Mayor Nutter Plans On Vetoing 'Wall Wrap' Measure
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Mayor Nutter plans to close out the year by wielding his veto pen, nixing a plan for a large 'wall wrap' advertisement on a Center City building.
Mayor Nutter says he will veto a measure passed by Council two weeks ago that would allow a large ad to wrap around a building near 6th and Callowhill (see story). Nutter calls it spot zoning and says it could jeopardize federal mass transit funding, because of its proximity to the Ben Franklin Bridge.
"I am going to veto the bill and I'm asking as many City Council members as possible, just in terms of the opinion of what is at risk, to support that veto. We need a more comprehensive policy around issues related to 'wall wraps' and that kind of advertising," Nutter said.
The wall wrap bill did pass by 12 votes, enough to override the veto, but it is unclear if the sponsor, Councilman Frank DiCicco, will call for an override at Council's last session on Thursday.
DiCicco could not be reached for comment. Nutter will also exercise a 'pocket veto' on Jim Kenney's bill that would have given condo owners a $200-a-year tax credit if their building does not use Streets Department trash collection. Nutter calls that 'inappropriate.' His aides estimate it would cost the city $6 million a year.
