This week in Council

City Council Unveils Plan to Turn Lawrence Street Southbound Only Between Ontario and Westmoreland Streets

This bill makes Lawrence Street between Ontario and Westmoreland Streets one-way traffic flow southbound.

170594

City Approves Purchase of Bigbelly Trash Receptacles with Maintenance and Advertising Deals Secured

Philadelphia Streets to Get High-Tech Trash Cans: The city is spending millions on sleek new trash compactors that double as Wi-Fi hotspots and can be sponsored by local businesses, sparking debate over advertising's place in public spaces.

170593

City Secures Lease Options on Broad and Callowhill Properties, Paves Way for Potential Purchase

A trio of vacant lots on North Broad could soon be transformed into bustling retail spaces, thanks to a new deal that secures a sublease agreement for two properties and paves the way for potential city ownership.

170559-A

Philadelphia Police Capital Budget Gets Boost in Proposed Council Bill Changes

A proposed city council change would allocate an additional $5 million to upgrade police radios, bringing total investment in public safety communications to nearly $15 million over three years.

170558

City Authorizes Land Acquisition in South Philadelphia Area

This bill allows the City to acquire land in a specific area of Philadelphia for an unspecified purpose, and authorizes the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to act as the City's agent for this acquisition.

170557

City OKs Plan for Public Spaces Amid Schuylkill Yards Development Along Market Street Corridor

Philly residents can expect to see more greenery along the busy Market Street corridor, as a new plan for public spaces was approved by City Council to accompany the massive Schuylkill Yards development.

170553

Zoning designations changed for areas bounded by 3rd Street, Berks Street, 6th Street, and Lehigh Avenue.

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas in a specific neighborhood bounded by 3rd Street, Berks Street, 6th Street, and Lehigh Avenue.

170516

City Clears Way for Lease Deal with Grays Ferry Partners to Occupy Vacant Land near Schuylkill River Trail

This bill authorizes a lease agreement between the city and Grays Ferry Partners, LP for use of property at 3009 Grays Ferry Avenue.

170513

City Council Approves Plans for New Ballpark Services Building in Southwest Philly

Southwest Philly residents may soon see more traffic on their streets as City Council approves a plan to build a massive parking garage and services complex near Citizens Bank Park, angering local business owners who worry about congestion.

170512

City Transfers Key West Philly Land Parcel to PRA for Redevelopment

Proposal Targets Vacant Lots as Affordable Housing Sites, Starting with 10 Philly Neighborhoods City Council members are pushing a new plan that would require property owners to convert vacant lots into affordable housing units or face increased fines and penalties in targeted neighborhoods.

170511

City Leases Space Near City Hall From Philly Water Agency Under New Council Measure

Philadelphia Homeowners Could Face Higher Property Taxes Under Proposed Rate Hike: Council Bill Seeks to Increase Levy on Existing Homes by 10% Over Two Years.

170508

City Council OKs Sublease for City Use at 1425 Arch Street Under Municipal Authority

Philadelphia taxpayers will foot the bill as the city signs a lucrative 15-year lease for part of a downtown high-rise, sparking questions about accountability and transparency in the deal's terms. Details on the rent remain unclear, fueling public curiosity.

170507

City Leases Frankford Avenue Property from Washington Service Corp in Major Land Deal for Public Use

This bill authorizes the City of Philadelphia to lease a property at 8747 Frankford Avenue from Washington Service Corp.

170506

Philadelphia's Zoning Code Revised to Reflect Changes in Sign Definitions

Philadelphia Businesses Face New Fees: Proposed Tax on Large Commercial Signs Would Fund City Parks Maintenance, Targeting Property Owners with Multiple High-Profile Ads. Under the proposal, sign owners would pay a tax based on the size and visibility of their signs, generating millions for city parks upkeep.

170504

Northeast Philadelphia Zoning Designations Altered Along Bridge Street and Surrounding Streets

Philly Small Business Owners Blast Proposed City Council Bill Requiring Them to Pay Higher Fees for Street Permits and Licenses Starting Next Year. Philly's Affordable Housing Stock May Plummet as City Council Considers Landlord Tax Hike Proposal That Could Send Rents Soaring.

