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Weekly recap

This week in Council

November 11 to November 17, 2016

22 introduced3 became law0 failed or vetoed

Coming up: public hearings

Committees hear testimony before voting. Open any bill and tap the bell to get a reminder the day before.

Thursday, November 12, 10:00 AM · CITY COUNCIL

City Government·Introduced

Philadelphia City Council Seeks Public Vote on Establishing Independent Child Welfare Oversight Board

Philadelphia City Council is seeking public approval to establish an independent child welfare oversight board through a referendum, which would amend the city's Home Rule Charter.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Council Introduces Bill to Acquire Land for Public Parks Between Vine Street and Fairmount Avenue

City Council bill would allow the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire land in Fishtown for public parks, expanding recreational space in the neighborhood. The proposed development would be bounded by Vine Street, Fairmount Avenue, 8th Street, and 12th Street.

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Environment·Introduced

Philly Contractors Hired to Collect Garbage Must Use Recycling Facilities Not Incinerators Anymore

Philadelphia contractors hired by the city must now use recycling facilities instead of incinerators when disposing of collected trash. The change aims to reduce waste sent to incinerators under new city regulations.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Bill Aims to Relax Parking Requirements in Philadelphia's Commercial Mixed-Use District

Philadelphia's commercial mixed-use zoning rules have been overhauled to allow for more multi-family housing in certain areas under new zoning regulations approved by City Council. Changes will affect what types of buildings can be constructed and how they are zoned.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Zoning Map Changes Set for Neighborhood Around St Joseph's Preparatory School This Week

Changes to zoning map and code amendments proposed for neighborhoods around St Joseph's Preparatory School, affecting areas bounded by Thompson Street, Girard Avenue, and others. Councilmember Young sponsored the bill.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Zoning designations changing in Philadelphia area bounded by Wharton Street, Broad Street, Reed Street, and Carlisle Street.

Zoning designations in an area bounded by Wharton Street, Broad Street, Reed Street, and Carlisle Street will be changed to align with new zoning maps, as proposed by Council President Johnson and Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Zoning designations to be changed in area bounded by Wharton Street, 28th Street, Reed Street, and Newkirk Street.

Zoning designations in the Wharton Street to Newkirk Street area are set to change, shifting boundaries from existing designations on Map "A" to new ones on Map "B".

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Zoning designations for areas bounded by Roberts Avenue and Germantown Avenue proposed for change.

Councilmember Bass proposes changing zoning designations for areas bounded by Roberts Avenue, Germantown Avenue, and surrounding streets, as outlined in Maps "A1," "A2," and "A3".

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Business & Commerce·Introduced

West Broad Street Businesses Exempt from Commercial Curfew with Limited Exception

Businesses along West Broad Street in the Eighth Councilmanic District will now be allowed to stay open until 6 a.m. under a limited exception to the commercial curfew, but violating the new hours will result in a $1,000 fine per day.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Philadelphia's Eighth Council District Zoning and Land Use Overhaul Underway with New Overlay District Rules

Councilmember Bass is pushing to revise zoning rules in Philadelphia's Eighth Council District, limiting additional uses and making technical changes to the /EDO Overlay District.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Northeast Philadelphia Zoning Districts Combined into New Tenth District Overlay District

Northeast Philadelphia's zoning map is getting a makeover with the combination of two existing districts into the new Tenth District Overlay District, streamlining zoning regulations in the area.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Self-service storage facilities prohibited in certain locations under proposed zoning change

City Council proposes banning self-service storage facilities in certain locations, as defined in a new zoning and planning code amendment introduced by Councilmember Driscoll.

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Public Safety·Introduced

Philadelphia Limits Loud Devices on Public Waterways to Prevent Disturbance

Loud devices on Philadelphia's lakes, rivers, and creeks are now strictly regulated to prevent disturbance, with violators facing a $2,000 fine and a maximum sound level of 100 feet from the device allowed.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Philadelphia's Zoning Laws Revised to Define Adult Cabarets in New Way

Philadelphia's zoning laws are being revised to define adult cabarets, which include businesses that may serve alcohol and feature topless or exotic dancers, in a new way. The change affects business owners and patrons of such establishments.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Philadelphia zoning laws revised in Main Street/Manayunk and Venice Island area.

