This week in Council

City Council Clears Way for PAID to Develop Land Parcel on North Philly Border

Neighborhood Residents Fear Displacement as City Council Approves Plan to Demolish 19th Street Row Homes A new redevelopment plan approved by City Council could bring new housing, but at what cost: residents of the 2400 block of North 19th Street face eviction from their long-time homes.

140949

City Transfers Control of Three Neighborhood Gardens to Parks Department for Leasing to Community Groups

This bill transfers ownership of three city gardens to the Department of Parks and Recreation and allows them to lease one of these gardens to a local community group.

140948

Parking Regulations Established in Five Specific Locations Throughout Philadelphia

This bill establishes parking regulations in five specific locations in Philadelphia: Mercy Street and 12th Street; Fitzwater Street and 5th Street; Snyder Avenue and 10th Street; Ellsworth Street and 9th Street; and Mercy Street and 11th Street.

140947

Commissioner to Sell City Land to PAID for Industrial Development

This bill allows the Commissioner of Public Property to transfer a small parcel of land to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID) with certain conditions.

140946

Sidewalk Café Opens at 601 Jamestown Avenue Following City Approval

This bill allows Charles Weiner to install and maintain an open-air sidewalk café at his property (601 Jamestown Avenue) in Philadelphia, subject to certain conditions and regulations.

140945

Council Authorizes Increase in Municipal Pension Fund Spending for Fiscal Year 2015

Philadelphia's pension fund gets a last-minute lifeline as City Council votes to inject $3.2 million to keep retirement benefits intact, but critics warn it won't address long-term financial woes.

140943

Philadelphia Council Approves Last-Minute Budget Reallocation to Keep Key Services Running Smoothly

Last-minute budget shuffle saves Philadelphia's parks department, senior centers, and community arts programs from funding cuts; nearly $10 million redirected from other city accounts to keep essential services intact.

140942

Council Votes to Clear Way for Single-Family Homes on North 3rd Street Lot Conveyance

The City Council allows the Commissioner of Public Property to transfer a plot of land at 2600-26 North 3rd Street to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID) for further development into single-family homes.

140940

Sellers Must Inform Buyers of Licensing and Maintenance Requirements Under New Law

Homebuyers in Philadelphia could soon get a heads up on potential property licensing issues, as a new measure would require sellers to disclose any outstanding permits or licenses needed for their properties.

140939

Philadelphia Introduces New Two Hour Parking Limits on Mt Vernon, Thompson, and Wallace Streets

This bill establishes new parking regulations in three Philadelphia neighborhoods: Mt.

140937

LaRosa Gets Greenlight for Outdoor Café on Christian Street as Council Approves Permits

Small Business Owners Could Face Higher Taxes Under Proposed City Levy Hike, Council Votes to Raise Tax Rate on Commercial Properties by 10% to Fund Public Services.

140905

Northeast Philly Zoning Overhaul Unveiled: Adams to Aramingo Avenues Get Major Land Use Makeover

City Council Introduces Affordable Housing Incentives: Landlords Who Offer Rent-Controlled Units Can Expect Increased Tax Breaks and Exemptions from Parking Requirements.

140901

Vestibule Permits Issued with Conditions for North Philly Property Owner at 4632 N 5th Street Intersection

Philadelphia's Zoning Code Overhauled as City Council Votes to Streamline Approval Process for Small Businesses, Lowering Costs by Thousands New rules would exempt businesses with less than five employees from lengthy permitting processes, but critics argue it undermines community input on development projects.

140900

City Council Approves Somerset Street Property Owner's Request for Encroaching Stairway Permit

Philadelphia Rent Control Advocates Decry Proposed "Rent Freeze" as Too Little, Too Late for Affordable Housing Crisis

140899

City Council Clears Way for New Concession Deal at Philly Airport After 7-Year Review

Philadelphia's airport is about to get a major makeover: City Council just voted to give the keys to one company to oversee everything from airport snacks to souvenir shops.

140898

City Partners With Titan 360 For Coordinated Street Furniture and Advertising Program Across Philadelphia Streets

Philly's streets are about to get a major facelift as the city prepares to install hundreds of new bus shelters and benches through a lucrative partnership with outdoor advertising giant Titan 360 Outdoor, LLC.

140897

Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code Update Delayed as Effective Date Shifts to Midsummer

Landlords and homeowners will have more time to comply with new property maintenance regulations as a key deadline for enforcing stricter code requirements is now set to take effect mid-summer. The delay affects thousands of Philadelphia property owners, including many in low-income neighborhoods.

