Library supporters called for the mayor to reconsider his plan to close the Kingsessing Library

Residents of South West Philadelphia blasted the city’s plan to close the Kingsessing Library. This was the 7th public meeting held by the city to discuss Mayor Michael Nutter’s budget cuts.  About 275 people braved the sleet and cold rain to fill the Kingsessing Recreation Center.  It was by far the rowdiest crowd with people heckling the mayor all night, making it difficult at times for him to complete his sentences. But by far the loudest boos were reserved for Library Director Siobhan Reardon, who had to defend the city’s rationale for cutting 11 libraries. Residents made their case last night that by closing the Kingsessing branch, in one of the city’s poorest sections, residents would be losing more than a library. The city would cut for some families their only access to computers and dvd’s. One resident said some of the nearby schools don’t even have libraries. Mayor Nutter and Reardon responded by saying the city made sure that no resident would be more than two-miles from a city library. That defense hasn’t gone over very well in previous meetings and last night was no different. One African-American man countered by saying two miles in a black neighborhood is a long two miles to walk. That comment received loud applause as did most comments blasting the mayor for the library closings.

The Kingsessing Recreation Center meeting room was standing room only last night

One topic that came up frequently was Philadelphia’s 10-year property tax abatement program. It allows anyone, who renovates their home or builds a new structure, to receive a low tax rate even though the property value is increasing. An article in the Philadelphia Inquirer on Sunday had some folks angry that the program allows many wealthy people to get in on the tax break. Mayor Nutter defended the program saying in the long run the program is a money maker. He says the program created an incentive for developers to build on vacant land that was not generating any revenue for the city before. Last night, he said the city has seen $3 million dollars in new tax revenues from the abatement program.

Citizens lined up all night to ask the mayor questions pushing the meeting to last over three-hours

Last night’s public gathering was the 7th of 8 planned meetings to get the public’s reaction to the mayor’s emergency plan to cut services and plug a $1 Billion dollar revenue shortfall expected over the next four-and-a-half years. In addition to closing 11 library branches the city will cut 5 engine companies and 2 ladder companies, close most of the city’s swimming pools, raises license and inspection fees and require upper management to take salary cuts. We will have a video of this meeting online later today, and the city will broadcast a video tonight at 7:00pm on cable access Ch 64.

The entrance to the Kingsessing Recreation Center in SW Phila

The next and final budget cut related Town Hall meeting is Thursday, Dec 18th at Martin Luther King High School located at 6100 Stenton Ave. (see map) The meeting begins at 7:00pm and lasts between 2 and 3 hours. The meetings are open to everyone.

Related links:

Mayor’s summary of budget cuts

Save the Kingsessing Library website

Results from city’s work sheet asking residents to prioritize budget cuts

Photo Gallery from Town Hall #7

Paper sign hanging inside the Kingsessing Rec Center

Mayor Nutter listening at the podium in Kingsessing

Hat resting on the table during the Town Hall meeting

Residents packed the Rec Center room even though outside sleet and cold rain fell

Philadelphia City Councilman Frank Rizzo in yellow has attended all of the Town Hall meetings