PHILADELPHIA, PA – The following is a statement from Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) in support of reform legislation being considered on final passage at tomorrow’s Council Meeting that concerns potential changes to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
“The Zoning Board of Adjustment needs to be reformed. We have heard from residents and citizens across the city that their voices –the voices of the community – are not being heard by the ZBA as it makes zoning decisions that have a fundamental impact on the quality of life and the character of Philadelphia’s many neighborhoods,” Council President Clarke said.
“Community members and homeowners who are directly affected by the zoning board’s decisions have told City Council repeatedly that their voices are not heard, or are being disregarded, by the board,” Clarke said. “That must change, and that is why I strongly support passage of Resolution No. 210692and Bill No. 210669.”
Under the reform legislation being considered by City Council on Thursday:
- The Zoning board would increase in size from five to seven members;
- The board’s appointees would become subject to a public Council confirmation hearing, increasing transparency and accountability; and
- The board’s appointees would need to possess speciifc, relevant professional qualifications and sensitivity to community concerns.
During a recent public hearing in City Council on the legislation, Catherine Blunt, a city resident and co-chair of a registered community organization (RCO) in West Philadelphia, offered written testimony in favor of the legislation, and her testimony epitomized that of other residents who also testified in support.
“The proposed legislation and resolution are important first steps in preserving our neighborhoods, protecting our communities, and supporting Philadelphia residents,” Blunt said in her testimony. “It will especially aid in protecting our seniors and others on fixed incomes. These vulnerable communities are threatened with displacement resulting from increased property taxes and rising rental costs that can be traced back to faulty ZBA decisions in conjunction with other initiatives that are promoting gentrification of our residential and vulnerable neighborhoods.”
Because the legislation will amend the Home Rule Charter, the reforms must be approved by Philadelphia voters. Following passage in Council, they will be placed on the May 2022 ballot.
Darrell L. Clarke represents the 5th Council District and serves as President of Philadelphia City Council, the 17-member legislative body of Philadelphia City government. A lifelong resident of North Philadelphia and an equitable housing and public education advocate, Council President Clarke works to ensure that every neighborhood in Philadelphia is a community of choice.
