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Weekly recap

This week in Council

September 28 to October 4, 2018

9 introduced6 became law0 failed or vetoed

Coming up: public hearings

Committees hear testimony before voting. Open any bill and tap the bell to get a reminder the day before.

Monday, November 9, 2:00 PM · Committee on Streets and Services

Transportation·In Committee

City Council Introduces Bill to Convert Dupont Street to Two-Way Traffic from Baker to Smick.

City Council votes to make Dupont Street a two-way street from Baker Street to Smick Street, starting from the westernmost portion of Baker Street.

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Transportation·In Committee

Eighth Councilmanic district imposes time limits on parking of large vehicles on public streets.

Eighth Councilmanic district restricts parking of large vehicles, including boats and RVs, to no more than 3 hours on public streets unless posted otherwise, citing public safety concerns.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

Drexel Institute of Technology seeks permission to install street tree planters along 3001 Chestnut Street.

Drexel Institute of Technology is seeking permission to install 28 street tree planters along its property line at 3001 Chestnut Street, with 4 planters encroaching onto Ludlow Street.

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Environment·In Committee

Homeowners exempt from fines for missed trash collection days when city fails to collect on time

Homeowners can breathe a sigh of relief if the city misses trash collection days, as a new bill would exempt them from fines for missed pickups. The proposed change would cancel fines and provide refunds for payments already made.

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Transportation·In Committee

City to vacate Hartwell Lane and reserve water main and public utility right of way

Hartwell Lane is set to be vacated and a right of way reserved for water main and public utility purposes, with the city to accept a grant under certain terms and conditions.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

Property owner seeks permission to install 17 concrete planters along Walnut Street sidewalks

Property owner seeks permission to install 17 concrete planters along Walnut Street sidewalks, including 7 on the east curbline of South 19th Street. The planters will be located near the property line of 1849 Walnut Street.

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Community & Neighborhoods·In Committee

Civic Center Boulevard to be Renamed Roberts Way at Two Intersections Near Osler Circle

Osler Circle near Civic Center Boulevard and Curie Boulevard is set to be renamed Roberts Way at two intersections, according to a bill sponsored by Councilmembers Gauthier and Landau.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

South Philly Italian Kitchen owner seeks permit for sidewalk café at 2655 South 18th Street location.

South Philly Italian Kitchen owner seeks permit for sidewalk café at 2655 South 18th Street location, with plans for 12 tables and 36 seats, pending compliance with city regulations.

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Transportation·In Committee

Boats and large vehicles can be towed or immobilized after 30 days of street parking.

Philadelphia's streets will soon have new towing rules, allowing large vehicles, boats, and vending carts to be towed or immobilized after 30 days of street parking, as Councilmember Squilla introduces new regulations.

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Tuesday, November 17, 10:00 AM · Committee on Rules

Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Business & Commerce·In Committee

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.

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Environment·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·Introduced

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'.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Zoning & Development·In Committee

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.

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Business & Commerce·In Committee

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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Became law

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 4, 2018

Council Allocates Recurring Funds to Boost Affordable Housing and Revitalize Neighborhoods Across Philadelphia

This bill allocates recurring funding to support affordable housing and neighborhood development in Philadelphia.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 4, 2018

City Council Proposes Splitting Trust Fund into Separate Sub-Funds for Recording Fees and Other Revenues

Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Recording Fees as City Council Considers Bill to Create New Revenue Streams, potentially increasing costs for homebuyers and sellers by tens of thousands of dollars.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 4, 2018

City Council Aids Neighborhood Groups with New Funding for SLAPP Suits Insurance Coverage

Philadelphia neighborhood groups facing costly lawsuits over community activism will now have access to financial relief, thanks to a new City Council initiative aimed at shielding volunteers from frivolous SLAPP suits. The measure could save some organizations thousands in insurance costs annually.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 4, 2018

Philadelphia Zoning Code Amended to Allow Property Owners to Request Minor Adjustments

Small Business Owners Win Big as Council Votes to Lower Parking Requirements for Certain Commercial Areas, Boosting Possibilities for New Shops and Restaurants Along Busy Streets.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 4, 2018

Philly Lawmakers Pass Bill Altering Public Notice Rules for Zoning Applications

Homeowners facing lengthy delays in getting their building projects approved may get relief with new rules requiring faster public notice, but critics argue changes to the "One Year Rule" will still favor developers over residents.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 4, 2018

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.

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Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.

Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

City Council Votes to Revamp Zoning Rules Along Mount Pleasant Avenue Neighborhood Streets

Mount Pleasant residents could see new businesses pop up on quiet streets as City Council votes to rezone 17 parcels, opening up space for cafes and shops where only houses once stood. Homeowners worry about noise and traffic disruptions.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 15, 2018

City Council Seeks Transparency in New Bill Requiring Job Growth Details in Fiscal Impact Statements

Philadelphia Residents May See Hiked Fees for Trash Collection as City Council Considers Proposal to Increase Waste Management Costs The proposed increase would apply to residential and commercial properties, raising average monthly trash collection costs by up to 20%.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

City Officials Clamp Down on Parking Rules in Key Neighborhoods Across South Philly

This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, setting time limits and days for parking on certain streets.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

Parking Permits Restricted to More Streets in West Philly as City Council Approves New Boundaries

This bill amends the boundaries of two permit parking districts in Philadelphia: District 2 (West Philadelphia) and District 31.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 21, 2019

City Council Orders More Detailed Breakdown of Minority Business Participation Goals Annually

Philadelphia Contractors Will Pay $1 Million Fine for Failing to Meet Minority Hiring Mandates Under New Council Resolution Proposal The measure seeks to strengthen enforcement of minority business participation laws after a City investigation found 25 contractors had repeatedly failed to meet diversity targets, resulting in significant fines and penalties.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

Aspen Street to Become One-Way from North Markoe to North 46th Streets

This bill makes Aspen Street one-way from North Markoe Street to North 46th Street, allowing traffic to flow eastbound.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

Parking Restrictions Tightened Along East Willow Grove Avenue Between Crittenden Street and Stenton Avenue

This bill revises parking restrictions on East Willow Grove Avenue between Crittenden Street and Stenton Avenue by allowing or prohibiting parking on both sides of the street.

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Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

Red Light Cameras Coming to Busy 70th Street and Lindbergh Intersection Starting This Summer

This bill allows for red light cameras to be installed at the intersection of 70th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard in Philadelphia.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

Council Moves to Clear Busy 77th Street Sidewalks of Vendors on Both Sides Daily

This bill prohibits vendors from selling goods on both sides of 77th Street between City Avenue and Overbrook Avenue.

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