Sharp divide at committee hearing over bill to reauthorize Streets to set Center City loading zones

Deputy Commissioner Richard Montanez testified that bill 250718—amended in committee to apply to an area bounded by Spring Garden Street, Bainbridge Street, the Schuylkill River and the Delaware River—would confirm the Streets Department’s authority to establish and revise time‑limited loading zones and other parking restrictions within Center City. Montanez said the Department supports the legislation and noted an amendment had been circulated to members.

Multiple witnesses testified both for and against the bill during a long public panel. Opponents represented by Lloyd Brotman (Friends of Pine and Spruce) and Richard Herskovitz argued the measure gives Otis and Streets unchecked authority to remove large amounts of on‑street permit parking, could harm elderly and disabled residents who rely on nearby street access, and lacked transparent, data‑driven justification. Brotman told the committee the changes would “eliminate 30% of scarce on street parking” and criticized the lack of factual analysis supporting the loading‑zone placements; Herskovitz, an architect, asked for technical analysis, transparent planning and meaningful consultation.

Nicole Gauley and other opponents argued council should not delegate broad discretion to an unelected administration and urged a full evidentiary hearing on whether loading zones and concrete barriers are appropriate. Several speakers pointed to a recent injunction from the Court of Common Pleas that halted construction of some loading zones and ordered removal of others; opponents said the judge found harms to elderly and disabled residents.

Supporters included Russell Ritchie of Fifth Square, residents who said loading zones improved safety and loading access when installed, contractors who said permit loading space reduces project costs, and bicycle safety advocates. Russell Ritchie said changes are necessary to reflect online ordering, deliveries and the need to protect bike lanes; resident witnesses described improved turnover and fewer vehicles parked illegally when loading zones were in place briefly. Bicycle Coalition executive director Chris Gail also testified in support, saying the bill reaffirms city authority to manage curb space and that “good curb management can help alleviate congestion, reduce crashes, and help us all share the road.”

Council members asked for more documentation and for Otis to share the underlying crash and speed analyses that informed the selection and placement of loading zones; several speakers said they had not seen the amendment before the hearing and asked for additional time. The transcript records no final vote on the bill.