The 8th District Dispatch | Summer 2022

A PUBLICATION OF

PHLCouncil.com/CindyBass

@cindybassphilly

@cindybassphilly

@cindybassphilly

A MESSAGE FROM COUNCILWOMAN BASS Greetings!

HIGHLIGHTS End of Session Summary • 2023 Budget Passes

Welcome to my latest, newly designed newsletter, “The 8th District Dispatch” — full of information for you!

District Business

In this issue, please read about what I’ve been doing to develop a new anti-gun campaign, “What Do You Do When the Shooter Lives With You?”. Our initiative, which will launch soon, will provide tools and resources to help a pre-teen, teen or young adult in your home if you have discovered a hidden firearm there or suspect they otherwise have access to a gun.

You’ll also read about what I’ve been doing to ensure our parks and playgrounds are fun, inviting, safe, green spaces for children and families. Also, know that I’ll work to fight for equitable funding throughout Philadelphia, as we continue to implement the Rebuild initiative. Further, I want you to know about the work done by my office to bolstered business opportunities, improve everyone’s quality of life and much more!

Let me know how I’m doing! As always, you can call me at 215.686.3424 or submit a question or comment through my webpage, <https://phlcouncil.com/CindyBass>. I am also available for one-on-one conversations! “Coffee with the Councilwoman” is a monthly Zoom meeting to discuss your individual issues. Just fill out the form at: </tinyurl.com/CoffeeWithCW> or via the QR code today to arrange a meeting with me.

Yours In Service,

Combating Violence • Including the Community to Combat Violence • Violence’s Impact on Our Littlest Constituents • Preventing Violence in the 8th District: What I’ve Already Initiated • Coming Soon: What Do You Do When the Shooter Lives With You? Constituent Corner • Message from the Constituent Services Director: What Constituent Services Can Do For You A Helping Hand • Getting the Job Done!

• In Defense of Second Chances: Defender Days in the 8th District • Helping to End Food Insecurity • Awbury Rec Center Water Restored!

•Women’s History Month Kudos Event Space • Summer Changes Legislative Successes

END OF SESSION SUMMARY 2023 Budget Passes

During the final legislative session of Council I voted to pass a $5.8 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Please know I voted to make sure your wage taxes dropped to 3.79 percent from 3.83 percent and if you are a business owner, you’ll see your tax dip to 5.99 percent from 6.2 percent. I think we could have had steeper reductions, but it’s a start. I’m already working to reduce these numbers even more in the future!

And there’s good news for homeowners who might need help with real estate tax bills. The budget I voted for increases the funding for the Longtime Owner-Occupant Program (LOOP) to $35.2 million from $25 million. Not only that, Council unanimously voted to boost the Homestead exemption from $45,000 to $80,000 — saving most property owners approximately $1100 in 2023.

Another key budget item: violence prevention. I also agreed to provide an additional $16 million on top of the Kenney administration’s $184 million toward initiatives aimed at shutting down the rampant gun violence in our city and making our neighborhoods safe. Some of those initiatives will come our way through quality of life initiatives which drive crime rates….. things such as abandoned car removal, more security cameras near schools and other public spaces, increased recreation center hours, etc. The initiatives in place are good, but they require more funding and support to get the outcomes we desire!

Last but not least, I fought to secure the equitable distribution of dollars for our district through the Rebuild program. Our district was significantly underfunded compared to other similar communities. These dollars are vital to renovate and beautify our parks, libraries and recreation centers. Our children and families deserve to have access to fun and safe recreational spaces and to enjoy leisure activities. After tough negotiations with the help of Council President Darrell Clarke, I was able to introduce legislation to help us fill that funding gap. Now, many of our neediest facilities will get the attention they’ve long deserved.

The next Philadelphia City Council Session is slated for Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022 at 10 a.m. You can watch it live on Xfinity Ch. 64, Fios Channel 40 or via livestream at www.PHLCouncil.com/watch. Please join us!

In the meantime, I will continue to work each and every day to serve you.

Chestnut Hill residents expressed their concerns about excessive noise from pickleball courts during a community meeting in May.

I joined my colleagues in June for a gun violence march and resource fair in North Philadelphia.

District Business

I was thrilled to encourage small business owners to apply for a Comcast RISE $10k grant in June to help grow their enterprises.

