AuthorPPA Staff

PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Kenney today announced that City departments and agencies will offer flexibility in bill payments to federal workers affected by the partial shutdown of the U.S. government.

“Tens of thousands of federal employees live and work in Philadelphia, and we know some are already struggling,” said Mayor Kenney. “Martin Luther King Jr. understood that the civil rights movement and the drive for workers’ rights are forever intertwined. On this day honoring his legacy, I pledge that the City will do its best to ensure that these workers don’t have to worry about matters like paying their water or gas bills while they are going without a paycheck.”

Effective immediately, furloughed federal workers and those employees working without pay should contact the Department of Revenue, the Water Revenue Bureau, and Philadelphia Gas Works if they need additional flexibility in paying their bills — either to pay current bills or to fulfill existing payment agreements.

“If you reach out to us, we can delay enforcement actions, including water shut off and foreclosure,” said Revenue Commissioner Frank Breslin.  “We can also waive interest, penalties, and any other charges that accrue once we receive payment when the shutdown ends. These workers need every break as the shutdown drags on, and we’re committed to doing what we can.”

Federal workers struggling to make ends meet can also take advantage of PGW’s assistance programs: ‘Payment Arrangements’ can ease the pressure on customers who fall behind, or are worried they might; ‘Budget Billing’ avoids surges in bills during winter heating season; and CARES provides payment assistance to residential customers with special circumstances, such as medical emergencies, unemployment or other temporary hardships.

“Options like these can make all the difference,” said PGW President and CEO Craig White. “Our goal is always to work with customers and give them as much support as we can, in order to keep their vital natural gas service on. Whether the need is temporary or ongoing, our experienced team is used to working with customers who are in tough financial situations.”

Affected workers who need help should call or email the addresses and numbers below, and identify yourself as federal worker. You may need to provide proof of federal employment, such as a W2, federal employee ID, or other documentation.

• For Water & Sewer Bills: [email protected] or (215) 685-6300
• For Gas Bills: @MyPGW on twitter, 215-235-1000 or find your nearest PGW customer center at pgworks.com/residential/contact-us/our-locations
• For Real Estate Tax: [email protected] or (215) 686-6442
• For all other City Taxes: [email protected] or (215) 686-6400

Federal workers who are furloughed or working without pay will also be eligible for consideration when paying tickets to the City.  The Bureau of Administrative Adjudication (parking tickets) and the Office of Administrative Review (code violation notices) urge federal workers who face difficulty paying tickets or fines to schedule a hearing as specified on the ticket.  Hearing officers have the discretion to offer relief to hardships by extending payment deadlines.  Staff of both offices have been urged to exercise particular consideration for federal employees.

PPA Executive Director Scott Petri joined local Old City civic leaders today at the groundbreaking for a new 210 space neighborhood parking lot located under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge at the corner of 2nd & Florist Streets.

“The construction of this new 210 space parking lot will enhance the quality of life for local residents by providing convenient parking for local residents. The PPA is committed to providing the best customer service possible and working with local neighborhood groups to improve parking options for local residents,” Petri said.

“One of the guiding principles at the PPA is to provide safe, convenient, and cost effective parking options. As we move forward with this particular project, we are also exploring renovation and upgrade projects at other local neighborhood parking lots throughout the city,” Petri said.

Petri expressed special thanks to the Delaware River Port Authority, Franklin Bridge North Neighbors Inc., Councilman Mark Squilla and the Old City District.

Commenting on the anticipated new parking lot for local residents, Old City District CEO Job Itzkowitz said, “In its Vision2026 plan, Old City District advocated for increased multimodal opportunities for Old City, including additional bike lanes and pedestrian improvements, as well as parking and lighting under the bridge—something Old City residents and business owners have sought for decades.”

He continued, “Improvements to the space will generate several ancillary benefits, including making the area under the bridge feel safer at night via lighting and additional eyes and ears on the street, as well as better connecting the neighborhood north and south of the bridge.  We are grateful that DRPA and PPA were able to make this space work for the community.”

The 210 space lot will be available to local residents on a monthly rental basis. The lot should be fully operational by the spring of 2019.