The 4th | The Official Newsletter for Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr.

In 2020, Councilmember Jones introduced legislation to bring together Philadelphia’s criminal justice partners to examine and make recommendations on addressing gun violence in the City. As a result of this legislation, a committee was formed to review data concerning over 2,000 recent shootings to examine trends. In January of 2022, the Committee released a report including its findings and recommendations, which focused on improving arrest and conviction rates, establishing dedicated courtrooms for illegal gun possession cases, and increasing witness and victim appearance rates.

IN THE NEWS...

Moving Philadelphia forward through effective legislation.

Throughout my time in City Council, I have been dedicated to serving the citizens of Philadelphia and my constituents in the 4th District. I currently serve as the Chair of Public Safety committee and Co-Chair of the Special Committee on Criminal Justice Reform. It is my belief that we do not need to sacrifice public safety to reform the criminal justice system. It is not criminal justice OR public safety; it is criminal justice AND public safety. Therefore, I was instrumental in forming the Citizens Police Oversight Commission, to establish a new independent oversight to the Philadelphia Police Department. I also introduced legislation to “Ban the Box,” which prohibits employers from looking at the criminal history of the applicant and employees outside the past seven years. I have also spearheaded the 100 Shooting Review Committee to bring together numerous agen cies from across the city to better understand the root causes of gun violence and to make recommendations on how we can move forward to a better and safer future. More on these initiatives are below:

CITIZENS POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION

On November 3, 2020, over 500,000 Philadelphia voters approved a ballot measure introduced by Councilmember Jones to create a new, independent police oversight agency for the city: the Citizens Police Oversight Commission, In February 2021, Councilmember Jones introduced legislation establishing the powers of the new Commission, including the ability to investigate officer conduct, make recommendations to police department leadership that they must respond to and the power to subpoena documents and compel witness testimony to aide in its new investigatory abilities. The nine Commis sioners of the new Commission were confirmed by City Council on April 28, 2022.

PHILADELPHIA GUN VIOLENCE PROTECTION PLAN

In 2018, Councilmember Jones introduced the Philadelphia Gun Violence Protection Plan, which created a "red flag law" in the City of Philadelphia. These laws allow an indi vidual to petition the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas to have a firearm temporarily removed from someone who poses a danger to themselves or others.

BAN THE BOX 2.0

Councilmember Jones is dedicated too assisting returning citizens as they reenter the workforce. In 2015, he introduced the Fair Criminal Screenings Standards "Ban the Box Legislation." This legislation prohibits employers from asking prospective employees about their criminal background during job interviews. In 2020, Councilmember Jones amended and enhanced the law to protect current employees from having their back ground searched. In addition, it also protects independent contractors seeking employ ment and allows job seekers that have been effected to file for damages. Councilmem ber Jones will always work to protect returning citizens.

The North Pole exists in the 4th District. Cradles to Crayons is a non-profit organization that provides resourc es such as school supplies and clothing to homeless and low-income children. Senator Vincent Hughes, State Representatives Morgan Cephas and Amen Brown and I toured the Cradle to Crayons facility, where we received a first-hand look at their operations. Please consider donating or volunteering this holiday season.

Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia she could enjoy it.

ON THE MOVE.

ON THE MOVE FOR CHILDREN KELLY PARK RENOVATION

This year, we celebrated the grand opening of a new playground at Kelly Park in Roxborough. Thank you to Friends of Kelly Park and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation for helping me make this happen!

ON THE MOVE FOR THE COMMUNITY NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

National Night Out is a time when community members gather with law enforcement officers in their neighborhoods as a way to promote police-community partnerships and crime prevention. Thanks to the Philadelphia Police Department for its efforts to keep the city safe, and thanks to the many volunteers who

ON THE MOVE FOR THE COMMUNITY GORGAS PARK SUMMER JAZZ

This year, the summer jazz series returned to Gorgas Park in Roxborough. The August concert featured Najwa Parkins Group, a four-piece jazz ensemble. Despite the heat, a brief rain shower did not deter audience members from enjoying an evening of cool jazz.

SHEPARD RECREATION CENTER WHERE OUR CHILDREN PLAY

On August 16th senseless gun violence occurred just inches away from Shepard Recreation Center where hun dreds of youths played and practiced football. Days later, residents and community activists put together a community fair, where bookbags, health screenings and free food was provided. As we face community challenges, such as gun violence and school closures, it’s not what you do at the press conference, it’s what we do together afterward.

