City Council December 12, 2024
Council was off to a late start due to the continuation of the contentious hearings regarding the 76er’s Place Arena Project. Starting at 11 am, there were quite a few other matters of city business to be addressed.
Council welcomed guest Marvis Frazier, son of Olympic Gold Medalist and Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Councilmember Jim Harrity presented a Resolution commending Police Officer Colleen Donnelly for her heroic actions and quick thinking in a moment of crisis on the night of November 21, 2024, when a hit and run occurred on Marcus and Juniper Streets near City Hall, where a suspected DUI driver struck two pedestrians, causing serious injuries. Donnelly, who was stationed at City Hall, sprang into action during the aftermath of the accident, acting with bravery and professionalism. As she was the only officer on the scene for the first 20 minutes, she acted swiftly, providing a makeshift tourniquet for one of the victims while keeping the area secure and safe. With 20 years of service, her actions on November 21, 2024, reflect her dedication to the Philadelphia Police Department and the Philadelphia community.
“Always seeing Colleen’s smiling face as you enter or leave City Hall is a great treasure to all of us, but her quick thinking and calm demeanor exemplify the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring public safety,” remarked Councilmember Mark Squilla.
Communications from the Mayor
Pursuant to Sections 4-604 and 2-307 of the Home Rule Charter, I’m today transmitting the recommendation of the City Planning Commission on the following bills:
Bills 240966, 240968, 240969, 240970, 240971, 240972, 241054 (Approval with amendments), 241061, 241062, 241081, and 241083.
Bills and Resolutions
Councilmember Anthony Phillips introduced a Privileged Resolution recognizing January 2025 as National Mentoring Month in the City of Philadelphia, honoring the contributions of Philadelphia’s mentoring organizations. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Katherine Gilmore-Richardson introduced a Non-Privileged Resolution re-naming the 1500 Block of Carl Van Wilson Way in honor of Deacon Carl Van Wilson, Sr., for his extraordinary leadership, entrepreneurship, and unwavering commitment to his church and the community. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next Council session.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier introduced a Non-Privileged Resolution re-naming the 3900 Block of Haverford Avenue between Lancaster Avenue and 40th Street as Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Triangle to commemorate the location of his 1965 Freedom Now rally. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next Council session.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas introduced a Privileged Resolution honoring the life and legacy of Isabella “Izzy” Fitzgerald, an advocate and former state representative in the 203rd House District of Pennsylvania. Placed on Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. introduced an Ordinance amending Chapter 10-400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled Noise and Excessive Vibration by prohibiting the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers, all under certain terms and conditions. Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
Councilmember Jim Harrity introduced a Privileged Resolution on behalf of Council President Kenyatta Johnson honoring the extraordinary legacy and groundbreaking achievements of Richard Anthony “Dick” Allen, a Philadelphia Phillies legend and trailblazing African American baseball player, as he receives his long overdue introduction to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Mike Driscoll introduced a Non-Privileged Resolution urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate and further regulate the use of unmanned aircraft systems known as drones over private property after an increase in unidentified drone use in the Greater Philadelphia area. Resolution placed on the Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council.
Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad introduced an Ordinance amending Chapter 21 of the Philadelphia Code to add a new Chapter entitled Empowering Communities for Cultural Preservation and Community Controlled Development, thereby defining the boundaries of the Chinatown growth initiative area, providing for and establishing the procedure for a right of first refusal for a land trust managed and operated by the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation with regard to certain publicly owned properties within the Chinatown growth initiative area identifying certain properties subject to the right of first refusal establishing use and stewardship requirements for the properties the land trust acquires and authorizing the city to implement and enforce the requirements of the chapter all under certain terms and conditions. Bill will be referred to the appropriate committee.
Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young introduced a Resolution calling on the Department of License and Inspections to halt demolition plans for the iconic Joe Frazier’s Gym on North Broad Street, calling for the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, and all other associated parties to identify alternative uses for Joe Frazier’s Gym.
Reports from Committees
-Committee on Appropriations reports one Bill with a favorable recommendation. Bill Number 241084. Bill was placed on the First Reading Calendar for today.
-Committee of the Whole reports eight Bills and three Resolutions with favorable recommendations.
Bills 240966, 240967, 240968, 240969, 240970, 240971, 240972, and 240973.
Resolutions 240888, 240889, and 240986.
-Bills and Resolutions placed on the First Reading Calendar for today.
-Bills and Resolutions reported from Committees with the suspension of the rules have been deemed to have had a First Reading and will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for the next session of Council.
Public Comment
Standing along with her cousins, Gabrielle Gibson, Joe Frazier’s granddaughter, said, “I speak regarding the importance of halting the demolition of our grandfather’s gym, Joe Frazier’s Gym, located at Broad Street and Glenwood Avenue, where Glenwood is now named Smoking Joe Frazier’s Boulevard. It’s stood as the stomping ground for countless youth and aspiring athletes. It was opened by my grandfather in the 70s. He was an Olympic gold medalist and Heavyweight Champion of the World. The gym became a space where hard work, dreams, and discipline came together. The doors were always open to anyone willing to put in the effort, providing young people inside and outside of the community with a refuge from the challenges of city life, offering structured mentorship and a path to personal growth under the guidance of Joe Frazier and his team. Many learned (not only) the art of boxing–but also the value of perseverance, respect, and confidence. The gym’s impact continues to be felt to this day following its closure in 2008. The Joe Frazier Gym remains a powerful example of how sports can uplift a community, offering hope, structure, and the belief that anyone can overcome their circumstances with the right support.”
It’s important to note that the building that was Joe Frazier’s Gym is designated a Philadelphia landmark and National Register.
76er’s Place Arena
Despite Council Committee of the Whole giving preliminary approval to the controversial Sixer’s Arena proposal, will it pass, and if it does pass a final vote, will it have sealed the fate of some Councilmembers in the future?
“I rise to speak to what seems a rudimentary lack of comprehension, I take responsibility for this in part, but perhaps many of my fellow citizens and even members of this esteemed body are confused about the job those before me swore to uphold in an oath to their constituents, particularly today. I’m a resident of Rittenhouse Square and apparently live in a community of affluence. Noted, as a person who’s not a stranger to the blessings of economic prosperity, thusly even conversely, it could hardly be said that I eschew opportunities for economic prosperity in our larger community. There’s not a citizen that I’ve met in Chinatown or anywhere else who opposes the creation of a new and magnificent stadium for our beloved 76ers. The unions and tradesmen want sustainable work, as do many institutions that support our city. We’re pro-revitalization, pro-rejuvenation, and we all want a safe, healthy, and prosperous place to live. What is undeniable is that 69% of the constituents of Philadelphia oppose the creation of this location,” said David Alexander Jenkins.
Mr. Alexander ended his extensive remarks with a quote from President Thomas Jefferson, which resonated with and should with all Philadelphians.
“When the government fears the people there’s liberty; when the people fear the government there’s tyranny.”
Thomas Jefferson For the entire meeting, please visit www.phlcouncil.com. The next Council session will resume at 10 am on December 17, 2024, in the Council Chambers at Philadelphia City Hall.
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