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Correction

Last week's article initially stated that the first two intersections would have automated red light cameras installed. Instead, money from the state-wide red light camera fund is being used to modernize the two intersections. No cameras will be installed.

This Week’s Top Agenda Items

  • Council debates the pros and cons of the Longtime Owner Occupant Tax Exemption Program (LOOP), including details and timing.
  • Council approves funding for Penn Ave From Evaline to Graham and considers accepting a settlement from the Finland Street Pedestrian Bridge lawsuit.
  • Councilperson Kail-Smith leads a sweeping post-agenda meeting on zoning and housing issues currently before Council.

Council Debates Pros and Cons of the Longtime Owner Occupant Tax Exemption Program (LOOP), Details, and Timing

  • Under LOOP, eligible homeowners will continue to pay property taxes but will be exempt from new taxes that exceed the set increase cap (currently proposed at 25%).
    • For example, if a homeowner’s taxes increase by 50% after reassessment, they would only pay 25%, with the remaining 25% abated.
  • See last week's article for eligibility requirements. Some new eligibility details discussed include:
    • Assessment increases from improvements (such as adding an extension to a house) rather than from maintenance (such as installing a new roof) will disqualify homeowners from LOOP.
    • The 120% AMI threshold is derived from Philadelphia’s LOOP eligibility metrics, which are based on best practices.
    • Eligible participants can choose to use the Homestead Exemption tax abatements instead, but they cannot use both.
  • The program is designed to be revenue neutral.
  • The City's Treasurer & Director of Finance, Jennifer Gula, suggests that having the program in place ahead of upcoming reassessments would simplify implementation.
    • The County most recently assessed homes/properties in 2012 (the first time since 2002).
  • The bill is being held until a to-be-scheduled public hearing.
  • Council Member Takes:
    • Councilperson Charland expressed concern about the unknown financial implications of passing LOOP while reassessment is not imminent, noting that there are already significant needs (ambulance repairs, road repaving, etc.) that risk being underfunded.
    • Councilperson Gross noted that high-income homeowners in her district, including those in Lawrenceville, already receive incidental abatements when purchasing new-build condos assessed at a lower value.
    • Councilpersons Gross and Mosley stated that passing LOOP now could reassure elderly homeowners who might otherwise sell their family home and leave the city as redevelopment begins in their neighborhood, due to fears of future tax increases.

Council Approves Funding for Penn Ave From Evaline to Graham and Considers Accepting a Settlement from the Finland Street Pedestrian Bridge Lawsuit

  • Council approved an amended agreement with PennDOT for the Penn Ave Phase 2 project (Bloomfield/Garfield).
    • The project consists of a full-depth reconstruction of all street infrastructure on Penn Avenue between Evaline Street and Graham Street, including the street, curbs, sidewalks, ADA ramps, traffic signals, and other mobility and safety improvements.
    • Phase 1 (Mathilda Street to Evaline Street) included reconstructing the roadway, curbs, and sidewalks, improving street lighting, upgrading 12 signalized intersections, and upgrading the sewer system from Main Street to Penn Circle.
    • The new agreement for Phase 2 brings the total cost to $12,275,000, an increase of $10,200,000.
      • The city is responsible for 20% of the total cost, plus $68,400 in costs incurred by the state.
  • Council held a discussion on accepting settlement money from the Finland Street Pedestrian Bridge lawsuit for two weeks.
    • The proposed settlement amount is $316,367.
    • The bridge, which spanned Bigelow Boulevard, was hit by a crane boom in 2022 and was subsequently demolished.
    • The suit was filed by the City against Doren, Inc. and Michael J. Lott in 2024.
    • Council President Lavelle stated that the money effectively reimburses work that has already been done, but a larger discussion in two weeks could include strategies for securing additional resources for new pedestrian crossings.
    • Councilperson Gross continued to express concern about safety, noting that pedestrians still need to cross Bigelow, which she described as “nearly highway conditions,” without a bridge.

Councilperson Kail-Smith Leads Sweeping Post-Agenda Meeting on Zoning and Housing Issues Currently Before Council

  • Over the last 18 months, Legislative Projects Manager Sean Carter reported that Council has worked on or considered numerous pieces of legislation—both stand-alone and in packages—covering zoning issues including:
    • Community homes
    • Institutional and group housing
    • Transit-oriented development (Polish Hill; Allentown; Sheraden)
    • Accessory dwelling units
    • Off-street parking
    • Reductions to minimum lot size requirements
    • Inclusionary zoning
  • Carter noted that the more public interest an issue generates, the longer it takes to pass a bill, regardless of the urgency of the need the bill addresses.
  • Council Member Takes:
    • Councilperson Warwick asserted that Council’s responsibility is to the city’s residents. She criticized those acting in bad faith during these discussions, including a prominent lawyer representing non-residents with a financial interest in blocking zoning changes.
    • Councilperson Wilson added that he believes every Council member is striving to make decisions that best serve their constituents, including how the city, as the largest property owner, could use that property to benefit residents in need.
    • Councilperson Kail-Smith reiterated that Council must continue to come together to resolve differences of opinion—especially when those differences impact multiple districts.

Tell The Council What you think

Let the City Council know how you feel about the above issues by taking this brief survey. We'll share everyone’s thoughts directly before they take a vote (We wont be presenting in person until we get to 50 respondents).

Email Readers can fill out the survey by clicking here.

Update

A previous version of this article stated that the city was only responsible for $68,400 of the Penn Ave project. This has been corrected to reflect the 20% of project costs for which the city is also responsible.

Property Tax Exemptions, Bridge Demolition, and Zoning Reform - City Council Week of March 17