COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON STREETS AND SERVICES Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Monday, September 29, 2025 1:15 p.m. PRESENT: COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG, JR., CHAIR COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA, VICE-CHAIR COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS
240872, 250575, 250576, 250606, 250649, 250652, 250653, 250710, 250711, 250712, 250713, 250714, 250715, 250716, 250718, 250723, 250724, 250725, 250770, 250771, 250772 - - -
Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Streets and Services. I note that the hour has come. Mr. Pullin, would you please call the roll.
Present. Thank you, Mr. Pullin. I note that a quorum of the Committee is present for this hearing to be called to order. I also note for the record the presence of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier. This is a public hearing of the Committee on Streets and Services considering testimony on Bill Nos. 240872, 250575, 250576, 250606, 250649, 250652, 250653, 250710, 250711, 250712, 250713, 250714, 250715, 250716, 250718, 250723, 250724, 250725, 250770, 250771 and 250772. I would like to also note that Bill Nos. 250606 and 250649 are being held at the request of the sponsor. Before we begin, do any of my colleagues have any opening remarks? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Pullin, please read the title of the first bill.
Bill No. 9 250713 titled, Establishing a parking regulation on South 62nd Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street; Kingsessing Avenue between South 52nd Street and South 53rd Street; Sansom Street between South 62nd Street and South 63rd Street; Powelton Avenue between North 42nd Street and North 43rd Street; Powelton Avenue between 43rd Street and Holden Street. Also, Bill No. 250714 titled, Establishing a parking regulation on Fountain Street between Ridge Avenue and Hazelwood lane; Lauriston Street between Roxborough Avenue and Monastery Avenue; Overlook Road between Matthias Street and Shalkop Street; Gorgas Lane between Ridge Avenue and Lawton Street; Martin Street between Ridge Avenue and Mitchell Street; Levering Street between Cresson Street to Silverwood Street; Lemonte Street between Pechin Street and Ridge Avenue; Dupont Street between Flemming Street and Boone Street to Dead end; Monastery Avenue between Mitchell Street and Ridge Avenue; Palisades Drive between Capital View Drive and Heritage Drive and Merrick Road. Also, Bill No. 250715, establishing a parking regulation on Hobart Street between Thompson Street and Master Street; Lancaster Avenue between Jefferson Street and North 54th Street; North 59th Street between Malvern Avenue and Woodcrest Avenue; Bambrey Street between Willard Street and Allegheny Avenue.
Thank you so much, Mr. Pullin. Would you please call the witness to testify on these bills. For the record, this is testimony for Bill Nos. 250713, 250714 and 250715.
The first witness testifying is Lester Emerson, Deputy Parking Manager for the Philadelphia Parking Authority. (Witness approached witness table.)
Good morning. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony.
My name is Lester Emerson, Deputy Manager for the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Thank you for allowing me to testify before Council regarding Ordinances 250713, 250714 and 250715, establishing parking regulations. Philadelphia Parking Authority has no objection to the ordinances previously read before Council and recommends favorable consideration. Thank you again for your time and I'm happy to respond to any questions at this time.
Thank you so much, Mr. Emerson. Are there any questions of this witness on these bills? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you so much, Mr. Emerson. Is there anyone else present wishing to testify on Bill 23 Nos. 250713, 250714 or 250715? (No response.)
Bill No. 5 250710 titled, amending Section 3 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 230033), approved April 12, 2023, entitled "An Ordinance Authorizing the vacating of Sloan Street from Ogden Street to its terminus northwardly therefrom and the reserving and plotting upon City Plan No. 106 of a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes and public utility purposes within the lines of said Sloan Street being vacated and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said right-of-way, under certain terms and conditions," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.
Thank you, Mr. Pullin. Would you please call the witnesses to testify on this bill.
The first witnesses to testify are Noelle Marconi, Legislative Affairs Director for the Department of Streets; and Sarah Chiu, Development Director for the City Planning Commission. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
I apologize for that. Please proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 2 No. 250710, introduced by Councilmember Gauthier. This is not an Administration ordinance, but an ordinance requested by Michael Mattioni, Esq. of Mattioni, Ltd., representing 879 North for 40 LLC. The purpose of this proposed ordinance is to amend a previous ordinance (Bill No. 230033) approved April 12, 2023, which authorized the vacating of Sloan Street from Ogden Street to its terminus northwardly therefrom and the reserving and plotting upon the City Plan of a right-of-way for sewer and drainage purposes and public utility purposes within the lines of Sloan Street being vacated and the acceptance of the grant to the City of the said right-of-way. The portion of Sloan Street proposed to be vacated is not in use by public traffic and is not maintained by the Department of Street -- excuse me, the Streets Department as a city street. The proposed amendment will extend the operable period for compliance with the terms and conditions of the authorizing ordinance for an additional two years. The purposes of this action is to allow the bed of Sloan Street to revert to private property so that the area can be better maintained. The Department of Streets has no objection to this proposed ordinance and recommends it to the committee for a favorable action. Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today and would be pleased to answer any questions.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Ms. Chiu, please proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairmember Young and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planner Manager with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 250710, introduced by Councilman O'Neill on September 11, 2025. This bill will extend the time for compliance with the original Bill No. 230033, which is approved to authorize vacating the legally opened portion of Sloan Street from Ogden Avenue to its northern terminus. This portion of Sloan Street is not approved as a public street nor it is open to the public traffic. The adjacent property owner has requested this action in order to remove its legal encumbrance on the underlying property and clarifying the ownership of the affected area. The City Planning Commission at its meeting on September 18, 2025 recommended Bill 6 No. 250710 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you, Ms. Chiu. Are there any questions on Bill No. 250710 from any members of the Committee? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. We're going to go a little bit out of order today. So, Mr. Pullin, would you please read the title of the next bill to be heard.
