Weekly recap
This week in Council
September 12 to September 18, 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 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
City Council Votes to Replace Pot Arrests with $25 Fines in Decriminalization Move
Low-Income Residents Face Increased Rent Burden as City Council Approves Bill Eliminating 50-Year-Old Rent Control Exemption for New Construction Projects. The new law will affect over 1,000 apartments built after 1967, causing rent hikes for thousands of vulnerable tenants in gentrifying neighborhoods.
140377-A
Philadelphia Streets Get Ready for Summer Makeovers as City Expands Permit Program for Pedestrian Enhancements
This bill allows for temporary closure of roadway lanes to create 'pedestrian enhancements' like bike corrals and parklets.
130950-A
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Unlocks Funding for Job Training and Clean-up Efforts in Re-Entry Employment Program
Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Taxes Under Proposal to Boost City's Affordable Housing Fund Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez is pushing a measure that would increase property taxes on homes worth over $500,000 to generate millions for affordable housing initiatives in low-income neighborhoods.
140695
Café Italiano Inc.'s Sidewalk Café Repeal Ordinance Signed into Law
This bill repeals a previous ordinance that allowed Café Italiano Inc.
140696
Truck Parking Ban Takes Effect on Block of North 5th Street in Northeast Philadelphia Neighborhoods
A decades-long headache for Northeast Philadelphians is getting a reprieve as the city's parking enforcement team starts cracking down on truckers clogging up residential blocks, sparking mixed reactions from residents.
140694
City Sells Land on C Street to PAID Amid Plans for Redevelopment Project
This bill allows the Commissioner of Public Property to sell a portion of land and any improvements at 3300-98 C Street in Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID) with certain conditions.
140693
Council Clears Way for $400,647 Transfer from Grants Revenue Fund to City Funds Today
City Council has authorized the Director of Finance to transfer $400,647 from the Grants Revenue Fund to city accounts, allowing for budget adjustments in Fiscal Year 2015. The funds will be allocated to the General Fund and Indemnities accounts.
140692
Developer Paul Stolfo Clears Path for New Broad Street Elevator After City Council Approval
After months of debate, the city council has given a green light to a new high-rise development on Market Street, despite concerns from nearby business owners who fear increased traffic and noise pollution will drive them out.
140691