CITY HALL

Tax Debate Splits City Democrats

With budget negotiations ongoing, there is still significant disagreement on how the city should handle generating revenue moving forward, with some criticizing the city’s historic reliance on the wage tax as stymying economic growth while others asking if taxpayers should get a reprieve after properties were reassessed for the first time in three years. Others are pushing for a wealth tax and increased real estate tax allocations to the School District. However, with strong divisions between members of City Council and activists, a significant change for the upcoming fiscal year would be challenging.

The Facts So Far in the South Street Shooting

Three people were killed and at least 14 were injured after multiple people fired shots on a crowded part of South Street at about 11:30 p.m. last Saturday night. As of Tuesday, two suspects had been taken into police custody and will be charged by the District Attorney. Police were still searching for at least two suspected additional gunmen. Police say they believe the shooting was sparked by an argument that started a few blocks south of the scene of the crime.

Guide to the Philadelphia Flower Show

The Philadelphia Flower Show returns for a second year to FDR park in South Philadelphia. The theme for this year is “In Full Bloom,” “meant to be a journey through the healing power of nature.” Tickets are still available, including family packages. The Flower Show opens June 11 and closes June 19.

Proposal to Establish Curfew for Minors Introduced

Yesterday, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson introduced legislation that would impose a 10:00 p.m. curfew for minors 16 and older. This proposal was put forward in response to concerns about public safety and gun violence. 

City Pushing for Federal Funds to Research Capping Vine Street Expressway Through Chinatown

Philadelphia will submit a proposal through the bipartisan infrastructure bill to study the feasibility and cost of capping the Vine Street Expressway as it runs through Chinatown. The grant would fund the study for five years and would cost about $1 million. It occurs as the city moves closer to capping parts of the I-95 that runs through Penn’s Landing, expected to begin next year.

Despite Building Boom, Supply Shortages Continue to Affect New Home Market

Area suppliers of materials essential for building new houses, from raw materials and appliances to windows, say they still have to operate under a shortage mentality, with certain key products being unavailable from week to week. Despite this, the region’s building boom has not slowed down, though sales nationwide have decreased.

Upcoming Hearings

Philadelphia City Council holds several hearings throughout the legislative calendar. You can watch the hearings here.

• On Tuesday, June 14 at 1:00 p.m., the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs will review a proposal to create a museum of Alexander Calder’s works.
• On Wednesday, June 15 at 9:00 a.m., the Committee on Children and Youth will review changes to foster care regulations and a program to address gun violence in schools.
• On Wednesday, June 15 at 12:00 p.m., the Committee on Rules will review zoning and development proposals.
• On Thursday, June 16 at 4:00 p.m., the Committee on Global Opportunities & Creative/Innovative Economy will hold a hearing at the String Theory School on “the findings and recommendations of the Philadelphia Fashion and Garment Industry Task Force.”