Well, I think it's important that each person says it in their own way. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Chair recognizes Mr. Thompson. (No response.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Chair recognizes Weldon Curtis, Mary McKenzie and Carolyn Ross. You can all come up together, please. 154 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04
Good morning, Mr. Chairman. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Good morning. Please identify yourself for the record, and would you please identify where you live as well. Thank you.
My name is Weldon Curtis, ex-captain of the 57th block of 20th Street, and the chairperson of our committee. And this is... COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And you reside, sir?
I reside at 5713 North 20th Street. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And just so I get a sense -- And I'm not interrogating you. Just a sense of where that is in proximity to --
20th Street. The 5700 block is one block from where the barricade is at. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Gotcha. Thank you. 155 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04
I can look out my door and see it. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Understand. Thank you.
Okay. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Whoever decides to go first, please proceed with your testimony.
Well, I want to address this to our Council lady, Miss Miller. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: You need to... The way it works here, so you need to address your questions to the Chair, and any one of us can then respond. Thank you.
Okay. Well, to the Chair, I have a problem with the way we didn't know anything about this closing of the street, which we had met some time ago. A couple years ago I met with Miss Miller and Steve, and we discussed that when I was the block captain. And my answer was no, we wasn't going to try it. One way had to be no way. That's the way we had it. 156 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 And I must admit that I had sickness, and so forth. I had to be away from my duty and all, out of town a lot. And also that I got a letter for a meeting, and which I didn't get it. I didn't receive the meeting [sic] for this... whatever it is that had came out. And when I got the thing -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Where was the letter generated from?
Well, we was -- I was supposed to get a letter for a meeting. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: From whom?
And Steve. And I didn't receive a letter, which he told me later on that he did write a -- send me a letter. I didn't get the -- didn't receive the letter. And when I knowed anything, I looked on the wall that say the 29th of December the street would be closed. And really, I was upset about it. 157 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 And we haven't had a chance to meet with our Council lady, and we been trying to meet with her. And I want to ask her a few questions about why she wouldn't come and meet with us to explain this, you know, because we -- we needed her. And we had discussed this before. And we want -- I wanted to know how did it get around and we don't know anything about it, just a few people. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I'm confused. You said you met with her but then you didn't meet with her?
This was two years ago. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Oh, so you did have a meeting a couple years ago.
We had a meeting two years ago. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: All right. Thank you. Anyone else wish -- I'll get the other testimony. Then we'll proceed. Good morning, ma'am. 158 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 MS. McKENZIE: Good morning. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Please identify yourself for the record. MS. McKENZIE: My name is Mary McKenzie, and I reside at 5746 North 20th Street. That's in the second block above LaSalle College or University. Now, some of these things have been said, but these are my feelings and my concerns, so I have to say them again. After reading the 20th Street report, I come to the conclusion that the recommendation and finding are false, misleading and incorrect. Councilwoman Miller has a total disregard for our community and surrounding areas. The traffic change involves elementary schools and two high schools, all located at Ogontz Avenue. This is the direction 20th Street traffic is forced to go because of the change. People are beginning to go through the driveways just to get through the 159 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 traffic. Wister Street is backed up on a small -- on small side streets. Drivers are trying to... Drivers are trying with little success to get out of the -- of these areas onto the Expressway and to the -- in the City of Philadelphia. There are only two streets of traffic leading out of the area. Cars are blocking the intersection. Changes have been made in the interests of the university. There is no interest shown to the community. The community does not have the opportunity of sharing on decision-making process, and that affects their neighborhood. Things just seem to happen. The community finds out about changes after the changes have already been made. These changes jeopardize the well-being and safety of the children who live and attend schools in the area. The neighborhood residents have done 160 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 nothing. We have only allowed the university to come into our community and live in harmony with the people in the community. There has been no harmony, only unrest and conflict. We need 20th street Open to two-way traffic. And to add to that, the Streets Department taking down the light at Kimball and Nedro. And that's a main crossing for the elementary school, Pennel Elementary School. And the light was up there. They taking it down and made stop sign. It's less than a hundred yards, that it's about -- It's more than a dozen stop signs. I tried counting them, and I couldn't even count them because it was -- It's two streets, Kimball and 20th Street. They make a X, cross each other. There's no -- It's no way that a kid can get across those street. The cars is standing there like they're confused, trying to get across the street. And I called the department, the Street Department, and they said that the 161 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 stop signs are safer than the light. And you know that's -- Everybody knows that stop signs is not as safe. One of them knocked down already. And it's -- it's... The school kids is having -- They're little kids. There's five and six years old. They need the light back up there. So, I would ask that you look into that, and get our traffic light put back up at Kimball and Nedro Streets. It's a main crossing for a grade school. And it's very important.
My name is Carolyn Ross. This is on a more personal note. My mother is a senior citizen who has lived in the Belfield community for over 40 years. She is on the corner every morning protesting the takeover of her community by LaSalle University. The community has formed a coalition 162 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 to prevent the university from making changes in their community without notifying and involving the residents in the decision-making process. The community is against most changes that have been made, such as the conversion of 20th Street from two-way to one-way. I am saddened by what I know and see happening in the community where I lived as a child. It displeases me to know that my mother cannot grow old in peace in a neighborhood where I remember being happy as a child. For the record, as a former LaSalle student, I have never had any problems crossing 20th Street. (Laughter and applause.)
On another note, this is from the City of Philadelphia Personnel Department, job of the traffic engineer, and typical examples of work. Develops and selects the location and design of traffic signs and signals. 163 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 Investigates traffic complaints of the general public and takes necessary follow-up actions. Develops traffic control features. Confers with police and public officials on traffic operational problems. Speaks before community and other types of citizen groups on traffic problems. Based on the changes made in the community and the decision to make 20th Street one way, is the City of Philadelphia hiring unskilled workers? Maybe someone should look into the backgrounds of these workers and/or the City hiring practices. The study seems to me to be subjective. Doesn't seem to be anything objective about the studies. On a final note, 2003 20th Street was changed to one way. 2004, the City introduces and puts into place a new regulation entitled "Stop When Traffic Is Obstructed," meaning all 164 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 intersections designated by ordinance as "Don't Block the Box Intersections." If you block an intersection, there is a penalty for violations. Chapter 12, . The City created the problem in the area around 20th Street, and now they are going to penalize motorists who violate this ordinance? Seems to me that this is a form of harassment against the residents who live and travel in the area. On behalf of the community residents... It's a long day. I ask that 20th Street be reopened to two-way traffic. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you for your testimony. What I'd like to do is go through the witness list. And if there are any questions, we can bring folks back up. Clarence Queen, Deanna Cardwell and Kim Brown.
Good morning. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Good morning, 165 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 sir. Please identify yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony.
