Weekly recap
This week in Council
June 8 to June 14, 2018
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
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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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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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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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 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 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 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".
260759
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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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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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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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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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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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.
260702
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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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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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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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 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".
260686
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'.
260800
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.
260796
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
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.
260764
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.
260697
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.
260689
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.
260688
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.
260855
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.
260851
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.
260896
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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Tuesday, November 17, 1:00 PM · Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities
Wednesday, November 18, 10:00 AM · Committee on Law and Government
Wednesday, November 18, 1:00 PM · Committee on the Environment
City to Sign 4-Year Contracts with Major Waste Management Firms under Certain Terms and Conditions
Philadelphia is set to sign 4-year contracts with Waste Management, Republic Services, and ReWorld Sustainable Solutions to collect and dispose of municipal waste, with the option to extend for up to 3 more years.
260794
City to Enter Agreements with Vendors to Process and Market Recyclable Materials
City Council approves deals with vendors to process and market recyclable materials, boosting the city's recycling program. The agreements are the result of a comprehensive request for proposals from the Sanitation and Procurement Departments.
260793
Became law
Restaurant Owners in South Philly Get Green Light for Open-Air Café on Wolf Street Corner
Small Business Owners on North Broad Push Back Against Proposed Late-Night Curfew for Nightclubs; Council Vote Expected to Spark Heated Debate
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Finance Department Ordered to Provide Monthly Breakdowns of City Income and Expenses
Philadelphia residents may finally get clear answers about how their tax dollars are being spent as the finance department is forced to unveil monthly financial breakdowns in a bid for greater transparency.
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Buccann Gets OK for Sidewalk Café on Bustling Castor Avenue
Community Groups Balk as Council Considers Bill to Allow Large Chain Stores on Main Street A proposed zoning change would allow giant retailers like Walmart and Target to open on Main Street, sparking concerns from local merchants who say it will hurt small businesses.
180562
Castor Avenue Farmers' Market Gets Greenlight for Summer Season
This bill adds a new location for a farmers' market on Castor Avenue.
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City OKs Narrow Street Rezoning, Vacating Montour Street Section Between Adams and Foulkrod
Rooftop solar panels could soon be installed on 15 residential buildings along Roosevelt Boulevard, but some homeowners are fighting back against the proposal that would alter the neighborhood's character forever.
180560
Truck Parking Banned on Rising Sun Avenue Between Adams and E. Godfrey Avenues
Truck drivers in Northeast Philly face fines of up to $300 as a new parking ban takes effect today, banning big rigs from Rising Sun Avenue between Adams and E. Godfrey Avenues.
180559
Filbert Street Becomes One-Way Eastbound from North 38th to North 37th Streets
This bill makes Filbert Street one-way from North 38th Street to North 37th Street, eastbound.
180551
Philadelphia Officials Set to Impose Parking Bans Along Mantua Avenue for Greenway Construction
South Philly Residents Face Increased Taxes as Proposed Council Bill Seeks to Raise Parking Fines Up to $150 A new council proposal would double parking fine rates in South Philadelphia's commercial districts, potentially hitting local business owners and customers with higher costs for parking infractions.
180550
City Council Approves Lease Amendment for 1137 Chestnut Street Property
This bill approves a lease amendment between Philadelphia Gas Works and a private company for a property at 1137 Chestnut Street.
180524
Camping on Private Property in Philly Now Unlawful Without Owner's Consent
A new city law would hold individuals liable for trespassing on private property, including vacant lots and backyards, with penalties ranging from fines to jail time, sparking debate among advocates and community leaders about enforcement and accountability.
180523
Council Approves Renewal of Philly Gas Works Deals with Transco Pipeline Firm
Philadelphia homeowners could see a hike in their gas bills as City Council approved deals giving Transco pipeline firm a 15-year contract extension, sparking concerns about rate increases and environmental impact.
180520
Pine Street Parking Rules Revised Between South Broad and South 22nd Streets
Council Proposes Drastic Change to Philly's Congested Roosevelt Boulevard with New Lane Reduction Plan Aimed at Slowing Speeds and Boosting Safety
180516
Philadelphia Seeks Millions in Grants to Fund Housing Initiatives and Blight Prevention Across the City
This bill authorizes the City of Philadelphia to apply for federal and state grants to fund community development projects, including housing programs and blight prevention.