My colleagues from the Water and Streets Departments joined me to reopen Cresheim Valley Drive after 6 months of repairs and safety improvements.

Philadelphia block captains, including some from our district, received their Liberty Bell “keys” to the City at their Investiture Ceremony in May. Congratulations and thank you for your service!

I joined State Rep. Darisha Parker, State Senators SharifStreet and Art Haywood, along with Children First and others at James Logan Elementary School as Gov. Tom Wolf announced an increase in PA education funding including $1.25 billion plus $119 million for Philadelphia’s LevelUp Initiative.

We celebrated freedom at the Juneteenth Festival hosted by Johnson House.

My office partnered with PA State Rep Darisha Parker, Friends of Fernhill and Friends of Vernon Park to “Invest in Our Planet” during an Earth Day celebration at Fairhill Park featuring drummers, resources and sustainability tips!

I was honored to introduce the resolution officially re-naming the 1700 block of Hunting Park Ave to Rasheed Wallace Road, celebrated with a ceremony in June.

It was hard to say goodbye during my Citation Ceremony to Mercy Neighborhood Ministries Executive Director, Sister Ann Provost, who was retiring after 22 years of uplifting families’ lives.

In April I joined other elected officials to officially reopen the newly renovated Boys and Girls Club of Germantown.

In-person community meetings were back, like this Allegheny West Plaza Project meeting at Venango House in April.

Combating Violence

The 8th

INCLUDING THE COMMUNITY TO COMBAT VIOLENCE We know people’s tempers tend to get hotter along with the summer temperatures. With so many shootings and other acts of violence taking place in our neighborhoods, it’s apparent something needs to be done to try to prevent these acts before they occur, in addition to finding ways ensure young people who commit these crimes are able to prove they are worthy of having a second chance at re-entering society.

District Dispatch

Consequently, in May, I sat down with members of law enforcement, including Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, her district captains, members of the clergy, block captains, and other community members to begin the conversation about how we can stop the violence before it occurs, and how all of us can play a part in making our communities safe for everyone. The conversation will continue as we develop a plan that includes everyone’s input.

In June, shortly after the shooting of three teens near Mastery Prep Elementary Charter School, which shares an exit with Simon Gratz High, I visited the young witnesses. They described the impact it had on them and the how every moment is filled with fear for these little ones.

I also had a chance to speak with parents, teachers and other community members, who shared similar fears. One parent relayed his brush with death when bullets whizzed by him as he sat in his vehicle waiting to pick up his child from school. His car has the bullet holes to prove it.

These stories were heartbreaking. I continue do everything within my power to make sure no more Philadelphians have to live in fear every single day.

Preventing Violence in the 8th District: What I’ve Already Initiated

My office has been on the case, working to find ways to prevent the growth of violent incidents in our communities. For example, I introduced a nuisance bill to combat the violence associated with nuisance establishments, as well as developed new initiatives and neighborhood actions, including: My Stop and Go Initiative — an ongoing project to curtail the violence associated with these establishments, which consisted of: • •

Walk-throughs with LCB enforcement, L&I, and the Department of Health Meetings with Law Department, L&I and Department of Health to coordinate efforts to shut down nuisance establishments

Neighborhood Information and Actions: • • • • • • • •

Conducted Monthly Faith Walks with community leaders, ministers and concerned citizens to distribute social services information as well as to gather community concerns Held zoom meetings with Faith Leaders, Small Business owners, bar owners and community leaders to share information and resources in coordination with the Police Department and Managing Director’s Office Created a list of Violence Prevention Resources for constituents Hosted Gun Buy Back Programs in the district Cleaned up vacant lots and street in coordination with community groups in the district and PHS to create safer, cleaner environments Fought for and installed lighting in strategic areas Camera program (District 8 homeowners and businesses) Coming on June 24, 2022: Rasheed Wallace Day and Youth Career Fair, creating a positive community day of love!

