This week in Council

City Signs Deal with Johnson Controls to Slash Energy Bills at Three Iconic Philly Landmarks

Iconic landmarks are about to get a major energy makeover: the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rodin Museum, and other city-owned buildings could save millions on bills under new deal with Johnson Controls.

171053

City Partners with PAFID to Fund Energy Efficiency Upgrades at Philadelphia Museum of Art Buildings

The iconic steps of the Philly Museum of Art are about to get a greener glow - literally - as the city pours millions into energy-efficient upgrades that promise to slash power bills for one of the city's most beloved landmarks.

171052

City Moves to Acquire Three Key Properties on Germantown Avenue Amid Ongoing Redevelopment Efforts

A contentious plan to acquire three key commercial properties on Germantown Avenue has sparked concern among local business owners, who worry about the impact on their livelihoods as city redevelopment efforts continue to reshape the neighborhood's landscape.

171015

Council Creates New Sidewalk Vending Zone on North 20th Street Amid Controversy Over Olney Avenue Sales Ban

Small Business Owners Cheer as Council Approves Parking Ticket Amnesty Program for Low-Income Residents, but Critics Warn of Lost Revenue A new law waives parking fines for low-income Philadelphians and reduces fees for those who pay within 30 days, but some worry about the financial hit to city coffers.

171013

City Council Approves Bill Allowing Cell Phone Companies to Install Antennas on Public Poles

Philadelphia Council Eyes 15-Cent Tax Hike on Sugary Drinks to Fund Obesity Prevention Programs and Health Services for City Residents. New Parking Meter Regulations Would Require Drivers to Pay by Phone or Credit Card, Abolishing Need for Coins at Over 2,000 Machines Throughout the City.

171012

SEPTA Lease Amended as City Seeks Expanded Use of Market Street Property

This bill authorizes the Commissioner of Public Property to amend a lease agreement with SEPTA for use by the City at 1234 Market Street.

171011

Newsstand Owner Gets Green Light to Build Under North 9th Street for Electrical and Phone Hookups

This bill allows a newsstand owner to build conduits for electricity and phone service under North 9th Street, following certain rules.

171008

Newsstand Owner Clears Way to Install Conduits on Busy North 10th Street Corner

This bill allows a newsstand owner to install electrical and telephone service conduits on North 10th Street under certain conditions.

171007

City Council OKs Revision of City Maps to Axe Lewellen Street Between Delaware and Canal Avenues

A 17-block stretch of North Philly's streetscape is about to get a major overhaul as Council votes to eliminate a small but contentious road that's been a source of frustration for residents. Lewellen Street will soon be erased from the city's maps.

171006

Philadelphia Tweaks Rotational Towing System Rules Amid Calls for Greater Transparency and Fairness for Drivers

This bill revises requirements for participating in and administering Philadelphia's rotational towing system, including how tow trucks are selected and fees for tows.

171001

City Leases Space on Bustling South Broad Street for Possible Expansion of Municipal Services

A plan to expand vital city services is taking shape on busy South Broad Street with a new lease deal that could bring more municipal offices to one of Philly's most vibrant commercial corridors.

171000

City Seeks Lease Option on Lindbergh Boulevard Property in Southwest Philly Amid Plans for City Use or Purchase

Philadelphians who shop at the nearby shopping center may soon see changes as city officials consider leasing and potentially purchasing the property, which could be repurposed for city offices or other uses.

170999

Council Seeks Reversal on Wyalusing Avenue Traffic Changes, All-Way Stops Could Be Removed

This bill reverts traffic controls at the intersection of 57th Street and Wyalusing Avenue back to what they were before a previous ordinance installed all-way stop signs.

170998

Philadelphia Approves Lease Amendment for Frankford Avenue Property Use by City Agencies

City Council OKs Deal for Philly's Largest Public Housing Complex, but Residents and Advocates Still Wary. The proposed legislation would extend a Section 8 housing contract with the Philadelphia Housing Authority through 2026, affecting nearly 2,000 families.

170994

Trucks Banned from Parking on Both Sides of Unruh Avenue Through Major Revamp Proposal

Unruh Avenue Residents Face Possible Price Hike Amid Proposed Rent Control Changes Under the new plan, landlords would be limited to a 2% annual rent increase for most properties, but could hike up to 5% for buildings with more than 10 units.

170993

Truck Parking Restricted on Bustleton Avenue Between Magee and Unruh Avenues

Residents of Bustleton Avenue will have a cleaner, quieter street as trucks are now barred from parking along the stretch between Magee and Unruh Avenues under new city regulations aimed at easing congestion.