I'm Clarence Queen. I'm the block captain of the 500 block of East Ashmead Street, directly behind Germantown Hospital, about a quarter of a block away from Wister Street. I'm in the 44 what-you-call-it -- zone -- Zip Code, which LaSalle is part of that 44 Zip Code. Since the striking of a major artery that leads to the Expressway, I've been getting -- our street has been getting traffic, trucks, school buses. And this is a street that you have problem -- say, probably a problem negotiating a car down, with people speeding, ignoring stop signs, and the likes. At Wister and Belfield I have witnessed four- and five-car collisions, where people are rushing, trying to find an alternate route to get to the Expressway. I've noticed up on Chelten Avenue, which is blocks and blocks away, it's 166 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 bumper to bumper traffic, due to the striking or partial striking of 20th Street. Thank you. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.
I'm Deanna Cardwell. Address is 1913 West Olney Avenue. I'm directly across the street. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I do have -- One thing. I do have a testimony. And I also have a statement, as far as protesting. Mr. Turzanski said that we're harassing LaSalle students. And LaSalle students are harassing us. And I see one of the security officers. If you get a testimony from her, she can testify that we have been very peaceful. I have a private criminal complaint that I had to file against a student from LaSalle University who harassed me verbally and also indecent exposure. Here's my statement. I hold in my hand copies of the United States 167 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Philadelphia Home Rule Charter. These documents govern us as Americans and Philadelphians. These are the documents that guarantee us life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These documents tell us that we exist as a Federal Republic. We abide by the themes of Democracy. This means that we are governed by the people, either directly or through elected representatives that represent those who elect them. What does this have to do with 20th Street? For over 40 years LaSalle University has been trying to take over our neighborhood and completely close 20th Street to any traffic. For 40 years the community has been fighting back and have held LaSalle in check. The late Councilman Joseph Coleman and Herb DeBerry knew their jobs as representatives, and acted in the interests 168 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 of the majority of the community. Presently Councilman-at-Large David Cohen also knows that a democratic process must prevail, and the voice of the people must always be heard. We are here today because we have not been heard. The representative of our District and a large private corporation, LaSalle University, have concocted to override the community and change the traffic pattern of 20th Street. Why has our community been betrayed? Why has due process been ignored? A Charter does not give one City Council person the authority to change the direction of a street on their own. We had meetings with Miss Miller and overwhelmingly we told her that we wanted no changes made to 20th Street, no closure, no one-way, no nothing. Excuse me. Anything, to use the Queen's English properly. The last mass meeting held on this subject was in August of 2000. Mrs. Miller 169 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 reported to us that LaSalle continued to reject our suggestions to build the overpass or dig an underground tunnel. She then suggested that a new proposal was on the table to make 20th Street one way. We said no; tell LaSalle no. 9 The community had made their decision, no changes. And we believed the subject was dead. Unfortunately, around December 22, 2003, in the midst of the holiest holiday celebrated by Christians around the world, Philadelphia Streets Department personnel, like thieves in the night, put up signs stating that as of December 29th, 20th Street will be closed to southbound traffic. We were surprised, upset and angry. How did this happen? Just what was going on? The community immediately mobilized and has been protesting and demonstrating this deliberate attempt to close our 170 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 street. We contacted Donna Miller to find out why she pulled a Benedict Arnold on us. What was her motivation to ignore the community? She finally told us that the Streets Department was conducting a test, at LaSalle's request, because there was a safety issue. There is no safety issue at 20th and Olney. Numbers from the Statistical Unit of the Police Department witness to the fact that there is no safety issue at 20th Street. LaSalle must realize that this is a residential area. 20th and Olney does not exist for LaSalle students only. We use the intersection going to and from. Our children cross the intersection there.
If there was a safety issue at 20th and Olney, the community would already have acted to solve any traffic problems. The community has been left in the dark. Our attempt to get answers are 171 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 ignored. We come to City Council to expose this injustice. Our representative's lack of respect for her constituents is real. We notice the friendly camaraderie between Mr. Ed Turzanski, LaSalle's representative, and Miss Miller, and her staff. When we ask to have an audience with her, we are confronted with looks of utter disdain. There is something wrong with this picture. Finally, after five months, Mr. Stephen Vaughan and Mr. Johnson present us with the 20th Street report. It's presented to us on white plain paper, no statistics, no criteria as to how the study was implemented, et cetera. It's stated that the City has a policy to keep traffic off local streets, and to put them on larger ones. Is it okay to take the traffic off of 20th Street, away from adult students attending LaSalle, and redirect the traffic to smaller streets where our babies are 172 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 trying to cross the streets to go to school? We have strange cars in our driveways, trying to avoid the traffic tieups caused by the closing of 20th Street. We have 18-wheelers traveling on back streets to avoid traffic jams and bottlenecked streets caused by the closing of 20th Street. Our neighborhood children are just as important as the students that go to LaSalle. LaSalle University can show no cause to close 20th Street to two-way traffic, other than the fact that they're trying to establish a college-like atmosphere for their students. They are trying to take over our community one street at a time. We ask that you take a look at the report that we received. If you can make a decision based on that bogus safety issue, then the future of the City of Philadelphia 173 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 is indeed in jeopardy. We understand the usual voting protocol of you: If you vote for my bill, I'll vote for yours. But we ask that you remember the mandates and the documents that I spoke of earlier. They make this country different from countries like Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, where the people have no voice. Please don't let the people down. Please preserve Democracy and freedom by voting no on Bill 040560 and 040561. Our battle cry continues to be: No 15 justice, no peace. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. ) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Miss Brown.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman, and Committee members. My name is Kimberly Brown. And I am here to give testimony on Bill Number 040560 and 61, to permanently close 20th Street to two-way traffic. I'm a resident of the Penn area 174 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 neighborhood and the President of the Penn Area Neighborhood Association, also known as PANA. The closure of 20th Street has adversely affected the quality of life in our neighborhood. We border LaSalle on Wister Street. And there has been a substantial increase in traffic on Wister Street, Locust Avenue, Magnolia Street, Church Lane, Clarkson Street and Ashmead. Cars are cutting across Clarkson onto Armstrong and on Magnolia Street at astronomical speeds and numbers. Prior to the one-way closure, we documented cars going the wrong way on Church Lane at one out of every ten. After the closing of 20th Street, it has been documented that five out of ten cars are going the wrong way down Church Lane to avoid gridlock. So the report by the Streets Commission is false and inaccurate. Drivers... This is putting our 175 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 residents and our especially our children and seniors at great risk. We do not have traffic lights or painted pedestrian crosswalk, as does 20th and Olney, the middle of Olney, or the middle of 20th Street, where LaSalle has a traffic light. We were informed by Paul Loney of the Streets Department that we could recommend streets to be studied during this trial. These recommendations were not addressed. I e-mailed the Streets Department several times. And the final analysis, which I received from Mr. Vaughan through Miss Miller's office, which is a bogus report. It is not at all statistically accurate, with what the gentlemen here tonight presented. None of the streets that we recommended were involved in that analysis. Also, I want to indicate earlier Mr. Cohen asked that they read the protocol for the standards. And I think that one of the things 176 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 was that they need to also address the four parallel streets. Well, we are a parallel street, and we have four parallel streets directly in our neighborhood, to Wister Street. And it wasn't addressed at all, which I would think at that point would make this report obsolete. It did not follow the protocol. And I think that needs to be addressed by the Committee. The document that we were given indicated that crashes at Penn and Chew -- and I'm referring to the bogus document that was distributed by Mr. Vaughan -- that the crashes at Penn and Chew dropped from five in 2002 to zero in 2004. And the crashes at 20th and Olney dropped from 13 in 2003 to 8 in 2004. m. , and the cars were all stopping and honking and giving our support and signing petitions. 177 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 Penn is not a through street, going back to the reduction in crashes at Penn and Chew. Penn isn't a through street. It goes to the hospital and it stops. I believe the hospital took that from our neighborhood several years ago, in the hopes of making a better community for us, which it didn't. I must also testify that on numerous occasions I have personally witnessed pedestrians -- I have personally witnessed college students from LaSalle stepping into pedestrian crosswalk ways against traffic lights, at which point drivers slam on their brakes and cause fender benders. LaSalle, with it's high tuition, may want to require a mandatory safe-street crossing course to their students. Mr. Turzanski of LaSalle met with PANA members, with PANA membership, on May 13, 2003, to discuss LaSalle's plans to surround Wister Woods with an eight-foot high stone wall fence to create a walking path, tennis courts, playing and practice 178 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 fields from LaSalle students. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Miss Brown...
