Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada, representing District 7, has requested the Philadelphia City Council to conduct a performance audit of all allocations and funds distributed by the city to the Kensington area, in light of efforts to address the opioid crisis in the neighborhood.
Resolution 240397 was unanimously approved by the council after Lozada argued that throwing money into the community without strategic planning and oversight is government irresponsibility. “The previous administration invested nearly $70 million in Kensington in fiscal year 2023, and the neighborhood is in poor condition.”
“When the city donates $70 million to a neighborhood, one would expect to see a noticeable change. Crime and overdose rates continued to rise, while neighborhood health, overall cleanliness, and quality of life declined.”
Lozada, who has emphasized that the residents of Kensington deserve better, highlighted that it is her responsibility as a leader to ensure that the city’s limited resources are used effectively and drive programs and policies that have a positive impact.
“We need to work together to reduce the influence of the drug market in our communities and save vulnerable people suffering on our streets. Residents can engage in this process. You can report by calling the police, request a Homeless Outreach team to visit camps, or offer life-saving and life-changing services to individuals by calling 215-232-1984.”
Lozada and her colleagues from the Special Kensington Committee, including Mark Squilla from District 1; Curtis Jones from District 4; Mike Driscoll from District 6; Jim Harrity, At-Large; and Nina Ahmad, At-Large; have requested an audit of previous funding to the sector, which will allow them to see how allocations were spent, which policies were effective, and determine areas that need improvement to provide the relief the neighborhood desperately needs.
“The report from the Controller’s Office will give the leaders of our new administration the information they need to ensure that past mistakes are not repeated and will enable us to make more informed specific investments in the future.”
Lozada thanked the conclusion of the camp resolution
The Latina councilwoman took the opportunity to thank Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration for their attention to Kensington, regarding the conclusion of a camp resolution.
“Based on my conversations, the camp resolution and ongoing outreach on the 3100 block of Kensington Avenue successfully connected 312 individuals with significant services and resources, including detox, wound care, and housing. I am grateful to the mayor, the providers, and the police for changing these people’s lives. I was also told that these figures are increasing.”
Lozada emphasized that clearing the most visible area of the outdoor drug market does not mean the crisis is over. “Work will continue. I anticipate more camp resolutions, more outreach, and more investment.”
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