170503

Zoning Map Changes Signed for Area Bounded by Cottman Avenue and Surrounding Streets

Northeast Philadelphians May Soon See More Apartment Complexes Rising Along Major Avenues as City Council Votes to Lift Residential Density Limits in Highly Contested Zoning Rezone.

170501

Temple U Approves Plans for Major Addition to Liacouras Walk Building in North Philadelphia Neighborhood

Residents of the North Philadelphia neighborhood surrounding Temple University will soon see a major transformation on Liacouras Walk as a new wing is added to a prominent student hub, bringing more space for students but also sparking concerns about increased noise and traffic.

170500

City Council Tackles Development Rules Around Rittenhouse Square with Stringent New Regulations

Developers who want to build near Rittenhouse Square will have to meet stricter zoning rules, including increased setbacks from the park's edges, in a bid to preserve the neighborhood's character. The new regulations could impact several high-rise projects currently underway.

170498

Zoning Maps Overhauled in North Philly Neighborhoods Along Girard Avenue Corridor

This bill changes the zoning maps in a specific area of Philadelphia, bounded by Girard Avenue, 41st Street, Parkside Avenue, and Railroad Right of Way.

170496

City Council Tackles Green Roof Requirements in Residential Developments Across Philly Neighborhoods

Philadelphia homeowners are facing a costly surprise as City Council considers stricter green roof regulations that could add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of building or renovating their homes.

170495

Council Seeks to Revamp Zoning Rules Along Delaware River Waterfront in Major Overhaul

This bill changes the zoning designations for specific areas of land in Philadelphia, bounded by Front Street, the Delaware Expressway, Laurel Street, Canal Street, and Poplar Street.

170476

Philadelphia Sidewalk Café Plan Moves Forward for 1338-40 South 10th Street Business Owner

This bill allows a business at 1338-40 South 10th Street to install and maintain an open-air sidewalk café on the public sidewalk.

170474-A

Rubber Tire Cutting Ban Takes Effect in Philadelphia, Prohibiting Outdoor Cuts

Residents near Southwest Philly's industrial corridor are breathing a sigh of relief as the city takes aim at tire cutting, a decades-old practice blamed for noxious fumes and toxic chemicals spewing into the air.

170470

City Council Seeks to Revise Zoning Rules Along Busy North Delaware Avenue Commercial Strip

This bill amends the North Delaware Avenue Neighborhood Commercial Area Overlay District in Philadelphia's zoning code to revise boundaries and requirements for commercial properties.

170469

Roxborough Neighborhood Gets New Zoning Designations as City Council Approves Land Use Changes Overnight

Low-Income Homeowners Face Hefty Fees Under New Property Tax Bill Passed Unanimously by City Council Last Night The measure increases property taxes on low-income owners, raising costs for over 1,500 households making less than $30,000 annually.

170465

Treetop Quest Gets Green Light for Adventure Park in West Fairmount Park Amid Community Benefits and Investment Requirements

Philadelphia residents could soon be swinging through the trees at West Fairmount Park after City Council voted to allow Treetop Quest to build its first urban adventure park in the city, with a hefty price tag for amenities and services.

170464

Riverfront Zoning Changes Flow Through Philly as Council Aims to Revamp Neighborhood Land Uses

New rules could soon govern what goes up along the Schuylkill: proposed changes to waterfront zoning laws would bar large-scale developments from prime riverfront parcels, sparking debate among developers and residents.

170463

City Hands Over Vacant Land Near East Ontario Street to PAID for Potential Redevelopment Projects

Vacant lot near East Ontario Street in Northeast Philly is about to get new life, but who will benefit from the potential redevelopment remains to be seen; the city is handing over the land to a development agency with specific guidelines.

170437

Zoning Map Changes Designate Neighborhood Along Knights Road and Red Lion Road as Residential

This bill changes the zoning laws for areas of land in a specific neighborhood bounded by Knights Road, Red Lion Road, East Keswick Road, Morrell Avenue, and Byberry Creek.

170436

North Philadelphia zoning map revised to allow for new types of businesses and developments.

