Mixed Reactions From Residents On Callowhill Neigborhood Improvement Tax
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A growing Center City community remains divided after a City Council committee vote approving a possible surcharge to residents in that neighborhood to clean up the streets.
The neighborhood in question is centered around Callowhill Street, east of Broad. At issue was a plan to create what's called a Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) with residents in that area footing the bill -- through a property tax surcharge -- for increased cleaning and beautifying.
Among those speaking in support was resident Janet Kroll.
"I am excited at the prospect of our neighborhood becoming cleaner so that I can take my daughter for walks without having to dodge garbage and illegally dumped refuse."
Cecilia Yep of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation opposes the plan.
"If the Callowhill NID wants to clean up the viaduct, they can roll up their sleeves and go to work. This is unfair, unjust legislation, and it's definitely taxation without representation."
The committee approved the measure and sent it to the full council. Property owners in the area will later vote as well.
Reported by Mike Dunn, KYW Newsradio 1060
