This week in Council

City Workers Face Changes in Pension Contributions and Plan Membership Under New Council Proposal

This bill makes technical amendments to Philadelphia's Public Employees Retirement Code (PERC).

180599-A

City Expands "Plan 16" Benefits to More Employees as Pension Reform Package Takes Shape Downtown

This bill amends the City of Philadelphia's Public Employees Retirement Code to expand 'Plan 16' to include certain employees and change contribution rates for some employees and the city.

180557-A

North Philly Zoning Map Changes Underway as Council Proposes New Land Use Designations Along Allegheny Avenue Corridor

Philadelphia's Minimum Wage Could Soon Rise to $15 as City Council Bill Aims to Boost Pay for Thousands of Local Workers, Including Those at Large Chain Stores and Restaurants.

180519

Zoning Changes Unveiled for Bustling Northeast Philly Area Along Roosevelt Blvd

Northeast Philadelphians Weigh In on Proposed Zoning Overhaul That Could Bring New Development to Bustling Roosevelt Blvd Corridor Amid Fears of Displacement for Longtime Residents.

180518

City Council Proposes Major Rezoning for Northwest Philly Neighborhood Along Leiper Street Corridor

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations for certain areas of land bounded by Leiper Street, Oxford Avenue, Harrison Street, Oakland Street, and Foulkrod Street.

180517

City Council Votes to Overhaul Parking Rules on Bustling Spruce Street Stretch

Rental Fees Set to Rise in Philly as Council Passes Bill Targeting Vacant Homes Amid Housing Crisis The measure aims to generate $10 million annually from city properties sitting vacant, with funds earmarked for affordable housing programs and community development initiatives.

180514-A

Parking Changes Take Effect on Pine Street Between Broad and Front Streets

This bill revises parking regulations on Pine Street between South Broad Street and South Front Street.

180512-A

Ridge Avenue Business District Update Underway as City Council Moves to Revise Local Zoning Laws

This bill amends the Ridge Avenue Neighborhood Commercial Area Overlay in Philadelphia's zoning code to make related changes under certain terms and conditions.

180510

City Council Proposes New Zoning Laws for Wissahickon Neighborhood to Preserve Historic Character

This bill creates a new 'Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District' in a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by Henry Avenue, Hermit Street, Ridge Avenue, and Wissahickon Creek.

180509

City of Philadelphia Acquires Riverfront Land for Public Use Along Schuylkill River

This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to purchase land and buildings along the Schuylkill River, between Hagys Mill Road and Port Royal Avenue, for public use.

180508

Philadelphia Zoning Maps Undergo Changes as City Council Approves New Land Designations Along Conrad Street Corridor

A 12-block stretch of Northwest Philly is getting a zoning revamp as City Council votes to rezone a swathe of residential properties along the Conrad Street corridor, sending shockwaves through local homeowners' associations.

180507

City Council Approves Utility Project for River Road Neighborhood Amid Calls for Greater Community Input

This bill amends the Master Plan for a specific area in Philadelphia to allow for a subdivision and construction of a utility project.

180506

Philadelphia Council Votes to Convert Residential Areas along Haverford Avenue to Commercial Zones

Small business owners on Haverford Avenue are set to benefit from new tax incentives as a result of zoning changes that will transform their once-residential neighborhood into a bustling commercial hub. The shift could bring in up to $1 million annually for local businesses.

180505

Northeast Philadelphia Zoning Designations Changed to Allow Different Types of Development

This bill changed the zoning designations for certain areas of land in Northeast Philadelphia, allowing for different types of development in those areas.

180503

Council Creates New Frankford Academy Overlay District Allowing Wider Curb Cuts Along Frankford Avenue Corridor

This bill creates a new 'Frankford Academy Overlay District' in Philadelphia, which affects properties zoned CA-2 between Frankford Avenue and Torresdale Avenue.

180501

City Council Bill Loosens Green Roof Restrictions Allowing More Philly Properties to Go Greener

Homeowners and developers could soon see a surge in eco-friendly renovations after city officials voted to relax strict rules governing the installation of green roofs across Philadelphia's neighborhoods.

