Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 16 to October 22, 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.
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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.
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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 Approves Oxford Street Area Redistricting to Update Street Names and Boundaries
Neighborhood residents will soon see changes to the streets they've grown up with as Council votes to update Oxford Street's borders, renaming several side streets to ease confusion among locals and visitors alike. The redesign aims to simplify navigation for emergency services.
150646
Council Transfers $25 Million to Philly Schools Amid Ongoing Budget Negotiations
Philadelphia Homeowners Could Face Increased Property Taxes Under New Bill; Residents 65 and Older Would See Stipends Eased, but Thousands More Would Pay Higher Rates.
150612
Philadelphia Posts Missing Person Alerts on City Websites and Social Media Sites Daily
Philly residents are one step closer to staying informed about missing loved ones: a new city policy will automatically post daily Missing Person Alerts on all major city websites and social media channels.
150009
Council Creates New Salary for Majority Deputy Whip, Tying Pay to 2016 Budget Date
This bill amends Philadelphia's compensation and benefits chapter to provide a salary for the Majority Deputy Whip of Council, which will take effect on January 4, 2016.
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Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council proposed law requiring construction companies to notify city of safety threats
Construction companies must alert city authorities immediately if they discover a serious safety threat, or face unspecified consequences. Companies responsible for construction projects will have to report any potential harm to the City upon discovery.
150791
Capital Program for Philadelphia Expanded with New Projects and Funding Sources Added
Philadelphia Homeowners Could Face Higher Water Bills Under New Council Measure A proposed bill aims to increase the city's water rate hikes to help pay for aging infrastructure repairs, impacting thousands of residents with fixed incomes or struggling to afford housing costs. Philly Small Businesses Would Pay More in Taxes Under Proposed Council Ordinance A new proposal seeks to boost Philadel
150790
City Seeks to Relieve Filth on E. Fishers Lane with New Water Main Project
Construction of a water main is set to begin today on a portion of East Fishers Lane, aimed at alleviating unsanitary conditions in the area. The project will provide public sewer service at two locations along E. Fishers Lane.
150789
Council proposed ban on truck parking along Torresdale Avenue and Megargee Street
Councilmember Henon's proposed truck parking ban is moving forward, prohibiting large vehicles from parking on two Northeast Philly streets amid resident concerns over safety. The restriction targets both sides of Torresdale Avenue and Megargee Street in the area.
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Council sought to update city's parking laws with new temporary permit provisions and penalties.
Philadelphia's parking laws get a major overhaul with new provisions for temporary permits, penalties for misuse, and clearer towing procedures in permit parking districts across the city.
150785
Broad Street Café Gets Green Light for Sidewalk Seating as Council Approves Licensing Deal
Philadelphia's First-Ever Bike Lane Plan Hits Snag: City Council Votes Down Key Funding Measure, Leaving Cyclists Worried About Future Safety and Infrastructure Upgrades
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City Seeks To Axe Russell Street Section as Official Map Revision Moves Forward
This bill allows the city to change its official map by removing Russell Street from Casper Street to Balfour Street.
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New Name for Old Staple: Mifflin Street's Tolentine Center Becomes East Passyunk Community Recreation Center
Philly Council Approves Bill Renaming Local Rec Centers, Giving New Identity to Aging Halls Amid Growing Demands for Community Investment in South Philly's East Passyunk Neighborhood.
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