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Committee adopts amendment and advances ordinance allowing modular access ramp at 5801 N. Broad Street
Summary
Bill 250147, which would permit Philippian Baptist Church or a subsequent owner to install a prefabricated modular building access ramp at 5801 North Broad Street, was amended and reported favorably by the committee. Testimony said the ramp would encroach roughly 13 feet, 6 inches and leave about 11 feet, 6 inches of clear sidewalk; the Planning
The Committee on Streets and Services adopted an amendment to bill 250147 and voted to report the measure favorably to council. The ordinance would authorize Philippian Baptist Church, or a subsequent owner, to install, own and maintain a prefabricated modular building access ramp at 5801 North Broad Street.
Noelle Marconi, director of legislative affairs for the Department of Streets, described the proposal to the committee: “This bill authorizes Philippian Baptist Church or a subsequent owner to install, own, and maintain an encroachment at 5801 North Broad Street in the nature of a prefabricated modular building ramp. A prefabricated modular building access ramp will be located adjacent to the building line of 5801 North Broad Street.” Marconi said the Department of Streets “does not oppose this proposed access ramp as it will maintain a minimum of 11 feet 6 inches of clear unobstructed footway.”
Sarah Chiu of the City Planning Commission testified that the ramp “will encroach approximately 13 feet, 6 inches onto the footway of Broad Street” and reiterated that “11 feet and 6 inches of clear sidewalk space will remain after installation, meeting the city's complete street policy.” She told the committee the Planning Commission would consider the bill at its March 20, 2025 meeting with a staff recommendation for approval.
Committee action: Council Member Brooks offered an amendment, which the committee adopted. The committee then voted to report bill 250147 as amended with a favorable recommendation and asked that the rules of council be suspended to permit first reading at the next council session.
Why it matters: The ordinance would allow a permanent, prefabricated access ramp to occupy part of the public footway while preserving a sizable clear pedestrian zone. An amendment discussed during the hearing adds a condition referenced in the testimony related to a $200 cost, which was confirmed during questioning.
Next steps: With the amendment adopted, the committee reported bill 250147 as amended to the full council with a favorable recommendation; the measure will appear on the council docket for first reading pending the suspension of rules.
