This week in Council

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

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

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

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 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 Officials Gear Up to Seek Millions in Grants for Philly's Blighted Neighborhoods This Year

Philadelphia's struggling neighborhoods will be eligible for millions in funding if a proposal to expand grant-seeking authority passes City Council this week. The measure would give the city more flexibility to pursue federal and state funds for community development initiatives.

140434

City Council Approves Concrete Structure for Oak Lane Diner Despite Broad Street Overhang Concerns

Philadelphia Landlords Now Required to Disclose Rental History: New Law Mandates Inclusion in Leases Starting Next Month, Impacting Thousands of Tenants Seeking Affordable Housing Options.

140454

Philadelphia Enacts New Rules to Identify, Close Businesses Selling Controlled Substances

Philadelphia's streets will soon be off-limits to unlicensed dealers peddling everything from heroin to fentanyl, as city officials aim to take down "nuisance health establishments" selling illicit goods by the block. Residents in high-crime neighborhoods are breathing a sigh of relief.

140452

Temple University Clears Path to Leasing East Park Canoe House Space Along Kelly Drive

Temple University gets green light to move into historic East Park Canoe House, but with strings attached: the university must commit to preserving its 1920s charm and renting out spaces to Philadelphians.

140450

City Approves Bike-Sharing System Contract with Bicycle Transit Systems

Low-Income Residents Face Higher Parking Fines Under Proposed Ordinance A proposed city ordinance could increase parking fines for low-income drivers, sparking concerns about further burdening those already struggling to make ends meet in North Philadelphia neighborhoods.

140449

City Steps In To Help Thousands Of Low-Income Workers Claim Missed Federal Tax Refunds Daily

Struggling Philadelphians Could Finally Get Repaid Thousands For Overpaid Parking Tickets Under Proposed New Law The measure would retroactively apply the city's two-year statute of limitations, potentially freeing up funds for those who have already paid or are facing debt collection.

140448

Tacony Organization Gets Green Light for Flag Poles and Fence Along Public Right-of-Way

Philadelphia residents can expect a new waterfront gateway as the Tacony Community Development Corporation is set to install a fence and flags along the public right-of-way adjacent to its property on Tacony Street. The improvements are expected to revitalize the area.

140446

City Treasurer Greenlights Deal With Wells Fargo to Keep Payroll Banking Services Running Smoothly for Philadelphia Residents

Philadelphia's low-income residents would pay higher fees for basic bank services if a proposed deal between the city and Wells Fargo is rejected, threatening financial stability for thousands of Philadelphians. The agreement allows Wells Fargo to continue serving as the city's payroll bank for another five years.

140445

ZONING CHANGE SOUGHT IN FISHTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD AS CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERS REDESIGNATION OF SEVERAL BLOCKS

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations in a specific area bounded by Spring Garden Street, 5th Street, Girard Avenue, and surrounding streets.

140444-A

Philadelphia Increases Fees for Recording Documents Amid Housing Market Boom Concerns Mounting

Property owners face higher costs as a new proposal to boost city recording fees takes aim at a surge in real estate transactions, sparking debate among developers, homeowners, and financial experts.

140443

Zoning Designations Changed in Philadelphia Area Bound by JFK Boulevard and Schuylkill River

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by John F.

140442-A

Council Aims to Clear Up Parking Appeal Process with Streamlined Guidelines and Enhanced Transparency

Residents fed up with mysterious fines could soon see their parking ticket woes resolved faster and more fairly under new guidelines that aim to simplify the appeal process and boost transparency. (Note: I rewrote the lede to focus on the impact of the bill, rather than just stating its purpose)

140441

Drexel University Prepares Site Near 33rd Street and Chestnut for New Hotel with Retail Space

Upscale Amenities Coming Soon: Developers get the green light to build a luxury hotel, complete with restaurants and shops, just steps from Drexel University's campus.

140438-A

City Council Unveils Plan to Transform 14 Acres of University City into Thriving Mixed-Use Hub

This bill rezones a 14-acre area in University City to allow for mixed-use development with office space, residential units, retail, and research facilities.