Bill No. 22 250712 titled, Authorizing the Streets Department to establish parking and stopping regulations on both sides of 47th Street between Chestnut Street and Kingsessing Street, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Pullin. Would you please read call the first witnesses to testify on this bill -- I apologize for that. Before we call the witnesses, I would like to recognize the sponsor of this legislation, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Yes. Thank you so much, Chairman Young, Vice-Chair Squilla and members of the Committee. I wanted to speak on this bill because there has been a lot of misinformation around this bill and this project and I appreciate the opportunity to remind everyone why we are doing this work in the first place. More than two years ago, neighborhood residents approached my office about redesigning two arterial roads, 47th Street and 48th Street, which have been plagued with traffic violence. 47th Street is actually on the City's High Injury Network, and a series of crashes such as a truck slamming into Lee's Deli and a pedestrian succumbing to her injuries after being struck by a car at 47th and Chester prove how necessary this work is and these are just a couple of examples. I directed my team to go above and beyond in engaging the community. Alongside OTIS, we co-hosted more than a dozen meetings in various formats, gathered feedback and made ourselves available for individual conversations. We met with RCO executive boards. We organized block-specific focus groups. We held open houses and offered smaller, tailored meetings for any block or any entity that felt that their voice was not being heard. After nearly two years of extensive outreach, the conclusion is clear. Despite a few pockets of very vocal opposition, most neighbors strongly support our safety measures on 47th and 48th Streets. In total, we incorporated over 50 specific revisions from neighbors. This bill enables some of those revisions that were requested by neighbors. Neighbors asked for loading zones to help them unload groceries, pick up and drop off young people and seniors and have items delivered. Bill 250712 gives Streets the permission to implement the loading zones and parking changes that neighbors specifically asked for. I want to thank everyone who is here to testify on the bill 5 today. Whether you're for or against, I do think government works best when neighbors make their voices heard. And as with any major infrastructure project, there will inevitably be growing pains no matter how hard we tried to avoid it. And for this reason, I think it is very appropriate to give Streets the authority they need to make the tweaks that they see is necessary as this project moves forward. But traffic violence is real violence and it is no accident that our working class Black and Brown communities experience a disproportionate share of this violence. For too long our city has seen our communities and our bodies as expendable. And so, this is about safety. It isn't about politics. It isn't about anybody running for office. It's about safety for our kids, our elders and everyone in between. And that's why as both a trained urban planner and a Councilmember I will never waver in my number one obligation to make West and Southwest Philadelphia a safe place to live. I urge the members of the Committee to send Bill 250712 to the Council floor with a favorable recommendation and I thank you very much for the opportunity to speak today. (Applause.)
Thank you so much, Councilmember Gauthier. The Chair recognizes Mr. Pullin. Would you please call the name of the witnesses to testify.
Yes. The next witness to testify, to come up alongside Mr. Montanez is Chris Gail, Executive Director at the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. (Witnesses approached witness table.)
Mr. Montanez, please state your name for the record and give us your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairman Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Richard Montanez as I am the Deputy Commissioner for Department of Streets. I'm here to offer testimony on Bill No. 250712, introduced by Councilmember Gauthier. This bill authorizes the Streets Department to promulgate regulations to prohibit or restrict the stopping of vehicles and to establish and revise time-limited loading zones on both sides of 47th Street between Chestnut Street and Kingsessing Street consistent with the protection of the public safety and appropriate use of the right- of-way. These regulations are part of the street direction change and the traffic safety improvements made to 47th Street that were implemented this summer. These changes include the addition of loading zones and daylighting at intersections. Daylighting increases visibility for drivers and pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks, thus improving safety. Parking and stopping regulations were developed in partnership with Councilmember Gauthier's office and the result of stakeholder engagement conducted between 2023 and 2025. The Department of Streets supports this legislation. This concludes my testimony. I am pleased to answer any questions you may have. Thank you.
My name is Chris Gail. I'm the Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. Thank you, Councilman Young, members of Streets and Services for this time. We do support this legislation, as it will enable the safety of all road users by prohibiting parking in the new separated bike lane and one-way southbound lane configuration on 47th Street. The southbound lane on 47th will serve as the street pair for the northbound lane on 48th Street. 47th Street is on the Philadelphia High Injury Network with 80% of all crashes involving a death or serious injury occurring on just 12% of city streets. This is a safety issue. The Bicycle Coalition supports Bill No. 250712 and ask that the members of this Committee vote in favor to introduce us to the floor. Thank you.
