This week in Council

City Council Approves Plan to Vacate Portion of Byberry Road at Philadelphia-Bucks County Line

This bill authorizes the vacating of Byberry Road in a specific area near the city limit with Bucks County, requiring owners and the City to meet certain conditions within two years.

150899-A

Parking Ban Established on Delmar Street Between Mansion Street and 230 Feet East Thereof

Resident complaints prompt sudden shift in parking rules: as of today, drivers must avoid Delmar Street's eastern stretch to alleviate congestion and safety concerns for pedestrians.

150898

City Council Redraws Permit Parking Lines on South Philly Streets Near Schuylkill River Waterway

Residents near the Schuylkill River Waterway will soon have to adapt to new permit parking rules as City Council redraws the lines on South Philly streets, affecting thousands who pay for coveted spots. Neighbors may find themselves on the wrong side of a newly drawn boundary.

150896

New Permit Parking District 35 Established in Philadelphia with Roosevelt Boulevard Boundaries

This bill creates a new Permit Parking District 35 in Philadelphia.

150895

Pedestrian Walkway Removed, Utility Infrastructure Reconfigured Along Former Thompson Street

This bill allows for the removal of a pedestrian walkway and some utility infrastructure from a city map in a specific area of Philadelphia.

150894

Green Street Homeowner Gets Go-Ahead for Concrete Stairs and Landscaping Makeover

A long-awaited renovation of a Green Street home is finally underway, thanks to a city council vote that clears the way for a concrete staircase and lush new landscaping - but only if it doesn't encroach on the sidewalk too much.

150893

City Council Votes to Redraw Zoning Map Around Busy North Philly Corridor

This bill changes the zoning designations for a specific area in Philadelphia bounded by Allegheny Avenue, 17th Street, Westmoreland Street, and 19th Street.

150864

Zoning Designations Changed in Section of Philadelphia Bounded by South Street and Washington Avenue

This bill changes the zoning designations in a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by South Street, 6th Street, Washington Avenue, and 11th Street.

150863

Zoning Changes Unveiled for Northeast Philly Neighborhood Boundaries Along Roosevelt Boulevard

Roosevelt Boulevard's north side is poised for redevelopment as council introduces changes that could bring new businesses and housing to long-neglected parcels along the highway, sparking concerns about gentrification.

150861

Sidewalk Vendors Barred from Southern Side of Hunting Park Avenue through Bakers Square Center

A new proposal would ban street performers and hawkers from selling wares on the busy stretch of Hunting Park Avenue near Bakers Square Center, sparking concerns about lost revenue for local entrepreneurs.

150860

Changes Philadelphia Zoning Maps in Specific Neighborhood Area

This bill changes the zoning maps for a specific area in Philadelphia bounded by Conshohocken Road, Country Club Road, Wentworth Road (Extended), Lankenau Avenue, and Cranston Road.

150859

City Council Votes to Protect Historic Neighborhood with New Roxborough Conservation Overlay Zone Established

Philadelphia's South Street will get a boost from a city council-approved measure increasing the number of parking spaces available along the corridor by 300, a move aimed at alleviating congestion.

150858

City Council Proposes Zoning Shifts Around Shedwick Street, Commissioner Street, 34th Street, and Indiana Street Boundaries

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations for areas around Shedwick Street, Commissioner Street, 34th Street, and Indiana Street.

150857

City Officials Revise Cross Street Layout to Conform with Existing Conditions and Allow for Wider Cartway

Resident-Owned Businesses Face Higher Parking Fees under Proposed New Ordinance; Small Shops on South 13th Street Say Increased Costs Could Devastate Their Bottom Line.

150856

City Prepares for New Development with Paving of Gates Street and Cross Street Ahead

This bill authorizes the city to pave Gates Street and Cross Street in a specific area due to new residential development.

150855

City Officials Move Bill to Redirect $ From Grants Fund To General Fund In Budget Shuffle

This bill authorizes transfers of money from one fund to another within the city's budget for Fiscal Year 2016.

150853

City Council Gives Green Light for Last-Minute Shifts Within Shaky Water Fund Budget

Philadelphia's water customers are on the hook for nearly $8 million in last-minute budget shuffles, courtesy of a City Council vote that greenlights emergency transfers within the already-strained Water Fund.

150852

City Transfers Funds Within General Fund to Support Offices and Departments for Fiscal Year 2015

Philadelphia homeowners could see a slight increase in taxes next year as City Council debates proposal to raise property tax rate by 1%. The hike would fund a $25 million boost for public schools, the largest school district in Pennsylvania.

150851

City Sets Stage for Potential New Developments on Ruth Street with Land Transfer Deal

Philadelphia Residents Could Soon Be Paying More to Park in Popular Lots as Council Weighs New Fees for Privately Owned Parking Spaces; The proposal would increase parking fees in 22 city-owned lots from $3 to $6 per hour.

150850

City of Philadelphia Set to Lease Land near Philly International Airport for Next 50 Years

The City of Philadelphia is authorized to lease and purchase a 21.8-acre parcel of land from Tinicum Township adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport, with a 50-year term.