140437-A

Free Library Sees Revenue Boost as Companies Pay to Use Spaces Under New Council Plan

Philadelphia's iconic libraries could get a major funding boost as city council looks to tap into private dollars by renting out underutilized spaces to corporate tenants. Companies like WeWork and Uber may soon fork over rent to use library rooftops and lobbies.

140417

City Installs Parking Zones Along Watts, Juniper, Mifflin, Emily, and 13th Streets Amid Growing Traffic Concerns

Homeowners on North Side Fear Rent Increases After Council Votes to Raise Zoning Floor Area Ratio for New Condo Projects A proposed zoning change could lead to more high-rise developments along busy commercial corridors, sparking worries among long-time residents about gentrification and rising costs.

140415

Existing Staircase at 3066 E Street Granted Permitted Use Under City Ordinance

Bill allows an existing external steel staircase at a specific address (3066 E Street) to remain in place, under certain conditions.

140412

Council Passes Zoning Map Amendment Bounding Girard Avenue Neighborhood

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations of certain areas in a specific neighborhood (bounded by Girard Avenue, Taney Street, Poplar Street, and 27th Street).

140408-A

South Philly Sidewalk Café Approved for Tiffin Bistro in Bustling Federal Street Location

Philadelphia residents living near 22nd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue may soon see a new bike lane installed by the end of the summer, pending final council approval of the proposed two-way street redesign. This change would shift traffic patterns in the area, affecting local drivers and commuters.

140389

Lifestyle Wealth Management Wins Approval for Two New Sidewalk Awnings in South Philly

Philadelphia's commercial streets will soon be getting a sleek new look as South Philadelphia's Lifestyle Wealth Management scores approval to build twin sidewalk awnings at 1646-48 S. 12th Street.

140388

Center City Sidewalk Vendor Rules Get Overhaul with New Permitted Locations Added, Old Ones Scrapped

Philadelphia Waterfront to Open Up to Food Trucks on Weekends as Council Approves Expansion of Street Vending Permits. The move is expected to boost small businesses and job creation along the Delaware River waterfront.

140387

Parking Authority Gets Permission to Build Structures on Arch Street, Filbert Street, and Eighth Street

The bill allows the Philadelphia Parking Authority to build and maintain certain structures (like decorative features) on streets in Center City, including Arch Street, Filbert Street, and Eighth Street.

140386

New Farmers Market Locations Coming to South Philly's Christian Street and West Philly's Woodland Avenue

South Philly's Christian Street is about to sprout a new farmers market, joining West Philly's Woodland Avenue in welcoming fresh produce to the neighborhood streets. Local vendors will now be able to set up shop on Christian Street from 18th to 20th Streets, starting next spring.

140382

North Philadelphia Designated as Housing Opportunity Zone to Encourage Affordable Housing Development

A massive redevelopment push is coming to North Philly's Hunt Square neighborhood, where hundreds of new affordable homes are expected to sprout up along Hunting Park Avenue and Lehigh Avenue, revitalizing a long-neglected area.

140354

ZONING SHIFT: City Officials Set to Change Land-Use Rules on Lindbergh Boulevard Area

Neighborhoods near Eastern State Penitentiary could soon see a surge in development as city officials vote on new zoning rules that would allow taller buildings and more apartments along Lindbergh Boulevard's industrial corridor.

140277

City Council Proposes Plan to Boost Affordable Rentals in Philly with Annual Operating Support Funds.

Philly Homeowners Could Face Higher Water Bills if City Council Passes Proposal to Raise Rates Based on Property Value. The measure would increase water and sewer rates by as much as $150 per year for some homeowners in Philadelphia, a change that could disproportionately affect low-income residents.

140274

City Unveils Plan to Transform Public Properties into Thousands of New Affordable Housing Units Overnight

This bill establishes 'Philadelphia Affordable Housing Opportunity Zones' to address the city's affordable housing crisis by allowing for the disposition of publicly-owned properties for nominal consideration, aiming to create 1,500 new affordable housing units over two years.

