[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_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",6464280,"mediaKeyId","5784066-b985812cb1870a44e934ac8a14294074","parentId",5784066,"title","Votes at a glance: Philadelphia City Council actions on Sept. 18, 2025","audioSeconds",3950,"startMs",3056000,"endMs",7006000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5784066-b985812cb1870a44e934ac8a14294074&start=3056&end=7006","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5784066-b985812cb1870a44e934ac8a14294074/thumbnail_3056000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6464280/Philadelphia-City/Philadelphia-County/Pennsylvania/Votes-at-a-glance-Philadelphia-City-Council-actions-on-Sept-18-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464280-4cd22f7e92c93a84d6aeeb51f736efa5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169564&Signature=H~qyNLIeXrYSM2BLT0AKIcGbyIoF3Yhem-gLxcZmrsaIjd7yY8DyqlyjZxe1SZTwJpEOSUHGcKrc1DB7ByPRCEtrA~4BI4w7IgDbES~xErEC5mlZgLqa76dND36pIyCgqWY6jr1CJ9tXw0XYp0m909N3Fn3Weeyq6DAxTtg72VgiVwxvDxsI6YQs8VbrzXZugw7G4DXEc3ebY1xvSwDNCCHwm9b-nW0b3muOc16~zwRZm6La3g1J8BWuT-f3QqdvWxoyQXsKVJVermT4fhzPs5otC1V~AHZGwNPzc26Hcc7RLTEchmSvypYmMiL-XaJAEagimcDsEM~jVkhtmDxRiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Philadelphia City Council","date","2025-09-18T20:12:22Z","article","Philadelphia City Council’s Sept. 18 session produced a cluster of adopted resolutions, a committee authorization, and a committee amendment to a pending bill. The measures were approved primarily by voice vote. Key outcomes from the session:

- Land‑bank dispositions (adopted): Resolutions 250730, 250734, 250735 and 250736 authorize the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of multiple vacant parcels to enable permanent preservation of community gardens and neighborhood reuse. The clerk read property lists for each resolution and each was adopted by voice vote.

- ZBA appeal (adopted): Resolution 250741 authorizes Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. to appeal the Zoning Board of Adjustment decision for 5052–5056 City Avenue. Adoption authorizes counsel-level appeal work but does not itself overturn the ZBA decision.

- SNAP condemnation (adopted): Resolution 250743 condemning federal SNAP cuts passed after public testimony urging outreach and use of exemptions. Councilmember Ruth Landau moved adoption.

- Naming resolutions (adopted): Council adopted multiple honorary naming resolutions, including: repeal and replacement concerning Jefferson Street / Donald 'Ducky' Burt Way (250749 repealed earlier naming; 250750 replaced and adopted), North Ninth Street and 900 block of West Clearfield as tributes (250752), 3300 block of Tilton Street as Chevway (250755), and the 800 block of Ron Street as Hugh Joseph McIntyre Way (250756). These were adopted by voice vote.

- Honors and community recognitions (adopted): Resolutions honoring Jane Golden were adopted, as was a privileged resolution recognizing Steve Jamieson of Blue Soul Shoes, a resolution recognizing the Education Law Center on its 50th anniversary, and a series of proclamations (Diaper Need Awareness Week; National Coding Week; Solar/‘Sun Day’; National Workforce Development Day; National Construction Appreciation Week).

- Committee action (adopted): A privileged resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings to examine the potential establishment of an Office of Freedmen Affairs was adopted.

- Bill amendment (action taken): An amendment to bill 250373 (Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards) was offered from the floor and adopted; the bill was placed on the final-passage calendar for a subsequent session.

- Introductions and referrals: Council introduced several bills for committee referral (including measures on automated speed enforcement on state routes, encroachments/sidewalk café at 3423 Kensington Avenue, a ban on city solid-waste contractors incinerating discarded matter, and modifications to retail bag requirements) and some ordinances were referred to appropriate committees.