170992

City OKs Lease Deal for Broad Street Space as Potential Home for Municipal Operations

In a move expected to free up space at City Hall, Philadelphia officials have greenlit a deal to rent a Broad Street building that could house municipal offices, freeing up coveted parking spots for employees. The new location would accommodate around 200 workers.

170991

Zoning Changes Made in Neighborhood Bound by Oxford Street and 24th Street

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations for certain areas in a neighborhood bounded by Oxford Street, 22nd Street, Jefferson Street, and 24th Street.

170990

City Signs Lease Agreement for Holocaust Memorial Plaza in City-Owned Space

New Rules May Curb Late-Night Noise on South Street; Proposed Ordinance Would Limit Bar Hours, Fines for Noise Complaints at Nightspots Near University of Pennsylvania Campus.

170989

City Council Unveils Plan to Transform Southwest Philly Neighborhood with Zoning Overhaul Along Woodland Avenue

This bill changes the zoning designations for certain areas of land in Philadelphia, near the intersection of Chestnut Street and Woodland Avenue, to allow different types of development.

170987

City Council Approves Plan to Allow Taller Buildings Near Transit Hubs Amid Zoning Overhaul

Philadelphia's skyline is set to change as city council passes plan to boost building heights around major transportation hubs, opening up more space for development and potentially millions in new investment.

170986

Philadelphia Council Proposes Stricter Rules for Restaurant Restrooms and Seating Across City Limits

This bill amends licensing requirements for food establishments in Philadelphia, including rules for restroom facilities and seating capacity.

170963

Ninth District Gets Facade Makeover as Council Targets Unsightly Building Materials Everywhere

Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Water Bills Under Proposed Rate Hike; City Officials Say Increased Fees Will Fund Aging Sewer System Repairs This measure would increase water rates for residents and businesses, generating an estimated $15 million annually to address crumbling sewer infrastructure.

170960

Zoning Changes Limit Family Day Care to 6 Children in Most Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Families with more than five kids will have to find alternative childcare options under a proposed zoning overhaul, which would restrict large family daycares in residential areas and require special permits for bigger operations.

170959

City Controller Approves Emergency Funding Transfers from Various Accounts to Balance Budget

Philadelphia's water bills could soar if cash-strapped department can't access $15 million in emergency funding due to outdated accounting laws, but new proposal gives Director of Finance a lifeline.

170958

City Agencies Transfer Millions to General Fund in Mid-Year Budget Shift

A $10 million chunk of cash will soon be divested from public works projects, libraries, and recreation centers to prop up the ailing General Fund.

170957

Center City District Unveils 5-Year Revitalization Plan Adding Viaduct Rail Park to Business District Improvements

A proposed five-year revitalization plan aims to breathe new life into Center City's business district, but some are questioning whether the estimated $13 million price tag is a wise investment for taxpayers and local businesses.

170927

City Leaders Clear Path for Trail Maintenance Deal with PennDOT Along Busy I-95 Interchange

Philadelphia Council Approves Measure to Make it Easier for Small Businesses to Sell Alcoholic Beverages The bill removes a decades-old restriction on liquor licenses for certain small food establishments in South Philadelphia's commercial corridors, potentially bringing in new revenue and revitalizing local businesses.

170904

Lifeguards Scarce at Philly Beaches This Summer as Council Mandates Warning Signs Amid Safety Fears

This bill requires public bathing establishments in Philadelphia to post warning signs when there is no lifeguard on duty, and also warns non-swimmers and children under 14 of the need for adult supervision.

170897

City Employees Banned From Bringing Hate Symbols into Municipal Facilities Under New Proposed Rules

This law allows the Commissioner of Public Property to create rules that ban certain symbols, materials, and objects from being brought into City-owned or occupied facilities by city employees, with the goal of preventing disruptions and promoting a safe work environment.

170877

City to Acquire Historic Germantown Trestle Bridge Land and License Creekside Property from PECO Energy

This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to acquire a historic trestle bridge from PECO Energy Company and enter into an agreement to license land along Cresheim Creek for public use.

170856

City Contractors Must Disclose Past Performance on City Contracts Under New Law

New rules will force companies bidding on city projects to disclose any previous contract problems or failures as part of a revamped effort to boost opportunities for minority- and female-owned businesses.

170849-A

Ridge Avenue Properties Face Temporary Demolition Freeze Amid Historic Preservation Efforts

Philadelphia City Council is set to vote on a measure that would block the destruction of at least 20 historic homes along Ridge Avenue, potentially sparing them from wrecking balls for up to two years.

170821

Philadelphia's Public Bath Regulations Repealed from City Code

Philadelphia Property Owners Face New Rules on Renters' Repairs as City Council Passes Bill Mandating Landlord Accountability; Tenants Hope for Improved Living Conditions Across the City.