Thank you so much. I do have a question. You cited the statistics on the High Injury Network that this block is on. But this block is -- rather this block is on the High Injury Network. Do you know the percentage of those accidents that happened on this particular block?
Okay. The Administration department, would you have those statistics or will it be OTIS who may have those statistics --
I don't have that one off the top of my head -- sorry, Councilman. I do not know it off the top of my head, but we can provide you those numbers after this meeting.
Thank you. I mean, because it's good to note that we have 80% of injuries are occurring on only 12%. But within that 12% we want to make sure that those streets are also -- the right policies are tailored to the amount of injuries that are caused on those particular streets too, right. Every policy doesn't isn't a one-size-fit-all for every street. So we just want to make sure that it's specifically tailored to that community, because communities all want to be safer but we got to make sure that it works for that area. Mr. Montanez, just a question. On these types of matters, I just note for my own intellectual curiosity I guess that some matters are Streets Department and others are OTIS. Is there a difference in why OTIS will handle something versus the Streets Department in some particular matters?
The Streets Department and OTIS work together hand-in-hand for the safety of all users of the public right-of-way. OTIS usually works on the planning side and Streets Department works on the implementation side.
Okay. Thank you. Are there any other questions of these witnesses by members of the committee? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you both for your testimony. And just to note that there are some folks who have listed they want to testify on this bill, we will have that testimony during the public comment section 17 to allow the public to testify on these bills and others that are going to come up as well. Just want to let you all know early on. Mr. Pullin, please read the title of the next bill to be heard.
Bill No. 250716 titled, Amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 230438), approved July 5, 2023, entitled "An Ordinance Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan Nos. 230 and 289 by placing on the City Plan two irregularly-shaped areas, one located along the northeasterly side of Ridge Avenue and extending from a point northwest of the Wissahickon Creek to a point approximately 424 feet further northwestwardly therefrom and the other located along the southwesterly side of Ridge Avenue extending from a point northwest of the Wissahickon Creek northwestwardly to the southwesterly side of Main Street, thereby widening said Ridge Avenue, and authorizing the opening of the portions of the said widened Ridge Avenue extending through property owned by the City, under certain terms and conditions, including the dedication to the City of the additions to the beds of Ridge Avenue and Main Street being placed on the City Plan," by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.
Thank you, Mr. Pullin. Would you please call the first witnesses to testify on this bill.
The first witnesses to testify are Noelle Marconi, Legislative Affairs Director for the Department of Streets; and Sarah Chiu, Development Director for the City Planning Commission.
Thank you. Good afternoon again. Please state your name for the record and begin your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here to offer testimony on Bill No. 250716, introduced by Councilmember Jones. This is not an Administration ordinance, but an ordinance requested by William Kunkle, Senior Program Manager at SEPTA. The purpose of this proposed ordinance is to amend the previous ordinance Bill No. 230438, approved January 5, 2023, which authorized the widening of Ridge Avenue between the Wissahickon Creek and Main Street. The bill will extend the operable period for compliance with the terms and conditions of the authorizing ordinance for an additional two years. SEPTA is redeveloping and expanding the Wissahickon Transportation Center on Ridge Avenue. This action will relocate the right-of-way lines and widen the roadway to facilitate bus movement and safe boarding and deboarding. Department of Streets has no objections to this proposed ordinance and recommends it to the committee for favorable action. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Good afternoon, Chairmember Young and members on the Committee of Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 250716, introduced by Councilmember Jones on September 11, 2025. This bill will extend a timeline for compliance with the original Bill 230438, which was approved to authorize the widening of Ridge Avenue to build and dedicate to the city bus-only lane and widening the sidewalks in front of the expanded Wissahickon Transportation Center. The City Plan change action is consistent with the Wissahickon Gateway Plan and its recommendations about widening Ridge Avenue as a part of expansion of the Wissahickon Transportation Center. The City Planning Commission at its meeting on September 18, 2025 recommended Bill 24 No. 250716 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you for your testimony. Just a quick question. Is there anyone from SEPTA here to testify on this bill? (No response.)
No, okay. Are there any questions on Bill No. 250716 of these witnesses by members of the committee? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you for your testimony. Mr. Pullin, please read the title of the next bill to be heard.
Bill 250724 titled, Authorizing various encroachments in the vicinity of 1000-52 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19125, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you. Mr. Pullin, please call the witnesses to testify.
The witnesses to testify are Noelle Marconi, Legislative Affairs Director for Department of Streets; and Sarah Chiu, Development Director for the City Planning Commission.