I understand. I'll be done in a minute. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: If you can summarize, I'd appreciate it. Thank you.
This project included the secure fencing of Clarkson Street. The fencing was done prior to our May 13th meeting, and the community was not informed of this issue. I, as an immediate neighbor of LaSalle, see a pattern of exclusion by LaSalle. Mr. Turzanski did not make mention of the 20th Street project at this time. We had offered him the floor, and he neglected and negated this issue. His agenda was obviously to smokescreen us. And it worked, because while we were dealing with the issue of Wister Woods, we weren't even looking at the notices that went up the day before for 20th Street. 179 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04
Mr. Turzanski did address PANA through an e-mail which at the time he stated that Councilwoman Miller asked that LaSalle look into compromises. I am not aware of any compromises presented to the community. The only option was to close 20th Street to two-way traffic. The dirty deed was done on December 29th, with no prior notice to the community members. And again, this is another exclusive move on LaSalle's part and Miss Miller's. As for Miss Miller's decision to approve the closure, the Penn area neighborhood feels excluded from this decision that directly affects our community. It was my understanding while I was secretary of PANA that we had a good working relationship with Miss Miller and her office. This recent action leads me to 180 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 believe otherwise. I hope, Miss Miller, that you realize and remember that PANA consists of a large number of your constituents. And as for Mr. Vaughan who indicated at the meeting that block captains were invited to these prior meetings with Miss Miller, we have block captains in our community. And none of our block captains were invited. And they directly are affected. And I do believe that we share Wister Street with LaSalle and the Coalition to Save 20th Street. Therefore, I would think that we would be a direct group to contact. The Penn area neighborhood -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Miss Brown, I don't mean to be rude --
I'm getting to the end. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: -- but you've got about nine minutes in already which is four minutes over.
Well, Mr. Turzanski got 181 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 22. (Laughter and applause.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I understand. (Applause and cheers.)
And I am a paying member of this City, even though I don't get all the rights that you do. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: All -- I understand. Ma'am -- Ma'am...
The Penn Area Neighborhood Association -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: For the record, I understand Mr. Turzanski had or so 18 minutes, whatever. 19 The point is, there are 18 witnesses 20 that are speaking against it. And if I allowed everyone minutes, we'd never get 22 through this process. I'm not trying to cut you short.
Okay. The Penn Area Neighborhood Association is opposed to the 182 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 closing of 20th Street to two-way traffic, and we ask that the Committee do not accept this bill. We also ask that the Committee review the tape that was presented to you by Miss Lanie Johnson prior to making your decision. Thank you for your time. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. (Applause.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. John O'Connell and Gracey Holmes. Are any of those individuals here? Is John O'Connell here? No? Yes? Gladys Lackey? No? So, we have John O'Connell, Gracey Holmes. And I would ask... Is Fred Mauer... Would you please come up to this panel. Thank you. Miss Holmes, would you begin, and then the gentleman will follow. Thank you.
Yes. My name is Gracey Holmes. I live in the 5700 block of north 20th Street. 183 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 Chairman, my question and comment is that I don't understand the safety reason that LaSalle wants 20th Street one way. We had spoken to Council Miller about 20th Street, and our understanding was that we told her we didn't want a test, a trial or anything because we didn't believe in closing of 20th Street. There's no safety issue. If... If LaSalle students can cross Olney Avenue, they can cross 20th street. If elementary school can cross Olney Avenue or Ogontz Avenue, then the students should be able to cross 20th Street. Turzanski has recommended to the City that they put up all these stop signs. So my question is to you, Mr. Chairman, do Turzanski work for the Street Department, that he can recommend stop signs in our neighborhood? They have had police officer out there to cross the students. And I have the pictures here, where they have police officer out there in the morning crossing 184 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 the streets [sic]. Since it's not a traffic problem out there, why the Police Department out there crossing the students or helping the traffic get along? And if they need -- Since he recommend four-way stops to our community, I believe they need four-way stop at LaSalle University. If they can put four-way stops to confuse our children crossing the street to go to elementary school, then they can put four-way stops at 20th and Olney. I probably have some more to say, but I'm getting a headache right about now. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Thank you. Gentlemen, decide who goes next.
Good morning, Mr. Chairman, and members of the Committee. My name is John O'Connell. I am a Democratic Ward Leader of the 9th Ward which is located in Mount Airy and Chestnut Hill. 185 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 However, today I'm here as a local businessperson in Germantown, Mount Airy and Northwest section of the City. My company is Weichert Realtors, McCarthy Associates. I use 20th Street. I use many of the streets in that particular area, West Oak Lane on a weekly basis. And I wanted to testify that I find the closing of 20th Street -- Actually, the 20th Street being made one way hugely inconvenient for my business. And so, I wanted to make my testimony brief, but I wanted to add the views of a local businessperson who finds that particular issue inconvenient. And so I -- You know, I'm here to just oppose -- you know, urge everyone on the Committee to vote no. 21 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.
My name is Fred Mauer. I live at 5165 D Street, and I may not be a resident of this particular area, but I am 186 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 a very concerned citizen, because when I saw what's happening in this area, I got a little upset. This session you went through with the PennDOT discussions and the Streets Department are the exact things that I'm finding in my own neighborhood, that I can't get the Streets Department to do an honest thing with me. So I think we represent a common problem with the PennDOT and with the Streets Department. They can't give the right story. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Could you speak to any personal experience about the bills that are in front of us, and any problems that you've had with this intersection?
No. 20 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Or you're just here to beat up on the Streets Department? Because we'd rather not do that, if we can help it.
Mr. Chairman -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: There are a 187 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 number of other people from the community who --
I am here with the community. Actually, there was another -- You introduced this session by saying the other Committee was meeting with you simultaneous. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: No, no, I did not.