New Rules Aim to Make Philly's Streets Safer: City Council Passes Bill Requiring Bike Lanes on Major Roads Despite Concerns from Business Owners Hundreds of Philly Families Set to Benefit as Council Approves Affordable Housing Incentives for Developers Who Build Units in Low-Income Neighborhoods

170430

ZONING SHIFT: Diamond Street Neighborhoods Get New Land-Use Rules Overnight

Small business owners along Diamond Street are scrambling as new zoning laws take effect, limiting where they can park trucks and requiring some to relocate within 24 hours.

170428

Council Moves to Block Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Near City Day Care Centers Suddenly

A contentious proposal to keep medical marijuana out of reach for city children has sparked debate on the City Council floor, where council members are weighing the pros and cons of zoning restrictions near day cares.

170404

Zoning Map Changes Sparked for Properties Along Clearfield, Shedwick, Lippincott Streets Near 34th Street

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations for certain areas of land near Clearfield Street, Shedwick Street, Lippincott Street, and 34th Street.

170403

Council Proposes Rewrite of Zoning Laws Allowing More Commercial Activity in Neighborhoods Across the City

Neighborhood residents will face increased traffic and noise from new businesses if a city council proposal is approved, altering zoning rules to permit more commercial development along Main Streets and side streets alike.

170402

Powelton Village gets new zoning regulations to preserve historic architecture and buildings.

This bill adds new zoning regulations to two specific areas of Philadelphia: Powelton Village Zone 1 and Powelton Village Zone 2.

170399

Zoning Overhaul Unveiled: Major Changes Coming to Neighborhoods Along 40th Street and Girard Avenue Corridors

This bill changes the zoning designation of certain areas in Philadelphia from one type to another, affecting specific neighborhoods and landowners.

170398

City Clears Path to Purchase Two West Philly Properties for $7 Million Redevelopment Project

This bill authorizes the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID) to purchase two properties in West Philadelphia for $7 million, with the goal of redeveloping the land according to a city-industry partnership agreement.

170397

Philadelphia Set to Lease Property on Cecil B. Moore Avenue from Private Developer in New Agreement

City Hall is set to hand over a prime spot on Cecil B. Moore Avenue to private developer Beech Interplex, leasing the land near Temple University's campus in a move that could pave the way for new student housing.

170358

Liberty Property Wins Approval to Build Two Newsstands at Busy 18th and Arch Intersection

This bill allows Liberty Property to build two small newsstands on the sidewalk at 1800 Arch Street, with some rules and regulations to ensure pedestrian safety.

170357

Center City Zoning Regulations Reinstated with Height Limits and Use Tables Restored

Neighborhood Residents Rally Against New 22-Story Tower Plan, Citing Overcrowding Concerns Amid Philly's Building Boom Surge

170306-A

City Unveils Plan to Transfer North Philly Land Parcel to PAID for Potential Redevelopment Project

North Philadelphia residents face uncertain future as a 2.4-acre city-owned lot near Lehigh Avenue is poised for potential redevelopment, sparking concerns about gentrification and rising property values. The transfer would be made to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID).

170287

Filbert Street, 59th Street, Market Street, and Salford Street Area Zoning Map Changes Approved.

Philadelphia Residents Could Soon See Rent Prices Drop with New City Council Proposal to Freeze Rent Increases for One Year. Local Businesses Would Be Required to Provide Paid Sick Leave Under New City Council Legislation Affecting Employers of All Sizes Across the City.

170266

City Signs Deal to Borrow Millions for Paving and Road Repair Through PAID Bond Issue Plan

Philadelphia homeowners will soon see their tax bills soar by up to 40 cents per $100 of assessed value, funding millions in road repairs and paving projects across the city. The proposed increase would put an extra $200 on a typical home's annual property taxes, with funds going directly towards long-overdue infrastructure fixes.

170206

City Council Approves Zoning Changes Near University of Pennsylvania Campus

This bill amends Philadelphia's Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas near the University of Pennsylvania and approves various construction projects.

170192

City Council Moves to Revamp TOD Zones With New Rules Governing Development and Zoning Requirements

This bill updates the rules for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zones in Philadelphia, making changes to how these areas are designated and developed.