Thank you. Ms. Marconi, please proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 24 No. 250724, introduced by Councilman Squilla. This bill authorizes CORE EQUITY II, LP, (the Owner) to install, own and maintain encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe and fence at Mamajuana Cafe, located at 1052 Frankford Avenue. A total of four tables and seats for a sidewalk 10 cafe and a proposed fence will be 11 located along the west sidewalk of 12 Frankford Avenue and the North 13 sidewalk of Laurel Street along the 14 property line of 1052 Frankford 15 Avenue. 16 One table and four seats will be located adjacent to the building of 1052 Frankford Avenue, leaving 7 feet 11 inches of clear, unobstructed footway. Three tables and 12 seats will be located adjacent to the building of 1052 Frankford Avenue, leaving 11 feet 24 inch of clear, unobstructed footway. One proposed fence will be located adjacent to the building of 1052 Frankford Avenue, leaving 7 feet 11 inches of clear, unobstructed footway. The proposed fence will be 4 feet in height. The Department of Streets is not opposed to these proposed encroachments, as the minimum footway will be unobstructed and footway will be maintained. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions.
Thank you so much for your testimony. The Chair recognizes the presence of Councilman Cindy Bass, member of this committee is present. And, Ms. Chiu, please proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairmember Young and members of this Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 250724, introduced by Councilman Squilla. On September 11, 2025 this bill will allow a sidewalk cafe at 1052 Frankford Avenue, a minimum of 7 feet 11 inches of clear sidewalk spaces to remain after the installation. This meets Complete Streets policy. The Planning Commission at its meeting on September 18, 2025 recommended Bill No. 250724 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you so much. Are there any questions of these witnesses on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Pullin, would you please read the title of the next bill to be heard.
Bill No. 6 240872 titled, Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 6618 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19149, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Pullin. Please call the witnesses to testify on this bill.
The first one testifying is Noelle Marconi, Legislative Affairs Director for Department of Streets; and Sarah Chiu, Development Director for the City Planning Commission.
Thank you so much. Ms. Marconi, please proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here to offer testimony on Bill No. 240872, introduced by Councilmember Phillips. This bill authorizes 6618 CASTOR ASSOCIATES, LLC (the Owner) to install, own and maintain an encroachment in the nature of a sidewalk cafe at Tio Pepe, located at 6618 Castor Avenue. A total of 11 tables and 22 seats for a sidewalk cafe will be located along the south sidewalk of Fanshawe Street and the west sidewalk of Castor Avenue along the property line of 6618 Castor Avenue. Five tables and 10 seats will be located adjacent to the building of 6618 Castor Avenue, leaving feet of clear, unobstructed footway. Six tables and 12 seats will be located adjacent to the building of 6618 Castor Avenue, leaving 10 feet of clear and unobstructed footway. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed sidewalk cafe, as the minimum unobstructed footway will be maintained. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions.
Thank you so much. Ms. Chiu, please proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairmember Young and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 240872, introduced by Councilman Phillips on October 10, 2024. This bill will allow a sidewalk cafe at 6516 Castor Avenue. A minimum of feet of 8 clear space is to remain after the 9 installation on Castor Avenue and a 10 minimum of 6 feet of clear sidewalk space is to remain after the installation on Fanshawe Street. This meets the minimum required dimensions of the Complete Streets policy of the Philadelphia Code. The City Planning Commission at its meeting on November 21, 2024 recommended Bill No. 240872 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you so much, Ms. Chiu. Are there any questions on this bill by members of the committee? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Pullin, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 9 250576 titled, Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 426-28 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Pullin. Please call the witnesses for this bill.
Noelle Marconi, Legislative Affairs Director for the Department of Streets; and Sarah Chiu, Development Director for the City Planning Commission.
Thank you. Good morning -- or excuse me, good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi. I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 11 No. 250576, introduced by Chairperson Young. This bill authorizes FIMYS 426 GIRARD LLC, (the Owner) to install, own and maintain an encroachment in the nature of a sidewalk cafe at Las Cazuelas located at 426-28 Girard Avenue. A total of 10 tables and 25 seats for a sidewalk cafe will be located along the curbline and property line of the south sidewalk of West Girard Avenue and the east sidewalk of North Lawrence Street along the property line of 426-28 West Girard Avenue. Three tables and nine seats will be located adjacent to the curbline of 426-28 West Girard Avenue, leaving feet of clear, 7 unobstructed footway. Four tables 8 and eight seats will be located adjacent to the building of 426-28 West Girard Avenue, leaving 8 feet of clear and obstructed footway. And another three tables and eight seats will be located adjacent to the building of 426-28 West Girard Avenue, leaving 5 feet of clear and obstructed footway. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed sidewalk cafe, as the minimum unobstructed footway will be maintained. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions.
Good afternoon, Chairmember Young and members on the Committee of Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 250576, introduced by Councilman Young on May 29, 2025. Bill No. 250576 will permit a sidewalk cafe at 426-28 West Girard Avenue. A minimum of 5 feet of clear sidewalk space is to remain after installation on Lawrence Street and 8 feet of clear sidewalk space is to remain after installation on Girard Avenue. This meets the Complete Streets policy. The Planning Commission at its meeting on June 5, 2025 recommended Bill No. 250576 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you so much for your testimony on this. Are there any questions by members of the committee? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you so much. Mr. Pullin, would you please read the titles of the next bill to be heard.
Bill No. 16 250725 titled, Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 1313-17 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147, under certain terms and conditions.
It's a lot of sidewalk cafes. I can't wait to eat there. Mr. Pullin, please call the witnesses to testify.
