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WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
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THINKING INSIDE THE PAPAL BOX
There was no white smoke seen above Billy Penn's hat, but Mayor Nutter's press conference on Papal visit arrangements was official anyway. Some issues remain sketchy but here are some important points:
WHEN: The World Meeting of Families opens Tuesday, September 22. Pope Francis will arrive Saturday, September 26 and his public events extend through Sunday, September 27. Crowds should peak at the time of the Sunday Mass on Ben Franklin Parkway commencing at 4PM.
WHERE: They always say "You can't get to heaven in a limousine" so it is perhaps appropriate that a "traffic box" will be created for Francis' visit in which auto travel will be restricted where not prohibited. We know that the Box, which includes our entire neighborhood and then some, will be erected on Friday, September 25, although the exact time of day depends on crowd size - current estimates are that the Box will commence at 6 PM. A map depicts the exact boundaries of the Box but the pertinent perimeters for our community are 38th Street on the west, Delaware Avenue on the east with Girard Avenue and South Street forming the northern and southern boundaries. The Mayor's press release provides that Septa bus and trolley service will not operate in the Box. No word yet on in the Box taxi travel. The press release waffles on whether private auto travel will be permitted within the Box. The release declares that "private vehicles will not be an option in the Box" but also states that vehicles may exit the Box but not return and that certain, as yet unspecified, roadways will be restricted to unofficial traffic - two points which suggest that vehicle travel within the Box may be permitted. The release also failed to detail when the Box would "open."
In addition to vehicle usage restrictions, some important roadways will be closed. While I - 95 will not be shut down, other major thoroughfares will close at 10 pm on Friday September 25th including:
- The Schuylkill Expressway ( I - 76) eastbound from I - 476 (the Blue Route) to I - 95 and westbound from I - 95 to US 1 (City Line)
- I - 676 (the Vine Street Extension) will be closed in both directions
- The Ben Franklin bridge will be closed
To keep up to date on the latest restrictions, click here.
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A Lawyer's Primer for Renting During the Pope's Visit and the World Meeting of Families
CCRA Member, attorney Peter Klenk, offers the following pointers:
1)
Are you an owner of a renter?
If you are a renter you may be out of luck. Almost all residential leases specify that the renter cannot sublet without the written consent of the landlord. Per the standard lease, if a tenant sublets without the landlord's written agreement, the tenant becomes subject to lease remedies which can include turning over any rents received and immediate termination of the lease.
2) Do you need a license or use permit from the City to rent your property for Pope weekend?
Licenses: Bill 150441-A passed by City Council on June 15 provides that operators of "limited lodging facilities" need not obtain a rental license provided the primary resident is the owner of the dwelling unit. Limited lodging involves using the premises for temporary rental occupancy and the provision of lodging during the Pope's visit and the preceding World Meeting of Families qualifies as temporary rental occupancy.
Use Permits: No use permit is required for rentals during the relatively short period involving the Pope's visit and the World Meeting of Families. Such a rental would qualify as "Short Term Limited Lodging" - visitor accommodations not more than 30 consecutive days for any particular person nor in excess of 180 days in any given year. Philadelphia Code 14-604 (13) (b) (i).
3) Will You Have to Pay Taxes?
Of course. You will owe Pennsylvania Income Tax on any rent received, at 3.07%. In addition, if you decide to rent at times other than the Pope's visit or during the World Meeting of Families event, the income would be reported on your Federal return if the property was rented more than 15 days in any calendar year. Finally, there are two Philadelphia accommodation taxes, the 8.5% Hotel tax and a 1% Hotel and Marketing Tax. Under the ordinance, "booking agents" like Airbnb or VRBO who facilitate reservations or collect rentals are designated to collect these levies.
4) Do You Need a Rental Agreement?
You would be foolish not to have your visitors sign a rental agreement. Renting out your home is much different than selling your tickets for a ball game. Outlining your rights in an agreement similar to one you would sign for renting a beach house protects you if a problem were to arise. Without an agreement, can you keep the security deposit to do any necessary repairs? What about if your renters decide they do not want to leave your apartment, how do you kick them out? Best to outline your terms ahead of time than fight about them later.
5) Call Your Homeowner Insurance Carrier
This may be the most important step you take. Ensure that any issues that may come up in a short-term rental are covered by your policy. If not, you could be left unprotected if your renters damage your home, a theft occurs during their occupancy or if they are injured on your property. Without policy coverage, you will be paying the cost of legal representation, settlements or damages.
These represent a few of the main considerations when deciding whether to rent your property out during the Pope's visit or the World Meeting of Families event.
Peter L. Klenk, Esquire
Peter Klenk is the principal of a Philadelphia estate planning law firm concentrating its practice in probate and estate related litigation. Klenk Law specializes in trusts, wills, estate planning, probate, will challenges and will contests, with offices in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Allentown, New York and New Jersey.
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HOMES NEEDED FOR CCRA'S 57TH ANNUAL FALL HOUSE TOUR, SUN, 10/18
Our 57th Annual House Tour will be held on Sunday, Oct. 18 This is an important fundraiser for the Association. As hundreds of your neighbors have done before, would you be willing to place your home, apartment, or condo on the Tour this year? We provide insurance and multiple on-site hosts/hostesses. You receive our deepest thanks, as well as recognition in our Tour Book and the Center City Quarterly. Please contact the CCRA office for further information at 215-546-6719 or centercity@centercityresidents.org.