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Sewer System Expansion Underway on Regent Square as City Council Greenlights Major Infrastructure Project
The City Council authorized construction of a sewer and appurtenant work in a portion of the 4200 block of Regent Square to provide public sewer service.
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Philadelphia Signs Deal with Citizens Bank for Payroll Banking Services Amid Growing Budget Crunch Concerns
Under fire from city council critics, Mayor Kenney's administration has struck a lucrative deal with Citizens Bank to manage the city's massive payroll accounts, sparking debate over transparency and oversight.
180497
City Tightens Littering Laws with New Penalties for Short Dumping
This bill amends Philadelphia's 'Refuse and Littering' law to impose additional penalties for short dumping (illegal disposal of trash).
180465
Wander Inn Granted Permit for Outdoor Café on South 3rd Street Amidst Zoning Restrictions
This bill allows Wander Inn, Inc.
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LED Lights and Metal Screens Coming to 618 Market Street Facade in Philadelphia as Developer Seeks Approval
Developer's plan for 618 Market Street gets contentious: proposed LED lights and metal screens would illuminate the building's facade but also cast shadows over neighboring shops, sparking debate among local business owners.
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City Council Approves 2019 Capital Budget for Philly Gas Works with $134.5 Million in Spending Allocations
Philadelphia Gas Works is set to receive a major boost with a new $134.5 million capital budget, but critics warn that the plan prioritizes short-term upgrades over long-term sustainability for the city's aging gas infrastructure.
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City Extends Deadline for Street Revision and Bed Dedication Requirements
This bill extends the deadline for complying with requirements from an earlier ordinance related to revising city streets and dedicating beds of those streets to the City.
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Bicycle Rental Companies Must Obtain City License Under New Law
Philadelphia Council Bill Mandates Fines for Litterbugs: Residents Who Fail to Pick Up After Their Dogs Will Face Daily Fines Starting January 1st, Aiming to Reduce Philly's Trashy Streets.
180429
Saint Lazarus Bar Gets OK to Open Outdoor Sidewalk Café on West Girard Avenue
This bill allows Saint Lazarus Bar to install and maintain an open-air sidewalk café at 102 W.
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Louie Louie Restaurant to Open Sidewalk Café at Walnut Street Location
This bill allows a restaurant at 3611 Walnut Street to install and maintain an open-air sidewalk café with specific dimensions.
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City Council Clears Way for Utility Lines to Run Through Revamped Section of South Philly's Packer Avenue
South Philadelphia residents are one step closer to seeing Packer Avenue transformed, as plans for utility lines to run beneath the street's revamped surface cleared City Council this week, bringing hope for a smoother commute.
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City Council Approves Paving of Relocated Road Section on Penrose Avenue Between Twenty-Sixth and Unspecified Location
Residents along Penrose Avenue can expect relief from potholes and rough roads as City Council votes to pave a long-delayed stretch of road, but many are still waiting for word on where the newly routed route will end.
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Philadelphia's Streets Get A Makeover As Portion Of Penrose Avenue Set To Be Vacated For Sewer Work
This bill revises city maps and vacates a portion of Penrose Avenue to make way for new sewer and drainage infrastructure.
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Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Employers Told to Give Workers 24 Hour Notice on Schedules and Shifts
This bill requires certain large employers to give their employees fair notice of work schedules and rest time between shifts, as well as opportunities for extra hours.
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Philadelphia City Council Moves to Regulate Tire Dealers with New Licensing Requirements for Waste Management
Tire shops across the city may soon face new rules and regulations under a proposed ordinance aimed at curbing waste and promoting environmental responsibility among local businesses.
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Temple University Zoning Overhaul Underway as City Council Proposes Broad Changes in North Philly Neighborhoods
This bill makes changes to the zoning laws in a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by Broad Street, Master Street, 13th Street, Girard Avenue, Watts Street, and Thompson Street.
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Truck Parking Banned on Willits Road's 2800 Block, Both Sides
Residential residents on Willits Road are breathing a sigh of relief as a new city ordinance restricts large trucks from idling and parking along their narrow street, making it safer for pedestrians and families to live there.
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Trucks Barred from Parking Along Entire 9100 Block of Ryerson Road as Traffic Relief Measure Takes Effect
Residents on South Street Breathe Easier with New Law Requiring Bike-Friendly Businesses to Remove Glass from Sidewalks Business owners along this iconic thoroughfare must now remove glass from sidewalks to reduce hazards for cyclists and pedestrians.
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