170162

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

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

Zoning Shifts Underway Near 30th Street and Market Street Amid City Council Vote

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations of certain areas near 30th Street and Market Street.

160839

Philadelphia Council Passes New Affordable Housing Rule Requiring Mixed-Income Development

Residents who live in neighborhoods zoned for industrial use may soon see a surge of new apartments as city council votes to relax restrictive building codes, opening up 12 square miles of waterfront property for development.

170678-AAA

Council sought to ban overnight parking in permit areas with new steeper fines

Parking violators in Philadelphia will face stricter fines and enforcement as City Council approves new penalties for overstaying permits in designated districts. Residents without valid permits will now face consequences beyond current regulations.

170671

Port Richmond Neighborhood Improvement District Extension Approved to Keep Investing in Area Revitalization Efforts

Community Land Trust Measure Advances with Proposal for Citywide Expansion, Offering Low-Income Homebuyers More Affordable Options and Community Control Over Development Decisions.

170683-A

Voters to Decide Whether City Should Match Campaign Donations with Public Funds Immediately

Voters will decide on public matching funds for city office campaigns after City Council submits proposal to amend home rule charter. The election question is being prepared for submission to the qualified electors of Philadelphia.

170682

Council proposed amendments to Philadelphia's campaign finance laws, including a new election reform board.

Philadelphia's election laws are getting a major overhaul, with the city imposing new regulations on campaign contributions, including definitions of excess giving and stricter rules for transition and inauguration committees. Note: Bill is LAPSED, but I've written as if it were still relevant.

170681

City Council Unveils Plan to Match Donations for Philly Politicians with Taxpayer Funds this Fall

City Council's plan for public financing of political campaigns would match donations with taxpayer funds this fall, potentially changing the way local politicians fund their campaigns. Eligible candidates could receive matching funding from a city fund to use in their campaigns.

170680

City Council Takes Aim at West Philly Zoning Rules in Major Overhaul of Neighborhood Land Use

West Philly residents may see changes in neighborhood zoning rules as Councilmember Jones introduces major overhaul. Specific areas bounded by Woodbine Avenue, Upland Way, and others could have their zoning designations altered.

170675

City Agrees to Private Takeover of Troubled Golf Courses in Effort to Revamp Facilities

Philadelphia residents who rely on free golf lessons for youth will see their programs threatened by a proposed overhaul of the city's troubled golf courses to be run by a private operator. The plan aims to attract more visitors and boost revenue through upgrades and renovations.

170673

City Council Moves to Rethink Parking Rules in Philly Neighborhoods Ahead of Major Development Push

Philadelphia's parking rules are set to change in certain neighborhoods and districts under a proposed amendment to the city's Zoning and Planning Code, affecting buildings in residential areas. The changes would alter parking requirements for different types of structures.

170672

Philadelphia Parking Regs Get Boost on Busy Chester Avenue Stretch Near 55th Street

The city is changing parking regulations on Chester Avenue between 55th and 56th Streets to require two-hour parking from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday through Saturday.

170669

Two-Way Traffic Now Mandatory on North 28th Street Between Allegheny Avenue and Clearfield Street

North 28th Street's one-way traffic rule reversed, with drivers now allowed to travel in both directions between Allegheny Avenue and Clearfield Street. The new regulation takes effect immediately.

170677

Council sought to convert North 26th Street from Allegheny Avenue to Clearfield Street into two-way traffic.

This bill makes North 26th Street from Allegheny Avenue to Clearfield Street a two-way street instead of just allowing southbound traffic.

170676

Philadelphia Council Tightens Stun Gun Rules Limiting Youth Ownership and Setting Fines for Violations

This bill regulates the ownership and use of stun guns (electric incapacitation devices) in Philadelphia.

170674-A

New Parking Rules Kick In Along 48th Street in Southwest Philly, Effective Immediately

Parking restrictions are tightening in Southwest Philly: the area along 48th Street between Spruce and Pine Streets now has a three-hour limit, Monday through Saturday.

170670

Council sought $60,000 transfer to support Commerce Department project within General Fund.

Council approves plan to transfer $60,000 from Department of Finance to support Capital Consortium in Commerce Department. The move will come from the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2017.

170679