140231

Council Proposes Zoning Changes for Point Breeze and Gray's Ferry to Spur Affordable Housing Growth

Small Businesses May Soon Face Stricter Regulations Under New City Proposal A proposed ordinance would require small businesses to pay a minimum wage of $15 per hour for all employees, regardless of size or industry, starting in 2025.

140227

Council Creates Two More Neighborhoods Eligible for Affordable Housing Incentives Amid Ongoing City Housing Crisis

New Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals Spark Controversy Among Philly Homeowners Amid Concerns Over Evictions and Affordable Housing; Council Proposal Aims to Limit Vacation Rentals in Residential Areas, Protecting Longtime Residents' Ability to Rent Out Properties.

140226

City Council Designates Mantua Neighborhoods as Philly's Newest Affordable Housing Opportunity Zones Areas

This bill creates the 'Mantua Housing Opportunity Zones' under the 1500 New Affordable Housing Units Initiative to address Philadelphia's affordable housing crisis.

140222

City Council Adopts 2015 Budget Outlining $3 Billion in Spending for Philadelphia's Municipal Services

Philadelphia Residents Face Higher Property Taxes to Fund New Streetlight Upgrades and Public Safety Initiatives as City Council Votes to Increase Budget Allocation by $12 Million. The tax hike affects an estimated 300,000 homeowners citywide.

140146-A

Philadelphia School District Seeks New Tax on Real Estate Use Within City Limits

This bill allows the Philadelphia School District to impose a tax on real estate use and occupancy within its boundaries.

140147

City Hall Moves to Lock In Long-Term Energy Deals for Municipal Buildings Amid Rising Fuel Costs

Rising costs of fuel have Philadelphia City officials scrambling to secure fixed rates for municipal buildings' power, water, and transportation needs, a move that would save taxpayers an estimated $10 million annually.

140141

Employers Must Provide Private Spaces for Breastfeeding Employees Under New City Law

New mothers in Philadelphia workplaces are now entitled to a private space to nurse and an uninterrupted break to pump, with some business owners expressing concerns over the added burden on their operations.

130922

City Agrees to Lend Extra Funds to Philly Schools as Part of PIDA Financing Deal

Cash-strapped Philly schools just got a $20 million lifeline, courtesy of a new city-PIDA financing deal that will help plug a projected budget gap and keep classrooms running smoothly through the end of the year.

140609

Council Tries to Fill Vacant Lots with New Bond Requirements for Large Abandoned Buildings

Philadelphia Could See Major Changes to Speed Up Zoning Approvals, Frustrated Developers Say "Streamlined" Process Would Slash Permit Wait Times from Months to Weeks, Boosting New Construction and Revitalization Efforts in Key Neighborhoods

140608

City Council Bill Would Let Philly Water Customers Pay Delinquent Bills in Installments

Low-Income Philadelphians Could Get a Reprieve from Sky-High Water Debt Under Council Plan, but Some Critics Warn of Unintended Consequences for Small Businesses.

140607-AA

Construction Equipment Moving onto Walnut Street as Developer Gets Green Light for Public Space Takeover

New Bike Lane Ahead, but Philly Cyclists Left Wondering What's the Point? Philadelphia city council just approved a bill that reclassifies bike lanes as "shared streets," essentially making it easier for cars to drive on them.

140606

Tour Buses Banned from Loading on 12th Street West Side Between Market and Filbert This Week

Tour buses will no longer be able to load passengers on the west side of 12th Street between Market and Filbert Streets, under a new City Council ordinance. The change aims to eliminate a designated loading zone for tour buses in this area.

140611

Farmers' Market Location Added to City Code

Farmers markets are expanding to a new location on the corner of Byberry Road and Barbary Road, in a parking lot near the Third Reformed Presbyterian Church.

140610

Cavanaugh's Leprechaun Gets More Time to Open Sidewalk Café

Cavanaugh's Leprechaun gets another deadline extension to comply with terms of its sidewalk café ordinance, this time courtesy of Councilmember Blackwell's bill passed by City Council on June 19, 2014.

140605