Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker signed a bill into law Wednesday that will limit the locations where mobile medical and harm reduction providers can operate in Kensington, a move city officials say aims to restore order and improve residents' quality of life.

The measure, passed by City Council on May 8 in a 13-3 vote, followed emotional testimony from both supporters and opponents. It allows mobile providers to operate only at two designated locations: the PAD lot at 265 E. Lehigh Ave. and a stretch of East Allegheny Avenue between Kensington Avenue and F Street. The law also requires providers to obtain permits and follow city-dictated operating hours. City officials reserve the right to add additional locations for operations.

"It's not about restricting — it's about giving the community the ability to be a community again," said Councilmember Jim Harrity, who lives in Kensington. "Drug dealers on the corner — I don't just talk the talk, I walk the walk — I live there."

Supporters of the bill say it's a step toward creating safe public spaces, particularly near homes and schools. A'ala Rose Hughston, a local student, shared her experience living in the area.

"It is hard to play outside when there's all the people outside and it's so dangerous," Hughston said. "So, I just wanted to thank you."

Parker said the bill reflects a commitment to striking a balance between compassion and accountability.

"In no way, shape or form is the City of Philadelphia not trying to treat people with the care, dignity, compassion and empathy that they deserve," she said.

The bill was introduced by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, who said residents in her 7th District were tired of mobile units leaving behind trash and needles, blocking sidewalks and creating other quality-of-life issues in the neighborhood.

But not everyone agrees with the approach. Roz Pichardo, executive director of Operation Save Our City, which operates The Sunshine House, a drop-in center on Kensington Avenue, worries the new law could make it harder for people in crisis to access care.

"The kids shouldn't have to see a lot of the stuff that they see," Pichardo said. "However, the city should be providing adequate housing for folks who are unhoused and proper treatment."

While The Sunshine House does not currently offer mobile outreach, Pichardo said limiting mobile services could lead to more untreated wounds and infections. She said her center is already at capacity on most days.

"It's going to be very difficult, and we're also going to see a lot more wounds, a lot more infections as these dressings are not being changed like they should be," she said.

The law is set to take effect on July 27, giving providers approximately two months to adjust their operations and apply for permits. City officials say they will use that time to develop an enforcement strategy.

What is a mobile service provider?

Mobile service providers include groups providing overdose recovery services, food or clothing. Many care workers in these groups carry naloxone, which can revive people from an opioid overdose.

Workers may also tend to wounds or connect people to treatment or other programs they need.