MAYOR NUTTER, SENATOR SPECTER, CONGRESSMAN BRADY, LIBERTY PROPERTY TRUST TO HOST GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

WHO: Mayor Michael A. Nutter
Senator Arlen Specter
Congressman Robert Brady
William P. Hankowsky, Chairman, President and CEO, Liberty Property Trust
Peter S. Longstreth, President, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation

WHAT: Mayor Nutter will attend a groundbreaking ceremony of two new flexible use, LEED-certified buildings. This groundbreaking marks the start of construction at the new Navy Yard Commerce Center. Liberty Property Trust partly financed the construction through $16 million in Recovery Zone Facility Bonds distributed through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

This Navy Yard project will be Liberty Property Trust’s first construction project nationally since May 2009.
WHERE: 4000 S. 26th Street, outside tent, Navy Yard

WHEN: Monday, January 3, 2011 1:00 p.m.

Code Orange Particle Pollution Action/Particle Pollution Health Watch Day

Particle pollution is the term for tiny drops of liquid or small particles of dust, metals and other material that float in the air. Some particles are large or dark enough to be seen as soot or smoke. Others are so small that they can only be detected with an electron microscope. Particle pollution comes from a variety of sources such as cars, power plants, factories, construction sites, forest fires, and municipal waste incinerators.

People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should limit prolonged exertion.

Take action to reduce polluting activities from particle pollution:

• Use wood stoves and fireplaces wisely and sparingly. If you must burn wood, burn only untreated hard wood in a properly maintained woodstove or fireplace.
• Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
• Choose a cleaner commute—share a ride to work or use public transportation. Bicycle or walk to errands when possible.
• Combine errands and reduce trips.
• Avoid vehicle idling and jackrabbit starts.
• If you must drive, try to avoid congested periods.
• Maintain your vehicle’s emission control equipment.

In addition, Philadelphia’s Air Quality Website, located at http://www.phila.gov/aqi/ provides the most up-to-date information about the air quality in Philadelphia and lets you know what you should do to protect your health if the air quality is unhealthy. The tool used to show this is the Air Quality Index (AQI) developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

City Deactivates Emergency Operations Center Clean Operations Will Continue Trash and Recycling Collections Delayed Snow Emergency and Code Blue Remains in Effect

PHILADELPHIA, PA –With the winter storm winding down, Mayor Michael A. Nutter, has announced that the City’s Emergency Operations Center has been deactivated at 8:00 a.m. today. However, the Snow Emergency is still in effect to allow Streets Department crews sufficient time for salting and plowing operations. Towing of vehicles from Snow Emergency Routes is still underway. If your car is towed, call Philly 3-1-1 for its location. Do NOT call 911.

Streets Commissioner Clarena I. W. Tolson asks residents to continue to follow regulations so crews can continue to safely and effectively remove snow from the roadways:

Park vehicles at least 20 feet from the corner, as required by law. Cars parked too close to the corner limit our ability to salt and plow roads.
It is dangerous and illegal to shovel or plow snow into the street. Placing snow in the street after it has been cleared will create dangerous icy patches.
Please place snow in a safe place on your property so that snow mounds do not obstruct the cleared pathway.
Drive with caution as black ice is expected to form on the roadways.
Clear a sidewalk path at least 36” wide within 6 hours of the end of the storm.
Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain.
Stay tuned to local media for updates.
Check on sick and elderly neighbors.

Streets Department crews will continue to focus their efforts on treating primary, secondary, hilly residential streets and other residential streets.

The Code Blue remains in effect to provide additional support to the homeless. If you see a homeless person in need of assistance, please call the Homeless Outreach Coordination Center at 215-232-1984.

City Will Be Open for Business As Usual

PHILADELPHIA, PA – As the bulk of the snow storm is winding down, the City of Philadelphia will be open for business and City employees should report to work as usual on Monday, December 27. The First Judicial District Court of Pennsylvania reports that courts will be open on Monday, as well. However, the Philadelphia Prison Systems has announced that all visiting hours are cancelled for today.

The latest forecast indicates that the heaviest snow has passed and all snow should be ending in the next few hours. However, a Wind Advisory has been issued starting at 7:00 a.m. for winds possibly gusting to 50 mph.