There's another ordinance -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: That hearing will take place after this Committee adjourns.
Well, I am talking on the subject matter. I'm talking about it. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Then you can come back at the next Committee and speak to that because I think --
Mr. Chairman, I'd like to finish my testimony. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Is it germane 188 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 to 20th and --
I have a limited time and you have a lot. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Is it germane to 20th and Olney?
Yes, sir. What do you think I'm sitting here for? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Because you said you don't live in the community.
I said I'm here representing the community, as my experience. This man represented as a businessman. I'm representing as a user, as a knowledgeable person, as a man who has dealt with the Streets Department. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Continue with your testimony.
I don't see anything wrong -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Continue with your testimony.
Okay. Thank you. Let me correct some things that were 189 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 said earlier. This man from LaSalle says that they had a problem with the speed and the traffic on 20th Street. And I think if he can quote Mr. Tate, as this problem started when the Mayor Tate... I think I'm around that period when Tate was Mayor. And I don't recall that we had a severe problem on 20th Street. In any case, LaSalle opened up by starting from 20th Street. They didn't start from Olney Avenue. They started from 20th Street. If we didn't have 20th Street, there would not be any LaSalle. So LaSalle starts on 20th Street. Now, the problem we have with this, this gentleman says that the speed, the volume problem... Now, I read the report from the Streets Department. And it says that the volume is 200 cars. Now, I think it's 200 cars maximum an hour. I'll tell you, on my block where I live, we have 800 cars an hour. So the 190 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 volume on 20th Street is really very minimal. If there's any volume, it happens to be when the kids go to school or when people go to work. So the volume is very small. It is not a volume problem. And they've already talked about the traffic. They told you that there's no 10 accident problems there. But I think there's another significant part. And I'll read the rest of my testimony. I am very familiar with the 20th Street two-way because I take it on my trips to Germantown, and when I go to LaSalle for meetings. It was a direct route for me from my house. It was a most safe and convenient way for me to go to LaSalle or to go to Germantown. I live only 700 feet away from East Olney Avenue. I find it's safer for me to go the indirect route and come from the south. 191 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 Instead of coming over Olney which is a lot of stop signs, I prefer to come from the south and use 20th Street. It's very valuable to me. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I'm listening.
Oh, I'm sorry. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I'm just helping Councilman Cohen out of his chair.
I figured you were preoccupied, and that... COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Yeah. Well...
I was very mystified when the Streets Department decided to close down 20th Street so preemptively. I had not heard of any 20th Street problems until the closing action went into effect. I noticed that the closing action did not go through a City ordinance 21 process, so there was no chance for my public testimony. Today I'm having a chance. I think closing a two-way street in a significant neighborhood around the 192 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 Belfield Recreation Center is a serious community harm, and that needs resolution. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: You don't have to stop.
Well, I'm trying to be polite with you. (Councilman DiCicco said something; microphone not on, not reportable.)
I question if the Streets Commissioner overstepped her emergency powers to close down 20th Street. I did not find any evidence to justify her emergency powers for public need or ordinance in advance to close this public highway for any trial period or for any -- and to state no true reasons for closing it down. I understand that road closing was a pretense because of student accidents, but the actual trial report was a vehicle study only, using PennDOT crash history, with no 25 other relevant facts. 193 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 I think that trial evidence cited in the final ordinance is not honestly affirmed. Since those reasons were not part of the study, then the relevance of the crash history is not proof of affirmation. Since there was no ordinance with a public hearing, and no independent findings, then the single evidence of this uncommissioned staff report is faulty evidence. It may not be done by professionals. It was internal professionals and was not an independent professional. It was only done to placate a private reason, and we found out what that reason was tonight. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Please summarize.
It seems that the real truth in Bill 61 is to give away one half of 20th Street as a gift to the unnamed party, from public assets, with no 25 compensation for the public. 194 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 It is proposed to give away our public highway for someone else's use. We plan to give away a price of access, transportation, public benefits, and impose new hardships on the users who had a residence for 81 years of development along 20th Street. This is a multi-million dollar swindle land grab, disguised as a traffic study. I asked for a City -- Where is our City Planning Commission? In it's 20-year forecast, that would have to show that we need a one-lane 20th Street. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Sir, I'm going to cut you off now. Please. You've had ten minutes.
I think we need to widen 20th Street in the 5500 block, to add two more full lanes from the center and westwards, with a traffic island safety zone, and to have biplanes [sic], and to prohibit free parking on the entire length and to include SEPTA bus service. 195 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Thank you.
20th Street is the only west -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Sir, thank you for your testimony.
Since west -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you for your testimony.
Since west 20th Street is the only north and south street crossing -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you for your testimony.
Now we have a four-lane highway coming up next. Elizabeth Johnson, Ben Tray and Rosalie Washington.
Trail. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Trail. Excuse me. Trail. Elizabeth Johnson. Let me readjust this, since no one gets cheated out of any 196 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 time here. Thank you. Please... Miss Johnson.
My name is Elizabeth Johnson. I live 5645 North Uber Street. I'm on the corner of Uber Street and Chew. I am here to urge the stopping of Bill 040650. More than 40 years ago, LaSalle College, which it was at that time; since it has become a university -- attempted to change the traffic patterns in the 5500 block of Trayer Street. After... When Joseph Coleman was our Council person in the Eighth Councilmanic District, he sent us a letter -- and I still have a copy of the letter -- that states that he would not get involved in this situation of 20th Street closing down or any changes unless LaSalle and the community set down and reached some kind of agreement. When Herbert DeBerry came Council person, he took basically the same status and said that he thought that the community 197 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 and LaSalle should sit down and work out an agreement, because he doesn't live there and he doesn't have to travel that area. But... And when our Council person became Donna Reed Miller, we first tried to close the street down, she had told them yes and us no. 9 But actually, she came to some meetings, and we expressed very strongly that we did not want 20th Street closed; she backed down, too. And the next thing we knew, she had gone to LaSalle and offered them a compromise, one-way 20th Street. We do not and -- we told her at that time, we do not want a compromise. We want 20th Street left alone. Since 20th Street has been changed and traffic is getting jammed up, Uber Street, which is one way north, sometimes gets traffic running through there going south because the people get hung up in traffic. They're on their way to work or to other places in the rush hour, and they 198 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 go any way they can, through any street they can, to get to work or to get where they are going. Councilwoman Miller -- It was interesting. There were -- Eighth Councilmanic District was in the Tribune of this week. And it stated that in the Eighth Councilmanic District, that 80 percent -- let's see -- 80 percent 80.2 percent black, African Americans, and 15.6 percent white. And I say to you, to Councilwoman Miller, and to the Council at large, and to all who will listen, that it's not -- It's a LaSalle and community issue, but it's also a black and white issue. And no one wants to say that, but that's what it is. Because if my son lived in the Northeast or a white area and exposed himself to a white woman, as a LaSalle student did since they've been demonstrating, he would be in jail if not dead. You don't kid me about you don't know that this is a black and white issue? 199 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 If you went through what we go through on a daily basis -- on a nightly basis, I should say, of students and their behavior, and we have already met with the Police Commissioner will be three times next week. And we inviting you to our meeting on June the 22nd again, with the Police Commissioner, about the behavior of LaSalle students. Well, we went to our Council person and asked her for a copy of -- asked her to put into -- into practice what Michael -- Councilman Nutter had, about the educational legislation. She said she was working on her own. That was two years ago. She hasn't worked on it yet, at least we haven't heard about it yet. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Miss Johnson, if you can summarize, I would appreciate it.
