Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 5 to October 11, 2018
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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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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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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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 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 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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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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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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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.
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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.
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Became law
Utility Providers Get Green Light to Extend Areaways Deeper Into Philly Streets
Philadelphia homeowners could soon see deeper holes in their front yards as a new law clears the way for utility companies to excavate more of city streets under their easements.
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City Requires Developers to Pave and Mill Adjacent Roadways Under New Regulations
Philadelphia Businesses May Face Increased Fees for Food Waste Disposal as City Council Considers Mandatory Recycling Programs The proposed legislation would require businesses to pay up to $1,000 more per month to dispose of food waste if they don't meet the city's recycling standards by 2025.
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Private Water and Sewer Services Get Green Light for Planned Communities Across the City
Low-Income Tenants Face Higher Rent Increases with Proposed Changes to the Philadelphia Code Under a new proposal, landlords could increase rent by up to 5% annually in gentrifying neighborhoods, sparking concerns about affordability for vulnerable residents.
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Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Council sought to curb opioid overprescription with new Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing Practices law.
Pharmaceutical giants will soon be forced to reveal who's peddling pills in Philly streets as City Council votes on a new law cracking down on opioid profiteers and their sales tactics.
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Aramingo Avenue Shopping District Extended and Updated with New Improvement Plan
Local businesses on Aramingo Avenue are facing higher assessment fees as part of an updated plan to keep their shopping district thriving, with some owners worried about added costs. The district's future is now secured through 2027.
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City Council Tries to Clamp Down on Rogue Meter Installers in Unlicensed Philadelphia Properties
Philadelphia's public utilities must now confirm a property's license and zoning before installing meters, aiming to prevent installations in unlicensed premises. Rogue meter installers face new restrictions under the city's updated regulations.
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North Central Philly Rooftops Get Tougher Rules as Council Tackles Rowdy Behavior Epidemic
North Central Philadelphia rooftops are now off-limits to fighting, drinking, and other forms of rowdy behavior under new city regulations. Trespassing on rooftop spaces is also prohibited in designated areas.
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Property Owner Gets Reprieve on Garage Extension at 17th Street Amid Ongoing Permit Saga Unfolds
City Council Votes to Exempt Small Businesses from Higher Parking Fees, But Critics Say Move Will Favor Big Chains Over Local Outlets This bill would exempt small businesses with fewer than 20 employees from the new parking fee increase for commercial vehicles, a move aimed at supporting struggling local shops but criticized by opponents who argue it will only favor big chains.
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Steakhouse Owner Gets Green Light for Sidewalk Café on Henry Avenue
Philadelphia's smallest businesses may face stiff competition as a major food chain gets the green light to set up shop on one of the city's busiest sidewalks. Chubby's Steaks will soon be serving customers from newly expanded outdoor seating.
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