Clarke’s Charter Proposal Draws Ire Of Strong Mayor Advocates

February 17, 2015 | by Steve Currall | Morning Blend | Bella Vista, Burholme, City Charter, Darrell Clarke, Mural Arts Program, Philadelphia Flower Show

“Council President Darrell L. Clarke’s controversial plan to create a new city Department of Planning and Development is likely to get even more controversial.” | Photo: David Maialetti, for The Inquirer

City Council President Darrell Clarke has significantly altered his controversial bill—up for the Committee on Law and Government’s consideration tomorrow—to create a cabinet-level Department of Planning and Development, reports The Inquirer. Scrapping plans to transfer to it several duties of the beleaguered Department of Licenses and Inspections, Clarke has now taken to ruffling a different set of municipal feathers altogether, as it would further erode mayoral prerogative by granting him and his colleagues veto-power over that proposed department’s appointed head. Such a change would constitute a fundamental break from the underlying philosophy behind the 1951 City Charter, conceived to address widespread concerns of machine-politicians’ hold on City Hall. In a letter to fellow council members this weekend, Clarke framed his proposal as a means of ensuring “a 21st-century organization structure that would greatly enhance our city’s ability to plan and support development.”

The Mural Arts Program is looking for a Bella Vista façade on which to feature artist James Burns’s next mural. The 40’ wide by 55’ tall design “is based on the Enso circle, a form of active meditation that involves clarity of mind and movement of the hand,” says the Bella Vista Neighbors Association. “Overall, the Wellness mural and its circular design represent the communal and cyclical process of seeking wholeness and wellness in our own lives and within our communities.”

CBS Philly speaks with the pastor Charles App Jr. of the Burholme Baptist Church at 905 Cottman Avenue, whose 115-year old steeple neatly parked in a side alley on Sunday after it was toppled by gale force winds. App doubts his congregation will have the funds to re-erect the 70-foot structure, though concedes that he wants “people to be reached, not monuments to be made.”

NewsWorks explores the confluence of art and science that is the “forcing” of plants to artificially bloom on schedule for The Philadelphia Flower Show. This year’s exhibition, celebrating the world of cinema, will run from February 28 through March 8 at the Convention Center.

About the author

Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.

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