PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke wants to cement city protection for community organizations as he prepares to depart municipal government. At Thursday’s Council session, Clarke introduced a charter change shielding the groups from lawsuits by developers.
Registered Community Organizations, or RCOs, are enshrined in the city’s zoning code as the voice for neighbors of development projects. However, that role can be their undoing if they oppose a project and a deep-pocketed developer sues them.
Council has been trying to protect them. It passed two laws — one creating a defense fund and one providing legal insurance — but they simply were never funded, so Clarke says he’s trying a new approach.
“With a charter change, it is our belief that if in fact that’s successful, it will require as a part of the charter, if we have an organization that’s required to be in the (zoning) process by the City of Philadelphia, that they should be given some levels of support,” he explained.
Clarke did not seek re-election and will leave Council at the end of the year, but the referendum would be on next spring’s ballot.
Also this week, Council passed three red light camera bills, bringing to 38 the number of intersections with camera enforcement as the city slowly expands the program. In a new twist, Council approved cameras for SEPTA buses and trolleys so the Philadelphia Parking Authority can ticket vehicles illegally blocking dedicated bus lanes.
Council also passed a bill introduced nearly four years ago that allows the mayor to raise the salaries of their cabinet members. It was shelved during the pandemic but revived as Council prepares to close out its current term. Ironically, it was introduced on Mayor Kenney’s behalf by then-Councilmember Cherelle Parker, who is now the Democratic mayoral nominee — and poised to be the beneficiary.