Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 30 to June 5, 2014
Coming up: public hearings
Committees hear testimony before voting. Open any bill and tap the bell to get a reminder the day before.
Tuesday, November 17, 10:00 AM · Committee on Rules
Philadelphia Code Amended to Impose Use Restrictions Within Fifth District Overlay District
Philadelphia's zoning regulations are getting a makeover in the Fifth District Overlay District, imposing new use restrictions on specific areas. Certain types of buildings and activities will be allowed in designated areas.
260764
Philadelphia Business Hours Restricted in Fifth District Neighborhoods
Philadelphia businesses in the Fifth District and surrounding areas will be restricted from opening between 11pm and 6am due to an amended ordinance. New streets affected by the restriction include N. 29th Street from W. Dauphin to W. Huntingdon.
260697
Philadelphia Tightens Rules on Removing Heritage Trees from City Streets
Philadelphia's rules for removing heritage trees from city streets are about to get stricter, making it harder to remove these trees without meeting specific conditions or replacing them. Heritage trees must now be documented in a landscape plan and can only be removed with special permission.
260689
Philadelphia's Zoning Laws to Get Overhaul of Retail Sales Use Categories Definitions
Philadelphia's zoning laws are getting an update, with changes to how grocery stores and pharmacies are classified under the retail sales use category definitions. The changes will be reflected in use tables throughout the city's zoning code.
260688
Zoning Designations Changed in Area Bounded by Lehigh Avenue and Aramingo Avenue Streets
Councilmember Squilla's zoning bill changes designations in a neighborhood bounded by Lehigh Avenue, Belgrade Street, Aramingo Avenue, and Miller Street, altering uses and development in the area as shown on Maps 'A' and 'B'.
260800
Zoning designations changing in area bounded by Rubicam Street, Ashmead Street, Wakefield Street, and Bringhurst Street.
Zoning changes are coming to a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by Rubicam Street, Ashmead Street, Wakefield Street, and Bringhurst Street, as authorized by Councilmember Bass.
260855
Retailers must meet specific standards and be located in certain districts for tobacco sales.
Philadelphia's zoning code is set to change, requiring tobacco retailers to meet specific standards and be located in certain districts. The new rules aim to regulate tobacco sales throughout the city.
260851
City Council Expands Center City Business Uses in Old City Residential Area, Core
Businesses like restaurants and tattoo parlors will now be allowed in Old City's residential area without special permission, as long as they meet certain conditions.
260896
Old City Special Services District Approves 7-Year Plan for Business Improvements and Services
Councilmember Squilla's bill approves a 7-year plan for the Old City Special Services District, outlining estimated costs and assessment methods for business improvements and services in the area.
260895
Tuesday, November 17, 1:00 PM · Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities
Wednesday, November 18, 10:00 AM · Committee on Law and Government
Wednesday, November 18, 1:00 PM · Committee on the Environment
City to Sign 4-Year Contracts with Major Waste Management Firms under Certain Terms and Conditions
Philadelphia is set to sign 4-year contracts with Waste Management, Republic Services, and ReWorld Sustainable Solutions to collect and dispose of municipal waste, with the option to extend for up to 3 more years.
260794
City to Enter Agreements with Vendors to Process and Market Recyclable Materials
City Council approves deals with vendors to process and market recyclable materials, boosting the city's recycling program. The agreements are the result of a comprehensive request for proposals from the Sanitation and Procurement Departments.
260793
Became law
Restaurant Owners Get Greenlight for Outdoor Seating Area at Bustling West Philly Corner Spot
This bill allows a restaurant at 4034 Walnut St to build and maintain an outdoor seating area on the sidewalk, subject to certain rules and regulations.
140378
Moonshine Philly Wins Approval for Sidewalk Café on Busy E. Moyamensing Street Location
A bustling stretch of East Moyamensing Avenue is about to get a lot more crowded as a popular bar wins approval for its outdoor seating expansion, sparking concerns from local residents about noise and parking.
