[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6628381,"mediaKeyId","2717198-06b447e53ab7f3192bc6bafde2072b03","parentId",2717198,"title","Votes at a glance: Council session March 20, 2025 — HUD resolution, zoning change, PMA oversight and multiple ceremonial recognitions","audioSeconds",738,"startMs",8060050,"endMs",8798410,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2717198-06b447e53ab7f3192bc6bafde2072b03&start=8060&end=8798","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2717198-06b447e53ab7f3192bc6bafde2072b03/thumbnail_8060050.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6628381/Philadelphia-City/Philadelphia-County/Pennsylvania/Votes-at-a-glance-Council-session-March-20-2025-HUD-resolution-zoning-change-PMA-oversight-and-multiple-ceremonial-recognitions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628381-8caa2bce4a8133f999ee0b8c9836ea62/orig.mp4?Expires=1775080893&Signature=P68Dn63X-fONkt5xMTk892oTziZJL5Uk9TrtXel8npIxzUX-6ERl6gf4Y52HEfmKWzRZo2A8dneacBLoadXFKXws2HOGyq9-kp262XPLpQZTCJU64bNWbf2VgSxLge3bLsalkM6gfOZ5-z~x7Hdjqu012zqcgpI3br6qHcP2np70KCNnPiRNa~fSQ5svjR-SIvEiCS2SGjq-3~3zD4A9BNQLViJ4GrZQajxcOomdDUndZm7TYvN32w9p9neTNGv-9xaMTQF4EaHuP1f~b8awyMq4dcrU3d1ZAJhLg2DVFJsSc9HoXeszm38-wNZy4M~2NfJzZ7IuHfpX-3Z2CyOm4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Philadelphia City Council","date","2025-03-20T19:56:03.35Z","article","This summary captures the formal actions, recorded votes, and next steps from Philadelphia City Council's March 20 session. It lists bills and resolutions that were introduced, amended, adopted or placed on final-passage calendars during the meeting.

Key outcomes

- Resolution 250221 — Condemning proposed HUD funding cuts: Adopted (moved by Councilmember Ruth C. Landau). Voice vote; clerk recorded adoption. The resolution expresses council opposition to federal cuts to HUD that witnesses said would harm housing programs.

- Bill 240427 — Amendment to Section 14-305 (Nonconformities): Passed final reading; roll-call recorded 15 ayes, 2 nays. Sponsor: Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young (Fifth District). The ordinance clarifies that a property that changed use without obtaining a required zoning permit cannot later claim by-right status of a prior grandfathered use.

- Bill 250100 — Sidewalk encroachment (177 Markle Street): Passed final reading (recorded vote: 17–0). Ordinance authorizes a sidewalk-cafe–style encroachment at a specified address under conditions listed in the bill.

- Bill 250147 — Encroachment authorization (5801 North Broad Street): Passed final reading (recorded vote: 17–0). Ordinance authorizes an encroachment for the Philippian Baptist Church (or subsequent owner) at the listed address.

- Bill 250066 — Additional penalties for underground permitting violations (Chapter 11-200): Council adopted an amendment to the bill during the session; the amended bill was placed on the final-passage calendar for the next council meeting.

- Privileged resolution (Committee on Legislative Oversight) — Philadelphia Museum of Art oversight hearings: Adopted. Committee authorized to hold hearings into the PMA's status, conditions, operations and economic factors; hearings to be scheduled by the Committee on Legislative Oversight.

- Ceremonial and appointment actions: Multiple privileged resolutions recognizing organizations and individuals were adopted on final passage, including declaring March as National Nutrition Month (Vetri Community Partnership), Creative and Nighttime Economies and Arts in Education Month, honoring Victim Witness Services of South Philadelphia (35 years), honoring the life and legacy of Judge Phyllis W. Beck, declaring National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week (March 17–21), recognizing women leading health/wellness initiatives (Lozada resolution), honoring Nicole Bartlett, and recognizing Philadelphia Gas Works employees on Natural Gas Utility Workers Day. Several non-privileged appointment resolutions for Citizens Police Oversight Commission members were read and placed on the final-passage calendar for a future session.

Other notes

- The mayor submitted a communication requesting repeal of a package of ordinances tied to a proposed new arena project (multiple bill numbers listed). The message was read into the record and printed; no repeal vote occurred on March 20.

- Many items introduced during the session were placed on the final-passage calendar for the next scheduled meeting; others were approved on final reading after roll-call votes.