Zoning laws in Main Street/Manayunk and Venice Island are being revised to revise boundaries, restrict additional uses, and update maps, aiming to maintain the area's unique character and commercial identity.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

New Southwest Center City Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District Created Amid Zoning Regulations Changes

Zoning regulations in Southwest Center City are set to change with the creation of a new Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District, revising boundaries and imposing specific rules on affected properties.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Philadelphia Zoning Maps to be Amended with New Zoning Designations in Specific Areas Bounded by 65th Avenue and Chelten Avenue

Philadelphia's zoning maps are set to be updated in areas bounded by 65th Avenue, 3rd Street, Chelten Avenue, and 5th Street, with new zoning designations to be reflected on the maps. Councilmember Phillips' bill authorizes the zoning map changes within a specific area.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Zoning designations for areas along Wyncote Avenue, Ogontz Avenue, and 68th Avenue are being changed.

Zoning designations for areas along Wyncote Avenue, Ogontz Avenue, and 68th Avenue are being changed to new zoning designations, with the exact changes outlined on Maps "A" and "B".

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Zoning Designations Changed in Area Bounded by Lehigh Avenue and Aramingo Avenue Streets

Councilmember Squilla's zoning bill changes designations in a neighborhood bounded by Lehigh Avenue, Belgrade Street, Aramingo Avenue, and Miller Street, altering uses and development in the area as shown on Maps 'A' and 'B'.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Zoning designations in area near Lancaster Avenue and 62nd Street to be changed under new maps.

Zoning designations near Lancaster Avenue and 62nd Street are set to change under new maps "A" and "B". The exact changes will be indicated on the updated maps.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

Pennsylvania University's Master Plan Amended in West Philadelphia Area Bounded by Walnut and 33rd Streets

Philadelphia's University of Pennsylvania Master Plan is being amended in a West Philadelphia area bounded by Walnut and 33rd Streets, specifically related to the David Rittenhouse Laboratory. The changes will take effect immediately.

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Tuesday, November 17, 10:00 AM · Committee on Rules

Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Business & Commerce·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Environment·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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.

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Business & Commerce·In CommitteeHearing Nov 17

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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Became law

Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.

Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 8, 2016

City Council Approves $100 Million Bond Deal To Fund Affordable Housing Renovations Across Philly

Low-income families facing eviction will get relief as City Council votes to issue $100 million in bonds, allowing renovations on nearly 2,000 apartments across Philly's most distressed neighborhoods. Hundreds of low-income renters are expected to benefit from improved living conditions.

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Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Nov 17, 2016

Philadelphia Council Seeks Transparency in Exemptions from Economic Opportunity Plans Amid Real Estate Deal Scrutiny

Philadelphia City Council wants greater transparency in exemptions from economic development plans amidst ongoing scrutiny over real estate deals. A new proposal would add requirements for granting such exemptions, increasing accountability in certain transactions.

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Transportation·LapsedIntroduced Nov 17, 2016

City Allows Parking in Spots with Broken Meters Without Penalty Under New Proposal

Philadelphia drivers will no longer be fined for parking in spaces with broken meters or payment centers under a new proposal by Councilmember Oh, which establishes a presumption of inoperability in these cases.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 16, 2017

Council Demands Transparency on Tax Breaks for Philly Businesses and Residents Amid Economic Impact Concerns

This bill requires the Department of Finance to report to City Council about tax benefits given to businesses and individuals, including how much money is saved and whether these benefits are effective in promoting economic development.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 8, 2016

City Workers Hired After 2016 Face New Retirement Plan Terms as Bill Seeks to Expand Benefits

Thousands of Philadelphia city workers are facing significant changes to their retirement plans as a new council bill proposes to expand benefits for employees who joined the workforce in the past six years. The proposed changes will affect over 4,000 AFSCME members.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 8, 2016

Finance Director Gets Power to Shift Millions Between City Offices Amid Budget Adjustments Underway

Philadelphia homeowners will see a tax hike next year if Council passes proposal to fund expanded trash collection services; under the plan, residents would pay an additional $45 on their annual property bill.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 8, 2016

City Council Approves Emergency Funding Transfers to Balance FY 2017 Budget Deficit

Philadelphia's cash-strapped budget will breathe a little easier thanks to emergency funding transfers approved by City Council, but critics warn it's just a Band-Aid on a deeper fiscal wound affecting low-income residents.

