06/03/2026
BREAKING NEWS: BILL 251030 HELD UNTIL SEPTEMBER
THANK YOU FOR SHOWING UP! We packed the first floor of the Council chamber with Philadelphians concerned that this bill will strip away too many protections from the existing fair and functional historic designation framework. To the numerous groups who took time off of work, printed and distributed signs, and mobilized their communities -- thank you again.
After beginning the Committee on Rules hearing nearly 40 minutes late, it was announced that the bill was not going to be presented today. Although it was disappointing that RePoint could not share our panel testimony and support public comments, we are glad to that Councilman Squilla could see the widespread city opposition and will return to the drawing board -- hopefully with a few more preservation stakeholders at the table. In his remarks he mischaracterized the bill as containing recommendations from the 2017-19 Historic Preservation Task Force. To be completely clear: NO language in the bill is drawn from those years of meetings and analysis.
RePoint will continue to remain opposed to this bill if it retains the dangerous provisions that incentivize improper use of permitting channels, designation rescission, and vague language that considers "material commitments," and "established public policy" prior to a designation decision. That is not the way to do preservation right -- what we need to see implemented in this city are the best practices cited in the 2019 Historic Preservation Task Force report, such as flexible historic districts, financial incentives for historic property owners, demolition delay, and citywide survey.
In the meantime, please continue to sign and share the Stop Demolishing Philly coalition petition, engage with your Councilmembers, and follow RePoint on social media for all the latest updates.