Ending: This roundup lists formal council actions on March 20. For full text of each ordinance and the official roll-call record, consult the council clerk's printed minutes and the city's legislative database.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stated Meeting of Philadelphia City Council 03-20-2024","oneSentenceSummary","A roundup of formal actions and votes taken during the March 20 City Council session, including adoption of a HUD-related resolution, passage of a zoning nonconformity bill, authorization of PMA oversight hearings and several ceremonial resolutions and introductions.","taxTitle","Philadelphia City, Philadelphia County , Pennsylvania","taxId",80615,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6628386,"Mayor asks council to repeal a package of arena-related ordinances tied to proposed 76ers project",187,3182435,3369779,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2717198-06b447e53ab7f3192bc6bafde2072b03&start=3182&end=3369","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2717198-06b447e53ab7f3192bc6bafde2072b03/thumbnail_3182435.jpg","/articles/6628386/Philadelphia-City/Philadelphia-County/Pennsylvania/Mayor-asks-council-to-repeal-a-package-of-arena-related-ordinances-tied-to-proposed-76ers-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628386-508fe21c1967b49fad57953dd8abd706/orig.mp4?Expires=1775080893&Signature=G-Hy~dHJovycHJhpt6tDntqHmw0YDM4G~EL77nrZhHxCXcNo7hhNOUsz~G-IkXIAFdXBr5x7CS0nqHW2nl7iFGyxnrNuGlEpxGYXh1kUBTMH-P6FfGfMdTykZA0MKr6mYqtgyUBaRmxPTE0yNuQoZAK9xaCFo7OzhGnzIoLSJpcASB5wgnk1tkMXYmBcaiXxhUD7M20SvZJI3IWOgdvJe7ujQX9XMvFqo1F00WvzpAiHkG5wVjHTUZLCaLzxsaoObk~X129OM1uPNKb07cnqrJG~6jA3Htn7uNnxEFhI~IVjBKKelRyEuZu6cEO3iJJ92YuT3y40o5pSG08nMH8gjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The chief clerk read a communication from the Office of the Mayor on March 20 notifying City Council that the mayor has submitted ordinances proposing to repeal several bills the council previously approved on Dec. 23, 2024 related to the proposed new arena in Center City.

The mayor's message lists the target bills by number and summarizes their subjects: authorizations facilitating a new arena for the Philadelphia 76ers (Bill 240966); a service agreement (Bill 240967); changes to the city plan and street-strike actions for Filbert Street and portions of Tenth Street (Bills 240968, 240969); right-of-way encroachments near the proposed arena (Bill 240970); amendments to a Market East tax increment financing (TIF) district (Bill 240963); and amendments to a neighborhood improvement district related to the proposed arena (Bill 240973). The message also references prior zoning and sign-regulation bills (e.g., bill numbers 240972 and 240971) connected to the arena master plan and Center City overlay changes.

Why it matters: Repeal of these ordinances would unwind multiple approvals that had been coordinated to facilitate redevelopment in the Market East/Center City area, including zoning changes, streets and right-of-way approvals, and district financing amendments.

Council response and process: The mayor's communication was read into the record by the chief clerk and will be printed and entered in council records. Repeal requires council action; the message informs council and the public and initiates the formal process for amendment or repeal consideration at future sessions.

Ending: Council did not vote on the repeals during the March 20 session; the message was placed into the record and printed for the official minutes.","The mayor submitted a communication asking City Council to repeal a set of ordinances and zoning amendments that had previously authorized actions related to a proposed new arena for the Philadelphia 76ers; the chief clerk read the mayor's message into the record.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6628392,"Council authorizes hearings on Philadelphia Museum of Art after union testimony alleging low pay and contract breaches",1882,6902614,8784944,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2717198-06b447e53ab7f3192bc6bafde2072b03&start=6902&end=8784","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2717198-06b447e53ab7f3192bc6bafde2072b03/thumbnail_6902614.jpg","/articles/6628392/Philadelphia-City/Philadelphia-County/Pennsylvania/Council-authorizes-hearings-on-Philadelphia-Museum-of-Art-after-union-testimony-alleging-low-pay-and-contract-breaches","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628392-2f1e4237daf714a2bb62db2755718590/orig.mp4?Expires=1775080893&Signature=VVlzIX09wn8qnz9nUw9ZOGR-C-G6V5H7NwxMVJXq6-h2zprnaJkxSJhPO03AD-O8Gj7ToygC6327rDmXtdrDYy2LlBfaBz7sBlxGPk3InIhoIM19q9S4jjppL5aPB4Tm~9lRF1e6fi9UIGH1lZ9onTiP1zQJWFLXwsELuw~FYyjLbTsl0TL3-DNw3lQvHkqI02jp2xSzVrDidgFDDU9-i4yaKPqES-6-iNw85gP1FLgJKQBylTiGDMwe9BCi83mPlwJlROvS4SDgGCjPtjiyaemladVE-yGVe1Vhk0B5Pvfim5F-Rnzg8vjeDAs91~VkIkgFNs7rGGoMfKfE3i3Tkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Philadelphia City Council on March 20 approved a privileged resolution authorizing hearings by the Committee on Legislative Oversight into the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s (PMA) status, operations and economic factors as the city prepares for major events in 2026. The resolution was introduced and moved by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas and was adopted by the full council.