Listen, I been here since 3 o'clock. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I know. 200 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04
And I'm in a wheelchair, and I've had three strokes. Give me my day. (Applause and cheers.) COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I'm -- I'm -- I'm --
It's a black and -- It's -- It's -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I'm trying my -- I'm trying my best.
I know what you're trying to do, but you didn't rush anybody this morning. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I'm not rushing you either. I'm just --
Well, I've stayed here all this time. I want my say. The security neighborhood issue alert that came out from LaSalle University -- And incidentally, while I mention LaSalle University, I look at Iraq and what's going on over there, and how those people are terrorized and how they are treated. We're terrorized by LaSalle 201 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 the same way, with Ed Turzanski as the leader. (Applause.)
We have gone to the police because while the people out there picketing for LaSalle, and trying to keep the City open, Turzanski went to the picketers. And first you offered some of them a job. And I don't think they look like they want to work because they look like me. They retired, most of them. But he offered them a job, in other words, shut up. That's what he was telling them. And he may have offered somebody else in here something else, because I think LaSalle got their way. (Laughter.)
In the security alert, neighborhood issues alert, LaSalle University put out this flyer. And to me it sounds racial. The university has been informed that four burglaries of students occupied 202 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 neighborhoods -- in occupied neighborhood houses and one burglary on an off-campus apartment have taken place in the last two weeks [sic]. The Philadelphia Police and LaSalle University have these -- university have these burglaries under active investigation. If you are the victims of a burglary or if you observe suspicious activity, contact LaSalle security. And it gives a phone number. If you have -- live off campus and observe suspicious activity, call 911, and then contact LaSalle University. Now, this has gone out to students while the protesters are out there. And it goes on to give them an update on the protestant and what they should do. These people out there are not life-threatening to these students because they're too old. These students have sort of been promoted to tell if anything happened, so they can blame it on the 203 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 people out there demonstrating. See, people breaking houses in the block, and they are not LaSalle students. But we do have LaSalle students. And on my block there are 35 houses. Six -- Seven of them are occupied by LaSalle students. They party any time of night they want to. They drink. They fight. They sell whiskey. They use my yard. I live on a corner house. They use my yard for a bathroom. My son couldn't live in a neighborhood and do that. He'd be killed, as I said before. My daughter couldn't do it in a white neighborhood. She would be killed, too. Why do we have to tolerate this nonsense? Why do we have to tolerate it? And then we come out here, they going to close 20th Street or make it one way, and we are supposed to accept it. There are a lot of things that we don't accept about LaSalle University. We are being terrorized on a nightly basis by 204 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 the students. We have asked for some police help because when they come -- And one night we asked the police to clean out the house. A couple times we asked them. About 80 students came out. We counted 80. There may have been more, but we counted 80. And so, when they want to use the bathroom, they go to anybody's yard in the neighborhood they want to. I've had girls to squat right in front of my house and do their business from LaSalle University. And you're telling me that you going to rush me through this and tell me I should tolerate that? Oh, no. You wouldn't tolerate it, and we are not going to tolerate it. If you want to come to some of our meetings, we meet every Saturday morning, and we're going to meet June the 22nd. And if you want to come, I'll let you know where the meeting place is. And you are welcome to come, because people are sick and tired of what we have to go through in 205 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 the neighborhood. (Applause.)
Hi. My name is Ben Shred (phonetic). I'm a Committee person, and also a block captain, and on the board of Emen, and also am local contractor. I live 353 East Sharpnack. I'm a local contractor. I have interest there. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: What is that relationship to 20th and Olney?
Because I has property in the neighborhood. I have interest right there. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I'm asking -- Sir, you're not a... Mr. --
And also I'm a contractor, so I use that. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I am not suggesting it's limited. I just want for purposes of the record --
Okay. (Councilman Cohen began speaking simultaneously with Councilman DiCicco, not reportable.) 206 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: -- so I can understand who these people are and where they're coming from. You're not under attack. And excuse me for getting a little bit loud.
That's okay. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I've been more than patient, too, I think.
That's okay. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I'm trying to give everybody a chance. I want to know where you live. And I want to know where that is in proximity to LaSalle; that's all.
Sir, I don't know approximately how far from LaSalle. I don't have that estimate. What I said... COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: You live in the general vicinity?
I own property there, so 207 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 I have interest there. I'm also a local contractor, use that street -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Where do you--
-- three, four times a day. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Where do you live?
Oh, Lord. I'll give it to you again. 353 East Sharpnack Street. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And where is that --
22nd Ward. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And where is that -- Where is it? What neighborhood is it?
Mount Airy. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Just tell me. VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: Mount Airy.
Lower Mount Airy. Lower Mount Airy. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Mount Airy. Okay. Thank you. 208 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04
Okay. Now we got it. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: You're from Mount Airy. Continue.
Okay. I use that area. I'm a local contractor. I use that area three, four times a day before they close it. The morning when I notice I was closed, I was making that -- that turn, and I find I couldn't make it. I have to straighten back out in the street. Now, I'm opposed to 20th Street to be closed because it's a main artery from Cheltenham Avenue to... What's the name of that street again? Belfield. There is a street -- out to Belfield Avenue. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I see you're very familiar with the neighborhood. (Laughter.)
You can go to -- You can go to -- You can go to Broad Street, Expressway, Wayne Avenue, Germantown, Wister. It's a main artery, and that street should never close at all. It 209 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 should open both ways. Okay. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.
Once a year I -- Council get together and said they have the memorial outfit Martin Luther King, the great civil right leader. I get ready to see rust about that [sic]. I don't think so. Everything that Martin Luther King give his life for is taken away bit by bit, bit by bit by our own kind. It's time for us to stop. We have to do something. As the late President Reagan -- You have the wall. He said the great wall have to come down. We have the wall in front of us, 19th Street. It's not only from 19th Street. It's a City street. Why the City street should be blockaded? Why we have to be blockaded from able to use the main street from Cheltenham Avenue, lead to all the other street? Why we have -- Why we have -- Why we have to live that standard 210 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 big street have to be blocked off? We know that LaSalle... We know that LaSalle has... COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I'm listening. I'm listening.
Okay. We know that -- We know that -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: If I wouldn't have been listening, I wouldn't have known that you stopped talking.
Okay. I know that LaSalle has... COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I'm still listening; trust me. I can --
I know. Okay. I know LaSalle have -- (Councilman DiCicco and Mr. Shrad began speaking simultaneously, not reportable.)
