Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 15 to May 21, 2015
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 Purchases Key Section of Viaduct Rail Line for Elevated Park as Economic Boost to Callowhill Neighborhood
Philly buys up crumbling rail line on Callowhill, paving way for a 1.8-mile elevated park that could boost local businesses and bring new life to this rapidly changing neighborhood.
150415
City Set to Sell Troubled Kensington Avenue Site to PAID Amid Plans for Economic Revitalization
Kensington Businesses Face Uncertainty as Council Proposes New Rules Allowing Food Trucks in Residential Areas, Stoking Debate Over Zoning and Noise Concerns.
150371
City Agrees to Sell Key Germantown Avenue Site to Boost Economic Development Efforts Overnight
A long-vacant lot on Germantown Avenue is poised to be redeveloped after the city agreed to sell the site to a public agency, potentially bringing new businesses and jobs to the neighborhood's struggling commercial corridor.
150367
City Council Approves Mobile Payment Fee Parity for Philadelphia Parking Meters Across All Areas
Philadelphia drivers will soon face the same surcharge on mobile payments at Center City meters as they do at North Philly kiosks, sparking debate about fairness and convenience for residents and visitors alike.
150354
Free Library of Philadelphia and City Sign Deal to Occupy Space in Iconic Rodin Market Building Downtown
This bill allows the Free Library of Philadelphia and Public Property Commissioner to sign a sublease agreement with PAID (Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development) for space in the Rodin Market building at 2000 Hamilton Street.
150233
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Introduces New East Callowhill Overlay District to Foster Walkability and Green Spaces Throughout the Neighborhood
East Callowhill residents could soon see more pedestrian-friendly streets, parks, and green roofs under proposed changes that aim to transform the neighborhood into a model for urban sustainability in Philadelphia.
150505
Philadelphia to Require Lower Sulfur Content in Commercial Fuel Oil Sales
This bill updates regulations for fuel oil sales in Philadelphia to reduce sulfur content and minimize environmental impact.
150500-A
City Seeks to Acquire 27-Acre Property, Lease to Economic Agency for Job Creation and Growth
City Seeks to Acquire 27-Acre Property, Lease to Economic Agency for Job Creation and Growth." A proposed deal would transform a sprawling international business complex into a hub for local businesses, potentially creating hundreds of new jobs in Philadelphia's economy.
150512
City Council Approves Pact Allowing PAID to Offer Economic Aid and Secure Funding for Local Businesses Growth
Philadelphia small business owners can now tap into up to $10 million in aid, courtesy of a new City Council pact that gives PAID the power to secure funding for local growth initiatives. The deal aims to boost economic development across Philly's neighborhoods.
150508
City Seeks Approval from Voters to Borrow Up to 155 Million Dollars for Capital Projects
Philadelphia's mayor is pushing for a massive borrowing plan that would sink taxpayers into debt, but critics argue it's a necessary investment in crumbling infrastructure and underfunded schools. The proposal would borrow $155 million to fund projects like road repairs and new school buildings.
150507
Philadelphia Law Clarifies Farmers' Market Rules
City officials aim to boost local food sales with new regulations that permit home-based bakers and cheesemongers at farmers markets, but also target unlicensed vendors selling counterfeit goods.
150503
City Council Passes New Zoning Rules to Regulate Home Outdoor Spaces
Rooftop residents would soon have easier access to outdoor spaces under a proposed city ordinance, which aims to clarify balcony and deck regulations for homeowners in Philly's dense neighborhoods.
150502-AA
Temple University District Established for Sidewalk Vendors with Limited Spots and Boundaries
Sidewalk entrepreneurs are gearing up to set up shop outside Temple, as city council votes to create a new "Temple University District" allowing select vendors to peddle everything from snacks to souvenirs around campus.
150498
City Council Eyes Zoning Changes for Neighborhood Blocks Along Hunting Park Avenue and Wissahickon Avenue
Residents near Hunting Park Avenue could see new high-rise apartments and businesses move in as City Council considers zoning overhaul that would triple allowed building height on some streets.
150490
City Council Proposes Zoning Changes for Southwest Philly Neighborhood Along Hagys Mill Road
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change zoning designations in a specific area bounded by several streets and the County Line.
150489
Philadelphia Zoning Maps Overhauled in Revamp of Neighborhood Land Use Boundaries
This bill changes the zoning designations for a specific area of land in Philadelphia, bounded by several streets.