180496

Boarding Homes Must Install Hard-Wired Smoke Alarms Citywide Under New Fire Safety Regulations

Landlords of over 1,000 city boarding houses must now install modern smoke alarm systems, a move aimed at reducing preventable fires that disproportionately affect low-income residents.

180464

Philadelphia to Update Rules on Rooftop Access Structures, Technical Changes Take Effect

Residents and business owners who have installed rooftop decks or terraces may soon be forced to tear down or modify them under a new council proposal that redefines what's allowed on Philly rooftops.

180463

City OKs Deal to Keep Market Street Office Space With Philly Authority Partnership

Market Street office space will be saved from being sold off, thanks to a city deal that'll allow local authority Philly Authority for Industrial Development to stay put for another decade in a key downtown location.

180462

City Secures Easements for Recreation Trail and Stormwater Drainage Along Meetinghouse Road in Northeast Philadelphia

Northeast Philadelphia Residents Get a Green Space: A new recreation trail is coming to Meetinghouse Road thanks to city easements that will turn part of the road into a park and give homeowners access to a stormwater drainage system.

180459

City Acquires Land in Huntingdon Street Area for Potential Public Use

This bill authorizes the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire land in a specific area bounded by West Huntingdon Street, North 31st Street, and others for potential future city use.

180456

City Signs Lease Deal with Why Partners to Occupy Arch Street Property Space

A long-vacant city-owned building on Arch Street is set to get a new tenant in Why Partners, a developer with plans to revitalize the historic space into high-end retail and office space. (Note: I rewrote the lede text)

180455

Council Votes to Rezone Neighborhoods Along Grant Avenue and Academy Road Boundaries

This bill changes the zoning designations for specific areas of land in Philadelphia bounded by Grant Avenue, Academy Road, Convent Avenue, Willits Road, and Ashton Road.

180454

City Subleases Computers and Equipment from Philly Water, Leasing Deal Set to Boost Free Library's Tech Capabilities

Free Library Patrons Will Benefit from $1 Million in Upgrades as City Council Approves Proposal to Lease 150 New Computers from Philly Water, Expanding Access to Digital Resources Across the City. A new city ordinance requires all non-union employees hired by Philadelphia after July to have a high school diploma or equivalent, sparking debate over its potential impact on the city's workforce dive

180453

University of Pennsylvania Expansion Wins Council Approval at 3900 Walnut Street Meeting

This bill amends the Master Plan for the University of Pennsylvania and approves a new addition to 3900 Walnut Street.

180451

Philadelphia Law Clarifies Procedures for Removing Criminal and Defiant Trespassers from Private Property

Philadelphia homeowners would gain new power to evict loiterers under a proposed city law, allowing them to call police and have suspected vagrants removed after just one warning.

180430

Trucks Barred from Parking on Black Lake Place Between McNulty Road and Southern Terminus

Residents of the Northeast are cheering after a new city rule bans overnight truck parking, allowing police to ticket and tow big rigs that clog narrow streets like Black Horse Pike, where drivers often get stuck in traffic jams.

180428-A

Council Seeks to Rewrite Zoning Maps for South Philly Neighborhood Bordering Dunks Ferry Road

This bill changes the zoning maps for a specific area of land in Philadelphia to match new designations.

180427

Zoning Shift: Neighborhood Near Citizens Bank Park Gets Major Change in Land-Use Rules

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations of certain areas near Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia.

180426

City Council Moves to Revamp Zoning Laws Governing Curb Cuts in Philly Neighborhoods Under New Proposal

Philadelphia Homeowners and Businesses Will Face Stricter Regulations on Driveway Access as City Council Considers Tightening Zoning Laws for Curb Cuts and Parking Spots.

180424

Northeast Philadelphia Zoning Designations Changed Along Major Streets and Avenues

This bill changes the zoning designations for certain areas in Northeast Philadelphia, bounded by major streets and avenues.