The first witness to testify is Noelle Marconi, Legislative Affairs Director for Department of Streets; and Sarah Chiu, Development Director for the City Planning Commission.
Thank you. Ms. Marconi, please proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi. I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for Department of Streets. I'm here to offer testimony on Bill No. 250725, introduced by Councilman Squilla. This bill authorizes THIRD STREET REAL ESTATE (the Owner) to install, own and maintain an encroachment in the nature of a sidewalk cafe at Herman's Coffee located at 1313-17 South 3rd Street. A total of eight tables and 30 seats for a sidewalk cafe will be located along the east sidewalk of South 3rd Street, along the property line of 1313-17 South Third Street, and along the west sidewalk of East Moyamensing Avenue along the property line of 1313-17 South 3rd Street. The Department of Streets does not oppose this proposed sidewalk cafe, as it will maintain 6 feet of clear and unobstructed footway. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you. Ms. Marconi, please proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairmember Young and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 250725, introduced by Councilman Squilla on September 11, 2025. This bill will allow a sidewalk cafe at 1313-17 South 3rd Street. A minimum of 6 feet of clear sidewalk spaces to remain after installation. This meets Complete Streets policy. The Planning Commission at its meeting on September 18, 2025 recommended Bill No. 250725 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions of these witnesses on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Pullin, would you please read the title of the next bill to be heard.
Bill No. 9 250652, sided, Authorizing a dumpster enclosure encroachment at 782-84 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147, under certain terms and conditions.
The first one to testify is Noelle Marconi, Legislative Director of Affairs for the Department of Streets; and Sarah Chiu, Development Director for the City Planning Commission.
Thank you. Ms. Marconi, please state your name for the record and begin your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the streets And Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi. I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here to offer testimony on Bill No. 250652, introduced by Councilman Squilla. This bill authorizes Nathan Ross and Samuel Lynagan, (the Owners) to install, own and maintain an encroachment in the nature of a dumpster enclosure located at 782-84 South 3rd Street. A dumpster enclosure will be located along the north sidewalk of Catherine Street along the property line of 782-84 South 3rd Street. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed encroachment, as it will maintain feet of clear, unobstructed footway. This concludes my testimony. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Good afternoon, Chairman Young and members of the Committee on Streets and Services. I'm Sarah Chiu, City Planning Manager with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. I'm here to testify on Bill No. 250652, introduced by Councilman Squilla on June 12, 2025. This bill will allow a dumpster enclosure at 782-84 South 3rd Street. This will reduce the existing dumpster enclosure to maintain a minimum of 6 feet of clear sidewalk space, which will meet the Complete Streets Policy. The Planning Commission at its meeting of July 17, 2025 recommended Bill No. 250652 for approval. I'll be happy to answer any questions at this time.
Thank you so much for your testimony, Ms. Chiu. Are there any questions of these witnesses by members of the committee on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, Mr. Pullin, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 20 250723 titled, Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 370 by striking from the City Plan Southhampton Road from Bustleton Avenue to its terminus, southeastwardly therefrom, under certain terms and conditions.
The first witness to testify is Noelle Marconi, Legislative Affairs for Department of Streets.
Thank you. Ms. Marconi, please begin with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi and I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony of Bill 22 No. 250723, introduced by Councilman O'Neill. This is not an Administration ordinance, but an ordinance requested by John Jr. and Robyn Catagnus of 15001 Bustleton, LLC. The purpose of this proposed ordinance is to authorize the striking from the City Plan of Southhampton Road from Bustleton Avenue to a dead-end approximately 209 feet southeastwardly therefrom. The portion of Southhampton Road proposed to be stricken is only partially paved and is not listed as legally open on the Streets Department records. The department is not desirous of maintaining a street at this location. This action has been requested by the abutting property owners who wish to better secure their property and prevent unauthorized parking and other incursions. The Department of Streets has no objections to this proposed ordinance and recommends it to the Committee for favorable action. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you so much. Are there any questions on this bill by this witness? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you, Ms. Marconi. Mr. Pullin, would you please read the title of the next bill to be heard.
Bill No. 17 250653, titled Authorizing a Streetery on the right-of-way adjacent to 783-84 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Pullin. Please call the witnesses for this bill.
Noelle Marconi, Legislative Affairs Director for the Department of Streets.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Please proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young, members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi. I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 17 No. 250653, introduced by Councilmember Squilla. This bill authorizes Nathan Ross and Samuel Lynagn, LLC (the Owners) to install, own and maintain a streetery in the right- of-way adjacent to 782-84 South 3rd Street. A total of 11 tables and seats will be located adjacent to the north curbline of 782-84 South 3rd Street in the parking lane and will encroach a distance of approximately feet towards the 6 south along the north cartway of 7 Catherine Street. Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed streetery so as long as it complies with the laws, rules and regulations of the city, and specifically those of the Department of Licenses and Inspections, Department of Streets and the Art Commission. This ordinance authorizes the location of streetery subject to those rules. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions.
Thank you, Ms Marconi, for your testimony. Is there anyone else to testify? (No response.)
Thank you, Mr. Pullin. Would you please call the title of the next bill?