That's why -- They have the entrance with the -- in the Street Department. We know they have entrance at the zoning because we went to the zoning. And they were just like the lawyer 211 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 representing us. We have to take we hat off to Mr. Cohen. He stand with the people, and he with the people. If -- If it wasn't for him, we wouldn't be here today able to testify and give a -- let everyone know how we feel about it. They tried to cut him off but he stand up, and he stand with us, and today he's still with us. But regardless of what happened here today, what decision you made, and I know people's watching. We have send around here 2,000 petition signature. And the way we treated today, you know, someone in your neighborhood and know that we are represented sign those petition because it's a City problem. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Thank you very much. Miss Washington.
My name is Rosalie Washington, and I live at 2136 Elkins Avenue. And I think most of the traffic from 20th Street comes down my little 212 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 street. It's very little. And tractor-trailers and trucks and everything goes down that street because it's only one block long. And it goes to Wister Street. And it's very hard to get on Wister Street from Elkins Avenue. And we have a lot of kids in the block that ride their bicycles and crossing, and the traffic is very bad there. Sometime the traffic is... The cars are a whole block long coming through my street. And it's very bad. And I wish 20th Street would be two ways again. I thank you very much. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, ma'am, for your testimony. The next witnesses are Phil Johnson, Greg Palmere, Ann... Is it Boyson or Boyer?
Boyson. And Ola Smith. Ola Smith does not want to testify. VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: No; she does. 213 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Does she? Does she not? Well, she's on the list. And that's the end of the list, as they say. Good morning, ma'am. Please identify yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony, lady in the middle, I guess.
Good morning. I'm Ola Smith. I live 5700 North Woodstock Street. I am here because I oppose to 20th Street being closed either way. I attended LaSalle, and I didn't need the street closed for me to go to LaSalle. I had family members attending LaSalle, and they didn't need the street closed to go to LaSalle. So, I see no need for the street to be closed for the students to cross 20th Street as we crossed. I thank you. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, ma'am. Miss Boyson. Thank you.
Ann Boyson, and I live on Locust Avenue, one of only two 214 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 southbound, one-way streets, Wister being one and Locust is the next one going west. And it would seem to me in the study -- Well, this is the second time I've protested LaSalle's changing this street in years. 8 I did protest in the winter. And 9 Mr. Turzanski approached me or confronted 10 me saying, did you drive here? 11 And I said, yes. 12 And he said, well, what are you 13 doing here anyway? 14 And I said, well, I'm a member of 15 PANA, Penn Area Neighborhood, which street 16 is contiguous with LaSalle; and that I was 17 on this one-way street; and that the 18 traffic was coming down my street much more 19 than it ever had. 20 And I asked him what -- where did he 21 think -- where does anybody think all of 22 this traffic is going to go? 23 I don't think there was any planning 24 that I can hear or learn of. Mr. Turzanski 25 seemed to be in the dark when I asked him 215 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 that. He could only talk about the traffic on his street, and the problems with the light, and how much he had to pay for the light. But the planning was not there. There were no detour signs, nothing. It was just changed. Thank you. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Mr. Palmere.
Good morning, Chairman. Thank you. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Let me shut the clock so that no one thinks that I'm cutting you short.
No. 18 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: You only have two minutes left, so I want to give you your full five minutes.
Greg Palmere, Democratic Ward Leader of the 12th Ward in Germantown. I live 221 Winona Street. The closing of 20th Street 216 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 southbound has greatly affected my ward, of which Ann is one of the residents, and many of the residents I think are still here. It has thrown traffic back into a neighborhood of senior citizens, of children. Where children once played on the street, they no longer can do so. We have a great deal of traffic now going down not just Wister Street which is a 200-year-old street. It's about 12 and-a-half feet wide, as compared to 20th 13 Street. It's a good bit larger and newer 14 street. 15 We have traffic going down Locust 16 Avenue which is a very densely residential 17 community, and we have traffic going all the way over to Chelten Avenue, disrupting our business district. And so, I need you to know why I'm involved here, and that is why. I heard about this situation. By way of my own experience, I happen to own a house on Ogontz and Olney. In my travels there, and in my conversations with my 217 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 constituency in my ward, I was made aware of this upcoming dilemma. And as soon as we saw the signs go up, I began to ask questions; began to seek and try to seek answers to these problems. And you know, many wards the first casualty of any ward is often the truth. Well, this was no exception because the truth came out very quickly in this war. In conversations that I had with both my Council people and their staff, my Council member, Donna Miller and her staff, and with Edward Turzanski at LaSalle University and with neighbors in the area, I learned quickly that it wasn't an issue of safety. It wasn't an issue of safety at all. Mr. Turzanski admitted to me when I spoke to him, and when we spoke to Steve Johnson, Councilwoman Miller's office, safety was not the issue here. So let's be clear on that first, Chairman, and Committee members, that safety is admittedly not the issue, by Edward 218 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 Turzanski and by Councilwoman Miller's staff, Steve Johnson. And the reason why that was made clear was upon questioning by myself, I asked Edward Turzanski if safety was a problem, students not being able to get across 20th Street, why wasn't safety the problem students being able to get across Olney Avenue? Because as you might know or may not know, most of LaSalle College's dormitories are located on the north side of Olney Avenue. Okay? And their campus, their library and the classrooms are located on the south side of Olney Avenue. And if you know Olney Avenue, you'll know a couple things: One, it has the 18 Bus; two, it has the 26 Bus; and three, it's a six-lane road. 20th Street is a two-lane road. And when that argument was made clear to Turzanski and to Steve Johnson, they admitted very quickly that, you know, Greg, 219 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 you know, Coalition to Save 20th Street, the issue really isn't safety. The issue is LaSalle's interest in building a building. So all of a sudden, here we have this war. All of a sudden the first casualty is the truth. All of a sudden we learn as a community that there's more to this picture, that safety happened to be the convenient thing to say, the convenient argument to make. But in truth -- And they admit the truth finally. And this is after weeks and months of talking to them -- that nothing about safety. So I will say nothing more about safety, other than the fact that we have learned that it has nothing to do with safety. Having said that, I want to say a few other things about this issue because it's been -- it's been mired in mud from the beginning. Couple other things you need to know, and that is the history of street 220 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 closing in my ward, in my community. 10th Street was closed years ago. 4 Penn Street was closed from Germantown 5 Hospital.
