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Read background information on Bill 629.
The following letter from Councilman Frank DiCicco was published in the Inquirer on September 22, 2001 and in the Press/Review (a Center City Weekly) on September 19. In the letter DiCicco asks support for his Bill 629.
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Note: although I personally think Bill 629 is a bad idea, I welcome opposing points of view. If you support this bill, please feel free to use this facility. My belief is the more debate on an issue, the better.
Ed Goppelt, webmaster@hallwatch.org
FROM FRANK DI CICCO, COUNCILMAN, 1ST DISTRICT PHILA.
To the Editor:
As a City Councilman, I work hard every day to ensure that the quality of life in our communities continues to improve. My top priorities have been making our neighborhoods safer, our schools stronger and our streets cleaner. While more work is ahead of us, I am proud of what we have been able to achieve so far by working together.
Like many neighborhoods in other council districts, the neighborhoods of the 1st Council District remain among the most diverse and interesting in Philadelphia. We should work together to protect the unique characteristics of these neighborhoods and communities in our great city. But we must also ensure that the people of each council district decide how their neighborhoods continue to grow and to develop.
Outside developers, billboard companies, vendors, and others, 'who don't live here, don? raise their children here, and don't have a direct stake in our neighborhoods should not decide how our neighborhoods and communities grow.
That is why I am asking your to join me in fighting for BILL 629, a neighborhood protection initiative. that will empower local residents and organizations to oppose changes in local zoning decisions. Believe it or not, the current law actually allows an) person. business or organization, to make critical zoning and development decisions that will affect us, even if they don't even live in our neighborhood. I believe this is unacceptable, and from attending many community forums. I know that most of you feel the same way.
You see, until 1998, courts protected the rights of the people, ,businesses, and organizations with a direct stake in a neighborhood restoration program, community development project, economic development initiative, or home improvement project - that is, someone "aggrieved" by a zoning board decision. In 1998. however, the court enabled any taxpayer in Philadelphia, aggrieved or not, to challenge a Zoning Board decision on appeal.
BILL 629 returns the power back to the people - the homeowners, business people and residents of our unique neighborhoods- who are directly affected by changes in local zoning. 629 also provides citizens tine right to build coalitions with other citywide organizations and groups that oppose a Zoning Board decision. Above all, Bill 629 Mill provide all residents in Philadelphia the right b voice their approval or opposition to development in Philadelphia
I support Bill 629 because it brings Philadelphia zoning law back in line with the law in the rest of Pennsylvania and most of the country. It ensures that people who live and work in our City's neighborhoods can challenge Zoning Board decisions that directly affect them. Bill 629 will not limit other groups and residents from voicing their opinion on a neighborhood issue - but it does allow those with a direct stake have a stronger voice.
Working together, we can make BILL 629 a reality. Call my office, other members of the City Council or the Mayor, to talk about this important issue and to urge its passage. Working together, we will continue to-make positive changes for our neigh-hot- hood and communities.
Sincerely
Frank DiCicco
Councilman - First District