Bill No. 8 250772 titled, Authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe in the vicinity of 3423 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19134, under certain terms and conditions.
Noelle Marconi, Legislative Affairs Director for the Department of Streets.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi. I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 7 No. 250772, introduced by Councilman Driscoll. This bill authorizes 3419 Kensington Partners (the Owner) to install, own and maintain encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk cafe, trash receptacles and planters located at 3423 Kensington Avenue. A total of five tables and 10 seats, one trash receptacle and seven planters for a sidewalk cafe will be located adjacent to the building line of 3423 Kensington Avenue. The Department of Streets is not opposed to this proposed encroachment, as it will maintain 5 feet of clear and unobstructed footway. This concludes my testimony and I'm pleased to answer any questions.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Are there any questions of this witness on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Pullin, would you please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 15 250771 titled, Authorizing 3419 Kensington Partners or a subsequent owner to install, own and maintain an encroachment at 3423 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19134, under certain terms and conditions.
Thank you, Mr. Pullin. Please call the witness for this bill.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Please proceed with your testimony.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi. I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 14 No. 250771, introduced by Councilmember Driscoll. This bill authorizes 3419 Kensington Partners(sic), (the Owner) to install, own and maintain an encroachment in the nature of two building access ramps located at 3423 Kensington Avenue. Two proposed building ramps will be adjacent to the building line of 3423 Kensington Avenue. One building ramp will encroach towards the south along the north footway of East Russell Street, leaving a minimum of 4 feet inches of clear, unobstructed 6 footway. A second building access 7 ramp will encroach towards the west 8 along the east footway of Kensington Avenue, leaving a minimum of 5 feet of clear, unobstructed footway. Department of Streets is not opposed to these encroachments, as the minimum of an unobstructed footway will be maintained. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions.
Thank you so much, Ms. Marconi. Just for the record, I want to note that there is an amendment to Bill No. 250771. Is that correct, Mr. Pullin?
Thank you. It looks like the amendment is just a technical amendment. Thank you. Are there any questions from members of this committee on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Pullin, please read the title of the next bill.
Bill No. 14 250575 titled, Regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Gorgas Lane between Ridge Avenue and Lawnton Street, under certain terms and conditions.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi. I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 11 No. 250575, introduced by Councilmember Jones. This bill establishes a two-way regulation of Gorgas Lane between Ridge Avenue and Lawnton Street eastbound. Department of Streets is not opposed to this two-way regulation. Signage can be posted within 60 days. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Are there any questions of this witness on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Pullin, please read the title of the next bill to be heard by this committee.
Bill No. 9 250711 titled, Regulating the direction of movement of traffic on Preston Street, between Spring Garden and Haverford, all under certain terms and conditions.
Noelle Marconi, Legislative Affairs Director for the Department of Streets.
Good afternoon, Chairperson Young and members of the Streets and Services Committee. My name is Noelle Marconi. I'm the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Streets. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill 7 No. 250711, introduced by Councilmember Gauthier. This bill establishes a one-way regulation on Preston Street between Spring Garden and Haverford southbound. Department of Streets is not opposed to this one-way regulation. Signage can be posted within 60 days. This concludes my testimony. I'm pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you, Ms. Marconi. Are there any questions of this witness on this bill? (No response.)
Seeing none, thank you. Mr. Pullin, would you please read the title of the next bill to be heard by the committee.
Bill No. 6 250770 titled, Amending Chapter 7 12-3400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Use of An Automated Speed Enforcement System to Improve Safety," by providing for the use, administration and enforcement of automated speed cameras on designated state routes, under certain terms and conditions.
The first witness to testify is Nicholas Cole Appleman, Transportation Policy Analyst at the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems. (Witness approached witness table.)
Good afternoon. Please state your name for the record and begin with your testimony.
Sure. Cole Appleman, Transportation Policy Analyst from the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure systems.
Absolutely. All right. Well, good afternoon everybody, Chairperson Young, members of the Streets and Services Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to appear here before you today. As I just mentioned, my name is Cole Appleman and I am a Policy Analyst with the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems. You probably know us better as OTIS. I'm here today to offer testimony on Bill No. 250770, sponsored by Councilman Driscoll on behalf of Council President Johnson. This Bill No. 250770 is titled, The Use of Automated Speed Enforcement. It adds ACE, Automated Speed Enforcement, cameras along State Routes 1004, much better known as Erie and Torresdale Avenue; Route 2016, better known as Allegheny Ave; and Route 2001 which is Columbus and Delaware Avenue, Oregon Ave, west of -- excuse me, east of Broad and Richmond Street. This bill would establish speed enforcement cameras along these three additional corridors to reduce speeding, therefore reducing deaths and serious injuries along these major corridors. As we've said many times before, slowing down saves lives. This is -- excuse me. Speed is the top deciding factor in both whether a crash is going to happen at all as well as how severe the crash may be, leading to a serious injury or fatality. ACE has proven to be highly effective in Philadelphia slowing drivers down. In the years since ACE was installed on Roosevelt Boulevard, we've seen a 95% reduction in speeding violations on the Boulevard. We've also seen pedestrian-involved crashes cut in half, so a reduction of 50%, as well as a 21% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes overall. Council did vote to expand this lifesaving technology to two other corridors in 2024, including Broad Street and Route 13 as well as early this year passing legislation to put this technology in seven school zones. The three corridors under consideration were carefully selected for expansion after extensive study and of speed- related crashes throughout the city. In preparation for this legislation, we consulted with every impacted District Councilmember and have conducted extensive research -- sorry, excuse me, extensive outreach, there we go, with the registered community organizations regarding this expansion. In addition to Council and community outreach, the activation of these cameras of course will be followed by a 60-day warning period, ensuring a transparent roll-out of the program. We look forward to continuing our work with the Philadelphia Parking Authority as program administrators and of course the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation on effective program communication, sharing the message that this pilot is not about issuing tickets but it's about changing behavior to preserve human life. Thank you very much for the opportunity to appear before you today. This legislation is proven effective. And once again, thank you for taking part in helping manage speeds to keep people safer in this city. I'll take any questions now. (Applause.)
