By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer
Mayor John Street outlined a number of cuts in last week’s budget address, but the Community Life Improvement Program wasn’t one of them.
CLIP, a pilot program in the 6th Councilmanic District, takes care of a variety of quality-of-life issues such as property neglect.
“This program has been so successful, it will be strategically expanded into other neighborhoods before the end of the year,” Street said in his Jan. 28 budget address at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
City Councilwoman Joan Krajewski (D-6th dist.), whose district is the recipient of CLIP services, was pleased to hear the mayor single out the program. The councilwoman added that a CLIP office will open soon on Frankford Avenue in Holmesburg.
Overall, Street presented a $3.3 billion budget for fiscal year 2004. There are no tax increases.
The mayor believes he’s had a good three years. He said Philadelphia Gas Works has improved its economic outlook. Two stadiums for the Eagles and Phillies are being built. And the state is contributing more money to the School District of Philadelphia.
Street contends that neighborhoods are safer and cleaner, noting that the city has removed more than 155,000 abandoned cars and cleaned more than 32,000 vacant lots.
While Street is grateful for the state help on education, he’s not happy with a new law that shifts control of the Pennsylvania Convention Center from the city to suburban Republicans. He called the takeover an “outrageous” and “partisan” power grab.
Street called on carpenters union boss Ed Coryell Sr. to sign a cooperation agreement to fix labor/management problems at the convention center.
“I also call on House Majority Leader John Perzel and former Gov. (Mark) Schweiker to deliver on their assurances to me that they would resolve the labor/management issue,” he said.
Street pledged $60 million in new spending for child-care and after-school spending, an expansion of the Free Library of Philadelphia and modifications to public schools to create safe after-school, evening and weekend activities.
The budget gives $485.2 million to the police department, enough to continue the Operation Safe Streets anti-crime initiative.
Street also plans to establish a 24-hour constituent contact center. Residents would call 3-1-1 for all service requests and complaints.
To make up for the increased spending, the mayor proposes that the city make only the minimum pension contribution required by state law.
Street also wants to eliminate 50 jobs in the offices of the mayor and managing director and the finance department.
By fiscal year 2008, Street wants to reduce the number of city employees by 2,500, mostly by retirements.
The budget plan eliminates the city subsidy for PHLASH shuttle buses for tourists.
In addition, the city plans to close the Riverview Home, a Department of Human Services facility for the elderly at 7979 State Road.
The home will be phased out, beginning in 2005. It would close for good in 2008. Residents would be placed in community settings.
Rob Dubow, the city budget director, said it was a tough decision, but he noted that social-service experts recommended it.
“They think it’s the right thing for the residents,” he said, adding that no decision has been made about what to do with the cottages and warehouse on site.
Street described Philadelphia as a city with a public infrastructure designed for 2.5 million people. The city population is just 1.5 million.
The mayor said that, of the 20 largest cities in the United States, Philadelphia has the most pools and the second-most recreation centers per resident.
There are preliminary plans to close some facilities, but Street said it’s too early to tell which ones.
Local members of Council plan to fight any proposed closings in the Northeast.
“Not in our area,” Krajewski said. “They’re very, very important. I’d never accept that.”
BOOM town
Councilman Brian O’Neill (R-10th dist.) described the Far Northeast as “booming,” adding that no cuts would be warranted.
O’Neill, elected in 1979, knows the city’s budget woes and understands the rationale behind eliminating facilities in a city that has lost so much population over the years.
“It sounds nice, but when you’re talking about specific sites, it’s a lot different,” he said.
Republican mayoral candidate Sam Katz held a news conference after the budget address, contending that Street has spent too much money in his three years in office.
Councilman Jim Kenney (D-at large) said Street didn’t offer many specifics, adding that he believes there is too much new spending.
Kenney was particularly disgusted that Street chastised the state takeover of the convention center, saying it would be better if he sat down with Perzel instead of throwing “gas on the fire.”
“I don’t think it’s good for (new Gov.) Ed Rendell, for the city as a whole and for the convention center’s expansion,” he said.
On the controversial issue of Section 8, Street said he wants reform of the federal housing program, but he thinks there’s been a racially charged debate in recent elections.
Last year, Republican congressional candidate Dr. Melissa Brown blamed mismanagement of the low-income housing program on Street. She ultimately lost a close election to incumbent Rep. Joe Hoeffel (D-13th dist.).
“Irresponsible tenants and landlords will not be allowed to disrupt neighborhoods by failing to maintain their properties or monitor the conduct of their tenants to the detriment of hard-working, tax-paying homeowners in targeted neighborhoods, like the Northeast, West Philadelphia and Mount Airy,” Street said. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com