140894

Trucks Banned from Princeton Avenue During Daytime

Philadelphia homeowners rejoice: proposed zoning law blocks large-scale development in South Philly, safeguarding neighborhood character and affordability for long-time residents. This measure targets areas zoned RM-1, limiting projects to 6 units or fewer, a move advocates say will prevent gentrification and preserve community identity.

140891

Trucks Banned From Parking On Saint Vincent Street Through Roosevelt Boulevard in Bustling Northeast Philadelphia Neighborhood

Neighbors in East Torresdale are breathing a sigh of relief as a new city law aims to curb speeding trucks rumbling down residential streets, particularly on narrow Saint Vincent Street near Roosevelt Boulevard's notorious traffic hotspots.

140890

Council Proposes Changes to North Philly Zoning Laws along 33rd Street to Oxford Street Corridor

A proposed zoning overhaul for a stretch of 33rd Street could bring more bars and restaurants, but also displace long-time residents who fear gentrification is pricing them out of their neighborhoods. Small business owners are torn about the potential benefits.

140889

Zoning Maps Altered in Area Bounded by 33rd Street, Lehigh Avenue and Others

This bill changed the zoning maps for a specific area of Philadelphia to new zoning designations.

140888

Zoning Changes Made to Specific Neighborhood Near 33rd and Diamond Streets

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas in a specific neighborhood.

140887

City to Lease Small Parcel of Land on Baltimore Avenue to Philadelphia Authority

This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to lease a small parcel of city-owned land on Baltimore Avenue between 39th and 41st Streets to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, with further sublease allowed.

140885

Philadelphia School Tax Code Gets Boost as S Corps' Profit Calculations Get Major Overhaul

This bill amends a city law to change how 'Net Income' is calculated for certain types of businesses (S corporations) when it comes to paying Philadelphia's school tax.

140884

City Council Proposes New Zoning District for Central Roxborough Area to Preserve Walkable Character

This bill creates a new zoning overlay district in the Central Roxborough area to preserve its walkable character and historic pattern.

140864

City Transfers Millions to Police Department Funding Amid Aviation Budget Crunch Continues

Millions in city funds meant for airport upgrades are instead being redirected to police budgets, raising concerns about priorities amid a cash-strapped aviation department's dwindling resources. The shift affects city services that rely on Aviation Fund dollars.

140863

Water Fund Transfers Set in Motion as Council Approves $17 Million Shift Within City Water Department

Philadelphia's Low-Income Renters Get Reprieve on Eviction Filings Amid Ongoing Housing Crisis, Council Passes Measure to Suspend Filing Fees for 6 Months. This would halt eviction filings fees for six months for low-income renters struggling to pay rent in Philadelphia.

140862

City Council Authorizes Emergency Funding Transfers Within General Fund to Support Key Municipal Offices and Services

Philadelphia residents will see increased staffing at the Parks and Recreation Department, thanks to a surprise vote that funnels nearly $1 million from the General Fund into the embattled agency. The move comes as summer recreation programs are set to kick off across the city.

140861

City Hotels Must Sign Labor Deals With Local Unions Under New City Ordinance Requirements

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney Signs Executive Order Requiring City Contractors to Hire More Local Workers

140860

South Street Revamp Unveiled As Council Votes to Redraw Philly Zoning Map Boundaries

Philadelphia's iconic nightlife strip could get a major makeover as city council votes to revamp zoning rules, paving the way for taller bars and restaurants along South Street's busy corridors. Small business owners are watching closely to see how it will impact their bottom line.

140859

South Street Neighborhood Zoning Map Overhaul Clears City Council Committee Approval

This bill changes the zoning designation for a specific area in Philadelphia bounded by South Street, 15th Street, Kater Street, and 16th Street to allow for a proposed development including residential units, retail space, and parking.

140857

Philadelphia Updates Aging Property Codes Effective New Year to Bring Safety and Efficiency

This bill updates technical language in the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code, a set of regulations for maintaining and improving properties in Philadelphia.

140856

City Prepares to Accept Land Gift from School District in West Philadelphia Neighborhood

This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to accept a donation of land from The School District of Philadelphia, located in an area bounded by Media Street, N.

140854

City Council Gives Green Light for Lucien E Blackwell Community Center on South Philly Land Parcel Lease

The City Council authorized a 99-year lease of land from the Philadelphia Housing Authority to build the Lucien E.

140853

Philadelphia Airport Ground Handlers Must Secure Labor Deals to Avoid Disruptions and Revenue Losses

Tens of Thousands of Philly Renters Could Be Affected by Proposed Bill Limiting Rent Increases on Vacant Properties A proposed measure would cap annual rent hikes for vacant apartments in Philadelphia at 3%, a move that could benefit renters but also deter property owners from investing in the city's housing market.