Thank you so much for your testimony. Can you tell us what the miles per hour would be along this corridor?
Okay. Yes, I would like to verify. So Allegheny Ave is miles an hour. 7 The speed limit is variable along 8 Route 2001 which is Columbus and 9 Delaware. It goes between 25 and 10 30 miles an hour. And then I would 11 have to verify Route 1004 but I 12 believe that's between 25 and 30 13 miles an hour, depending on exactly 14 where you are on that route. 15
So 16 what determines the variable? I 17 mean, I'm just thinking if that's 18 Columbus and Delaware I'm just 19 trying to compare it to Broad 20 Street, for example, right. 21
Broad 23 Street is our main street in our 24 city. So what's the variables that determine what speed should be I guess the max speed for this camera system?
Sure. So the speed limits are already determined on that road and that's actually something that PennDOT determines. When we did lower the speed limit on the north section of Broad Street when this was passed with 611, that was actually done after a speed study was finished and it came recommended that we do so. That was not something that we decided as the city. That all has to go through PennDOT determining the speed limit.
What are the variables that determined that is the question?
That would be a good question for somebody who's more of a traffic engineer. I'm more of the legislative kind of gentleman. Hang on one second.
It'd be helpful if the Administration can give us some of the variables that are determining some of the things that we are legislating, right. (Witness approached witness table.)
Yes. Please state your name for the record and -- yeah, please.
Marco Gorini, Vision Zero Program Manager with the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure System. So, yeah, just to follow up on what Cole was saying it is part of the state legislation that we have to do a traffic and engineering study on every corridor that is selected between the City and PennDOT to install automated speed enforcement. So the traffic engineers do a -- they do a speed study. They collect speed data. They evaluate that. There are rules that sort of define that that traffic engineers have to follow. 85th percentile is one of them. But, yeah, that process is not complete for those corridors, so they're currently collecting the speed data that will go into determining what the appropriate speed limit should be for the three corridors.
So that process isn't complete yet, but we are passing the legislation that would -- so who would regulate that? Once we pass this legislation, who would then say the speed on this street is X and that street is Y? Who determines that once this is passed?
So that's done by the chief traffic engineer. So the City of Philadelphia works with PennDOT within the rules that are defined by the state for what the appropriate speed limit should be. So again, it's based on what the prevailing speed is that people are going at. But there are some additional considerations that they can take into account to make sure that it's the safest, most appropriate speed for that type of corridor.
And for these corridors here, do we have information on what those prevailing speeds are to give to the public who will be affected by this?
So we've taken some initial speed on Erie and Torresdale as well as we have some recent studies on Delaware Ave, Columbus Boulevard. But again, they are doing sort of like the official speed study now where they'll take the most recent speed data, make sure that we're using the most up-to-date to determine what the correct speed limit is and also to justify the locations of the speed cameras.
So how can the public again get access to that information to ensure that the miles per hour that the City comes up with or the traffic engineer decides is based on real information that they've collected? How can there be third party validators essentially for some of this information that is being collected?
So the speed data that is collected that's part of the traffic and engineering study is privileged. It's not something that can be made public because the speed studies are a document that's not discoverable and not sort of shareable. But there are other sources of data. For instance, DVRPC hosts their sort of traffic count website that has a lot of available speed studies. There are other sort of companies that put out speed data and we kind of look at all of these different ones. We have to use a very specific sort of standard for the speed studies themselves that go towards the speed limit. But it will be very much in line with all of the kind of available data out there about the prevailing speeds on those corridors.
So what you're saying is that the members of this Committee who have been asked to pass legislation regarding automated speed enforcement, but we can't have access to the data that determine what the automated speed enforcement should be?
We can share with members of the Committee the speed, sort of that raw speed stay studies, if that's something that folks would like to see. We absolutely can share that.