Parkes and Recreational Improvements to keep youth busy with positive activities: • • •

Advocating for and getting capital improvements and renovations to recreation center Actively recruiting for and utilizing rec center advisory councils to create positive environments and activities for youth Insuring basketball courts, tennis courts, football and baseball fields are maintained and ready for neighborhood leagues by PPR

Funding Groups with boots on the ground: • • •

Provided Activity Grants for grass roots groups that offer activities and programs to keep kids busy and off the streets Provide letters of support to groups working on anti-violence initiatives Follow up with Managing Director’s Office to track groups funding and work on anti-violence initiatives

Legislative Initiatives: • •

Nuisance business bill: introduced to combat the violence associated with nuisance establishments.

Special Committee on Gun Violence

Coming Soon:

What Do You Do When the Shooter Lives With You? Many of the people doing the shooting, like their victims, are around 18 years old. It is unlikely they are living on their own, paying rent or a mortgage. They must be living with other people, whether it is their family or roommates. They also must be hiding these firearms somewhere – more than likely right in the home.

We need to get these guns out the reach of young people whose brains are not yet fully developed prompting them to believe the best and only way to handle a petty beef is to shoot someone dead, rather than have a grownup discussion to solve the problem.

I will soon implement a new initiative to assist parents and other loved ones who come across a gun in their home that doesn’t belong to them. I will launch a public service campaign with tips and resources that will help you get the gun out of the home.

So be on the lookout for my new campaign. It could potentially save a life.

What Constituent Services Can Do For You Constituent services is a essential function of the Councilwoman’s office, and a way to guarantee our Municipal government is more accountable to our constituents and responsive to their needs.

Councilmanic constituent services are sometimes thought of as a type of “customer service department” for City government. Constituent service activities can be as simple as relaying contact information for Municipal offices or agencies, or more complex, like providing casework assistance, or serving as advocates or intermediaries for the constituent to other programs or services.

Here’s how we can help: • Public Safety & Quality of Life Issues • Abandoned Vehicles • SEPTA Senior ID Card Photos • Accessibility Services & Home Repairs • Streets Department & PENNDOT Issues • Affordable Housing • Sheriff Sales • Animal Control • Block Captain Organization & Assistance • Small Business Assistance • Trash & Dumping Issues • Foreclosure Prevention • Foreclosure PreventionUtilities Assistance • Licenses & Inspections Issues • Weekly Food Pantry • Nuisance Business Issues • Zoning & Land Use • Property Tax & Deed Issues … and much more.

A Helping Hand

In January my office, along with NWON CEO Myra Brown and Nicetown-Tioga Library, officially opened the Work Readiness and Job Skills Program. I initiated the development of this program to make it easier for people in my district to prepare themselves for the job market during and after the Covod-19 pandemic. The Job Skills and Work Readiness Program is open two days a week, Mondays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. toi 4 p.m. On Mondays the primary focus is job skills, while on Tuesdays, the focus is on early childhood education, administrative support and skill trades.

Every second Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Nicetown Court Community Room, 4340 Germantown Avenue, my office offers people with criminal records the opportunity for free legal counsel for expungement and record sealing along with a host of social services including help with seeking gainful employment.

There are several reasons a criminal record may hold you back and we want our community moving forward. A criminal record can impact a person’s ability to seek gainful Employment, educational opportunities, housing, loans, licensing, insurance, federal assistance, adoption and can even impact volunteer opportunities.

To learn more, contact George Stevenson at George.Stevenson@Phila.gov or call 215.686.3424.

My office arranges Defender Days in the 8th District and dozens of people have participated.

Participants receive record review and screening for eligibility for expungement and record sealing. These services are provided free with lawyer Katherine Parker of the Defender Association of Philadelphia. She has an impeccable record of service, care and diligence in taking on the process and getting full or partial expungement for all eligible clients.

Senator Shariff Street made a surprise visit to the site in January and determined to help those who may not be eligible for expungement to seek a pardon. We have referred five people to the Senator’s Office to undergo the pardons process.

Besides the legal aspects of Defender Days in the District, many clients received help with seeking employment, social services and city programs offered to keep people moving forward. Often times, when we think of the population needing expungement services, we think of young men, particularity Black men.

However, we not only see young ones, we see men and women from various ethnic and age groups. It taught us all to never underestimate the power of an open door.

Our partners include, the Defender Association of Philadelphia, along with NWON employment services, Why Not Prosper, the NAACP, the Office of Senator Shariff Street, and the Nicetown CDC.