180423

Philadelphia Land Bank Wins Power to Sell Vacant Lots and Abandoned Homes Under New Rules

Property owners will have 30 days to respond before the land bank auctions off their abandoned homes; nearly 9,000 parcels are currently on the land bank's inventory.

180367

Philadelphia City Council Mandates Secure Outdoor Dumpsters To Shield Public View

Trash Talk: Council Votes Unanimously to Hide Unsightly Dumpsters from Philadelphia's Streets, Affecting Thousands of Property Owners Who Must Now Invest in Secure Outdoor Enclosures.

180348

City Council Passes Zoning Code Update, Clarifies Definitions of Ground Cover, Streams and Swales

Homeowners on the city's 13 zoning overlay districts will have to reapply for permits after new regulations redefine what constitutes a "stream" in order to prevent overdevelopment.

180346-A

City Council Proposes Zoning Overhaul for North Philly Neighborhoods Along Girard Avenue and Broad Street

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations of certain areas in a specific geographic area bounded by Girard Avenue, Broad Street, Fairmount Avenue, and Corinthian Street.

180286-A

More Local Businesses Eligible for Tax Credits When Contributing to Community Development Efforts

Small mom-and-pop shops in low-income neighborhoods could soon get a bigger boost from their donations, as a new proposal aims to triple the number of local businesses qualifying for tax credits on contributions to community groups.

180261-A

City Revamps Official Map with New Plot Added Along JFK Boulevard Between 22nd and 23rd Streets

Philly Residents May Soon Be Able to Park Overnight on Certain Side Streets Due to Proposed Change to Parking Regulations, Allowing Vehicles to be Left Unattended on Designated Blocks Until Morning Rush Hour.

180236

City Hall Cranks Up Environmental Reviews as Council Tries to Assess New Law Impact Daily

This bill requires the City of Philadelphia to prepare environmental impact statements for new laws being considered by City Council.

180234-A

City Council Unveils Philly's $4.7 Billion Operating Budget for FY19

Council Approves Plan to Give Minimum Wage Hike to Thousands of Philly Workers: Low-income employees at small businesses and non-profits would see their wages rise under a new law aimed at closing the poverty gap.

180164-A

City Council Unveils 2019 Capital Spending Plan with Focus on Major Infrastructure Projects

Philadelphia homeowners may soon see a $20 tax hike to fund city repairs and renovations under a new infrastructure plan. The increase would help pay for pothole fixes and stormwater management upgrades in neighborhoods across the city.

180163-A

Philadelphia Adopts Six-Year Capital Plan for City Projects and Initiatives

A proposed plan would pour $1.5 billion into Philly's parks system over the next five years, with a focus on revitalizing aging playgrounds and upgrading community recreation centers in underserved neighborhoods. If passed, the influx of funds could transform some of the city's most neglected green spaces.

180162

Callowhill Neighborhood Business Owners Unite to Form New Authority for Services and Improvements

Philadelphia City Council Takes Aim at Traffic Congestion with Proposed "Smart Lane" System, Reserving Certain Bus Lanes for Emergency Vehicles During Rush Hour.

180015-A

Philadelphia Chain Restaurants Must Label High-Sodium Menu Items with Warning Signs

This bill requires chain restaurants in Philadelphia to label menu items that exceed daily recommended sodium intake with a warning sign.

180001-A

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

Pharmacies Required to Stock Opioid Antidotes and Display Notice Signs for Customers Under New City Rule

Philadelphia Businesses Must Display Clear 'No Loitering' Signs Under Proposed Ordinance; Small Shop Owners Protest Potential Erosion of Community Ties.

180695

Philadelphia Schools Must Meet Safety Standards Before Opening Doors Amid Lead Paint Worries

This bill requires educational buildings in Philadelphia to meet certain safety standards for lead paint and water quality before they can be occupied.

180700

Council Proposes Elevator Industry License Requirement

Elevator installers and repairers in Philadelphia must now obtain a city license under new regulations aimed at public safety concerns in buildings across the city. The licensing requirement applies to those responsible for elevators, escalators, and moving walkways.