Several PMA employees and union leaders addressed the council during public comment, describing low wages, extensive use of part-time positions, and alleged management resistance to implementing collectively bargained terms. Halsiani Shiller, who identified herself as a conservation technician and president of Local 397, told council the museum “has actively and continuously engaged in anti-union techniques, frequently acting as though we do not have a union or a contract at all.”

Union speakers gave detailed examples: Adam Mazika, recording secretary of Local 397, recounted visitor-services staffing levels and pay history; another witness, Matthew Carreri from conservation, said part-time hiring left staff without medical benefits and forced many to take other jobs. Jared Marswatch, an audio-visual technician, described the cultural and community value of the museum’s public programs and said low pay and unstable positions make long-term careers at the PMA unsustainable.

Why it matters: The PMA is a major cultural institution receiving public support; speakers said supporting arts means supporting the workers who make programming possible. Testimony included specific figures: a witness described a starting visitor-services rate raised to $16.75 after a three-week strike and noted the museum charges $1 per year in rent to the city, a fact raised during testimony about the institution's financial decisions.

Council action and next steps: The adopted resolution authorizes oversight hearings into the museum’s operations and finances and asks the committee to examine the institution’s stewardship and workforce practices. Councilmember Thomas noted concern about the workforce as the city prepares to “welcome the world” for upcoming events and asked the oversight committee to convene staff, trustees and labor representatives.

Ending: Union leaders indicated they would continue to press for improved wages, more full-time positions, and faithful administration of contract terms; councilmembers said the hearings will provide a forum to review funding, labor relations and public accountability at the PMA.","City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings into the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s operations and economic factors, following testimony from museum workers and union representatives who described wage, staffing and contract enforcement problems.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6628394,"Council approves zoning change to limit return to abandoned nonconforming uses, overriding objections from two members",331,8113505,8444940,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2717198-06b447e53ab7f3192bc6bafde2072b03&start=8113&end=8444","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2717198-06b447e53ab7f3192bc6bafde2072b03/thumbnail_8113505.jpg","/articles/6628394/Philadelphia-City/Philadelphia-County/Pennsylvania/Council-approves-zoning-change-to-limit-return-to-abandoned-nonconforming-uses-overriding-objections-from-two-members","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628394-1b1977fc2f33eee1a1f2b61fd0077e02/orig.mp4?Expires=1775080893&Signature=R7FhnmldjTvWaOIhD~Eyk4UkyP8VXSpn2q94VrGK8MzkVs0mmvtbf~TDrYCW1Cz9~nKyTHntTSCK~0n280epvcbRmWxoGfnfdATT~8futLCga3t~s07wz6umba8c9vBEaVT9DRCsLIkpQht0GVvK~MxXNncOAdOjm11VZhmj0YLjrn94vJ5xzwOEOKesG6-4CVRvYMwO~TuddD3Ibd1ttsZC3s5Ma5xl05UZBBmBfWiFa44xKBdyMyhHaTKlzI3tfeBlQRNl3DiP23ZHJGPij2yiJ~MHoAdb5HVxItEQQbq382qXfCExacTL8zEtEWwFNaGrwLlxXP5aYcgT51PjVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Philadelphia City Council on March 20 passed an ordinance (Bill 240427) amending the city's nonconformity rules to restrict the ability of property owners to revert to a previously grandfathered use if they abandoned it without first obtaining required zoning permits.

Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young (Fifth District), who sponsored the bill, said the change is aimed at “prevent[ing] bad actors from returning to a use that they have already abandoned.” Young described the measure as a protection for neighborhoods that lose control when a property changes use without proper permitting.

Why it matters: The ordinance modifies Section 14-305 of the Philadelphia Code to clarify that properties that changed use without the legally required zoning permit cannot later claim the protections of a grandfathered use by right. Supporters said this closes a loophole that allowed properties to circumvent community review and the zoning process.

Debate and votes: Councilmember Young said he and stakeholders had worked with the Planning Commission but moved forward after waiting on broader code revisions. Councilmembers worked to exempt specific districts that raised concerns; nonetheless the final roll call recorded 15 ayes and 2 nays. The chief clerk read the roll; the clerk announced: “The ayes are 15. The nays are 2. Majority of all members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes.”

Implementation and next steps: The change takes effect upon enactment as an amendment to the zoning code; the administration and the Planning Commission will implement the revised application review procedures. Councilmembers noted they had coordinated with stakeholders and industry representatives to limit unintended consequences for lawful property owners.

