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Amending Section 14-2007 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Historic Buildings, Structures, Sites, Objects and Districts," by providing for designation of City Treasures, prohibiting removal of City Treasures without first obtaining a Removal Permit, and providing for opportunities for fair compensation to prevent removals that would constitute a material loss to the historic, cultural or artistic fabric of the City, all under certain terms and conditions.
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THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Legislative Findings.
(1) The City of Philadelphia is fortunate to have a veritable treasure chest of historic, cultural and artistic structures and objects that, collectively and individually, contribute to the unique heritage of this great City. It is imperative that City government do everything within its power to maintain and promote that heritage.
(2) The Historical Commission currently has substantial power to designate structures and objects as historic and therefore inappropriate for alteration, demolition or removal from their sites.
(3) Certain historically, culturally or artistically significant structures or objects, however, may properly be removed from their current locations so long as they are maintained for public viewing or benefit within the boundaries of the City. The Commission currently has limited ability to enforce such requirements.
(4) The Commission also has limited ability to promote the procurement of public or private matching funds to remove any financial incentive the owner of such significant treasures might currently have to remove them from the City.
(5) The Commission should, no later than 180 days after this Ordinance become law, conduct and complete a survey of all historically, culturally or artistically significant structures or objects that meet the criteria set forth in this Ordinance, and consider same for designation hereunder.
SECTION 2. Section 14-2007 ...
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