COMMUNITY  PAC

PAC Issues & Accomplishments

Society Hill Towers Council has taken our issues and concerns to a unique level. Begun in 2000, our Society Hill Towers Community Political Action Committee ensures that our issues are heard by those who govern us. A Political Action Committee (PAC) is an entity authorized by State law to collect voluntary contributions to support candidates for state and local office.  We founded our PAC to increase the Towers’ presence with local officials, particularly after the Hyatt hotel was built on Penns Landing.   We enjoy the quality of life here at the Towers, and we know this is an asset to be protected.

The PAC works for you -  we raise funds and awareness to support candidates who address our agenda in City Hall and in Harrisburg.  We believe that the Society Hill Towers Community PAC is the only condominium PAC in the U.S.

THE PAC HAS BEEN WORKING FOR YOU…

Trash Removal Costs – Although we pay for trash removal as part of our taxes, we also must pay for private trash removal, as the city does not remove our trash.  We have been trailblazers for equitable rights for trash removal for condominium owners in Philadelphia.  Council members and PAC members dedicated many hours in support of the successful trash bill and later court order requiring Mayor Street’s administration to address condominium trash removal.  We continue to work this issue with the Nutter administration, to save Towers’ unit owners 1 – 2% of our condo fees. 

Survey – In June 2008, the PAC surveyed the Towers community on topics of concern, and we are sharing those results with our elected officials.

Waterfront Planning – Society Hill Towers Council members as well as PAC members have been active participants in the Penn Praxis plan for the Delaware River waterfront.

Grants – The Towers provide a path for pedestrians between South Philadelphia and Old City, and between the waterfront and Society Hill.  The PAC has been instrumental in securing state grants for peripheral lighting on our property, comfortable and handicapped-appropriate seating, enjoyed by us and our neighbors.  We continue to seek grants for such appropriate uses. 

Traffic (click here)- The PAC is working with City Council to improve the traffic patterns around the Towers.

Candidate Forums – Each election season, the PAC sponsors candidate forums so that you can hear from the candidates and have your questions addressed.  The Society Hill Towers community has one of the highest voter turn-out rates in Philadelphia.

Zoning - We worked cooperatively with area civic groups, to defeat Bill #629 which would have denied civic groups the right to appeal some Zoning Board rulings.