Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to revise the composition of the Zoning Board of Adjustment by increasing the number of mayoral appointees from five to seven; by requiring Council confirmation of the mayor’s appointments; and by specifying qualifications that appointees must possess, including a demonstrated sensitivity to community concerns regarding development and the protection of the character of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods?

The City’s Zoning Board of Adjustment hears cases about zoning permit decisions. Approving this reform would increase the size of the board from five to seven members and require that the board would include: an urban planner; an architect; a lawyer with zoning experience; a person with experience in the construction industry; and at least two leaders from community organizations. All Board members would also need to have shown sensitivity to community concerns regarding development. Board members are currently appointed by the Mayor; this reform would also require that board members be approved by City Council.

The Second Ward recommends voting YES on this ballot question.

Should The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to remove all gender- based references?

The current City Charter generally refers to individuals as men. For example, it uses the words ‘he’ and ‘him’ to identify the Mayor and other high-level City officials. The Charter also includes a few references to City officers and employees using ‘his or her’. This change would require that the City’s Charter use language that does not refer to specific genders. Instead, the Charter would identify individuals using titles and descriptions that could apply to anyone. For example, instead of referring to the Mayor using ‘he’ or ‘his office’, the Charter would specifically identify ‘the Mayor’ or ‘the Mayor’s office’.

The Second Ward recommends voting YES on this ballot question.