This week in Council

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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City Council Moves to Revamp Zoning Laws in Frankford Creek Watershed Neighborhoods Overnight

Longtime residents of Torresdale's Fink Street fear increased density and gentrification as Council's proposed zoning changes allow for up to three more stories on their block. The neighborhood association has voiced strong opposition to the plan, citing concerns about infrastructure strain and displacement of low-income families.

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City Seeks Land Deal with Redevelopment Authority, Adding Properties to Fairmount Park Boundaries

This bill allows the city to acquire a small plot of land from the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority at the southeast corner of North 16th and Seybert Streets for nominal consideration.

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Center City Developers Face New Height Limits and Retail Rules as Zoning Code Changes Take Effect

Proposed Changes to Philly's Taxi Regulations Would Hike Fares for Disabled Riders, Fuel Debate Over Accessibility A proposed ordinance would increase the base fare for wheelchair-accessible taxis and phantoms by $3, sparking concerns about affordability for riders with disabilities.

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City Amends Zoning Maps in Area Bound by 50th and 45th Streets, Market and Spruce Streets

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change zoning designations in a specific area bounded by 50th Street, Spruce Street, 45th Street, and Market Street.

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Philadelphia Council Proposes Ban on Payday Lenders in Bustling Center City Neighborhoods

This bill creates a new zoning district called Center City East /NCA Overlay District in a specific area of Philadelphia.

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Northeast Philly Zoning Map Changes to Allow New Developments Near Bustleton Avenue

Developers can now build taller buildings along Bustleton Avenue, potentially altering the neighborhood's skyline, after Council approved amendments to city zoning regulations that ease restrictions on construction near major streets.

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Philadelphia Businesses Get Clarity on Tax Credits for Community Development Contributions

Small business owners must navigate new deadlines to claim lucrative tax credits, but City Council wants to simplify the process with a proposed overhaul of the city's Community Development Tax Credit program this month.

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Area Bound by 18th Street, Wood Street, 19th Street, and Vine Street Gets New Development Zoning

Philadelphia Residents Could Face Fines Up to $1,000 If Their Yard Waste Isn't Collected on Scheduled Days Homeowners may soon be hit with hefty fines if they don't keep their yard waste at the curb by 6am on collection days, but advocates say the measure is necessary for neighborhood cleanliness.

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Philadelphia to Sell Iconic Family Court Building at 1801 Vine Street

Proposed Sale of City-owned Land on East Allegheny Avenue Could Displace Tenants of Long-standing Community Garden. The plan would give developers control of the 2-acre plot, potentially displacing residents who have gardened there for decades and sparking concerns over affordable housing.

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Zoning Permits to Be Posted Online and Shared with Local Councilmembers Under New Law

Philadelphia homeowners will soon be able to easily track their neighborhood's construction projects online as a new city law forces L&I to speed up permit postings and inform local council members about proposed developments.

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City Prepares to Sell Key North Philly Land Parcel to PAID Under Strict Conditions

Low-Income Tenants Face Rent Hikes as Council Considers Bill Exempting New Properties from Affordable Housing Requirements Philadelphia landlords may soon be able to skip affordable housing mandates when building new apartments, potentially pricing out low-income residents in gentrifying neighborhoods.

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City Officials Set to Ink Lease Deal for Office Space at Market Street Building with SEPTA

Philadelphia residents will soon see a new city office sprout up in a long-vacant Market Street building, courtesy of a proposed 10-year lease with SEPTA that's been years in the making.

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City Transfers Funds From Grants Account to General Fund and Other Departments Across Philadelphia

Councilman Johnson's proposal aims to plug a $5 million hole in the city's general fund, shifting grants money into police and public works accounts that are crying out for cash.

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City Conveys Land at Callowhill Street to PAID Under Certain Terms and Conditions

This bill allows the city to sell a portion of land at 1823-35 Callowhill Street to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID) with certain conditions.

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City Council Approves License Agreement with PECO for Land Along Schuylkill River for Trail Expansion Plans

Philadelphia's iconic waterfront is about to get a major upgrade as City Council approved a deal with PECO, clearing the way for a 2-mile extension of the Schuylkill River Trail that'll benefit joggers, cyclists, and boaters.

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Philadelphia Council Approves 89 Million Dollar Budget Boost For Philadelphia Gas Works Capital Projects

Philadelphia residents can expect improved natural gas delivery systems in the city with a massive 89-million dollar infusion into the Philadelphia Gas Works' capital budget, aimed at upgrading aging infrastructure.

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City Council Approves Boost to PGW Funding With Additional $3 Million for Infrastructure Projects

Philadelphia's affordable housing stock is set to get a boost with new zoning regulations that will allow developers to build taller and denser on 35 city lots currently zoned for single-family homes. The changes aim to increase the city's housing supply by nearly 1,000 units.

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Zoning Map Altered in Area Bounded by Tacony Street and Delaware River

This bill changes the zoning map for a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by Tacony Street, Comly Street extended, the Delaware River, Frankford Creek, and Bridge Street to allow different uses of land in that area.

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Penn to Break Ground on New Perry World House Building Along Bustling Locust Walk Section

Penn students and faculty may soon have more study and meeting space in West Philly as city council greenlights a plan to build a new academic hub at 3801-3803 Locust Walk on the University of Pennsylvania campus.

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City Council Votes to Redraw Zoning Lines Around North Philadelphia Neighborhood

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas in a specific neighborhood bounded by 7th Street, Arch Street, 13th Street, and Callowhill Street.

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City Council Proposes Zoning Overhaul for Lehigh Avenue Corridor in Northeast Philly Neighborhoods

Developers would have more freedom to build new apartments and shops along Lehigh Avenue under proposed zoning changes that could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in investment to Northeast Philly's fastest-growing neighborhoods.

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City Seeks Sublease Deal for JFK Boulevard Space as Municipal Services Expand

Philadelphia residents will soon see more city services from a new, expanded office on JFK Boulevard after Council passed legislation enabling a sublease deal for the property's commercial space. The move promises to streamline operations and improve access to vital services.

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Homeowners Get Expanded Property Tax Relief Options Under New City Law

Low-Income Families Set to Lose Subsidies Under Council's Proposal to Cut Funding for PhillyRent Assistance Program Philadelphia would become the first major city to eliminate a key component of its affordable housing program, leaving thousands of families without a crucial source of financial support.

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Philadelphia City Council Unveils Ambitious Six-Year Spending Plan for Major Infrastructure Upgrades

Philly homeowners could see their property taxes hiked by up to $150 per year under a new plan to fund long-overdue streetlight repairs, with many neighborhoods set to get upgraded lighting within the next two years.

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Philadelphia City Council Approves Ambitious Plan to Pump Billions into City's Aging Infrastructure

Philadelphia's Most Vulnerable Tenants May Soon Have More Protection from No-Fault Evictions under New Council Proposal; Landlords would be required to provide written notice and assist tenants in finding new housing.

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Philadelphia School District Gains Power to Impose Real Estate Tax Under New Proposal

Low-Income Renters May Face Higher Water Bills Under Proposed City Council Measure; Some Advocates Warn of Unfair Burden on Vulnerable Communities.

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Philadelphia Gas Works Pension Plan Revised to Comply with Federal Regulations and Update Benefits Calculations

City Council Approves Measure to Require Affordable Housing in Large New Development Projects, Affecting Builders of Properties Over 50 Units in Size. Developers of big new buildings will soon be required to set aside a portion of units for low-income families under the city's new affordable housing policy.

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