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Streets department explains newsstand rules, says abandoned stands removal can take months
Summary
Officials told the committee that newsstands permitted to occupy the right-of-way must be operated at least once every 30 days; the Streets Department said removing an abandoned stand involves a legal process that can take about nine months.
Committee members questioned Department of Streets staff about the status and oversight of newsstands after the committee considered bill 260115, which would authorize conduits and electrical service to a newsstand at the northwest corner of 34th Street and Convention Avenue.
Noelle Marconi said the Department of Streets supports the proposed authorization but noted the proposal currently conflicts with a Penn Medicine capital project and that Streets staff are working with the sponsor to resolve the conflict. During questions, Deputy Commissioner Richard Montanez said the ordinance requires newsstands to operate at least once every 30 days; Streets staff try to inspect and, if a stand is not operating consistent with code, contact the property owner to issue a violation notice. "If we cannot [reach an owner], then we ... try to see what they can do. In short, it probably takes us somewhere like nine months to remove [an abandoned stand]," Montanez said.
Chair Young said the process was useful to know for constituents who have reported abandoned stands in Center City. The committee included bill 260115 in the package it reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation; the conflict with Penn Medicine must be resolved before final implementation.
