This week in Council

Farmers' markets cleared to operate at new locations around Philadelphia under new law.

A new wave of fresh produce is coming to Philly streets as City Council passes legislation to create seven additional farmers markets across neighborhoods, promising a boost for local food access and small business owners.

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Board of Surveyors Gets Expanded Powers to Approve Street Improvements Plans

Philadelphia's busy thoroughfares may get smoother roads and improved sidewalks as city officials can now more easily modify curbs and sidewalks without lengthy Board of Surveyors approvals. The streamlined process aims to speed up essential infrastructure work in high-traffic areas.

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City Begins Removing Abandoned Bicycles from Public Spaces After Owner Notification Period

This law requires inoperable bicycles to be removed from public right-of-way after 10 days.

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Two-Hour Parking Restrictions to Be Enforced on 6th Street Between Christian and Carpenter Streets

Philadelphia's Small Business Owners Face Higher Taxes as City Council Passes Bill Increasing Commercial Property Tax Rate by 2% for Second Year in a Row. The new tax rate will bring an estimated $4 million increase in revenue, but small business owners worry about the economic burden on their already-struggling shops and restaurants.

150283

Rexford Road Parking Restrictions Take Effect Limiting Two-Hour Parking to Peak Hours Daily

This law establishes parking regulations on Rexford Street in Philadelphia, requiring two-hour parking from 6am to 10pm, Monday through Saturday.

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Council Seeks to Tighten Parking Rules Along Parkside Avenue Near 52nd Street.

This bill establishes parking regulations on Parkside Avenue between 52nd and 51st Streets, allowing two-hour parking from 9am to 10pm, Monday through Sunday.

150280

Parking Restrictions Established on Smick and Fountain Streets in Philadelphia

This bill establishes two-hour parking restrictions on Smick Street and Fountain Street from 6 PM to 6 AM, Monday through Sunday, with some exemptions.

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Automated Red Light Cameras Authorized at Belmont and Parkside Avenues Intersection

This bill authorizes the installation of automated red light cameras at the intersection of Belmont and Parkside Avenues to prevent red light violations.

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Parking Restrictions Imposed Near 57th Street and Lansdowne Avenue with Two-Hour Limit

Drivers on 57th Street and Lansdowne Avenue will face stricter time limits starting tonight as city council implements new parking restrictions aimed at easing congestion in the rapidly developing neighborhood. Business owners have long complained about limited parking options.

150277

Newsstand Owner Gets Green Light to Drill Conduits for Power and Phones on Busy E. Levick Street Corridor

This bill allows a newsstand owner to install conduits for electricity and phone service at their stand on East Levick Street.

150268

Shipon Gets Permission to Open Sidewalk Café on Queen Street

This bill allows Alvin Shipon to set up an open-air sidewalk café at 342-344 Queen Street, with specific rules for tables and seating.

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City OKs Outdoor Café Permit for Popular Ridge Avenue Eatery Property Owner

Small Business Owners Rally Behind Proposal to Hike Minimum Wage for City Workers A new law would raise the minimum wage for city employees from $12 an hour to $15 over the next two years, affecting over 3,000 municipal workers in Philadelphia.

150237

Center City Sidewalk Vendors Face Uncertain Future as Designated Spots are Eliminated Suddenly

Under a new proposal, popular street food carts and merchants who line Center City sidewalks may soon be forced to find new spots, leaving some worried about their livelihoods as the city aims for a sleeker look.

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Philadelphia Voters Set to Decide Fate of LGBT Affairs Office in Upcoming Special Election This Fall

Council Approves Plan to Create New Office for Philly's LGBT Community, Paving Way for Special Election This Fall; Measure Now Heads to Voters Who Will Decide on Office's Fate.

150216

Philadelphia Installs Red Light Cameras at Busy 2nd Street and Erie Avenue Intersection

Drivers navigating one of North Philadelphia's most congested intersections will soon face increased scrutiny as city officials prepare to install cameras that can ticket drivers who run red lights on 2nd Street and Erie Avenue. The new technology aims to reduce accidents at the notoriously hazardous intersection.

150214

Mobile Food Vendors Must Pass Propane Safety Inspection to Operate in Philly

Proposal Aims to Curb Noise Complaints on South Street with Stricter Curfew Rules; Bar Owners Worry about Loss of Revenue from Late-Night Crowds.

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East Duval Street becomes one-way, westbound from Mansfield Avenue to Stenton Avenue

Philadelphia drivers will need to rethink their commutes tomorrow as a new traffic pattern takes effect on East Duval Street, forcing all vehicles to head eastward between Stenton and Mansfield Avenues.

130905

City Council Unveils Plan for Special Election to Raise Philly Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour Next Month

Philadelphia voters will be asked in a special election next month whether the city's minimum wage should be raised to $15 an hour. The ballot question would coincide with the November 2015 election.

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City Seeks Millions in Federal Grants to Boost Affordable Housing and Fight Blight Across Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Philadelphia homeowners facing foreclosure could soon get a financial lifeline as the city pushes to expand its program allowing property tax payments to be deducted from paychecks, potentially saving thousands in fees and interest.

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Philadelphia City Council Proposes Tough New Rules for Street Parties Amid Resident Complaints Over Noise and Safety Concerns

Philadelphia Homeowners May Face Higher Property Taxes Under New City Proposal to Fund Affordable Housing Programs with Increased Levy on Vacant Land Owners.

150474

City Tightens Screws on Special Inspection Agencies as Council Moves to Boost Registration and Fees Requirements

This bill requires special inspection agencies and inspectors to register with the City of Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections, meet specific qualifications, and pay fees for certifications.

150472

City Transfers Funds From Prison Rehabilitation to Landscaping Jobs for Former Inmates in Re-Entry Program

Million-dollar transfer shifts city funds from prison rehabilitation program to hiring returning citizens for landscaping and lot-cleaning jobs. The move supports the Philadelphia Re-Entry Employment Program for Returning Citizens.

150471

Farmers Markets Get Green Light on Busy West Tabor Road Section

Small business owners along West Tabor Road are cheering as a long-awaited amendment opens up a coveted stretch of sidewalk space for vendors selling fresh produce. The change could bring more foot traffic to the area's shops and eateries.

150468

City Prepares to Accept 6-Acre Donation to Expand Wissahickon Valley Park with Conservation Restrictions

This bill allows the city to accept a donation of a 6-acre parcel of land from Natural Lands Trust, Inc., and incorporates it into Wissahickon Valley Park.

150475

City Transfers Control of North Philly Land Parcel to PAID Under New Agreement Terms

This bill allows the City to transfer ownership of a parcel of land in North Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID) under certain conditions.

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Zoning Maps Overhauled Along Bustling Spring Garden Corridor Amidst Plans for New Development Projects

Philadelphia's vibrant Spring Garden neighborhood is about to get a major makeover with new development projects underway, but residents are worried about the impact of relaxed zoning restrictions on their community character.

150473

North 4th Street Business Owner Gets Green Light for Outdoor Café Expansion Plans

This bill allows a specific business owner to install and maintain an open-air sidewalk café at their property on North 4th Street in Philadelphia, with certain conditions.

150467

Zoo License Deal Gets Green Light: City Agrees to Renew Long-Term Parking Pact With ZSP

Philadelphia's iconic zoo gets a reprieve from parking woes as a contentious deal between city officials and the Zoological Society of Philadelphia is approved, paving the way for continued use of city land for vehicle access.

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