Authorizing the Committee on Finance to hold hearings to determine the feasibility of providing financial and/or legal assistance to disadvantaged Registered Community Organizations (RCOs) that seek to appeal a Zoning Board of Adjustments decision.

WHEREAS, Development in Philadelphia has taken a turn, increasing in speed while decreasing in community input; and

WHEREAS, the Zoning Board of Adjustments (ZBA) decisions do not currently include transparency in the decision making process; and

WHEREAS, Individuals residing in wealthier neighborhoods have significantly more autonomy if there is a ZBA decision in their neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphians hailing from less advantaged zip codes and neighborhoods deserve to have just as significant of a say in what happens in their neighborhoods, and the City has a responsibility to amplify their voices; and

WHEREAS, In Zoning Board of Adjustments cases that rule against the interest of neighbors, the City of Philadelphia should provide necessary financial assistance and appropriate legal assistance to those in need to appeal their cases. How feasible this goal is must be investigated to ensure a beneficial system for all; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Authorizes the Committee on Finance to hold hearings to determine the feasibility of providing financial and legal assistance to disadvantaged Philadelphia residents that seek to appeal a Zoning Board of Adjustments decision.

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