I mean, I think we would like to see the information that determined that this is necessary. As a member who is making that decision, for us not to be able to have that information I think is a little bit, you know, I think that we're kind of negligible in making that decision without seeing that data to our constituents who are among these corridors who drive among these corridors. And I can go back to them and say, I saw this, you know, this study here, it said this, it said that to base that information off of. Right now you guys only see that and you're hiding behind legislation from the state that says essentially for any type of some kind of criminal hearing or some kind of civil, like, someone gets sued based on these types of things, that the information cannot be discoverable, but that doesn't mean you necessarily can't share that with the legislative body that is making a decision to grant this type of information. And so, I think it's hard for me to pass something like this out without having that information, without having to understand that information. I mean, we just asked for what do you use to determine that, right. We're just asking for that information, what are you using so I can make a more informed decision.
Just respectfully, the main criteria, and this is all very public and we have it up online, it's all accessible, crash data, right. This is really based on where we're seeing speeding-related and serious injury crashes and fatal crashes. We know that speed is the key factor in those. So that's like our end goal, right, to of course try to eliminate those severe crashes and that's how those corridors were selected. The speed data piece, again there is existing speed data that is available and that we also consulted to sort of further prove that we're seeing a speeding issue on these corridors, but it really is about the crash data at the end of the day and that report is online and fully accessible. It's been there for a number of months now. So we do want to be as transparent as possible.
But the actual study to determine this corridor is not something that we have access to?
So to determine the corridor, to sort of say this one is being prioritized, everyone has access to that. That's based on crash data.
What I'm asking about is the specifics of these corridors, where these cameras will go, again the information that was used to determine the corridor, the speed of the corridor, all those things, that is not available to us?
The specific studies that are required to set speed limits are the ones that are privileged, yeah.
All right. So you're asking us to set speed limits without having that information essentially, without being able to take a look at that information?
I guess what we're asking is for permission to use the speed cameras because we know that there's a speeding problem and as a result of that process, the speed limit will be looked at because it's required. So we are asking without yet having determined exactly if the speed limit should remain what it is now, or if it needs to be changed to grant permission to do speed cameras because there's a speeding problem.
Okay. Thank you. Are there any questions of these witnesses? Chair recognizes Councilmember Ahmad.
Thank you, Chair. Good afternoon. Question, not about this legislation specifically because it mentions particular parts of the roadways. I have a question of why Lincoln Drive does not make it. I need to know this because I drive it every day and it is horrendous, and sometimes I contribute to that horrendous behavior. But I just want to know what is -- similar to what he was asking, what is the criteria? Is it because there's not enough crashes, we all know how to drive there is what I'm understanding? But anybody new on that street is completely terrified.
So first of all, as far as shared experience goes I completely and totally agree. Back when I did own a car, I did drive on Lincoln Drive substantially, substantially often. People are well over the speed limit. It is not just anecdotal. That's there for sure. In the process of selecting the five corridors that the state legislation allowed us to pick, we looked at I believe it was state routes and Lincoln Drive 21 was on there, but it did not crack 22 the top five. We really had to 23 pick the five most severe 24 corridors. Something else that came up pretty often was much like what you're describing there, roads where people are speeding very often well above the speed limit. However, there are not also the crashes to go with it. So State Route 291, better known as Penrose Ave, you know, the Platt Bridge by the airport, very similar kind of phenomenon, really, really high speeds. And anyone who's gone over that bridge knows that that's absolutely the case, but the crashes were just not quite there to reflect justifying the top five. We would love to expand this program.
Exactly. That was my question, after these top five are done. Because otherwise, you might as well make the speed limit 60 on Lincoln Drive. That's what people are doing, right. So I just wondered if there's a way to send a message after this. Is there tranches of these done, because that is a disaster waiting to happen and disasters have happened. So just wanted to know if that is on our radar for the next group of things.
Like I mentioned earlier, we would absolutely love to expand the program further. And once we do have those slots, we will certainly go back and re-evaluate and, say if Harrisburg says you can have another 5 or another 10, there's a very good chance Lincoln Drive gets it, and some of the other corridors people talk about frequently, Kelly Drive comes up as well. Again, it's not that there isn't a speeding problem or isn't a crash problem. It's just not the top five that, you know, we -
Thank you, Councilmember Ahmad. Just to that point, Lincoln Drive if you drive in the city of Philadelphia, you know that that is one of the most dangerous when it comes to speeding crashes, but we can't see the data that they've made this decision off of. And I think that's just something that is just, you know, going to keep coming up, is that my eyes are telling me something different in the city, right. So we need to be able to verify what we're seeing, where we're living anecdotally, right. So to look at that data to see if it really matches what we're seeing, that's what we're asking for.
And that is -- sorry, I don't know if this is on. That data is on online. That data that was used you can see there's a list of every corridor that we evaluated, all or so, 7 and sort of how the score was 8 assigned based on what types of 9 crashes happen on that corridor. 10 And you can see where each corridor 11 falls on that list. 12
13 That's correct. But again, once 14 the state approves us to use this 15 type of technology on that 16 corridor, we won't ever have any 17 input on or information on publicly 18 about what else is being used to 19 improve safety on that corridor, 20 whatever variables are being used. 21 We won't ever know that because 22 it's privileged essentially. 23
But that is what you use to determine the type of solutions you're going to put forward. So you just giving a solution without us having to see the work, see how you got there, I think that's an issue for us, for some people.