Ending: Supporters framed the vote as a neighborhood-protection measure that restores the community's ability to object to retroactive changes by property owners who bypass permitting requirements.","Council passed an amendment to Section 14-305 of the Philadelphia Code tightening rules on nonconforming uses. The bill prevents property owners who change a use without a required zoning permit from automatically reverting to a prior, grandfathered use; the final vote was 15–2.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6628395,"City Council condemns proposed HUD cuts after lengthy public testimony on homelessness",5437,2764115,8201899,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2717198-06b447e53ab7f3192bc6bafde2072b03&start=2764&end=8201","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2717198-06b447e53ab7f3192bc6bafde2072b03/thumbnail_2764115.jpg","/articles/6628395/Philadelphia-City/Philadelphia-County/Pennsylvania/City-Council-condemns-proposed-HUD-cuts-after-lengthy-public-testimony-on-homelessness","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628395-a1c8ea9fc8475e478daa225ba13601cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1775080893&Signature=AlCpASZe~W6JrzqLjCDKRdH5xt4PcsDwQUWKov~kAI4mQGAJY0MdiGjKquBQG0OLMQ9zyKVvHOWwZVO2KYNHxbiNdKjSUL~dTgHG-mMJkc8hDXo8dKx7keb9xQ4CpoefUqwZ8urJ5qTL~kd-dRmzZSFSNx~YFIRcDWT1AxEvPb2G4n2Yw8TW4BgFKiCfY4tEl-5n-4RxoFCz~sp~HjUHkpekzGU0Pd~JYhgU4Wtjr0eThjaEFCrD3IfwqBpzJlIwtx-gvpIvlldCS4fESGNmVc84qpEyKV8YhEwYmTX9lZBP9l~6DS2taLZ1LDkAwVtRA9u70C98iraBnBiCJxUd2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Philadelphia City Council on March 20 adopted a resolution condemning the Trump administration's proposed deep cuts to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, after more than an hour of public testimony from housing advocates, faith groups and community organizations.

The resolution, introduced by Councilmember Ruth C. Landau, says the proposed reductions “will have a devastating effect on the enforcement of fair housing laws, damage communities, and escalate the affordable housing crisis.” The motion to adopt the resolution was moved by Landau and was approved by voice vote; the clerk later announced the motion had carried.

Why it matters: Testimony at the podium outlined concrete ways HUD funding supports Philadelphia — from vouchers and public housing to staffing that administers federal programs. Speakers warned that staffing and budget cuts at HUD would worsen an already acute housing and homelessness crisis and urged city officials to step up local support.

Community groups and service providers said cuts would increase barriers for people experiencing homelessness and would strain local nonprofits.

“Now is the time for strong local leadership to defend our affordable housing gains and protect our most vulnerable and at-risk residents,” Garrett O'Dwyer, associate policy director for the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations (PACDC), told council. “We share your outrage at these proposed cuts. They're cruel, and they are senseless.”

Faith-based groups and congregations also testified. Kenneth Baer, speaking for Power Interfaith and Arch Street United Methodist Church, called for immediate local partnerships to expand consistent shelter and services for people living outdoors. “The truly homeless have a much smaller array of services,” Baer said, describing drop-in centers that provide meals, showers and medical attention.

Representatives from neighborhood nonprofits and community developers pressed council to bolster local housing production and to reform land bank and development processes so community-based organizations can better produce permanently affordable housing. Julianne Rios of Seva urged support for community development corporations and reforms to the Philadelphia Land Bank to increase local capacity.

Council action and next steps: The council's adoption is a formal statement of opposition; it does not bind federal spending. Councilmembers and several witnesses called for local policy steps and to increase city funding to mitigate federal losses.

Councilmembers in the chamber did not attach a follow-up ordinance to the resolution during the session, but several members said they would pursue city-level measures and hearings in coming weeks to explore responses and to coordinate with community partners.

Public-comment context: The public-comment period on the second-reading calendar included dozens of speakers; many of those who addressed HUD funding also asked council to press the city and state to expand rental assistance, remove administrative barriers for unhoused residents seeking services, and partner with CDCs and congregations to increase shelter capacity and rapid rehousing throughput.

Ending: The adopted resolution adds Philadelphia's voice to a growing number of local governments opposing federal cuts and signals expectations that the city will seek ways to shield vulnerable residents if the federal reductions proceed.","Philadelphia City Council adopted a resolution condemning proposed federal cuts to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) after public testimony from housing providers, faith groups and community advocates urged local action to blunt impacts on unhoused and low-income residents.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Council session March 20, 2025 — HUD resolution, zoning change, PMA oversight and multiple ceremonial recognitions

Mayor asks council to repeal a package of arena-related ordinances tied to proposed 76ers project

Council authorizes hearings on Philadelphia Museum of Art after union testimony alleging low pay and contract breaches

Council approves zoning change to limit return to abandoned nonconforming uses, overriding objections from two members

City Council condemns proposed HUD cuts after lengthy public testimony on homelessness