The Streets Department continues its salting and plowing operations on all primary and secondary routes.

SEPTA reports that all Regional Rail lines, Market Frankford EL, Broad St. subway and nearly all bus routes are up and running with up to 40 minute delays. The route 35 (Manayunk) has been discontinued due to the weather while other routes have detours in place. For the latest information from SEPTA, visit their website at www.septa.org.

The City’s Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor the storm and overseeing a coordinated response from City departments. The Snow Emergency is still in effect and motorists should not park vehicles on the City’s Snow Emergency Routes. Vehicles parked on these routes will be ticketed and towed so City crews can continue with salting and plowing operations as effectively as possible. If your vehicle is towed, call 3-1-1 for its location.

A $5:00 snow rate is in effect at Philadelphia Parking Authority garages in Center City from 2:00 p.m. Sunday until 6:00 p.m. on today at the following lots:

5th and Market Streets
2nd and Samson Streets
10th and Filbert Streets
8th and Filbert Streets
10th and Ludlow Streets
16th and JFK Streets

Cars which entered these lots after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday can remain there until 6:00 p.m. today without additional charges. Cars entering after 8:00 a.m. on Monday will be charged the normal rates.

Monday collection for trash and recycling are suspended. Residents are asked to hold setouts to next week. Tuesday through Friday collections will remain on a regular schedule, except for homes that normally have collections in a rear driveway. These residents are asked to place trash and recycling in the front. Rear collections will resume next week.

For the latest information about the storm, visit the Office of Emergency Management’s website, check out its social media networking sites, and sign up for emergency text alerts at www.phila.gov/ready. You can also call Philly 3-1-1.

MAYOR ANNOUNCES SUSPENSION OF MONDAY TRASH COLLECTION

Philadelphia, December 26, 2010- Mayor Nutter said today that trash collection on Monday will be suspended while sanitation vehicles are redeployed to snow-plowing duties. Residents with regular Monday trash collection should hold their trash until next week for regular pickup on Monday, Jan. 3.

“We are putting all our resources into overcoming this storm,” said Mayor Nutter. “We very much appreciate Philadelphians staying off the streets, parking their cars and staying safe. We’re also asking residents who have Monday trash pickup to hold their trash until next week’s regular Monday pickup.”

Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson said that at the height of the storm the city will have 500 pieces of equipment on city streets. “Our priority is public safety. Crews and trucks that normally are dedicated to trash and recycling will be fully engaged fighting this powerful storm.”

Commissioner Tolson also urged residents to follow these tips:
• Apply any commercial de-icer on steps and sidewalks early to prevent residual moisture from freezing over and creating icy conditions.
• Clear a sidewalk path at least 36” wide within 6 hours of the end of the storm as listed in the Philadelphia Code (10-720).
• Clear snow from neighborhood sewer drains to allow melting snow to drain.
• Be conscious of the environment – use de-icing salts only as much as needed. One pound of de-icer can cover 100 to 200 square feet.
• De-icer should be applied as soon as a light accumulation has developed on the surface. This will break the bond between additional accumulations and the pavement surface, and will make it easier to shovel.
• A final light application of a de-icer may be required after removal is completed to melt the residual snow.
• Make sure you park your car as far away from the corner as possible. Cars parked too close to the corner limit the turning radius of salting vehicles.
• Clear snow from neighborhood storm drains to allow melting snow to drain. Make sure firefighters will have easy access to fire hydrants by clearing snow around the hydrants.
• Check on sick and elderly neighbors.
To report a street in need of salting or plowing or for more information on any Streets Department program or service, call 3-1-1. You may also visit the Streets Department online at http://www.phila.gov/streets/Snow_Emergency.html.

The City’s Code Blue remains in effect to provide additional support to the homeless. If you see a homeless person in need of assistance, please call the Homeless Outreach Coordination Center at 215-232-1984.

MAYOR NUTTER SIGNS BILL INCREASING PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL TOBACCO SALES TO MINORS; MAYOR ALSO ANNOUNCES NEW ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN

Philadelphia, December 23, 2010- Mayor Nutter signed a new bill which increases the penalty for merchants who illegally sell tobacco to youth from $100 to $250. The new bill also provides Municipal Courts discretion to assess a minimum fine of $300 to a maximum of $2,000 for merchants who default on the original $250 fine. Mayor Nutter also detailed the City’s new campaign to encourage smokers to kick the habit.