170800

City Scraps Outdated Rules on Shoe Fluoroscopes, Streamlining City Code Requirements

Long-abandoned rules governing "shoe fluoroscopes" will be erased from Philadelphia's code books as part of an effort to modernize the city's regulations, freeing up space for more pressing health concerns.

170799

City Council Votes to End Pagers Sales Ban as Outdated Regulation

Philadelphia Small Businesses Face Higher Taxes Under New Wage Tax Increase Proposal The proposed hike would raise the wage tax by 0.5% for employees making more than $133,000 annually, potentially affecting thousands of city workers.

170798

City Drops Ban on Aircraft Littering as Council Votes to Repeal Outdated Law

Council Votes to Axe Parking Ticket Fine Hike, Leaving Thousands of Philly Drivers Unscathed for Now; proposed 50% increase in parking ticket fines would have netted city an extra $10 million annually.

170797

Philadelphia Council Moves to Repeal Electronic Scanner Regulations Amid Ongoing Retail Debate

Retailers may soon be free to install electronic scanner-only stores in Philly under a new proposal that scraps regulations on the devices, sparking concerns about job losses and consumer rights.

170796

Philadelphia Council Votes to Scrap Mandatory Premarital Medical Exams for Marriage License Applicants

Philadelphia Council Advances Bill Requiring Landlords to Install Smoke Alarms with 10-Year Batteries, Impacting Thousands of Renters Across the City. Rent-stabilized tenants will soon be protected from faulty smoke alarms after a city council bill requiring landlords to install new models passes committee review.

170795

Philadelphia to Remove Regulations on Milk and Milk Products

Philadelphia Homeowners Could See Hefty Fees Spike Under Proposed Tax Abatement Reform Bill, Which Aims to Increase Payments for Municipal Services from Commercial Properties.

170794

City Council Simplifies Process for Receiving Fiscal Impact Statements Amid Bill Debate Proceedings

Philly Residents Could See Big Changes in Zoning Laws with Council's New Proposal to Reform Community Engagement Process This change would allow for more public input on zoning decisions, potentially affecting thousands of property owners in neighborhoods across the city.

170719

City to Wipe Clean Old Parking Tickets with Two-Month Amnesty Program Launched This Summer

Philadelphia residents with outstanding parking tickets dating back to the Obama era will get a second chance under a new city program offering amnesty on unpaid citations this summer. The initiative aims to help hundreds of thousands of Philadelphians clear old debts and move forward, rather than facing crippling fines or even license suspension.

160111-A

Council Votes to Boost Fire Safety with Annual Inspections for Smoke Control Systems Across Philly Buildings

Philadelphia residents living in high-rise buildings will soon face stiffer penalties if landlords neglect crucial fire safety equipment, under a new city council measure aimed at preventing catastrophic blazes like the 2015 Comcast Center inferno.

171112

Philadelphia Council Moves to Shine Light on Hidden Property Flaws in City Sales

Philadelphia real estate sellers will now be required to disclose potential zoning issues and building code problems with a property before sale, in a move aimed at preventing misrepresentation.

171115

Philadelphia's Wage Theft Law Strengthened With New Penalties and Complaint Procedures Established

Local business owners are now facing increased penalties and fines if caught underpaying or cheating employees out of wages, with the city cracking down on widespread wage theft that has drained millions from workers' pockets annually.

171113

Northern Liberties Neighborhood Launches Self-Funded Improvement Effort with Newly Established Business District

Philadelphia's Long-Standing Zoning Code Revision Finally Takes Shape as Council Introduces Landmark Overhaul; Proposed Changes Aim to Streamline Development Process for Small Businesses Across the City.

171131

South Street Business Owners Face New Fees to Fund Revamps Along Eastern Section

Philadelphia Drivers Could See Increased Parking Fines Under City Council's Proposed Ordinance The fine increase would target drivers who park in designated loading zones and commercial areas across the city, generating an estimated $4 million annually for traffic management efforts.

171130

Smoking Prohibited at Enclosed Bus Stops in Philadelphia Under New City Law

Philadelphia City Council Votes to Increase Minimum Wage for Service Industry Workers to $15/Hour by 2026 Affects over 70,000 workers who rely on tips for their income.

171125

City Council Votes to Streamline Refuse Collection Rules Allowing More Flexible Scheduling Options for Contractors

Philadelphia Property Owners May See Increased Parking Fines as City Council Proposes New Fee Structure A proposed ordinance would hike parking fines by up to 50% and impose steeper fees on repeat offenders, generating millions of dollars for city coffers annually.

