This week in Council

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.

161017

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.

161014

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.

161013

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.

161012

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.

161010

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.

161008

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.

161007

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.

161006

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.

161005

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.

161002

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.

161000

City Seeks to Acquire 3.4 Acres in Southwest Philly Along Island Avenue

Neighborhood residents are abuzz with speculation over what's planned for 3.4 acres along Island Avenue, as city officials move to acquire the vacant property in Southwest Philly. The owner has been locked in negotiations since May.

160973

City Council Weighs Changes to Best Value Contract Rules for City Agencies and Non-Profits

Philadelphia non-profits could see increased transparency in city-funded contracts under proposed changes to "best value" procurement rules, affecting agencies that rely on public funding for services like social welfare programs and community development initiatives.

160972

City Set to Put Contract Award Reform on May Ballot for Qualified Electors Vote Approval

Philadelphia Residents with Outstanding Fines Could Soon Have Relief: Council Approves Plan to Reduce Debt Collection Fees. Under new rules, the city's collection agency would be prohibited from charging interest on overdue fines for low-income residents and senior citizens.

160971

Roosevelt Boulevard Properties Face Map Overhaul as Philly Aligns with State Guidelines

This bill allows for adjustments to city maps and property lines in the area around Pennypack Circle (intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard, Solly Avenue, Holme Avenue, and Poquessing Avenue) to match Pennsylvania state regulations.

160970

City Council Proposes Major Overhaul of Zoning Laws Along Busy Schuylkill River Corridor

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations for certain areas along Spring Garden Street, Broad Street, John F.

160969

Hospitality 3, L.L.C. to Build Planters and Sculpture at Northwest Corner of Chestnut and 33rd Streets

This bill allows Hospitality 3, L.L.C.

160967

City Officials Revamp Civic Design Review Committee to Better Serve Philly Neighborhoods and Developers Alike

Philadelphia homeowners may soon see more community input on new developments after a proposed overhaul of the city's Civic Design Review Committee sparks debate over transparency and accountability. Critics argue it favors developers' interests, while supporters say it streamlines the process.

160966

Philadelphia Zoning Maps Overhauled as City Council Votes to Rewrite Neighborhood Land Use Rules

This bill changes the zoning designations for certain areas of land in Philadelphia, bounded by specific streets.

160951

City Plan Revised Mifflin Street Struck from Map to Make Way for Utility Right-of-Way Through Philadelphia Neighborhood

This bill revises the city plan to remove Mifflin Street between Swanson and Vandalia Streets, allowing for a right-of-way for utility purposes instead.

160950

Vendors Banned from Both Sides of West Allegheny Avenue as Council Tackles Sidewalk Sales Issue

This bill prohibits vending on both sides of West Allegheny Avenue between N.

160948

City Council Eyes Overhaul of Zoning Laws Along Bustling Stretch of South Street Neighborhood

A proposed overhaul of zoning laws on South Street could displace long-time businesses, including a beloved Italian bakery, while also paving the way for new development and higher rents. Small shop owners are sounding alarm bells over the potential changes.

160947

City Council Proposes Zoning Overhaul for Logan Square Area Allowing New Venues and Fueling Stations

This bill creates a new zoning district called the Logan Triangle /NCA Overlay District in two subareas of Philadelphia.

160921

Philadelphia Council Passes Bill to Allow Taller Buildings in East Callowhill Neighborhood

This bill amends Philadelphia's zoning maps and regulations in a specific area bounded by Spring Garden Street, 6th Street, Callowhill Street, and 9th Street, allowing for increased building heights and modifying parking and loading requirements.

160920

City Council Proposes New Rules Allowing Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Select Neighborhoods Across Philly

Disability Advocates Decry Proposed Bill Requiring Philly Residents with Disabilities to Register with the City Before Accessing Public Transportation; Critics Say It's an Overreach of Government Power.

160919

Northeast Philly Neighborhoods Face Zone Overhaul as City Council Approves Boundaries Change Proposal

Philadelphia's Low-Income Tax Credit Program Under Fire as Council Proposes Reforms to Expand Eligibility and Increase Funding for Affordable Housing Developers A proposed city council ordinance would triple the amount of funding allocated to the program, which benefits developers building affordable housing for low-income families, elderly residents, and people with disabilities.

160916

City Council Seeks To Update City Map Reflecting Grays Ferry Road Reality

A new city map could soon show the truth about Grays Ferry Road, whose name was changed decades ago but never updated officially; residents and business owners hope for clarity on one of Philly's most historic streets.

160896

Philadelphia's Hospital Assessments Law Revised to Conform to State Requirements

Philly Hospitals Face New Tax Burden: City Council Passes Bill Mandating Annual Payments Based on 3% of Net Patient Revenue, Sparking Fears of Higher Healthcare Costs.