Bill 100634, which was sponsored by Councilwoman Marian Tasco and approved by a 15-0 City Council vote, requires merchants who violate the new City Ordinance to attend one-on-one information sessions that will provide tips on checking identification and how to refuse sales to minors. The Ordinance will also provide the City authority to close a business for 48 hours if that merchant sells tobacco to a minor three times in two years. The City may assess on-the-spot penalties to violating merchants and will post the names of businesses that are cited for illegal tobacco sales to minors on the Department of Public Health’s website.

“This bill will expand the City’s work of helping Philadelphians improve their health and well-being,” said Mayor Nutter. “More than 300,000 adults smoke in Philadelphia and their habits influence many of our youth to adopt similar unhealthy habits. I hope Philadelphians will utilize the available resources so they can quit smoking and live a better quality of life.
“Kids who smoke become adults who smoke,” said Health Commissioner and Deputy Mayor Donald F. Schwarz. “The City will remain vigilant in preventing illegal sales of tobacco to youth who should have access to healthier consumption habits and opportunities.”
“This legislation will protect and prevent our city’s young people from starting a destructive habit early in life,” said Councilwoman Marian Tasco. “Retailers must act responsibly and this bill encourages them to do so.”

On December 20, 2010, the City launched the “Last Pack” campaign on 17 local radio channels to provide information on support, counseling and other services that are available to help residents quit smoking. The City’s smoking cessation initiatives are part of the Get Healthy Philly campaign that encourages residents to stop using tobacco and adopt healthy eating habits. The Get Healthy Philly campaign is being funded with $25 million in Federal Recovery money, including $10.4 million for smoking cessation work.

On November 15th, the Department of Public Health launched its first ever nicotine patch giveaway via the PA Free Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW). Over 3,300 Philadelphians have called for free counseling and a free one-month supply of nicotine patches. On January 1, 2011, the City will provide insurance coverage for smoking cessation medications to approximately 7,000 employees. After a Department of Public Health outreach effort, three out of five large-scale Medicaid Managed Care Organizations in Philadelphia have agreed to provide coverage for most of these medications.

Smoking causes 2,500 deaths in Philadelphia each year and results in more than $800 million in productivity losses. It’s estimated that one in three minors illegally purchase cigarettes in Philadelphia. Those who witness illegal tobacco sales to youth are asked to report it by calling 1-888-99-SMOKE or by logging on to www.smokefreephilly.org

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA AWARDED RECOVERY FUNDING

Philadelphia, December 23, 2010- The City of Philadelphia was awarded about $13 million in Recovery Zone Facility Bonds (RZ-FBs) through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Commonwealth increased Philadelphia’s RZ-FB allocation, with the re-allocation of RZ-FB volume cap waived by other municipalities within the Commonwealth, based on the City’s ability to reallocate the funding before the end of 2010. RZ-FBs are a new, tax-exempt private activity bond created specifically by ARRA to be distributed by municipalities for business development activities. The City of Philadelphia will reallocate $16 million of RZ-FBs to Liberty Property Trust for use in connection with a new development project at the Navy Yard. The project details will be available in coming weeks.

“Recovery dollars keep flowing into the city and are having a direct impact in our communities and neighborhoods. We applied for and I am thrilled that we received more funding to create jobs, foster business growth and improve our communities,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Liberty Property Trust is a strong partner for the Administration, and I want to thank them for spearheading this project. Philadelphia is a smart choice for business.”

“The long-term commitment by the City of Philadelphia and PIDC to developing the Philadelphia Navy Yard as a new magnet for business is becoming fully realized,” said John Gattuso, Senior Vice President and Regional Director of Liberty Property Trust. “These funds will enable us to respond in the near term to the growing demand from leading edge companies to locate and grow in Philadelphia. We are appreciative of our partnership with the city and its affiliated entities and look forward to the continued emergence of the Navy Yard as a significant driver of Philadelphia’s future growth.”

The ARRA funding authorizes the City of Philadelphia to assign an issuing authority to issue tax-exempt bonds for private activity use. The Administration has partnered with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID) to structure and issue the RZ-FBs on behalf of Liberty Property Trust. The Federal government is awarding an available $15 billion nationwide in RZ-FBs.