150849

City Moves to Buy Up Land Along Delaware River and Trails for Public Recreation Spaces

Philadelphia Residents Could Pay More for Trash Collection with Proposed New Fees on Commercial Properties; Small businesses would bear the brunt of increased costs under a proposed trash collection fee hike.

150846

Edgemont Street Struck from City Plan and Delaware Expressway Right-of-Way Lines Revised

Philadelphia's city map is getting an overhaul: Edgemont Street will officially disappear from its designated spot, while nearby expressway boundaries get realigned along Pennsylvania's borders, affecting property owners near I-95.

150845

Changes Zoning Designations for Land Along Atlantic Street and Old York Road

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations for areas around Atlantic Street, Old York Road, Tioga Street, and 13th Street.

150844

Zoning Changes Made for Neighborhood Near 37th and Sansom Streets

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations for certain areas of land in a specific neighborhood.

150843

City Unveils Plan to Acquire Land Along Delaware River for Public Recreation Use and Trails Expansion

This law allows the City to buy or take land along the Delaware River and the Delaware River Trail for public recreation use.

150818

City Approves Changes to City Plan No. 195, Revisions to Webb Street Boundaries

This bill allows the city to revise a portion of City Plan No.

150817

City Hall OKs Plan to Redirect Water and Gas Mains Through Portion of Northeast Philly Neighborhood

This bill allows the city to remove a section of right-of-way reserved for water and gas mains on City Plan No.

150816

Employers Must Consider More Factors When Screening Job Applicants with Criminal History

Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed legislation that gives employers a harder look at past crimes, forcing them to consider the severity of offenses when deciding who to hire or license.

150815

Philadelphia Mandates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in New Developments Across City

This bill requires new developments in Philadelphia with residential use and 20+ parking spaces to include electric vehicle charging stations in a certain percentage of those spaces.

150814

City Council Approves Renewal of Comcast Cable Franchises Across Four Philadelphia Neighborhoods

This bill authorizes the City's Managing Director to renew Comcast's cable television franchises for four areas in Philadelphia under certain terms and conditions.

150809

City Cancels 25-Foot Easement Along Former Hamilton Street Between Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets

This bill allows the city to cancel a 25-foot easement along former Hamilton Street between Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets.

150807

Newsstand Owner Gets Green Light to Install Electrical and Phone Conduits

This bill allows a newsstand owner to install electrical and telephone conduits on his property at 17th street and Ranstead street, under certain conditions.

150806

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.

150792

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

150788-A

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.

150787

City Moves to Acquire Properties on West Penn and Newhall Streets via Purchase or Condemnation Process

Controversy over vacant lots on West Philly's commercial corridor heats up as city moves to seize control of several blighted properties, sparking debate over eminent domain and community revitalization efforts.

150770

City Hall Sets Sights on Locking in Long-Term Deals for Electricity, Gas, and Fuel Supplies

Philadelphia Homeowners Face New Tax Hike as Council Considers Increasing Stormwater Management Fees by up to 50% A proposed tax hike would hit around 125,000 Philadelphians who currently pay an annual fee to help maintain the city's stormwater management system, a major overhaul of which is underway.

150768

City Council Tweak Zoning Code Rules for Entertainment Districts Amid Push for Larger Venues

A proposed zoning overhaul could bring bigger concerts and festivals to Philadelphia's entertainment districts, but critics warn it may also lead to increased noise and congestion for nearby residents. Neighborhood groups are sounding alarms as City Council considers changes that would allow for more bars and restaurants in residential areas, potentially upending long-standing community zoning r

150767

Rotational Towing Storage Fees Clarified Under New City Ordinance

Philadelphia Residents to Face Higher Towing Costs After City Council Votes to Loosen Grip on Parking Tickets and Fines.

150765

Metal Chestnut Inc Given Green Light to Build, Own Right-of-Way Structures Along Bustling Chestnut Street

Developers Win Right to Build on City Streets: A new law gives Metal Chestnut Inc. the green light to build elaborate structures along Chestnut Street, sparking debate over aesthetics and private ownership of public space in West Philly's commercial hub.

150764

Philadelphia's Food Establishments Must Meet New Licensing Requirements Under Updated Health Code Rule

This bill updates rules for food establishments to get a license in Philadelphia.

150749

Philadelphia Expands Recycling Program Adding Mandatory Separation of Recyclables in City and Private Waste Collection

Low-Income Philly Residents Get a Break on Water Bills Under New Council Proposal; Monthly Fees Would be Capped at 10% of Income, Ending Threat of Shut-Off for Thousands.

150748

City Clears Way for Development on Callowhill Street Drainage Easement After Long-Standing Impasse

Callowhill residents who've been locked in a years-long battle over development plans will have a clearer path forward now that Council has voted to lift restrictions on building near their homes' outdated drainage systems.

150746

Philadelphia Council Proposes Looser Building Rules For Green Roofs Across City

This bill allows for more densely populated buildings in certain areas if they have a green roof, which supports living vegetation and includes specific layers.