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Education·LapsedIntroduced Nov 17, 2016

City Council Adds Million Dollar Boost to Philly's Libraries Amidst Budget Overhaul Plans

Philadelphia's libraries are getting a $1 million boost from the City of Philadelphia under an amended capital program approved by City Council, setting aside funds for Free Library Improvements.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 8, 2016

City Council Seeks to Shield Philadelphia Land Bank from Municipal Bills and Fees Costs

New Proposal Would Let Philly Food Truck Vendors Serve in More Parks, but Opponents Say Noise and Safety Concerns Will Rise as a Result of Expanded Operation.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 20, 2017

Philadelphia Council Tries to Rewrite Zoning Maps for Neighborhoods Near Delaware River and State Road

Residents along the Delaware River could see new developments sprout up on their doorsteps as council seeks to transform areas zoned for industrial use into mixed-income neighborhoods with apartments and shops.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 8, 2016

Tow Trucks Must Meet New Requirements Under Revised Philadelphia Code.

This bill updates Philadelphia's towing regulations to clarify requirements for using a rotational tow system and adds penalties for violating these rules.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jan 26, 2017

City Unveils Plan to Issue Airport Revenue Bonds for Major Overhaul of Philadelphia International Airport Infrastructure

Philadelphia's airport is set to get a major facelift, with plans for new terminals, upgraded security checkpoints, and improved taxiway lighting, but opponents warn of massive debt burden for taxpayers.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 8, 2016

Philadelphia Clarifies Administration of Employee Retirement Benefits for Quasi-Public Agencies

Small Business Owners Fight Back Against Proposed Parking Meter Expansion Plan; Council Members Say More Meters Will Bring in Needed Revenue But Local Merchants Cry Foul Over Lost Customer Space.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 27, 2017

Council Votes to Overhaul Zoning Laws in Bid to Streamline Development Process Throughout City

This bill amends Philadelphia's Zoning and Planning Code to revise and clarify certain provisions and make technical changes.

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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 20, 2017

University of Pennsylvania to Build on Public Space Along Convention Avenue

A major overhaul to Philadelphia's historic district zoning laws has been approved by city council, giving developers more leeway to build taller buildings along major commercial corridors like Broad Street.

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Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Nov 17, 2016

City Proposes Lowering Fines for Commercial Businesses Breaking Residential Blockface Hours Rules

Commercial businesses on residential blockfaces in Philadelphia will face lower fines for ignoring operating hour rules, under a bill passed by the city council. The penalty amount has been lowered, but details about changes to specific hours are not specified.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 8, 2016

Property Owner Gets Greenlight for Benches and Accent Lights Along Second Street Pedestrian Plaza

A new proposal would let 25th Ward residents install private trash cans in alleys behind their homes, sparking debate over cleanliness and aesthetic standards in the neighborhood.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jan 26, 2017

Olive Street Buildings to Be Legally Expanded Under New City Ordinance

This bill allows an existing property owner to officially legalize minor building and bay window encroachments on three adjacent properties in Philadelphia.

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Education·LapsedIntroduced Nov 17, 2016

City Council Amends 2017 Capital Budget Adding Million Dollar Boost for Philadelphia's Public Libraries

Council President Clarke and Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez propose adding $1 million to improve Philadelphia's public libraries under a revised 2017 Capital Budget project.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 8, 2016

Council Gives Green Light for Public Benches and Landmarks along Bustling Northeast Philly Street

A new wave of neighborhood charm is coming to Wyoming Avenue as city leaders voted to greenlight a trio of improvements that will give locals more places to rest and reflect.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 8, 2016

City Sells Small North Philly Lot for Potential Redevelopment, Sets Conditions for Sale Completion

A long-vacant lot in North Philadelphia is one step closer to new life as city officials have agreed to sell a small parcel of land at 3550 East Allen Street, but only if it's repurposed with jobs and community benefits.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 8, 2016

University of Pennsylvania Clears Way for Trio of New Signs Along Bustling South Street Corridor

New bill eases restrictions on outdoor advertising along iconic South Street, paving the way for University of Pennsylvania's plans to erect three large digital signs that will tower above the bustling corridor.

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