This week in Council

Newsstand Owner Granted Permission to Install Under-Avenue Conduits for Electrical and Phone Services

Philadelphia Homeowners Face Rent Freeze Amid Ongoing Eviction Crisis: Proposed ordinance would halt rent hikes on certain properties until affordable housing plans are in place.

140353

Sanjay Patel Clears Path for Electric and Phone Lines on Bustling 13th Street Corner

This bill allows Sanjay Patel to install conduits under and across a specific corner of 13th and Filbert Streets in Philadelphia for electrical and phone service.

140351

Philadelphia Gas Works Secures Extended Lease at Iconic Chestnut Street Location Amid Ongoing Redevelopment Efforts

A new lease agreement secures the future of Philly's gas utility company on iconic Chestnut Street, but neighborhood residents worry about long-term implications of the deal as massive redevelopment plans unfold nearby.

140350

Farmers Market Approved for West Allegheny Avenue Between Bambrey and 26th Streets this Summer Season

This bill allows a farmers' market to be held on West Allegheny Avenue between Bambrey and 26th Streets, subject to certain terms and conditions.

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City Council OKs Planter Expansion on South Broad in Front of Children's Hospital Site

This bill allows Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to construct and maintain a planter encroaching on public right-of-way at 1700 South Broad Street, subject to certain conditions and approvals.

140347

City Agrees to Swap K&T Parcel for Vacant Land in Land Deal with Industrial Development Agency

This bill authorizes a land exchange between the City of Philadelphia and PAID for an approximately 1.1 acre parcel of land on the Kensington & Tacony Trail.

140344

City Land Grabs Along Delaware River Sparked with Bill to Facilitate PAID Development Plans

City Eyes New Riverfront Expansion: Council Bill Aims to Clear Path for PAID Development Plans, But Critics Warn of Unchecked Power Grab Along Delaware River.

140340

City Council Moves to Ease Licensing Burden on Busy Construction Professionals in Philadelphia

Philadelphia construction pros could soon get some relief from bureaucratic red tape as City Council targets outdated regulations that stifle the work of Expediters, often leaving them tied up in permit paperwork instead of building progress.

140223

Dogs in Philadelphia Must Provide Safe Shelter During Extreme Weather

Philadelphia Residents Could Soon See Lower Fines for Small Marijuana Possession Thanks to Council Proposal Aiming to Decriminalize Minor Offenses.

140080

Zoning Map Changes Designate Areas Near Parkside Avenue, Girard Avenue, Belmont Avenue

A new wave of residential development is set to sweep through West Philly neighborhoods as city council votes on zoning changes that would allow for taller buildings along Parkside Avenue, sparking concerns about gentrification.

140076

Philadelphia Guide Dogs Get Permanent Licenses at No Cost Under New City Ordinance Law

Philadelphia residents with guide dogs can breathe easier as a new city ordinance eliminates costly annual licenses, freeing up resources for these vital service animals and their owners. Hundreds of Philadelphians will save up to $80 per year under the new law.

140052

Philadelphia Council Votes to Restrict Newsstand Owner's Conduit Installation Permits

This bill repeals an existing ordinance that allowed a newsstand owner to install conduits for electricity and phone service at two locations on JFK Blvd.

130849

Philadelphia Adds 1 Percent Sales Tax to Fund Schools and City Revenue

Philadelphia shoppers will soon be slapping on an extra buck for every $100 spent as city leaders vote to impose a new 1% sales tax starting next month to bolster funding for local schools and city services.

140489

Motorcycles and Motor-Driven Cycles Included in Permit Parking Districts, with Lowered Permit Fees

This bill amends the Philadelphia Code to include motor-driven cycles and motorcycles in permit parking districts, change how households are counted for parking permits, and lower the fee for these vehicles to $35.

140492

City Clears Path for Major Delaware River Waterfront Development with Leasing Agreement Approval

A massive waterfront development project inches closer to reality as city council gives the green light to a long-awaited leasing agreement that will bring thousands of new residents, jobs, and economic growth to South Philly's riverbank. Philadelphia Businesses Could Get Reprieve from Rising Parking Fines Under New City Ordinance This bill would exempt businesses from parking fines for employee

140491

Philadelphia City Contractors Must Meet Higher Wage Standards Under New Council Mandate

A proposed measure would force companies that do business with the city to pay their workers a higher minimum wage, affecting thousands of employees on projects from new streetlights to renovated schools.

140488

City Council Rewrites Rules for Yard Space Calculations in Multi-Street Fronted Residential Neighborhoods Across Philadelphia

Philadelphia Homeowners May See Increased Parking Fees As City Council Considers New Bill to Regulate Street Parking Spots Near Popular Bars and Restaurants

140487

City Council Tries Again at Tightening Reigns on Street Vendors in Bustling Center City Neighborhoods

This bill eliminates previously designated locations for sidewalk vendors in Center City and revises the list of areas where vending is not allowed.

140486

City Seeks Approval to Purchase School District Properties, Sell to Economic Development Agency for $35 Million Profit

Council Votes on Plan to Sell Off City-Owned Lots in North Philly, Sparking Debate Over Displacement of Low-Income Residents and Small Businesses. The city's proposed land sale would affect hundreds of small business owners and low-income residents in North Philadelphia who depend on the lots for storage and livelihood.

140485

Café Italiano Wins Approval to Transform Cottman Avenue Sidewalk into Bustling Outdoor Dining Spot

This bill allows a business at 1871 Cottman Avenue to build an open-air sidewalk café with tables and chairs.

140490

City Hall Moves to Purchase Land Parcel on Busy Cecil B Moore Avenue for Undisclosed Future Use

A long-vacant lot on Cecil B. Moore Avenue would be purchased by City Hall under a proposed deal, potentially paving the way for new development in North Philadelphia's rapidly changing commercial corridor.

140484

City Council OKs Vine Street Pedestrian Area Revision as Part of Larger City Plan Overhaul Effort

Philadelphia City Council voted to remake part of Vine Street, clearing a 300-foot stretch for development, but only if the developer meets conditions within two years and agrees to set aside affordable housing units.

140483

City of Philadelphia Set to Redraw Former Hamilton Street for Separate Gas Main Lines

This bill allows the City to remove a shared utility right-of-way on former Hamilton Street between 18th and 19th Streets, and replace it with separate gas main pipes.

140482

City Prepares to Sell Tiny Parcel on Hutchinson Street to Industrial Developer

A tiny plot of land in South Philly is up for grabs, but under new rules, the buyer will have to give back to the city if they resell – a plan aimed at boosting local economic development without enriching corporate pockets.

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