Intergovernmental Collaboration between the Administration & City Council brings public safety enhancements to Philadelphia neighborhoods 

(PHILADELPHIA) – Yesterday, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker signed into law three bills that will enhance public safety and quality of life in neighborhoods – a core part of the Mayor’s vision for a Safer, Cleaner, Greener City, with Access to economic opportunity for all.

“From Day One of my administration, I’ve been adamant that I will do everything in my power to restore order to Philadelphia. Because of this promise, I am proud to be signing these three pieces of legislation that will enhance public safety and quality of life in our neighborhoods,” Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said at yesterday’s bill-signing ceremony at City Hall. “If you think you can commit crimes in this city and then evade detection by taking advantage of people or obscuring law enforcement’s ability to identify you, I strongly encourage you to think again. We are working together, we will find you, and we will enforce the law.”

Mayor Parker was joined at the news conference by Philadelphia City Councilmembers Curtis Jones Jr. (4th District), Mike Driscoll (6th District), and Quetcy Lozada (7th District), the sponsors of the three bills which the Mayor signed into law.

Here are the three bills, and what they call for, signed by the Mayor:

Prohibition on Certain Gambling Machines & Skills Games

Prohibition on Certain Gambling Machines and Skills Games (Bill No. 210923), introduced by City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. and signed by Mayor Parker on Wednesday, this bill prohibits electronic skill games, which resemble slot machines seen in casinos, and make it unlawful for a business to operate any casino-style or skill game that accepts cash payment for the chance of a cash reward and is not otherwise regulated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“As we wait for relief from our partners at the state, we must address the unfavorable conditions in our communities,” said City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. “Nuisance locations are not one negative thing, but many negative things coming together.”

Kensington Curfew Bill

Introduced by Councilmember Lozada in January, and signed by Mayor Parker on Wednesday, (Bill No. 240013-A02), establishes a curfew, which took effect immediately, now requires businesses without liquor licenses located between Kensington and Frankford venues and Lehigh Avenue and Tioga Street to close at night from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

“Public safety and quality of life issues in Kensington are a product of what happens there after hours. We need to make Kensington a neighborhood where businesses can safely operate without issues caused from disruptive activity. In order to get control of the neighborhood, we need to temporarily limit after hour operation for the businesses in this neighborhood,” said City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada. “Before taking action, we needed to ensure the community was behind this bill. During our meetings with them, they showed that they understood why this was necessary and how it was a step toward stabilizing this community. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive and listened to additional concerns that they had about their safety and quality of life. I’m proud to say that they are our partners in the process of restoring quality of life in Kensington. Because of this Partnership, I know we will be successful.”

License Plate Flipping Bill

Introduced by City Councilmember Mike Driscoll in February and signed by Mayor Parker yesterday, Bill No. 240089-A prohibits the use of license plate flipping devices. License plate flipping devices refer to a manual, electric, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle and switch between two or more license plates for the purpose of allowing a motor vehicle operator to change the license plate displayed on the operator’s vehicle.

“These “OO7 devices” belong in an action movie, not on the streets of Philadelphia,” said City Councilmember Mike Driscoll.

Mayor Parker has made improving public safety and quality of life cornerstones of the Parker Administration, and she commended the “Kensington Caucus” in City Council for their work not only on the legislation she signed yesterday, but on their broader efforts to help restore and revitalize Kensington.

“We will restore order and eliminate the chaos in Kensington and other neighborhoods,” the Mayor said. “And we appreciate every action and legislation that our partners in City Council are moving forward that align with our goals to accomplish that.”