Most measures were adopted by voice vote; the public transcript records ‘‘the ayes have it’’ for the motions. The session did not include roll-call tallies in the published minutes for those items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stated Meeting Of Philadelphia City Council 09-18-25","oneSentenceSummary","Council adopted multiple resolutions and amendments on Sept. 18 including land-bank dispositions for community gardens, naming resolutions, a condemnation of SNAP cuts, an appeal of a ZBA decision, and a resolution to explore an Office of Freedmen Affairs; several bills were introduced and one bill (250373) was amended for final passage later.","taxTitle","Philadelphia City, Philadelphia County , Pennsylvania","taxId",80615,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6464285,"Council adopts appeal of ZBA decision on City Avenue property after divided public comment",0,6193000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5784066-b985812cb1870a44e934ac8a14294074&start=6193&end=6193","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5784066-b985812cb1870a44e934ac8a14294074/thumbnail_6193000.jpg","/articles/6464285/Philadelphia-City/Philadelphia-County/Pennsylvania/Council-adopts-appeal-of-ZBA-decision-on-City-Avenue-property-after-divided-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464285-b02372cc792f1cac668455d10fe51908/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169564&Signature=Foh5gjHc8cqPRfCrFbWyYLjoS~4BilpCn-4wEIo56MvmyG4H-FkOBkMHvIK1nTjwTiiZX6gc9KpxOhZ99gP0ZGWf5DuFOARjP2zeBNOnj2XPr6Nx3rH2nebaSmq70DZUKEgsrMLN1rUdHbXXTTzOWxM0olTxl6fSQM~uY0ys0OW-xNdnbrH0KMKWjNI37Mew1gWLkd6Uc6F8R20Lgk47VdIQRn8eJ1gbzt9N8lym1ZvD3p~48dA~W3bFCrvX~qA3DdGCuxwskM5gKzCDrbjQfdakMvNX7hARo04eh8LXXjT3uGbNt~o2HUYKZ3WPkcmuCD7kK0e1knqnP0XIQrHfDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Philadelphia City Council on Sept. 18 adopted resolution 250741 authorizing the council’s appeal of the Zoning Board of Adjustment’s decision regarding 5052–5056 City Avenue. The site was the subject of neighborhood debate over use as a beer distributorship.

Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr., who sponsored the appeal on behalf of council, framed the motion as a defense of community character and an effort to slow the proliferation of alcohol-related uses in the Winfield neighborhood. Jones asked whether liquor should ‘‘be a driving force for development in communities’’ and urged reconsideration of the ZBA approval: ‘‘Can we sell some books? Can we sell some vegetables? Do we have to always have liquor as a driving force for development in communities?’’

The Winfield Community Neighborhood Association (WCNA), represented by Dee Dukes, testified in opposition to the appeal and said the local registered community organization supported the variance at the ZBA. Dukes told council WCNA supported the proposal because it would revitalize a long-vacant commercial building, represented a significant owner investment, and followed a fair ZBA process with community meetings. ‘‘This commercial building remained vacant for more than seven years... the current applicant is the proposed owner who has committed to making a substantial investment,’’ Dukes said.

Curtis Jones moved for adoption of the appeal; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with the clerk recording ‘‘the ayes have it.’’ The resolution authorizes council to pursue an appeal of the ZBA decision; it does not itself reverse the ZBA ruling but initiates council-level review. The transcript records neighborhood disagreement: some RCO representatives and residents told council they had not attended all ZBA proceedings and relied on written opposition submitted to the board, while others supported the variance at the local ZBA hearings.

Next steps under city practice typically include filing the appeal in the appropriate judicial or administrative forum within deadlines established by ZBA rules. The resolution did not specify legal counsel, appeal venue, or timeline in the public session.","Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. successfully moved a council appeal of the Zoning Board of Adjustment decision for 5052–5056 City Avenue — a proposed beer distributorship — after public testimony showed divided views from the Winfield neighborhood and the Winfield Community Neighborhood Association.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6464289,"Council adopts resolution condemning SNAP cuts; legal services and advocates urge use of exemptions to prevent hunger",3168,3211000,6379000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5784066-b985812cb1870a44e934ac8a14294074&start=3211&end=6379","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5784066-b985812cb1870a44e934ac8a14294074/thumbnail_3211000.jpg","/articles/6464289/Philadelphia-City/Philadelphia-County/Pennsylvania/Council-adopts-resolution-condemning-SNAP-cuts-legal-services-and-advocates-urge-use-of-exemptions-to-prevent-hunger","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464289-67dda92ff294e1452367de11efe17afe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169564&Signature=DPQ78YvesJ982e--5zlf8RGYQEtfoBxT7rYCy~ANIVBQl1S7XoLEhcyxOQhLowqfs3G-V~PV8rbpwGMTpNeYTnZZOYXVIR3fXNnorU0AXfm8eUaSymz-GzKVgvxqmg9kMVfP80nxpIfgWy~T~FjeAIKQ7uw~X8BS99VCy26A9acHx9JcncEl2reiteBH6Z9bkKYrbyOfzLDAbiXIxXP41O2R~4tVeSwQds~u8u6xFJTPKC-MUYOs6yZZLmaATfAlAy4Y4DA1FdesKV7OpuHdRloCfGDOMtBMBiy4HadqVt46~NLOUOOHs1sBY8yiWwyrk88gQ-EJ~~dBtHZ55acDAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Philadelphia City Council on Sept. 18 adopted a resolution (250743) condemning proposed federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The measure passed by voice vote after public testimony from legal-services advocates and community members who warned that new work requirements could strip food assistance from tens of thousands of Philadelphians.