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CCRA MERCHANT MEMBERS DISCOUNT PROGRAM
S upport our local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a discount (described here) to any member who shows a current CCRA membership card (Di Bruno Bros. has its own CCRA card) and personal identification.
Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St. and the Market at the Comcast Center (215-665-9220)
Uber - Limo service Uber provides $20 off a first ride, Good for new users only. Members use code CCRA14.
Philly Foodworks - Use the code "CCRA" when signing up for home delivery and receive a $20 discount on delivery charges.
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND EVENTS
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The PHILA ENERGY SOLUTIONS Refining Complex community alert sirens will be tested on Saturday, 8/8, at noon
The sirens are tested on the first Saturday of each month at noon for 30 seconds. In the event of a real emergency, the siren sounds continuously for three minutes. Residents are advised to follow Shelter-in-Place a dvisories whenever the sirens sound.
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THE PHILADELPHIA YOUNG PIANISTS' ACAD., SUN 8/9 TO SUN 8/16, 4PM, CURTIS INST., 1726 LOCUST ST
Ching-Yun Hu Solo Recital
Scriabin Sonata No. 2 in g-sharp minor, Op. 19, "Sonata - Fantasie"
Schubert: Drei Klavierstucke, D 946
~ Intermission ~
Chopin Rondo in E-Flat Major, Op. 16
Chopin Nocturne in E-Flat Major, Op. 55, No. 2
Chopin Barcarolle in F-Sharp major, Op. 60
Chopin Scherzo No. 4 in E Major, Op. 54
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SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT PHILA CITY INST LIBRARY, MONDAYS IN AUG, 6:30 - 7:30 PM, 1905 LOCUST ST.
Visit the PCI Library this August to cool off and enjoy an exciting series of diverse musical programs in the library's lower level and are free. Everyone is invited. Please note there is no elevator in the building. For more information, please stop by the Reference Desk, or call 215-685-6621.
Monday, August 10: The Daniel Bennett Group
Monday, August 17: Birdie Busch
Monday, August 24: Kenn Kweder
Monday, August 31: Hidden Treasure Jazz Group
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ART EXHIBIT: PHYLLIS ANDERSON "PARALLEL PATHS," FRI, 8/14 THRU SUN 9/6, TWO GALLERY, 236 S 22ND ST.
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| "Peonies in an Urn" acrylic on canvas, 24" x 30", 2015, by Phyllis Anderson |
Opening Reception, Fri., 8/14, 6-9 PM
Recent paintings by local artist Phyllis Anderson.
"I approach painting as an exploration of process which takes on meaning and personal metaphor. With many layers, each painting has a history, no matter the subject. Whether an abstract study, a commissioned portrait or a still life, my pieces are on parallel paths where I find poetry in the physical properties of paint." - Phyllis Anderson
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Dan Rottenberg, PHILA CITY INST Library, WED, 8/19, 6:30 P.M., 1905 LOCUST ST
The Friends of PCI Branch Library are sponsoring a free program with Dan Rottenberg, discussing his new book The Outsider, Albert M. Greenfield and the Fall of the Protestant Establishment . Open to all. Please note there is no elevator to the lower level where the program will be held in the meeting room.
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PHS POP UPS GARDEN PROGRAM AND SPECIAL EVENT, SUN, 8/22, 1:15PM, 15TH & SOUTH STS
The 2015 Philadelphia Horticultural Society Pop Up Garden is hosting a summer full of activities, garden programs, beer celebrations, and other special events. Gardeners will enjoy workshops on houseplant care, rain barrels, flower arranging, tree planting, and container gardens, as well as yoga sessions, a day for the dogs, and evenings devoted to Belgian drafts and local brews.
Yoga in the Garden
Theresa Conway, of Yoga on the Ridge, will lead hour-long sessions in the garden. All levels are welcome. Class fee is $10, and advance registration is suggested at www.yogaontheridge.com. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.
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DOG DAYS AT DILWORTH PARK, TUES, 8/25 - THURS., 8/27, 1500 MARKET ST
In honor of National Dog Day on August 26, Dilworth Park on the west side of City Hall is celebrating the Dog Days!
Stop by to check out a pet product retailer, ask a question from a professional trainer or learn how to adopt your own furry friend. Meet Barkley, the mascot from Central Bark Doggy Day Care in Philadelphia and ask their experts about your dog's peculiarities.Plus bring your dog by for free nail trims from the team at Central Bark.
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Volunteer To Sort And Inventory Books For The Philadelphia School District, 440 N. BROAD ST.
WePAC (West Philadelphia Alliance for Children) needs an incredible amount of help from the community to get this job done. Volunteer opportunities are available for a week, a day or a few hours.
- You will work at district headquarters at 440 N. Broad Street
- The work space is dusty so be prepared to get a little dirty. You will be on your feet so wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Dust masks are available.
- Some assignments require heavy lifting. Many only require standing, so read the description for each volunteer shift.
Click here to see current opportunities for this work and keep checking back to see new opportunities as they become available.
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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 7, 2015 
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