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Weekly recap

This week in Council

October 26 to November 1, 2018

15 introduced2 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

Newly introduced

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

Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 21, 2019

Philadelphia Council Votes to Boost Penalties for Hate Crimes Motivated by Bias Against LGBQ Individuals

Philadelphia Residents Could Face Fines Up to $10,000 for Blocking Bike Lanes Under Proposed Council Legislation The measure aims to strengthen enforcement of the city's bike lane rules, with fines doubling for repeat offenders who clog busy thoroughfares like Market Street and Spruce Street.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 6, 2018

Philadelphia Lawmakers Enact New Rule Banning Unauthorized Residential Leasing

This law makes it a crime to rent out someone else's residential property without permission and sets penalties for those who break this rule.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Nov 1, 2018

Philadelphia Zoning Maps Overhauled as City Council Votes to Redraw Boundaries of Land on North East Side

Zoning maps in a North East Philadelphia area are being redrawn, changing land classifications along East Luzerne Street, G Street, Erie Avenue, and Whitaker Avenue under an ordinance passed by City Council.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Nov 1, 2018

Council sought to create new overlay district for Point Breeze and Grays Ferry areas.

This bill makes changes to the zoning maps in Philadelphia and creates a new overlay district for Point Breeze and Grays Ferry neighborhoods.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

City Council Proposes Major Zoning Overhaul for Neighborhood Along Roosevelt Boulevard Stretch

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations of certain areas of land in a specific neighborhood bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, Henry Avenue, Railroad Right-of-Way, and Scotts Lane.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

Northeast Philadelphia Zoning Designations Changed Along Major Roads

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps to change zoning designations for certain areas of land in Northeast Philadelphia, bounded by major roads.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

City Council Proposes Zoning Changes Along Parkside Avenue Corridor to Foster New Development Opportunities

Developers could soon build taller buildings along Parkside Avenue, but long-time residents worry about losing historic character as City Council votes on zoning overhaul near University of Pennsylvania campus.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

Philadelphia Set to Lock in 20-Year Solar Power Deal with Private Firm Adams Solar LLC

Philly Taxpayers May Soon Be Paying More for Property Taxes Under Proposed New Assessment Method. A proposed ordinance would change the way city assessors value residential and commercial properties for tax purposes, potentially leading to higher bills for many homeowners and business owners.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned May 9, 2019

Philadelphia Signs Deals to Lock in Low Prices on Electricity, Gas, and Diesel for Next Two Years

A new plan to lock in low energy costs could save taxpayers millions, but critics warn it may also limit future opportunities to renegotiate rates with suppliers who are already struggling under existing contracts.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

City to Enter Agreement with Sensus for Automated Water Usage Data Collection Systems

Residential and commercial ratepayers will soon see their monthly water bills break down exactly how much they used - and at what cost - under a new $15 million deal that's set to transform the city's aging water management system.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Nov 1, 2018

Northeast Philly Zoning Map Overhaul Unveiled to Rework Land Uses Along Key Streets and Highways

Northeast Philly residents may see changes to land uses along Tolbut Street, Torresdale Avenue, Pennypack Street, and the Delaware Expressway as zoning designations are updated. Maps detailing existing and proposed zoning changes remain confidential for now.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 28, 2019

City Council Slaps Parking Restrictions on Busy Philly Streets Amid Driver Frustration and Congestion Woes

Frustrated commuters face a new challenge as proposed parking restrictions aim to ease congestion by limiting two-hour parking spots on Broad Street, 13th Street, and surrounding commercial corridors during peak hours.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 13, 2018

Market Street East Sign Regulations Tightened in City Council Bill

Philadelphia's historic Market Street East could lose some of its eclectic charm as city council votes to limit the number and size of street art installations along this iconic corridor, much to the dismay of local business owners. A new set of rules for signs along Philly's bustling Market Street East aims to bring order to a stretch that's long been known for its vibrant displays and creative

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 6, 2018

City Commerce Department Cleared to Ink Deals for High-Profile Football Games at Lincoln Financial Field

Philadelphia Residents Could See Lower Property Taxes Due to Proposed Tax Abatement Extension A new city council proposal aims to extend a tax abatement program, potentially saving homeowners thousands of dollars in property taxes on renovated row homes and other developments.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 29, 2018

City Approves 7-Year Deal for Airport Advertising Program with Clear Channel as Lead Contractor

Philadelphians Flying High on New Ads: City Council approved a lucrative 7-year deal for airport advertising, but critics question whether taxpayers will benefit from the massive $10 million contract with Clear Channel.

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