Darren Forgeron, a paralegal with Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, outlined the new SNAP work-rule penalties for adults age 18–64 who are not in households with children under 18, saying they could be limited to three months of benefits every three years unless they qualify for exemptions or can document 20 hours of work weekly. Forgeron advised claims officers and advocates to help clients secure exemptions, and provided a threshold figure for an earned-income exemption: ‘‘Recipients who work are exempt from SNAP work requirements if they earn at least $217.50 a week before taxes,’’ he said.

Other public commenters connected the nutritional-security issue to broader policy choices. Kate Perez and community speakers stressed the health risks of hunger and equated dietary deprivation with long-term harm to children; Perez said, ‘‘Cuts to snap are cuts to the health of Philadelphia.’’ Several speakers also framed the federal policy choices within global events, urging the city to shield residents from the consequences of federal action.

Councilmember Ruth Landau moved adoption of the resolution; it was seconded and approved by voice vote with the clerk recording ‘‘the ayes have it.’’ The resolution condemns the federal cuts and calls attention to the real-world impacts of tightened SNAP eligibility on low-income residents.

The adopted resolution itself does not create or alter municipal SNAP administration but signals council’s position and urges outreach and protections to ensure eligible Philadelphians claim available exemptions. Community Legal Services circulated information and a web resource (clsphila.org/snap-changes) in testimony to help practitioners and residents identify exemptions.","Philadelphia City Council unanimously adopted a resolution condemning federal SNAP cuts; legal-services advocates and community speakers urged use of SNAP exemptions and client outreach to prevent loss of benefits for working-age adults.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6464294,"City Council approves transfers to preserve community gardens, advocates hail permanent protection",204,3857000,4061000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5784066-b985812cb1870a44e934ac8a14294074&start=3857&end=4061","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5784066-b985812cb1870a44e934ac8a14294074/thumbnail_3857000.jpg","/articles/6464294/Philadelphia-City/Philadelphia-County/Pennsylvania/City-Council-approves-transfers-to-preserve-community-gardens-advocates-hail-permanent-protection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464294-a567f3e7c59562fd97081744d3d6dde8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169564&Signature=lDFTDsKUjjUrk4PQuGEWS3AyzYXfsbsVUXx65TEOT3gdRni9vURQXZCP7-bolikvIlurH~Cgnw~619AK1zw9V5P-jzEkq3mh1fpVo~8DDms0I~OSJ29uBTBpPj5xJVd-CqaG94f9DoASr90qNg2qs7YtT3~HuADG5W8mOA0YJN9wDSpeyumChWPywWtP1wDQg8baZ4DkALI2gttcld-NkhBMbmSWj9m6ZOIxP7aTESCJkkb~K5acZR-aAlWIWmAZV81o8aV7hbhpp7xEKQ8IrxAgja1tWRL7LelXAjKe9Z3A6jc5v4wGKDygTyUNpSz95yFnYkFy043A3JC-~3V3gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Philadelphia City Council on Sept. 18 adopted a series of resolutions authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to transfer multiple vacant parcels to preserve four community gardens in the city’s second and third councilmanic districts.

The adopted measures — called up from the final-passage calendar and approved by voice vote — authorize disposition of lots that advocates said will be permanently preserved for community gardening and neighborhood use. Emily Dolan of Neighborhood Gardens Trust told council the three resolutions (bills 250730, 250734 and 250735) together authorize the transfer of 10 parcels to the trust: ‘‘These lots are not just plots of land, they are vibrant life giving spaces where neighbors grow food, flowers, and community,’’ she said.

Garden stewards and neighbors testified in support. Randy Smith, a gardener at Viola Street Garden, thanked council for supporting the Restore Community Land Campaign and said residents had worked with council offices and Neighborhood Gardens Trust to reach today’s outcome. Tamar Riley and others urged the city to ensure underused lots return to ‘‘productive use’’ and emphasized the gardens’ role in food access, child development and neighborhood health.

Council members moved the resolutions in turn: Councilmember Catherine Gilmore Richardson called up resolution 250730 for adoption; Councilmember Jamie Gauthier moved 250734, 250735 and 250736. Each motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with ‘‘the ayes have it’’ recorded. The clerk read titles for the specific property lists tied to each resolution; the resolutions authorize Land Bank dispositions ‘‘in accordance with the terms of chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia code.’’

