City Council, December 19, 2024
In a scene reminiscent of the sixties, those in opposition to the 76er’s Place Arena Project converged on Philadelphia City Council during the final Council session of 2024. Dressed in red shirts emblazoned with the logo “Council Sold Out/Shut It Down,” back and front, the opponents to the project seated themselves in the middle of the floor of Council, staging a sit-in, prompting Philadelphia Police Officers and Sheriff’s Deputies to handcuff them and escort them from the chamber before Council could begin addressing the city’s business in the final Council session of the year.
Though the protesters managed to cause a short delay at the start of Council, President Kenyatta Johnson held firm, and Council managed to conduct the year-end business to the city. Here’s the breakdown.
Messages From the Mayor
On December 18, 2024, Mayor Parker signed the following Bills, which were passed by Council at its session on December 5, 2024. Bills Numbered 240242, 240613-AA, 240664, 240876, 240877, 240878, 240879, 240880, 240881, 241026, 241027, 241028, and 241030.
Councilmember Curtis Jones introduced a Privilege Resolution honoring and recognizing Craig William s for his invaluable contributions to the Philadelphia Street Light Improvement Project championed by the Philadelphia Energy Authority and his exemplary leadership in advancing the economic and social well-being of Philadelphia. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Kendra Brooks introduced a Privileged Resolution honoring the life and legacy of legendary poet, professor, activist, and revolutionary Nikki Giovanni on the occasion of her passing. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Kendra Brooks introduced a Privileged Resolution authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold a hearing concerning the deaths of individuals incarcerated in Philadelphia correctional facilities in recent weeks, including Amanda Cahill, Michael McKinnis, and Joseph Gabor, evaluating the changes that are needed to prevent further tragedies. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Kendra Brooks introduced a Privileged Resolution authorizing the Committee on People with Disabilities and Special Needs to hold a hearing regarding the state of accessibility in the City of Philadelphia, including ensuring celebratory events that will be held in Philadelphia in 2026 are maximally accessible to every person in the city. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Jim Harrity introduced a Privileged Resolution proclaiming January 13, 2025, as Korean American Day in Philadelphia to commemorate the proud heritage of Korean Americans and their invaluable contributions to enhancing the city’s culture, economy, and founding ideals of independence and democracy. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke introduced a Privileged Resolution recognizing December 21, 2024, as Homeless Person’s Memorial Day in the City of Philadelphia, acknowledging the lives of all the unhoused people we’ve lost over the past year and bringing attention to housing insecurity across the city. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Cindy Bass introduced a Privileged Resolution honoring the life and legacy of iconic DJ Gary O, a beloved Philadelphia music legend who graced the airwaves of the community for decades. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Councilmember Nina Ahmad introduced a Privileged Resolution authorizing the Committee on Health and Human Services to hold a hearing on the prevalence of vaping among children and the effectiveness of current enforcement efforts. Placed on the Final Passage Calendar for today.
Bill 240966 and all other bills associated with the arena project called upon the Second and Final Reading passed on 12/5.
Public Comment
Amid sporadic cheers and peers from the gallery residents, business owners and those with a vested interest stepped to the podium to voice their support or disapproval of the project.
Kenneth McBain said, “The Sixer’s plan from 2022 and more recent studies brought many questions, questions from RCOs, neighborhood organizations, and the city in general for the last two years, as were many of you as our representatives, asking important questions about transit impacts, neighborhood impacts, health-care impacts, housing issues, and the Sixer’s commitment to the city. Courage was needed this month to continue to ask these questions and get answers before proceeding with the arena plan. Several of our Council people showed courage with their votes last week. For the rest, instead of courage, you settled for an additional 10 million over 30 years, getting only an extra half a game of Joel Embiid’s salary each year for the city. My hope is that you’ll find your courage before tougher challenges arise…before Title One or School Breakfast are threatened or ICE wants to visit your church or school.”
“I’ve spoken in the past in support of the 76er’s arena, and I’m here today to speak again on their behalf. We, the Philadelphia branch of the NAACP, are in support of the 76er’s arena,” said Catherine Hicks, President of the Philadelphia NAACP.
For the entire meeting, please visit www.phlcouncil.com. The next Council session will resume at 10 am on January 23, 2025, in the Council Chambers at Philadelphia City Hall.
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