00 AM - the Committee of the Whole will consider the package of legislation related to the building of the Sixers Arena.
Thursday, November 21st
Committee of the Whole, 2:00 PM - the Committee of the Whole will hold the public hearings required pursuant to Chapter 17-2300 of The Philadelphia Code (“Public Hearing Prior to Execution of a Labor Agreement Concerning Police Employees Represented by the Fraternal Order of Police”), which Code Chapter requires that the Council hold a hearing in connection with the City’s contract proposal in anticipation of collective bargaining between the City and the Fraternal Order of Police
Committee of the Whole, 6:00 PM - the Committee of the Whole will consider the package of legislation related to the building of the Sixers Arena.
Friday, November 22nd
Committee on Public Property and Public Works, 10:00 AM - the Committee will hear a number of bills related to various agreement and lease authorizations throughout the city.
Joint Committees on Public Safety and Public Health and Human Services, 11:30 AM - the Joint Committee will hearings to investigate the effectiveness and potential expansion of mobile mental health units administered by the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services.
Tuesday, November 26th
Committee of the Whole, 10:00 AM - the Committee of the Whole will consider the package of legislation related to the building of the Sixers Arena.
Monday, December 2nd
Committee of the Whole, 10:00 AM - the Committee of the Whole will consider the package of legislation related to the building of the Sixers Arena.
Tuesday, December 3rd
Committee of the Whole, 6:00 PM - the Committee of the Whole will consider the package of legislation related to the building of the Sixers Arena.