Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 26 to November 1, 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.
250099
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.
260765
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.
260761
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.
260698
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.
260801
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.
260797
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.
260831
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.
260830
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.
260854
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 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 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
New Parking Rules Tighten Spots Around Downtown Philadelphia Neighborhoods
This bill establishes new parking regulations in specific neighborhoods, limiting parking time and days to certain areas.
180815-A
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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Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
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.
180969-A
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.
180978-A
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.
180977
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.
180973
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.
180971
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.
180970
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.
180966
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.
180965
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.
180976
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.
180972
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.
180968
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.
180967
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
180979
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.
180975
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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