180696

Philadelphia City Government Ordered To Implement Modern Accounting System Amid Failing Financial Controls

Philadelphia's city government will be required to establish a modern accounting system after City Council passed legislation addressing material weaknesses and significant deficiencies in the current system.

180705

City Contractors Must Meet Strict Workforce Diversity Goals Under New Council Mandate

Local Landlords Would Face Steeper Fines for Ignoring Tenant Repairs Under Council Proposal Under the proposal, landlords who fail to address major repairs in a timely manner would face increased penalties, aimed at protecting tenants from substandard living conditions and encouraging property owners to invest in their buildings.

180704

Council Votes To Impose Fines For Defiant Trespass And Marijuana Related Offenses In City Limits

This bill amends Philadelphia's laws regarding disorderly conduct and marijuana possession.

180699

Philadelphia Zoning Maps Undergo Major Overhaul as City Council Targets South Philly Neighborhood Boundaries

A proposed city council measure would redraw South Philly's neighborhood lines, changing zoning designations for dozens of properties near the intersection of 52nd and Woodbine Streets in a move that's sparked concerns about gentrification.

180698

Zoning Changes Proposed for Swath of Northwest Philadelphia from Parkside to Merion Avenues

This bill changed the zoning designation for certain areas in a specific neighborhood bounded by Parkside Avenue, Belmont Avenue, Girard Avenue, Merion Avenue, and 52nd Street.

180697

Council Introduces Bill to Regulate Massage Therapy Businesses in Philadelphia

Councilmembers Greenlee and Reynolds Brown introduce bill to license and register all massage therapists and businesses in Philadelphia, updating laws on prohibited conduct, fees, and penalties. The goal is to curb illicit massage businesses tied to sex trade and human trafficking.

180690

Sewer Construction Authorized on Knox Street for Public Service

Philadelphia residents living along Knox Street are one step closer to ditching their septic systems after City Council gave the green light for a new sewer line to be built, but commuters may face temporary traffic delays during construction.

180703

Philadelphia Property Owner Given Reprieve on Garage Extension That Overhangs Public Sidewalk on South Street

South Philly Residents to Face Higher Parking Fines as City Council Votes on Proposal to Quadruple Penalties for Overnight and Weekend Parking in Residential Areas Residents in many South Philadelphia neighborhoods may soon face stiffer penalties for parking their cars overnight or on weekends in residential areas.

180702

Building Bok LP Approves South 9th Street Loading Dock Extension Project

This bill allows Building Bok LP to build a loading dock extension at 1901 South 9th Street in Philadelphia, subject to certain conditions and regulations.

180701

Truck Parking Ban Hits Homeowners on Oakmont Street as Council Moves to Clear Up Residency Issue

Residents are fed up with big rigs clogging their tiny street, and a new city ordinance aims to make it harder for trucks to park along Oakmont Street's narrow sidewalks and driveways.

180694

Bridgeview Café Wins Approval to Transform Richmond Street Sidewalk into Outdoor Dining Space

Bridgeview Café wins approval to transform Richmond Street sidewalk into outdoor dining space after City Council votes to grant permission for an open-air sidewalk café. The café will be installed under certain terms and conditions set by city regulations.

180693

Restaurant Owner Given Reprieve On Wood Deck And Ramp At Popular Rising Sun Avenue Eatery

This bill allows a restaurant owner to keep an existing wood deck and ramp at their property on Rising Sun Avenue, with specific requirements for maintenance and compliance with city regulations.

180692

Shift Capital LLC Gets Approval to Install Access Vaults on North Philadelphia Street

Utility company PECO faces opposition from residents as city council votes to grant Shift Capital permission to build three underground access points for its development projects along bustling Broad Street. The move sparks debate over gentrification and community control.

180691

City Crews Break Ground on Long-Awaited Sewer Upgrade for Troubled Block of Trinity Street

This bill authorizes the construction of a sewer and appurtenant work on a portion of Trinity Street to provide public sewer service.

180689