Helping to End Food Insecurity My office has teamed up with the Allegheny West Foundation to bring you free food boxes every first and third Wednesday in July and August from 10 a.m. until every box is gone. Join us at Panati Playground, 3100 N. 22nd St. at Clearfield and take home fresh, nutritious food for you and your family!

Awbury Rec Center Water Restored!

You may recall a water main break forced Awbury Recreation Center in Germantown to shut down. It was an inconvenience to everyone who uses the Center. As Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Chair, I worked diligently to resolve the problem and was able to allocate the necessary funds to replace the water line. Let the summer fun begin!

Congratulations!

Recognizing Women’s Community Contributions During Women’s History Month in March, we asked 8th District Ward Leaders to nominate women from their wards whose contributions to their community were worthy of special recognition by my office. It turns out, they were all so deserving, we couldn’t decide whom to pick, so we honored them all! Each special woman received a Council Citation with a letter of congratulations from me. Most of them were available to receive them by special hand-delivery from members of my team.

Many thanks for your service and congratulations to our Women’s History Month honorees:

• Anita Hunt (posthumously) • Deborah Fortune • Dicie Gilmore • Farah Jimenez • Lori Salganicoff • Thakiyah Ahmad-Yankowy • M. Christine Young Thomas • Majeedah Rasheed • Regina Smith • Virneldia Haines • Yvonne Yates •

Virneldia Haines

Farah Jimenez

Dicie Gilmore

Majeedah Rasheed

Pastor Yvonne Yates

Anita Hunt (posthumously)

Event Space

Summer Event Series Change

This summer I added a new “Line Dancing” theme at the WaterView Recreation Center to my annual Summer Event Series. It was a well-attended success! But I also brought back our “Oldies in the Park” theme to Jerome Brown Playground, which filled the air with the familiar sounds of Motown, Gamble & Huff and more blasts from the past throughout July!

Although we had some safety concerns regarding outdoor events, I am excited to share that we have decided to keep the “Oldies in the Park” portion of the annual Summer Event Series.

We know the importance of fun, family-friendly activities within our communities!

Grab your lawn chairs and bring the little ones, family and friends, and join us each Wednesday in August at Vernon Park, 5800 Germantown Avenue from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. for an oldies party like no other!

In the meantime, my staff and I are working diligently on creating a bigger and better series of exciting Summer Events for you next year!

Vernon Park

5800 Germantown Ave

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Kids activities & food.

Office of Cindy Bass, 8th District Councilmember | City Hall, Office 300 | (215) 686-3424 @cindybassphilly

@cindybassphilly

@cindybassphilly

PHLCouncil.com/CindyBass

Here are my legislative successes from this year, that are now your successes!

Capital Budget Amendment (220640) gives Barrett Playground $3 million and Jerome Brown Rec Center $7 million.

Hospital and Higher Education Facilities Authority Resolution (220308), renewing the Hospital and Higher Education Facilities Authority's charter.

Tubman 200th Birthday Resolution (220234) celebrating Harriet Tubman's 200th birthday.

Tennis Club Resolution (220182), honoring the Philadelphia Tennis Club for being the oldest Black-owned tennis club in the country.

Penn St. Zoning (210807) to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Penn Street, Morris Street, Coulter Street, and Priscilla Street.

Tioga St. Two-Hour Parking (210806), establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Tioga street and N. 15th street.

Sulis St., et al. Two-Hour Parking (210805), establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Sulis street and N. 2nd street; Ashdale street and N. 4th street; Rittenhouse street to Wissahickon street.

Mentor St., et al. Two-Hour Parking (210804), establishing parking regulations in the vicinity of: Mentor street and Windrim avenue; Pelham road and Mower street.

Mt. Airy Business Improvement District Resolution (220136), initiating action to continue the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District beyond its termination date.

2919 N. 23rd Street Land Disposal Resolution (220206), authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 2919 N. 23rd Street located in the 8th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.

Philadelphia Tennis Club Resolution (220182), honoring the Philadelphia Tennis Club for being the oldest Black-owned tennis club in the country.

Heart Month Resolution (220158), recognizing February 2022 as American Heart Month, encouraging Philadelphians to be mindful of their heart health, and honoring the American Heart Association for their advocacy on the issue of heart health.

