Intergovernmental collaboration between the Parker Administration and City Council create new permitting system and regulations for mobile services in Kensington
PHILADELPHIA — Mayor Cherelle L. Parker today signed Bill No. 240665AA, which creates regulations for the distribution of medical and non-medical services operated out of trucks and other vehicles in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. The bill designates areas where providers may operate in Philadelphia’s 7th Council District and calls for a permitting system for those providing certain medical services.
“Today is another step forward as we seek to restore Kensington for the residents who live and work in this proud neighborhood,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “The Parker administration worked with Councilmember Quetcy Lozada and listened to the people of Kensington, and this legislation reaches an appropriate balance between longtime residents and the medical service providers who seek to provide care for individuals with substance use disorder.”
City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District) drafted the bill in response to residents of Kensington and the surrounding area who, for years, have voiced concerns over the presence of mobile service providers including littering, nuisance behavior, and safety concerns.
“This legislation is in response to what residents have desperately wanted for a long time,” said City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District). “For years, Kensington residents have felt abandoned by their own city. But, today, I can assure them they are not alone and that, while we have an incredibly long way to go, change is coming.”
The bill calls for a permitting system for mobile services providers. The permit will require providers to adhere to standards that are required by Pennsylvania state laws. It will also require all services to be administered under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Certain mobile services will not be impacted, such as:
- EMTs,
- Veterinarians,
- Pediatric services,
- Vision services,
- Dental services,
- Mammogram services.
It also mandates all medical mobile services to be conducted in a lot at 265 E Lehigh Avenue, located in front of the City’s Police Assisted Diversion Office. The bill also permits services to be conducted between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m on E. Allegheny Avenue between Kensington Avenue and F Street. This is part of a broad effort to increase access to services during vulnerable hours. The permitting process will take effect in 60 days.
“This is yet another step we are taking as a City, a partnership between the Administration of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and City Council, to deliver results by wholistically improving the entire wellness ecosystem in this neighborhood,” said Adam Geer, Chief Public Safety Director, Office of Public Safety. “With this legislation designating space for providers to operate at sites including the Kensington Wellness Support Center lot, we are creating a natural synergy to co-locate important resources and meet people where they are in a safe environment.”
The bill was signed at the Kensington Library with residents from the Kensington community who have raised concerns over the practices of providers that impact their well-being and quality of life.
“I am genuinely thankful for the opportunity for our community to engage in this process. We have often been overlooked in important conversations. The voices of our communities have frequently been silenced, and their desires for safer, more vibrant neighborhoods have often been ignored,” said Sonja Bingham, President Friends of Harrowgate Park & Harrowgate Civic Member. “It is time to recognize their needs and aspirations, and I am proud to take part in this opportunity for dialogue and change.”