Council advances plaza lease plan

A City Council committee on Wednesday approved a bill that would lease Dilworth Plaza for 30 years to the Center City District, which is overseeing a plan to redesign the area.

In response to questions from Councilman Darrell L. Clarke, the Public Works Committee amended the original bill to add language ensuring that the city would retain control over events on the plaza.

John Gallery, executive director of the Preservation Alliance, testified that he thought Council was rushing the bill. Councilman Frank DiCicco, however, said the rush was necessary because supporters believed funding could be at risk if plans did not move forward before Gov. Rendell left office next month. - Miriam Hill