Neighborhood Gardens Trust and community speakers asked the council and city agencies to follow through with stewardship and to keep gardening space available for longtime and new residents alike. Advocates framed the transfers as part of a broader ‘‘Restore Community Land’’ effort launched in 2022 to protect garden spaces citywide.

No substantive amendments to these dispositions were offered during the session; the votes were recorded by voice and no roll-call tallies were entered in the public transcript.","Council adopted four resolutions authorizing transfers of vacant lots to the Philadelphia Land Bank and Neighborhood Gardens Trust to permanently preserve community gardens, covering Cleveland Street, Oakford Street, Viola Street and The Farm on Florence; Neighborhood Gardens Trust praised the actions in public comment.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6464299,"Advocates and councilmembers press for rebuilding of Carousel House recreation center for people with disabilities",275,3476000,3751000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5784066-b985812cb1870a44e934ac8a14294074&start=3476&end=3751","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5784066-b985812cb1870a44e934ac8a14294074/thumbnail_3476000.jpg","/articles/6464299/Philadelphia-City/Philadelphia-County/Pennsylvania/Advocates-and-councilmembers-press-for-rebuilding-of-Carousel-House-recreation-center-for-people-with-disabilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6464299-e3b0075050d97502bce92d5160e425b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169564&Signature=XHz~spHaGvmc8VjoFW9PgAYot~2emNAT8njwBP7QvfipUDdUQUCm21qBWgjlfiYVVR4D4nrRE7-zfKGJCcpv9sdPMdjU260pDOLo~gShy8G2sSF4SXXO-KBHggp50tNakDc4j8mneonSr8uBerb~D96eRB3OVKqd4dYsGEGSnZ5hH3ZcWwMQrPkfGLy-jnjDQ3BZ8Fc3OmKiefMu1reDdniiPGeSXi8ys53WztoCKgALhdmOTExdJ3vkBcu8BblB5DEjd1CP1fjxhFtxS-EOH2NP0XVBuGujL3dh2ejN-Dn4YqpGRUO4KvTQdl2FlwvAdgzc8p4Uj09C7jup97XapA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the public and councilmembers used Philadelphia City Council's public-comment period on Sept. 18 to press the city to repair and reopen Carousel House, a recreation center that served people with disabilities and has been closed since June 2021.

Carousel House supporters said the center’s closure has displaced wheelchair basketball and other accessible programs; they asked council to hold Rebuild and the Department of Recreation to their commitments. ‘‘We need your help. We need you to please come to the aid of the disability community of the city,’’ said Michael Martin, who described programs running at roughly 50% capacity after relocation.

The petitioners described Carousel House as a long-standing, fully accessible facility that supported people with disabilities for more than 50 years. Roseanne Curlin, who testified in support of council resolution 250734, said reopening the center should be a priority: ‘‘Please city council help us repair and reopen Carousel House.’’ Tamar Riley, another supporter, told council members promises from Rebuild have been unfulfilled and expressed frustration about a lack of communication from city agencies.

Councilman Curtis Jones Jr., whose district includes the facility, responded directly during public comment and characterized earlier commitments to the project. He said a prior City Hall appropriation of $12,000,000 for Carousel House was overtaken by inflation and project delays and that current cost estimates are ‘‘close to $40,000,000.’’ Jones pledged the project would move forward: ‘‘We’re gonna rebuild Carousel House... My name is Curtis Jones and you got my word on it.’’

Councilmembers did not take a final vote on a binding directive for immediate construction during the session. Instead, speakers sought to use the public record and council influence to press Rebuild and the Department of Recreation to accelerate work and restore dedicated, accessible space for disabled users. Several commenters said interim accommodations at other centers, including Gustine Recreation Center, are overcrowded and not an adequate long-term substitute.

Council members and advocates asked for clearer timelines and better communication from implementing agencies. Supporters noted both programmatic impacts—many activities now run at reduced capacity—and broader equity concerns about access to recreation and continuity of services for people with disabilities.

Curtis Jones’s pledge creates an explicit political commitment recorded in the session; it does not by itself authorize expenditures or change contracts. Any follow-up work or funding would require actions by the mayor’s office, Rebuild, and relevant city departments or future council votes.","Speakers at City Council public comment urged action to repair and reopen the Carousel House recreation center, closed in June 2021; Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. said the city previously approved $12 million and he pledged to rebuild despite inflation driving cost estimates toward $40 million.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Philadelphia City Council actions on Sept. 18, 2025

Council adopts appeal of ZBA decision on City Avenue property after divided public comment

Council adopts resolution condemning SNAP cuts; legal services and advocates urge use of exemptions to prevent hunger

City Council approves transfers to preserve community gardens, advocates hail permanent protection

Advocates and councilmembers press for rebuilding of Carousel House recreation center for people with disabilities