Watch CBS News

Philadelphia City Council Nears Accord On New District Boundaries

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A behind-closed-doors battle over boundaries for Philadelphia City Council districts appears to have been settled.

The issue is "redistricting" -- the mandate that every ten years City Council redraw its boundaries to reflect population shifts.

A committee of five councilmembers has now reached a compromise after weeks of private wrangling.

View The Compromise Map (.pdf format, provided by Office of Council Pres.)

One committee member, Brian O'Neill (R-10th Dist.), says he can live with it.

"(There was) a lot of give and take, and I'm taking a lot and not getting much.  But that's part of reality," he told KYW Newsradio today.

Seventh District councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez wanted to preserve a primarily Latino District, and believes this compromise accomplishes that.

"I think this will allow for a natural growth, and the district will evolve into a higher Latino district," she said today.

Councilmembers Frank DiCicco and Jim Kenney introduced their own alternative map.

View The Alternative Map (.pdf format, provided by Office of Council Pres.)

Both versions will be debated by the full Council next week.

Final passage is needed by September 22nd, otherwise the city charter dictates that the paychecks of councilmembers be withheld until a new map is approved.

Reported by KYW City Hall bureau chief Mike Dunn

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.