150745-A

Zoning Changes Unveiled Along 10th Street, Packer Avenue Corridor Amid Plans For New Development Spree

This bill changes the zoning designations for certain areas in Philadelphia from existing to new classifications, which may allow different types of development or land use.

150744

Truck Parking Banned on West Chelten Avenue Between North Sixth and North Fifth Streets

Residents and business owners along a popular Main Line corridor are breathing a sigh of relief as a new city law blocks big rigs from parking on Chelten Avenue, starting today.

150743

Philadelphia Imposes $5 Fee on Non-Exempt Vehicles to Fund Street Maintenance and Safety Improvements

Low-Income Seniors Face Eviction Crisis as City Council Weighs Measure to Raise Rent Control Threshold, Capping Annual Increases at 3% A proposal to increase rent control limits would shield more low-income seniors from massive rent hikes, but landlords argue it would drive up costs and stifle development.

150670

Parking Regulations Set for Philadelphia Neighborhood Along Major Thoroughfares

This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, including time limits and days of enforcement.

150669

South Philly Neighborhoods Set to Undergo Zoning Changes Along Famed Bustling Streets

A proposed zoning overhaul is sparking debate in South Philly, where a historic stretch of businesses along Passyunk Avenue could see significant changes as owners adapt to new parking requirements and density limits.

150667

Terrace Street Parking Limit Reduced to 315 Feet North of Dawson Street

This bill revises parking restrictions on Terrace Street between Dawson Street and a point 315 feet north of it.

150662

Mobile Food Vendors Cleared to Operate on Wissahickon Avenue After Long Stance Against Sidewalk Sales

This bill allows mobile food vendors to operate on the west side of the 5000 block of Wissahickon Avenue under certain terms and conditions.

150661

Trucks Banned from Parking on Fox Street in Philadelphia Neighborhood

Resident Complaints Spark Change: Philadelphia City Council Passes Measure Banning Trucks from Parking on Bustling Roosevelt Boulevard Blocks, Aimed at Easing Traffic Congestion and Improving Safety for Pedestrians.

150660

Newsboxes Banned at Busy Intersection Near Drexel University Campus

Drexel students and neighbors breathe a sigh of relief as City Council votes to clear clutter from iconic corner, ending decades-long debate over unsightly newsstands that hog sidewalk space.

150656

City Takes Charge in Water Main Breaks, Assigning Duties to Water Department, Shielding Homeowners' Rights

New Protections for Small Businesses: Council Bill Would Extend Tax Breaks to Microenterprises in Eligible Neighborhoods, Helping Owners Like Maria Rodriguez Keep Her Family-Owned Bodega Afloat.

150642-A

City Allows Stair Enclosure to Remain at Whitaker Avenue Building Despite Initial Zoning Objections from Neighbors

Philadelphia Council Votes to Ease Parking Ticket Fines for Low-Income Drivers with New Proposal Residents earning below the federal poverty level could see up to 75% of parking ticket fines waived under a new measure aimed at reducing debt burdens on low-income Philadelphians.

150607

City Set to Shave Off Triangular Corner of Lancaster Avenue Near Market Street and 32nd Street Limits

Lancaster Avenue Revamp on the Horizon: A tiny triangle of land is set to be shaved off a busy Philadelphia intersection, sparking questions about who will foot the bill for lost development space.

150601

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 Council Gives Green Light to Gallery Neighborhood Improvement District Plan

Small Business Owners Cheer as City Council Passes Bill Requiring Philly Restaurants to Post Food Safety Ratings Online The new law forces restaurants with poor safety records to prominently display their failing grades on menus and websites, sparking debate over transparency vs. public shaming.

150374

Center City Sidewalk Vendors Get Shake Up as Council Approves New Vendor Location and Cuts Another

This bill amends the rules for sidewalk vendors in Center City Philadelphia by removing a previously designated location and adding a new one.

150346

City Council Introduces New Parking Restrictions for Five Philadelphia Neighborhoods to Ease Congestion and Boost Local Economy

This bill establishes new parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, requiring two-hour parking during certain hours on weekdays and prohibiting parking on weekends.

150271

Parking Restrictions Established in Neighborhoods Near 18th and 20th Streets

This bill establishes new parking regulations in several Philadelphia neighborhoods, including restrictions on how long drivers can park their cars and when they are allowed to do so.

150270

Philadelphia Council Sets Parking Rules on Key City Streets Including Catharine Street Corridor

Residents along busy Catharine Street will soon face stricter parking rules as city council votes to limit parking to just 2 hours from 10am-6pm on weekdays, citing congestion concerns.

150269

City Council Orders Installation of Traffic Signal on Parkside Avenue at 50th Street Intersection

This bill authorizes and directs the installation of a traffic signal on Parkside Avenue at the intersection of North 50th Street.

140722

Council proposed Zoning Amendment for Rittenhouse Square Residential Area with Certain Terms and Conditions

Philadelphia Homeowners Face Hefty Fines for Unpermitted Airbnb Rentals Under Proposed Council Measure A measure before City Council would impose fines of up to $10,000 on homeowners who rent out their properties without permission, hitting a major cash cow in the city's short-term rental market hard.

150649