Title
Authorizing the establishment of the “Special Investigative Committee on Construction Practices in the City of Philadelphia” to investigate the partial collapse of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia garage on April 8, 2026, and other construction projects in the City. In furtherance of such investigation, the Special Investigative Committee is authorized to hold public hearings and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents to the fullest extent authorized under Section 2-401 of the Charter, and to develop recommendations for construction practices to protect the City’s workers and neighborhoods.
Body
WHEREAS, On April 8, 2026, a parking garage under construction on the 3000 block of Grays Ferry Avenue in the City partially collapsed, tragically killing three members of Ironworkers Union Local 401 and injuring two others; and
WHEREAS, According to the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction work poses a number of risks and is considered a high-hazard industry;
WHEREAS, Construction projects can create dangerous conditions, quality of life issues, and environmental concerns for neighboring communities, and in the event of a construction accident, potential trauma and loss; and
WHEREAS, It is crucial for the safety of the residents of Philadelphia for Council to investigate and evaluate the construction practices currently employed throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, Section 2-400 of the Home Rule Charter authorizes the entire body of Council or any of its committees to make inquiries and conduct investigations in aid of its legislative powers and functions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council hereby authorizes the establishment of the “Special Investigative Committee on Construction Practices in the City of Philadelphia,” consisting of Councilmembers, experts in the field, community members, and others appointed by the Council President, to investigate the partial collapse of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia garage on April 8, 2026, and other construction projects in the City.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That Council hereby authorizes the Special Investigative Committee on Construction Practices in the City of Philadelphia to hold public hearings and to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents to the fullest extent authorized under Section 2-401 of the Charter.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Special Investigative Committee shall submit a full report to the Council and the Mayor and make its findings and recommendations available to the public.
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