140352
Philadelphia Low-Income Workers See Immediate Relief from Lowered Wage and Net Profits Tax Rate
Thousands of Philadelphia residents could soon see a boost in their paychecks as City Council targets tax relief for struggling workers with a proposal to slash the city's Wage and Net Profits Tax rates. The move aims to bring much-needed financial help to low-income earners.
140140
Chestnut Hill Business Improvement District Expands Its Reach Along Germantown Avenue and Bethlehem Pike
This bill continues a business improvement district in the Chestnut Hill area of Philadelphia, approving an extension to its boundaries and authorizing the assessment of fees on property owners within the district.
130955
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Creates "Opportunity Zones" Program to Bring Affordable Workforce Housing to Underdeveloped Neighborhoods Throughout Philadelphia
Low-Income Families May Lose Homeless Services Amid Proposed Cuts to City's Budget; Council Members Worry About Long-Term Consequences for Vulnerable Population. New Law Requires Large Developments in Philly to Include Affordable Housing Units, Aimed at Curbing Gentrification and Preserving Community Character.
140516
Philadelphia Voters Set to Decide Fate of City's Schools in Upcoming Special Election Referendum
A proposed city council ordinance would shift control of 40 underperforming schools from charters back to the Philadelphia School District, sparking debate over accountability and student outcomes. Thousands of students in these schools could see a change in leadership as early as next year.
140514-A
City Unveils Plan to Borrow $137 Million Through Public Vote to Fund Major Capital Projects and Expenses
Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Property Taxes as Council Votes on Bill to Raise Levy by $100 Million, Directing Funds towards Aging Schools and Parks Infrastructure. A proposed property tax hike of nearly 10% could be on the ballot soon if Philadelphia City Council passes legislation authorizing a $100 million increase in municipal revenue.
140511
Center City Zoning Regulations Get Technical Overhaul with New Requirements
A proposed overhaul of Center City's building codes would require developers to provide affordable housing units or pay into a city fund, sparking debate over gentrification and community needs.
140519-AAA
City Designates Cecil B Moore Area As First Target Zone for 1,500 New Affordable Homes
Philadelphia's Zoning Code Gets Major Overhaul: Council Votes to Ease Restrictions on Building Height and Density Downtown, Sparking Concerns About Shadowing Historic Landmarks.
140515
City Approves Bond Issue to Finance Additional Funds for Cash-Strapped Philly Schools
Philadelphia's Cash-Strapped Schools Get Lifeline as City Council Approves Bond Issue to Inject Millions into District; Funding Boost Aims to Shore Up Staffing, Supplies at Overcrowded City Schools.
140512
Philadelphia Tightens Leash on Commercial Fuel Oil Sales Amid Growing Emissions Concerns
This bill updates regulations for commercial fuel oil sales in Philadelphia by setting stricter standards for sulfur content and emissions, to take effect at a future date.
140510
Philadelphia Council Tightens Squeeze on Sidewalk Closures with Stricter Penalty Enforcement
Pedestrians and drivers may face stricter enforcement of sidewalk and road closures as Council considers a new law cracking down on unauthorized obstructions, sparking debate among business owners and residents.
140513
Philadelphia Council Proposes Creation of New Aviation Department Amid Airport Management Overhaul Plan
Philadelphia City Council proposes creating a new Department of Aviation, shifting airport management responsibilities from other city agencies. Voters will decide at an upcoming election whether to approve or reject this change to the city's charter.
140518
Philadelphia Farmers' Market Expansion Heads to City Council with New Location Near Pleasant Playground
A proposed ordinance would create a third farmers' market on the city's north side, drawing fresh produce to an underserved neighborhood where options are scarce; supporters say it will revitalize a neglected commercial corridor.
140520
Philadelphia Council Bill Would Temporarily Allow Some Private Clubs to Permit Smoking Indoors Again
Private club owners are breathing a sigh of relief as a proposed city council measure would temporarily suspend indoor smoking bans, allowing some establishments to reapply for exemptions and permit patrons to light up within their walls again.
140517