EYE ON THE DISTRICT

ARTESANO CAFE

Artesano Cafe is a shining example of the warmth and hospitality that makes Philadelphia so unique. A place where you can bring your whole family and enjoy a meal together, or enjoy some quiet time away from the action in your own special atmosphere.

MURAL DEDICATION

Thank you to the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation, the Nancy Lieberman Charities, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation for today's mural dedication and Dream Court Ribbon Cutting in honor of Kobe and Gianna Bryant.

BLOCK CAPTAIN BOOT CAMP

This year’s Block Captain Boot Camp was the first in-person since the Pandemic was held at the Overbrook School for the Blind, where more than 200 4th District Block Captain and 35 resource providers were in attendance.

OUR COMMUNITY

54TH STREET FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

MASTERY MANN BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENT

Our office attended Mann Mastery Charter School’s back-to-school event that had everything from music to moon bounces.

WYNNEFIELD REBELS

Members of the Wynnefield Rebels, a youth football team and their coaches visited City Hall. The team received a tour of City Hall and learned about the legis lative process.

fun community outing that engaged people of all ages and backgrounds.

This year we hosted in collaboration with the 54th Street Business Association, Wynnefield Overbrook Revi talization Corporation and State Representative Morgan Cephas, the 54th Street Food Truck festival where hundreds of people came out for the live music, food, and great energy.

STREET RENAMING

This year, team Jones honored iconic figures of the 4th District by the renaming of public streets, which will last forever.

David Fattah & Mother Falaka Fattah

The ceremonial street renaming of the 1400 block of Frazier and the 5700 block of Master Street in honor of the life and legacy of Queen Mother Falaka Fattah and David Fattah was attended by neighbors, community leaders and friends. These blocks will forever be known as “David Fattah Way and Queen Mother Falaka Fattah Way” in honor of the community and dedication to the community.

Reverend Absalom Jones- Lancaster Ave

An abolitionist, clergyman, and the founder of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, the first African American Episcopal Church in the United States.- Reverend Absa lom Jones Way

he's more than a DJ, not just a communicator, but an inspirational activist!! Our Bahiyyah Clark-

clear issues with tangled titles that impact over 10,000 Philadelphia residential properties.

Utilizing funding from City Council's Neighborhood Preservation Initiative, this investment will enable four Phil adelphia legal assistance agencies — Community Legal Services, Philadelphia Legal Assistance, Philly VIP, and the Senior Law Center — to greatly expand their service capacity, increasing the number of residents they are able to provide with legal assistance during the time-consuming process of clearing a tangled title.

1000 Affordable Homes to Own in Philadelphia- This is an ambitious plan unveiled by City Council President Clarke- with eight Councilmembers and city officials– on an April afternoon in West Philadelphia. The Neigh borhood Preservation Initiative, Council’s $400 million plan to build affordable housing and preserve communities citywide, is funding “Turn the Key- the Philadelphia Affordable Homeownership Program.”

All the homes will feature 3 bedrooms and 1 ½ baths. They’ll be built on city-owned lots, keeping costs down. Qualifying homebuyers will receive help via a second mortgage secured in part by NPI funds. The demand for affordable homes is large and growing in Philadelphia, and City Council and the City is addressing it through Turn the Key.

HOW TO SAVE ON YOUR PROPERTY TAXES

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

SENIOR FREEZE

(Longtime

LOOP

Apply by December 1, 2022 Apply by September 30, 2023 Apply by September 30, 2023

SAVE UP TO $1,119 A YEAR ON YOUR PROPERTY TAXES.

Received your 2023 home assessment? City Council voted to increase the exemption to $80,000. Enroll in the Homestead Exemp tion Program today!

HAVE YOUR PROPERTY TAXES “FROZEN” AT THE 2022 LEVEL.

To apply, you must be over 65 and meet the income requirements ($33,500 for individuals, or $41,500 for married couples), as long you live in your home.

STOP FUTURE INCREASES.

Did your assessment increase by 50% or more in 2023, or 75% over the last 5 years? Lived in your home at least 10 years and meet income guidelines? Your property tax increases may be capped. City Council budgeted $35 million to fund LOOP.

COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR.

Room 404 City Hall Philadelphia,PA 19107 215.686.3416 215.686.1934

COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. Room 404 City Hall Philadelphia,PA 19107 215.686.3416 215.686.1934