150487
Philadelphia Zoning Maps Get a Shifting Bound: Arizona to Coral Streets
This bill changed the zoning designations for certain areas in Philadelphia from Arizona Street to Coral Street.
150494
Council seeks to boost parking spaces for CMX-3 commercial lots to 18 spaces.
This bill changes parking requirements for commercial lots in certain areas of Philadelphia, specifically requiring a minimum of 18 parking spaces for CMX-3 zoned lots.
150493
City Council Eyes Looser Rules on Curb Cuts for Philly's Busiest Mixed-Use Streets and Narrow Neighborhoods
Philadelphia Residents May See Shorter Pedestrian Crosswalks on Busy Streets Under Proposed Zoning Overhaul, Sparking Concerns Over Safety and Accessibility for Seniors and Families.
150492
Mayor and Officials Greenlight $Millions in Airport Debt Relief through New Revenue Bond Issue
This bill authorizes the Mayor and City officials to issue Airport Revenue Refunding Bonds to pay off outstanding debt related to Philadelphia International Airport.
150510
Philadelphia Parking Authority Gets Greenlight for Arch Street Constructions
Developers' plan to revamp Philly's financial district hits speed bump as city council votes to grant parking authority green light for major construction project on iconic streets.
150506
City OKs Changes to Washington Avenue in Downtown Philadelphia Area
This bill allows for a change to be made on City Plan No.
150504
City Acquires Pedestrian Easement in Market Street Corridor for Enhanced Accessibility
Residents and Business Owners Alarmed as New Zoning Laws Loosen Restrictions on Vacant Lot Development Philadelphia's zoning laws are being rewritten to allow for more flexibility in building on vacant lots, sparking debate over gentrification and community displacement.
150501
Developers Must Notify Commerce Director on Certain Industrial District Permits
This bill requires developers to notify the Director of Commerce when applying for certain permits in industrial districts, to ensure that business and economic interests are considered in planning decisions.
150499
Melon Street and former Potts Street drainage right-of-way revised in City Plan No 58
This bill allows for a revision to Philadelphia's City Plan No.
150496-A
Zoning Changes Made to Philadelphia Area Bound by Disston Street and Algon Avenue
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change zoning designations in a specific area bounded by several streets.
150488
Banner Pole Allowed at Ridge Avenue Location Under Specific Terms and Conditions
Ridge Avenue shop owners face uncertainty as a proposed banner pole at their busy intersection is set to be installed, sparking concerns about added noise and visual clutter for nearby residents and businesses.
150516
Philadelphia Council Approves Banner Pole for Jason Cohen's Ridge Avenue Business in Conditional Deal
Small business owners are cheering as the city council approves a special permit allowing them to install large outdoor signs, but some neighbors are voicing concerns about potential clutter on busy streets like Roosevelt Boulevard.
150515
City Council Gives Go Ahead for All-Way Stop Signs on Eva Street and Port Royal Avenue Intersection
Drivers will soon be forced to come to a complete halt at one of Philadelphia's most congested intersections, as city council votes to add all-way stop signs on Eva Street and Port Royal Avenue.
150514
Bay Window Build-Off Kicks Off On Bustling South Bonsall Street Amid New Council Approval
South Philadelphia homeowners are abuzz over a new council-approved variance allowing for expanded outdoor living spaces, with one long-time resident set to break ground on a contentious bay window project next month.
150513
Private Company Wins Approval to Install Planters Along Five Busy South Philly Streets Under Strict Rules
This bill allows a private company to install planters in specific locations on five streets in South Philadelphia, subject to certain conditions.
150511
City Treasurer Greenlights New Deal with Wells Fargo for Streamlined Payroll Processing Services
Wells Fargo's deal to handle Philly's paycheck processing is set to get a $1 million price hike, raising questions about transparency in city contracts and whether the savings are worth it for taxpayers.
150509
Council proposed making Melon Street one-way from Thirteenth Street to Park Avenue westbound.
Council President Clarke and Councilmember Greenlee secured City Council approval for a one-way street conversion on Melon Street, from Thirteenth to Park Avenue, allowing westbound traffic only. The change will now take effect immediately.
150497
Drexel University Given Approval to Build Steps and Planters on JFK Boulevard
Drexel University is allowed to build and maintain steps and planters at their location on JFK Blvd in Philadelphia.
150495-A
New Zoning Boundaries Designate Priscilla Street Over Several Blocks in Philadelphia
Families Living Near Eastern State University Could See Rent Hikes Under New Ordinance Allowing Luxury Condo Development in Their Backyard, Sparking Fears of Gentrification.
150491