Insect & Rodent Infestation (210902), requiring property owners to take rat and rodent abatement measures.

Sickle Cell Resolution (220137), urging federal policymakers to ensure that individuals with Sickle Cell Disease have access to all medications and forms of treatment for Sickle Cell Disease, no matter their form of health care insurance.

Infrastructure Funds Resolution (220095), calling on the City of Philadelphia to explore ways to assist resi-

dents in maintaining the infrastructure of their property.

Assisting Residents in Infrastructure Resolution (220095), calling on the City of Philadelphia to explore ways to assist residents in maintaining the infrastructure of their property.

Development Racial Bias Hearing Resolution (220094), authorizing the Philadelphia City Council Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to conduct public hearings to investigate racial biases in development in the City of Philadelphia.

152 Logan Street Disposal Resolution (220068), authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 152 Logan Street located in the 8th Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code

I also developed and sponsored these resolutions, demonstrating my continued efforts to serve the needs of the 8th District.: Assistance to Disadvantaged RCOs Resolution (210912), calling for the City of Philadelphia to help RCOs with few resources pay for legal counsel.

Development Moratorium (220081) would prohibit the city from issuing demolition permits in the district except for projects valued at less than $150,000.

Further, I proudly co-sponsored these pieces of legislation that served the needs of all Philadelphians or honored people who deserved special recognition: Gun Violence Prevention Resolution (220588), authorizing the Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention to conduct hearings to examine the City's response to the ongoing crisis of gun violence in Philadelphia.

Technology in Crime Solving Resolution (220303), authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings examining the use of technology to solve shootings in the neighborhoods surrounding the 57 blocks where 10 or more people have been shot since 2015.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Resolution (220191), congratulating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on her historic nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States and urging the U.S. Senate to confirm her nomination.

Ruth Wilson Resolution (220089), honoring the labor and power of "Black Rosie" Ruth "Ruthie" Wilson, whose critical industrial work at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, along with six hundred thousand other Black Rosies, helped win World War II and whose labors and wages served as the launching pad of the Black middle class.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Resolution (220011), recognizing January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and commending the Pennsylvania National Cervical Cancer Coalition - NW Philadelphia Chapter Leader and The Survivor Diva Angela Reese for her work promoting awareness about cervical cancer.

Women's History Month Resolution (220195), recognizing and supporting the accomplishments of women and girls throughout history on the occasion of Women's History Month.

Reentry Awareness Month Resolution (220467), celebrating June as Reentry Awareness Month in Philadelphia and recognizing the accomplishments of returning citizens across Philadelphia.

Municipalities Reimagining Community Safety Initiative Resolution (220433), applauding Philadelphia's selection as a participant city in the Municipalities Reimagining Community Safety Initiative.

Our Staff Antoinette Johnson Chief of Staff District Office Charles Richardson Director of Constituent Services Darlene Williams Scheduler Rodnie Jamison Special Assistant Tia Mathisen Special Projects and Events Manager

City Hall Germantown District Office (215) 686-3424 (215) 685-9182 Room 312, City Hall 4439-A Germantown Ave Philadelphia, PA 19144 PHLCouncil.com/CindyBass

@cindybassphilly

@cindybassphilly

@cindybassphilly

Our Services Abandoned Vehicles Accessibility Services & Home Repairs Affordable Housing Animal Control Block Captain Organization & Assistance Foreclosure Prevention Licenses & Inspections Issues Nuisance Business Issues Property Tax & Deed Issues Public Safety & Quality of Life Issues SEPTA Senior ID Card Photos Streets Department & PENNDOT Issues Sheriff Sales Small Business Assistance Trash & Dumping Issues Foreclosure PreventionUtilities Assistance Weekly Food Pantry Zoning & Land Use … and much more.

City Hall Carol Denise Rhodes Constituent Services & Legislative Liaison George Stevenson Jr. Constituent Services/Action Team Sherylle Linton Jones Sr. Director of Communications Tahsha Hardeman Special Assistant

City Emergency/Non-Emergency

P

211

Philadelphia’s 24-hour Violence Prevention Hotline

311

Philadelphia’s customer service center for non-emergency inquiries.

911

For major emergencies, such as fire, or if you are experiencing or witnessing a crime.