140829

Philadelphia Extends Deadline for Homeowners to Claim Tax Break After Missing Initial Filing Deadline

Thousands of Philly homeowners are breathing a sigh of relief as city officials push back the deadline to claim a crucial property tax break, offering a second chance for those who missed the initial cutoff. Their deadline looms: Feb. 17, 2015.

140828

City Council Proposes Loosening Zoning Rules For Payday Lenders In Bustling Center City East Neighborhood Area

This bill amends Philadelphia's zoning laws to allow personal credit establishments in the Center City East area under certain terms and conditions.

140804

City Accepts Land Gift From School District Amid Plans for New Development at North Philly Site

A former North Philly school site is poised for redevelopment as the city accepts an 81-cent lot gift from the cash-strapped School District, sparking hopes for new businesses and jobs in the neighborhood.

140800

Philadelphia Limits Size of Backyard Sheds and Outbuildings to 130 Square Feet Nationwide

Homeowners will soon face stricter rules governing the size of backyard sheds and outbuildings after a new city ordinance limits these structures to just 130 square feet.

140782-A

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

City Council Proposes Tax Breaks For Homeowners Who Received Government Housing Help

Low-income families who relied on Section 8 vouchers and other government subsidies may soon get a break on their Philadelphia property taxes, thanks to a proposed new tax exemption policy.

140638-A

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

City Unveils Plan to Revitalize Market Street Property with Inclusive Economic Development Strategy Implemented

Market Street's Faded Facade May Soon Get a Facelift as City Aims to Spur Economic Growth on Underutilized Property with Plans to Create 50 New Jobs and $5 Million in Annual Tax Revenue.

140275

Affordable Housing Zones Designated Along Allegheny Avenue, Roosevelt Boulevard, and Erie Avenue

This bill creates affordable housing opportunity zones along Allegheny Avenue, Roosevelt Blvd, and Erie Avenue to help build 1,500 new affordable housing units in Philadelphia.

140229

City Council Passes Bill to Shield Local Businesses from Public Works Project Pain

Small Business Owners Cheer as Council Votes to Protect Them from "Philly Pothole" Projects: A new law shields local businesses from financial ruin when city construction disrupts their bottom line, but critics say it doesn't go far enough.

140209

Philadelphia Introduces Bill Regulating Immigration Assistance Services

Philadelphia's Affordable Housing Stock Takes a Hit as City Council Votes to Ban Short-Term Rentals from Most Buildings; Advocates Fear Loss of Crucial Affordable Units.

140142

City Council Moves to Clamp Down on Signage Vagrancy with Tough New Enforcement Laws

This bill updates Philadelphia's sign posting laws to prohibit posting signs on utility poles, street lights, and other structures, and sets a fine of $150 for violators.

130628

Philadelphia Employers Mandated to Offer Paid Leave Options Starting This Summer Season

This bill requires Philadelphia employers to provide employees with paid and unpaid leave for personal and family health needs.

141026

Zoning Maps Change for Land in Midtown Philadelphia Area

This bill changes the zoning designations for some areas of land in Philadelphia by adjusting boundaries and labels on the city's zoning maps.

141031

Businesses Earning Tax Credits Swell to 10 Times Previous Level Under New Code Amendment

Philadelphia's Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credits Soar as City Council Approves Expansion of Incentive Program Benefiting Local Investors and Community Developers, Triggering Widespread Investment in Underfunded Projects.

141028

Council proposes stricter parking rules on City Hall aprons with permit requirement.

Parking rules at City Hall tighten starting immediately, requiring permits for certain vehicles to park on designated aprons. Unauthorized vehicles are now prohibited from parking in these areas.

141025

City Workers Called Back to Military Duty Get Boost from Pension Reform Bill

City workers called back to active duty in the military will receive expanded pension benefits under a new law approved by City Council. The reform aims to support city employees balancing military service with their careers.

141024

Philadelphia Plans to Refund $700 Million in Existing Debt Through New General Obligation Bonds Issue

This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to issue $700 million in general obligation bonds to refund existing debt, with proceeds used for various purposes such as infrastructure and city services.

141027

Council sought to amend Philadelphia's Zoning Code to permit public spraygrounds.

Philadelphia's public parks can soon feature spraygrounds, designated as areas for water play with minimal standing water. Councilmember Jones sponsored the legislation allowing these recreational spaces citywide.

141030

East River Road becomes one-way northbound from Midvale Avenue to Calumet Street

Philadelphia drivers will face a significant change starting next month as the city's busiest roads undergo another transformation: East River Road is becoming a one-way nightmare for southbound commuters.

141029