6 We were sold on the idea in the 12th 7 Ward because we were told that we would get 8 a wonderful hospital if we closed Penn 9 Street. 10 Well, we closed Penn Street. We no 11 longer have a hospital. We have a 12 cul-de-sac. 13 Now because of the closing of 14 southbound 20th Street, we can't even get 15 out of that cul-de-sac because one of the 16 main exits out of that area beyond 17 Germantown Medical Center, as it's now 18 called -- it's become a convalescent 19 home -- is Clarkson Avenue. 20 Clarkson Avenue dead-ends into 21 Wister Street. Wister Street is a 22 200-year-old colonial street which has an 23 enormous amount of congestion now on it, so 24 people cannot get out from behind 25 Germantown Hospital and Penn Street. 221 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 That's a real problem. This affects property values, something that nobody else has spoken about. Property values are immediately affected when it becomes more difficult and more dangerous for people to live in their community. So, the property values in this area are going to go down, and have already begun to do so as a result of the congestion, as a result of the lack of safety, as a result of the lack of the ability for the neighborhood to exist in a healthy manner. So property values are important for the record to reflect. They're important for all of us as City representatives to think about, because after all, we love this City. Many of us have lived in our homes for many, many years. And we don't expect to lose our property values because institutions decide and one Council person decides that, hey, we're going to change 222 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 the direction of the street. Let's just do it. And that's pretty much what's happened. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Can you summarize, Mr. Palmere.
One of the other things I want to talk about -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Mr. Palmere, if you can summarize --
Yeah, I will. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: You're beyond the -- (Mr. Palmere and Councilman DiCicco began speaking simultaneously, not reportable.)
There's been many articles in the Daily News about child safety. There are five public schools in the immediate area. There are two hospitals in the immediate area. These are institutions that all need people to be able to come and go safely. They're unable to do so presently. In summary, you know, I will say a 223 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 couple of things. One is is that honesty, integrity has to play a part in our decision making as officials in this City of Philadelphia. And we've learned quickly, and I think you've learned tonight, that safety admitted by both Council people, staff and by Edward Turzanski, LaSalle, that their integrity has not been fully forthcoming. And that's important to measure that, especially when you have a community as committed to this area as this community is, as living as longly [sic] under the circumstances of any college or any university as this one has. So I think it's important to measure integrity here. And I think you've seen that their integrity is lacking. Some other things: The traffic engineering study. What is traffic engineering? What is traffic engineering for? We are taxpayers. We pay traffic engineering to exist. Are they somebody 224 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 that you just try things, trial and error? Is that the way traffic engineering works? I don't think so. I don't think so. I think it's a little bit more of a science. We do studies. We see no real reflection of studies. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Mr. Palmere, excuse me.
There were no studies done before -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Mr. Palmere, excuse me. We have heard probably 10 to 12 people question the study, and the viability of the study, and the folks who work for the Streets Department, Traffic Division. Please let's not repeat that over again. Do you have anything else to add?
Well, there's been no 21 previous study is the point. And so there has been no study. I'm talking about the truth. We're talking about integrity, aren't we? We're talking about City residents being 225 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 represented by a government with integrity. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: One thing I can say about the Streets Department, just about every department I've had to deal with, can not question their integrity. I find these people to be very upstanding folks. And I disagree with them on a lot of occasions, but I certainly don't question their integrity.
Well, wouldn't you agree that if you're going to conduct a study, that there needs to be data collected before you implement the test -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Look, I'm not --
-- so that you have data to compare something -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Let's not you and I get into a debate.
-- after the test? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Could you wrap up your testimony and then we can proceed. UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: No, no. He means like a pre and a post test. 226 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: I understand what he means. I understand what he means. I just need him to finish his testimony.
You don't want to hear about it and -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: No. I just want you to wrap up your testimony.
I hear that you don't want to hear from the public. And you've got to understand something, Chairman, this is what the community has been hearing from our public officials in the area, with the exception of Councilman Cohen. State Representative John Myers supports us fully. The Wister Neighborhood Council supports us fully. The Penn Area Neighbors support us fully. The 12th Ward Democrats support us fully. The 17th Ward Democrats support us fully. And we hope that in a Democracy, in this great seat of Democracy that we live in that's called the City of Philadelphia, the Council people, good Democrats, and the 227 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 good Democracy that we have here in this City Council will do the same. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.
Represent the interests of this great community, of this great City. You have a great opportunity to do it. Do it. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you.
Vote no on this bill. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. (Applause.)
I would like to ask permission of the Chair to have Ellen Berkowitz of my staff read two letters into the record. Three ward leaders have testified. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Okay. Fine.
Okay. You have letters to be read into testimony. That will be admitted, as well as Councilwoman Miller, I think, has something to be read into the record. Please proceed.
They're very 228 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 brief.
This is a letter from -- My name is Ellen Berkowitz. I work for Councilman David Cohen. This is a letter in support of the community to Councilman Frank DiCicco from Al Stewart, the leader of the 11th Democratic Ward. Dear Councilman DiCicco, as leader of the 11th Ward, I am writing to express my support of the community in their opposition to the closure of 20th Street to southbound traffic, as proposed in Bill 15 Number 040560. Neighborhood residents and leaders are legitimately concerned about the diversion of traffic to residential streets and pass five schools in the area, including the Widener School for Children with Disabilities. Thousands of area residents have signed petitions and sent letters expressing their concern. As you are aware, the number of 229 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 Philadelphia school children who have been hit by cars while walking to school is at an unacceptable high. The Streets Department study of the closure of 20th and Olney to southbound traffic did not address this important issue, and has not revealed any compelling reason why this street should be closed to traffic. Local firefighters have also expressed concern about the ability of emergency vehicles to reach their destination because of the closure. Under these circumstances, the wishes of the community should be respected. I urge you to vote no to Bill Number 040560 and its companion Bill Number 040561. Sincerely, Al Stewart, Ward Leader. This is a letter from State Representative John Myers. As a legislator of the 201st District, I fully support the interests of 230 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 the residents, as it pertains to 20th Street between Belfield and Olney Avenues. I will encourage support of the position which Councilman Cohen and the majority of the residents take on the above-mentioned matter. I have not been involved in any discussions with LaSalle University on this matter, and they have not found it necessary to engage me in such discussions. I want to reaffirm my belief that those who are most directly affected by a public action should have the greatest voice in determining the appropriate course of action. There should be no closing of or directional change on 20th Street. 20th Street should remain a two-way street. State Representative John Myers.
I'm offering them in evidence. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: So noted. The letters that have been just been read will be handed to the stenographer to be made a 231 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 part of the record.
I would like to make one short comment. I have more to add to that. There are seven ward leaders in the Eighth Councilmanic District. Tonight you've heard from four of them. The fifth one, Rosita Youngblood has stated orally that she supports the community. That's number five. The sixth ward leader -- There are only two left. One is Donna Miller. The other is a person who works for Donna Miller; and therefore, I have not requested any comment from him since I understand he can't give a comment without jeopardizing his position. (Laughter.)
And that's the seven ward leaders. So the five who can speak who are not connected with Councilwoman Miller are all in opposition to it. Now, I don't know -- You heard Greg 232 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 Palmere speak of all the groups that are opposed to it. I don't know what there is by nature of Democracy left in Philadelphia. If this City Council decides not to go with the community, all I can say is, it's got to be a changed City Council after that because if this City Council doesn't support the community, it doesn't deserve to be supported. (Applause.)