RZ-FBs are issued in Federal Recovery Zones, which are designated as:
1. Any area designated by the issuer as having poverty, unemployment, rate of home foreclosures, or distress;
2. Any area designated by the issuers as economically distressed by reason of the closure or realignment of a military installation pursuant to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990; and
3. Any area for which a designation as an Empowerment Zone or Renewal Community is in effect.

MAYOR NUTTER TO SIGN BILL INCREASING PENALTIES FOR MERCHANT TOBACCO SALES TO MINORS; HE WILL ALSO ANNOUNCE NEW ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN

WHO: Mayor Michael A. Nutter
Deputy Mayor Don Schwarz
Councilwoman Marian Tasco
Community partners
WHAT: Mayor Nutter will sign legislation today that increases penalties for merchants who sell tobacco products to minors. He will also discuss the City’s new anti-smoking campaign.

WHERE: Mayor’s Reception Room Room 202, 2nd floor

WHEN: Thursday, December 23, 2010 4:00 p.m.

MAYOR NUTTER TO SIGN BILL INCREASING PENALTIES FOR MERCHANT TOBACCO SALES TO MINORS; HE WILL ALSO ANNOUNCE NEW ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN

WHO: Mayor Michael A. Nutter
Deputy Mayor Don Schwarz
Councilwoman Marian Tasco
Community partners
WHAT: Mayor Nutter will sign legislation today that increases penalties for merchants who sell tobacco products to minors. He will also discuss the City’s new anti-smoking campaign.

WHERE: Mayor’s Reception Room Room 202, 2nd floor

WHEN: Thursday, December 23, 2010 4:00 p.m.

MAYOR NUTTER, JOIN ANNOUNCE RECEIPT OF SOCIAL INNOVATION FUND GRANT

Philadelphia, December 22, 2010- Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Job Opportunity Investment Network (JOIN) announced Philadelphia’s selection as a recipient of federal Social Innovation Funds (SIF) grant. The two-year, combined $2.4 million grant will target unemployed and disadvantaged workers through innovative workforce training programs executed in collaboration with employers. JOIN, a private-public partnership of five-institutions with a goal of increasing the number of Philadelphians who earn a family-sustaining wage, received $600,000 from the federal government and the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, and they have raised an additional $1.8 million through philanthropic support to match the award.

“This innovative private-public-nonprofit partnership is a great example of what Philadelphians can do when we work together. These training programs will prepare Philadelphians for the 21st century economy and specifically for the needs of employers who are hiring,” said Mayor Nutter. “We need to bring everyone to the table going forward—employers, funders, advocates and job seekers—to drive a comprehensive effort to create new jobs in our city.”

JOIN will use the grant to support local, industry led job training efforts. These innovate training models are integrated to enable individuals to receive coordinating supportive services such as literacy education and technical skills and career oriented to ensure adults have the skills needed to compete in an increasingly competitive global economy. By collaborating with regional employers to identify skills, partner training programs offer a high level of assurance that trainees will obtain jobs following completion of their programs. JOIN’s program partners will be District 1199C Training and Upgrading Fund, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation and University City District.

“With matching local grants, this award will actually total about $2.4 mm, and will dramatically increase career opportunities for disadvantaged and unemployed workers in the Delaware Valley,” said Jill Michal, CEO of United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. “Over the next two years, these dollars will empower more than 1,000 local citizens to gain industry-recognized credentials and degrees, and to advance in their careers toward family-sustaining wages.”

SIF awards are an innovative new federal program, enacted under the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which addresses major challenges confronting communities by growing high-impact, non-profit organizations delivering proven solutions. The SIF recognizes and utilizes collaboration between the public, private, philanthropic and nonprofit sectors three target areas: economic opportunity, healthy futures and youth development.

“What makes this approach unique is the focus on both the employee and employer,” says Donna Frisby-Greenwood, Program Director at the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. “This ensures that our job training partnerships are preparing individuals for the jobs that will exist as the economic recovery takes hold.”

JOIN partners include: United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Philadelphia Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board, the Scattergood Foundation, and the William Penn Foundation.