171121

City Approves Plan to Issue Bonds Funding Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements Across Philadelphia

Philadelphia homeowners can expect to see a boost in their water bills next year as the city prepares to issue up to $500 million in bonds to upgrade its aging water and sewer system.

171111

Philly City Workers Could Face Mandatory Sex Harassment Training Under Proposed Ballot Question

Philadelphia Residents Near Abandoned Lots Could See New Safety Measures Under Council Plan; A proposal would require property owners to install security cameras, alarms, and lighting at vacant lots to deter crime and ensure public safety.

171109-A

South Street Headhouse District Authority Gets New Lease on Life Through 2027 Extension Bill

Small Business Owners Rejoice as Proposed Minimum Wage Increase Hits $15 Per Hour by 2024 A new city law would raise the minimum wage for Philadelphia workers to $12 in 2022, then incrementally increase it to $15 per hour by 2024, affecting over 140,000 employees.

171129

City Scraps Outdated Motor Bus Rules, Eliminates Red Tape for Philly Carriers

Low-Income Families Reap Benefits from City's New Affordable Housing Voucher Program; Thousands Eligible for Reduced Rent Assistance The city council has approved a measure that will provide up to 2,000 additional Section 8 vouchers to help low-income Philadelphians pay their rent on time.

171119

City Repeals Outdated Reviewing Stand Rules as Council Moves to Update Safety Regulations

A long-overdue overhaul of Philly's amusement park rules is set to drop, ditching decades-old guidelines for reviewing stands in favor of safer standards that will boost protection for workers and thrill-seekers alike.

171118

Philadelphia City Council Votes to Rezone Small Section of South Philly Neighborhoods Along Moore Street Corridor

Residents living near 11th and Wharton streets are set to see new shops and restaurants pop up as City Council approves zoning change, allowing for more commercial development in the long-standing residential neighborhood. But will it displace long-time residents?

171128

Philadelphia Council Votes to Scrap Regulations on Garbage Disposal Units in Major Overhaul

Homeowners and businesses with older homes may soon be able to install new or replacement garbage disposal units without meeting strict requirements under a proposed change to Philadelphia's plumbing codes affecting thousands of residents.

171127

Philadelphia Police Radio Broadcast Rules Undergo Major Overhaul Amid Calls for Modernization

Police officers and firefighters could soon receive more timely emergency updates under a proposed overhaul of city rules governing radio communications, potentially saving precious seconds in critical situations.

171126

Philadelphia Council Ends 72-Hour Warranty for Used Car Buyers at Dealerships

Used car buyers beware: the Philadelphia City Council has voted to eliminate the 72-hour warranty for pre-owned vehicles sold at local dealerships, putting more financial risk on consumers who spot major flaws.

171124

Amusement Businesses Win Insurance Break as Council Votes to Scrap Liability Requirement

Small Business Owners in Philadelphia's Food Truck Scene Push Back Against Proposed Regulations on Where They Can Park

171123

Philadelphia Streets Get Safety Makeover as Outdated Excavation Rules Face Repeal

This bill repeals outdated provisions in Philadelphia's 'Safety' chapter related to excavations and obstructions on streets and sidewalks.

171122

Council Votes to Scrap Outdated Motion Picture Ordinance in Bid to Streamline City Codes

Small Business Owners Relieved as Council Passes Bill Exempting Certain Ventures from Need for Zoning Variances for Outdoor Seating; New Law Aims to Ease Burden on Local Eateries and Cafes. Philadelphia's Homeless Population May Be Affected by Proposed Ban on Sleeping in Vehicle Lanes, a Measure Designed to Clear Streets and Enhance Public Safety in Busy Commercial Districts.

171120

Trucks Banned from Both Sides of 75th Street from Brockton Road to Lansdowne Avenue

This bill makes it illegal for trucks to park on both sides of 75th Street from Brockton Road to Lansdowne Avenue.

171117

Council sought to end no parking restrictions on west side of Cresson Street.

Councilmember Jones' legislation terminates a "no parking" rule on one side of Cresson Street between Pensdale and Rector Streets, reversing a long-standing regulation. The change will affect drivers who use this stretch of road.

171116

Truck Parking Banned on Both Sides of Busy Vandike Street After Prolonged Resident Complaints

This bill prohibits truck parking on both sides of the 6000 Block of Vandike Street in Philadelphia.

171114

Technical Changes to City's Water and Wastewater Bond Ordinance Take Effect

Philadelphia homeowners could see a significant reduction in their annual water bills if City Council passes a proposed overhaul of the city's aging water bond revenue ordinance, which has been unchanged since 1989.

171110-A