No member who votes against the community deserves to be supported. You don't give up your rights by electing a paid person to represent you. What you did is, you think you're getting somebody who's going to be supportive of your goals, not in opposition. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Cohen. Councilwoman Miller, I understand you have letters to be read into the record. 233 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04
Yes, Mr. Chair. Brian has the letters. He's going to read them. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Please read the letters into the record.
Dear Councilwoman Miller, I am writing to offer my strong, unqualified support for the permanent reconfiguration of 20th Street between Olney and Belfield Avenues to a one-lane, one-way uphill traffic pattern, and for the striking of the western portion of the street, Bills Number 040560 and 040561. As you know, since James Tate was Mayor of our City, LaSalle University and its neighbors have had specific legitimate safety and security concerns tied to the two-way configuration of 20th Street between Olney and Belfield Avenues which is occupied solely by the University on both sides of the street. I am pleased that you and LaSalle and City Streets Department officials and neighbors found a compromise to outright 234 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 closure of 20th Street which preserves northbound traffic access on the street, while at the same time addressing the very serious safety concerns which affected the University and its surrounding community. LaSalle University is and has been a major employer and resource for educational, cultural, social and economic health and stability for your District, the City, and our Commonwealth, with more than 1100 employees. LaSalle pays more than $40 million in taxable wages that generate nearly $1.7 million in City wage taxes. Through its own resources and fund raising from its more than 45,000 alumnae, LaSalle is building a $26 million new residents' facility, and it plans to add a $30 million state-of-the-art science and technology facility in the next five years. The school also does $12 million of business each year with local businesses. These facilities and this commerce are a source of jobs and opportunity for your 235 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 District, the City, and our Commonwealth. Lastly, the 6,000 full-time students at LaSalle included a very large number of out-of-state residents who bring tuition dollars and jobs to Pennsylvania. For these and many other reasons, LaSalle is worthy of your support, and that of your colleagues in the matter of 20th Street. The reconfiguration of 20th Street is a necessary and positive action by City government to support this important community employer and source of economic and educational opportunity. And I support your actions in this matter. Sincerely yours, Governor Edward G. Rendell.
That was the same fellow who used to be a Democratic Mayor of Philadelphia, who submitted a budget to the State House of Representatives and then the State Senate, eliminating all drug money, eliminating money for libraries, eliminating money for many services that go 236 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 to Philadelphia. Of course, he's always been really a Republican who masquerades as a Democratic. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: He tells me the same thing. Councilman, thank you. Mr. Abernathy, one more letter, I understand?
Dear Councilwoman Miller, I am writing to offer my unqualified strong support for the permanent reconfiguration of 20th Street between Olney and Belfield Avenues to a one-lane, one-way uphill traffic pattern and for the striking of the western portion of the street. For too long this thoroughfare has been a disaster waiting to happen and a dangerous safety hazard for commuters and pedestrians alike. As you know, LaSalle University and its neighbors have had specific legitimate safety and security concerns tied to the two-way configuration of 20th Street 237 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 between Olney and Belfield Avenues, which is occupied solely by the University on both sides of the street. I congratulate and support you for the compromise which you, LaSalle, Philadelphia Streets Department officials, and neighbors achieved to preserve northbound traffic access from the street, while at the same time addressing the very serious safety concerns which affected the University and the surrounding community. Your compromise position improves the safety and security of the surrounding community by dramatically reducing the volume and speed of through traffic. As you well know, LaSalle University is a major employer and resource for educational, cultural, social and economic health and stability for the northwest section of the City. After we collectively move forward with the process of reinvigorating our region, LaSalle stands as an anchor, joining together the many diverse and 238 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 diverging communities that make up this section of the City. LaSalle's tradition of community involvement and partnership is unparalleled. Its commitment to educating and well-being of the community is unquestionable. Of the nearly 46,000 alumnae, more than 16,000 live in Philadelphia, and nearly 700 of those alumnae, of which I am one, reside in and around the immediate community. Its innate and enduring economic, educational and cultural contribution of this northwest community has been and continues to be a most valuable asset. Therefore, the reconfiguration of 20th Street is necessary, and positive action by City government to support this important community resource, and I strongly support your actions in this matter as well. Sincerely yours, Representative Dwight Evans. 239 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 (Boo's from the audience.)
Dwight Evans ceased being a representative of the 17th Ward two years ago. John Myers is the State Representative covering the area of LaSalle. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. Councilman, what is it with this video?
What is it with this? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: No. The video. The video. What's the situation here?
Well, where is -- COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: What do we have, Miss Johnson? (Ms. Johnson began speaking away from the microphone, not reportable.)
Would you come up and speak to the mike so we can hear you? COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Just let me know for the record what the problem is, so... We're not going to... 240 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04
Chairman DiCicco, this particular part of it, this aspect of the video is the very end, and it's very... I think it's very crucial to our points of the community, people in the community. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And how long is it?
I'm showing only a slight segment. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: And how long is "slight"?
I would say no more than 30 seconds. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Oh. Slight enough.
Unfortunately, I had better equipment at home to cue my video COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Most people have better equipment at home than we have here. I can tell you that.
What you were referring to when you said -- 241 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04
This is primarily Central High School. I do want to show the importance of how students have to cross the street at Central. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: While we're waiting for the... Just let me, while we're waiting for the video to get into position, I just want to thank everyone for attending this hearing. A special thanks to my colleagues for staying the entire length, and a special thanks also to the City employees for participating. And I know there was some verbal abuse, certainly not shared by the majority of the members of this Committee. And I know that there's some people who may walk away from this hearing feeling as though regardless of how the vote turns out -- may feel as though that they have not been listened to or paid attention to. I would hope that, going forward, that the residents and the LaSalle University can continue a dialogue to work 242 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04 on these issues.
There is no 4 dialogue. LaSalle refused to enter into it. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: If you were listening to me, I said I would hope that they can continue with a dialogue.
Well, I'm saying they haven't had one. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank all of you for attending.
I want to thank everybody for being here. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: We've got about a minute left.
It's not working. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Miss Johnson.
Thank you. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: This concludes the public hearing on the... Is that it, Miss Johnson?
Yes, sir. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Okay. 243 Law & Gov't and Streets & Services - 6/9/04
These are students... This is dismissal, actually, from Central University -- I mean, Central High School. And they basically -- how they basically have to duck and dodge traffic. And this is because of the fact that... I'm -- I'm pointing out the fact that if there is an issue with the safe street, it would be Olney Avenue -- Central at Ogontz Avenue and not necessarily 21st Street. These are young people that go to school and they come back and forth in this manner on a daily basis, actually literally stopping traffic across these two busy lanes on Ogontz Avenue. In my opinion, these are young people under the age of 18; whereas, they would have young adults on 21st -- on 20th Street.
All right. Thank you. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you. This concludes the public hearing on the Committee of Streets and Services. (Hearing concluded at 2:15 a.m.) 244 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the public hearing of The Philadelphia City Council, taken on June 9, 2004, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. _____________________________ DAVID A. DEIK, RPR and Commissioner of Deeds (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)