PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia City Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada lashed out at critics of her bill curbing mobile services in Kensington on Thursday even as she offered amendments to address some of their concerns.
“You can’t tell me you’re okay with the conditions of Kensington Avenue because if you’re okay with that, you need to look in the mirror,” Lozada said.
Her bill limits where and for how long providers could offer services from parked vehicles, citing medical waste, litter and other hazards when the providers leave. Lozada said the bill is designed to improve the safety and quality of life for her constituents, who live amid the devastation of the opioid epidemic.
“Would you allow that on your property? Hell no. And so why should my residents?” she said.
It’s been controversial since Lozada introduced it in September. She spent months working on a compromise, amended the bill last week, and offered more amendments this week to allow additional locations and specify services that would be exempt.
Still, critics such as Philip Geliebter, crowded the public comment.
“We feel it does not address the root problems and is making lepers of the unhoused siblings in Kensington,” he said.
When it was Lozada’s turn to speak, she blasted the critics.
“How dare you stand up there and tell lies without reading the damn bill? You see the conditions of my community,” she said. “Shame on you if you think we have to continue to do nothing. Shame on you.”
Lozada’s impassioned speech prompted an outpouring of support from her colleagues. The bill is expected to pass on a final vote, probably next week.
“While I’m in this seat, I’m going to continue to make those difficult decisions because my children in the 7th council district deserve the same opportunities that the children in your communities deserve.