Weekly recap
This week in Council
September 26 to October 2, 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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council proposed special election for board of education members and school management changes
Philadelphia city council proposes overhaul of school board selection process in bid to improve accountability and management at public schools. Councilmember Oh is leading the effort to reform the Board of Education's appointment and election methods.
140752
Philadelphia Council Adds Billions to Capital Budget with Wave of New Projects and Funding Sources
Philadelphia's capital budget is set to balloon by nearly $1 billion as City Council members approve a slew of new construction projects and alternative revenue streams to fund everything from parks renovations to police headquarters upgrades.
140748
Frankford Avenue Businesses Face New Regulations Under Proposed Mayfair Neighborhood Commercial Overlay District Rewrite
Frankford Avenue businesses will be subject to new regulations under a proposed zoning overlay district that affects properties along the corridor and surrounding streets in Northeast Philadelphia. The Mayfair/NCA Overlay district would regulate commercial zoning in the area.
140746
City Tightens Regulations on Junk Dealers Demanding More Records from Scrap Metal Sellers
Philadelphia Parents Push Back Against Proposed Bill Requiring Vaccinations for Kindergartners, Sparking Fierce Debate Over Student Health Requirements. This measure would mandate that children entering kindergarten show proof of up-to-date vaccinations, sparking concerns among some parents about medical freedom.
140750
Philadelphia Residents to Decide Fate of Mandatory Language Access Plans in City Agencies
Language barriers could soon be a thing of the past for thousands of Philly residents as a proposed charter amendment aims to make city services accessible to non-English speakers in their native tongues.
140747
Zoning Maps Altered for Northeast Philly Neighborhoods Along Broad Street Corridor
This bill changed the zoning maps for a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by Broad Street, Diamond Street, 18th Street, Glenwood Avenue and Lehigh Avenue to allow for different types of development.
140745
City Council Unveils Plan to Revamp Zoning Maps Along Bustling Ridge Avenue Corridor
A proposal to rezone 15 city blocks along Ridge Avenue could usher in new development and businesses, but some residents fear it will displace long-time owners of small shops and restaurants. Landlords with properties on the corridor may see increased demand for their spaces.
140744
Philadelphia Expands Retirement Plans to Cover More Employees, Including Elected Officials
Low-Income Families in Philly Would Gain Access to Affordable Grocery Stores Under New Council Plan Aims to Boost Food Options in Neighborhoods Struggling with Deserts.
140743
City Expands Retirement Benefits for Thousands of City Workers Including Union Members
Low-Income Renters Face Higher Taxes on Unoccupied Properties, Says New Proposal; Under the proposal, owners of vacant properties would see a significant tax hike if they fail to secure tenants for at least one year within 12 months of vacancy.
140741
Philadelphia City Council Unveils Plan to Allow Pop-Up Shops in Designated Neighborhoods Across the City
Philadelphia City Council introduces bill allowing pop-up shops in designated areas with rules on permits, regulations, and oversight from the Department of Licenses and Inspections. The new law would govern operations for these temporary retail spaces.
140740
City Limits Sidewalk Vending in Center City, Cuts East Side Vendor Spots Along 5th Street
Philadelphia's iconic street performers will see a major shake-up as a new measure aims to consolidate sidewalk vending spots along 5th Street, giving priority to established vendors over newcomers on the East Side.
140751
Council Amends City's 6 Year Capital Plan Adding New Projects Total Cost Rises By Over 2 Million Dollars
Philly's Five-Year Wish List Just Got a Whole Lot Longer: The city's capital plan is being overhauled with new construction projects and price tags that will push the total cost up by more than 2 million dollars.
140749
Market Street Sidewalk Café Plan Clears Council Hurdle Amid Plans for Outdoor Dining Space
Philadelphians can look forward to sipping coffee on Market Street after city council approved a plan allowing the Old Nelson Food Company to set up outdoor seating - but neighbors are already sounding alarm bells over noise concerns.
140742