160872

City Takes Control of Vacant Properties Under New Law Requiring Immediate Development or Repairs

City officials are cracking down on blighted properties across Philly, issuing new rules that give them the power to seize vacant buildings if owners fail to fix them or sell by next summer. Hundreds of property owners must comply under the strict new guidelines.

160867

Truck Parking Restricted on Frankford Avenue Between Knorr Street and Tyson Avenue

A 3-year pilot program to curb speeding in North Philly neighborhoods begins this week, deploying speed cameras along Broad Street from Allegheny to Oxford avenues.

160866

Philadelphia Employers Barred from Asking Job Applicants About Past Salary History

New Law Requires Philly Businesses to Pay Tipped Workers Minimum Wage of $15 by End of 2026, Boosting Thousands of Low-Income Employees' Earnings.

160840

Philadelphia City Council Targets Real Estate Loopholes in Major Tax Overhaul Bill

This bill amends the Realty Transfer Tax law to close certain loopholes and ensure accurate valuation of real estate transactions in Philadelphia.

160810

Towing Companies Must Issue Tickets Before Removing Vehicles From Private Property in Philadelphia

Vehicle owners beware: under new rules, Philly tow truck operators must slap a ticket on your car's windshield before hauling it away - no exceptions for hospital parking lots downtown.

160682

City Rolls Out Transparency Plan Requiring Public Disclosure of Non-Bid Contract Winners

City Council Votes to Hike Minimum Wage for Thousands of Philly Workers A proposed ordinance would raise the minimum wage for city employees and contractors to $15 per hour, affecting over 11,000 workers and giving them a significant pay boost.

160678

Trucks Banned From Parking On Edmund Street Stretch Amid Resident Complaints Over Congested Neighborhood Roads

Philadelphia Residents Set to Benefit from Expanded Home Repair Program, City Council Votes to Increase Funding for Low-Income Families Eligible for Repairs to Prevent Lead Poisoning

160614

City Council Bill Seeks to Allow Private Hearings for Tax Review Board Under Certain Circumstances

Homeowners could face secretive reviews if city passes new law allowing Tax Review Board to hold closed-door meetings when sensitive property information is at stake, sparking debate over transparency and fairness.

160326

City Council Bars Mental Health Providers from Using Conversion Therapy on Minors in Philadelphia Sessions

New Law Limits Police Stops on Pedestrians, Drivers in Philadelphia; Officers Can Only Stop Individuals If There's Reasonable Suspicion of Crime or Violation. Under the new law, police will no longer be able to stop pedestrians and drivers without cause, sparking debate over public safety and community trust.

161111

Council proposed zoning changes for areas bounded by North Broad Street, Girard Avenue, Ridge Avenue, and Cecil B Moore Avenue.

North Philly neighborhoods along Broad Street Corridor face zoning changes, with existing designations swapped for new ones in a sprawling area bounded by North Broad Street, Girard Avenue, Ridge Avenue, and Cecil B Moore Avenue.

161107

South Street and Washington Avenue to be Zoned for Mixed-Use Development.

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations for certain areas in a specific region of the city bounded by 6th Street, South Street, the Delaware Expressway, and Washington Avenue.

161112

Council proposed ban on city permits for developers sued for bad faith intimidation tactics

Developers who file SLAPP lawsuits against Philadelphia critics face permit freeze as city seeks to curb intimidation tactics in development projects. The ban would last up to five years, targeting project developers and related entities found to have filed bad-faith lawsuits.

161110

Council Seeks Changes to City Pension Plan 16 Amid Calls for Bigger Workforce and Lower Employee Contributions

City Council seeks to add more members to Plan 16, reduce contribution rates for certain employees, and make technical changes to the Public Employees Retirement Code. The proposed amendments affect how city workers contribute to their retirement plans.

161109

Council Mandates Sidewalk Closure Permits Hinge on Safety, Alternative Routes Must Be Explored First

Residents and businesses along Market Street could soon face costly and time-consuming hurdles when trying to shut down sidewalks for construction projects, under new rules aimed at balancing progress with pedestrian safety concerns.

161108

New rules for city contracts and projects outlined in amended Economic Opportunity Plans.

Small business owners and contractors would have more access to city contract information under new proposals, which aim to simplify the process of tracking taxpayer dollars spent on big-ticket deals like the $500 million stadium renovation project downtown.

161106

City Introduces Steeper Fines for Litterbugs as Reward Program Expanded for Short Dumping Tips

Philadelphia Property Owners May Be Forced to Pay Higher Taxes Under New Council Proposal, Which Would Fund Affordable Housing Initiatives with Increased Tax Revenue from Vacant Land and Unoccupied Buildings.

161105

City Council Votes to Loosen Taller Building Restrictions in Bustling West Philadelphia Commercial Corridors

This bill amends Philadelphia's zoning code to change regulations for a specific area in West Philly, allowing for taller buildings and reduced parking requirements in certain areas.

161104