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Rules Committee hears extended testimony on university overlay bill; adopts amendment and advances measure
Summary
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier’s proposed University Community Overlay District prompted extended testimony from neighborhood leaders, planning staff and Saint Joseph’s University; the committee adopted sponsor amendments and advanced the bill as part of a multi-bill package.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier introduced bill 250804 to create a University Community Overlay District intended to require community engagement, Philadelphia City Planning Commission review, and limits on demolition when large university-affiliated properties change use. Gauthier said the overlay would mandate an RCO meeting, planning commission review and a prohibition on preemptive demolition without a new building permit; she offered amendments to address legal concerns raised by the city Law Department.
Paula Brumbelow Burns, director of legislation for the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, testified that the commission supports the objective of increased neighborhood engagement but had “significant concerns” about the bill as introduced. Brumbelow Burns said the commission’s legal analysis raised issues with a review process that would be triggered by ownership…
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