|
REPRINTED FROM THENEXTMAYOR.COMSept. 28, 2006 press release, (submitted via e-mail) |
New Leadership. New Direction. A New Philadelphia.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Melanie Johnson
(267) 984-2027
Philadelphia, September 28, 2006 --Yesterday the State Senate approved a bill that denies Philadelphia local zoning control in the development of two casinos in the city. Mayoral candidate Michael Nutter is calling on the State House to remove the provision that prevents Philadelphia from exercising zoning controls that are related to the casinos.
“Zoning is strictly a local government matter and we cannot have the State dictating land use policy, zoning controls, building heights, set backs and the requisite number of parking spaces on a project by project basis,” said Nutter.
“Zoning controls are critical to municipal government and Philadelphia’s future. And no other municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is being subjected to such restrictive, onerous interference in the running of its government,” Nutter said emphatically.
By approving this bill the State Senate is giving Philadelphia very little but making it look like a lot. Nutter strongly believes that the citizens of Philadelphia deserve the right to have a full voice exercised through their local elected officials on the issue of zoning.
“These continued assaults interfere with the proper operation of the City of Philadelphia government. As I did when I was in City Council, I am committed -- now as a candidate for Mayor – that my administration will restore the confidence in Philadelphia that the General Assembly needs,” said Nutter.
Nutter is convinced that the entire Philadelphia delegation of elected officials must speak up and implore the State House to remove these provisions in order for the citizens of Philadelphia to have their say. As elected officials, the delegation represents the voices of the people. The people must be heard.
The bill moves on to the State House for a vote and if passed will go to Governor Rendell for approval or for veto.
# # #
PO Box 58550 • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Phone: (215) 545-9700 • Facsimile: (215) 545-4088
Paid for by Nutter for Mayor, Kahiga A. Tiagha, Esq., Treasurer