Weekly recap
This week in Council
November 23 to November 29, 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.
260895
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
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.
180974
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
Truck Parking Restricted on East Washington Lane from 6pm to 6am Daily.
Local residents near Temple University are rejoicing as a new city ordinance aims to curb overnight truck congestion along East Washington Lane, where large vehicles will soon be banned from parking.
180956
Fitzwater Street and Surrounding Neighborhoods to Enact Parking Time Limitations
This bill sets parking regulations in several Philadelphia neighborhoods, limiting parking time to 2-3 hours in specific areas.
180952
Council Moves to Block Truck Parking On Both Sides Of Crispin Street Amid Resident Complaints
Residents of the 8000 block of Crispin Street are cheering a proposed city law that would ban truck parking from the narrow street, which they say is causing congestion and safety hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike.
180947
Philadelphia Code Amended to Designate Litter Enforcement Corridors in City Streets
This bill amends Philadelphia's Code to designate certain blocks as Litter Enforcement Corridors, where littering and related offenses will be more strictly enforced.
180946
North Philly Council Votes to Create New IMA Zoning District to Spur Industrial Growth and Development
South Philly Small Businesses Face Uncertainty as Proposed 5-Day Parking Minimum Sparks Heated Debate Over Resident vs. Business Needs. The proposed parking requirement would require many businesses to reserve five parking spots for employees, sparking concerns about lost revenue and increased competition for already limited on-street parking in the area.
180908
Philadelphia City Council Moves to Redraw Zoning Lines Along Bustling Castor Avenue Corridor
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land within a specific area bounded by several streets and highways.
180907
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.
180891
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.
180890
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.
180872
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.
180871
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.
180869
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.
180868
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.
180867
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.
180866
Cottman Avenue and State Road Widening Plan Takes Effect with New Property Line Alignment
This bill widens Cottman Avenue and State Road by adjusting property lines in a specific area.
180841
Old City Business Owners Must Pay More Under Proposed 5-Year Plan for District Services
Philadelphia's 3,000 Small Businesses Could Face Higher Taxes as Council Considers New Tax Increment Financing Policy A proposed policy would allow the city to capture tax revenue from new developments in specific neighborhoods to fund public projects, raising concerns among small business owners who might see increased property taxes.
180749
Old City Special Services District Gets Term Extension Until 2038 Amid Ongoing Revitalization Efforts
Philadelphia's iconic Old City neighborhood will continue to reap benefits from its self-imposed tax for another three decades as city council votes to extend its special services district. Business owners are breathing a sigh of relief.
180747
City Sells Small Land Parcel at Grant Avenue Intersection to Developer for Redevelopment Project
The City of Philadelphia is selling a small parcel of land at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Academy Road to UL Grant Avenue, LLC, with certain terms and conditions.
180743
New Parking Rules to Take Effect in Four Philadelphia Neighborhoods
This bill establishes new parking regulations in several Philadelphia neighborhoods, limiting parking times and days for certain streets.
180735
Parking Regulations Established Along Grays Ferry Avenue and Several Surrounding Streets
This bill establishes new parking regulations in specific Philadelphia neighborhoods to improve traffic flow and management.
180734
Parking Limits Enacted in Six Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Philadelphia Small Businesses Fear Increased Taxes Under Proposed Council Bill Aimed at Boosting City Revenue through Higher Property Tax Rates on Commercial Properties.
180733
Truck Parking Banned on Passmore Street Blocks
This bill prohibits trucks from parking on both sides of Passmore Street (4100 and 4200 blocks) at any time.
180731
Trucks Banned from Parking on Ditman Street Between Cottman Avenue and Rhawn Street
Residents along Ditman Street are breathing a sigh of relief as truck congestion is set to disappear with new restrictions now in place, but some business owners say the ban will hurt their bottom line.
180730
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
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
Truck Parking Banned on Willits Road's 2800 Block, Both Sides
Residential residents on Willits Road are breathing a sigh of relief as a new city ordinance restricts large trucks from idling and parking along their narrow street, making it safer for pedestrians and families to live there.
180647
Trucks Barred from Parking Along Entire 9100 Block of Ryerson Road as Traffic Relief Measure Takes Effect
Residents on South Street Breathe Easier with New Law Requiring Bike-Friendly Businesses to Remove Glass from Sidewalks Business owners along this iconic thoroughfare must now remove glass from sidewalks to reduce hazards for cyclists and pedestrians.
180646
Three City Streets to Vanish Within Two Years Under Major Revision to City's Official Map
Long-abandoned thoroughfares like 56th Street in West Philly and two others are slated to be erased from the city's map, clearing the way for infrastructure upgrades but sparking concerns over lost parking spots and property values.
180604
Stairway Enclosure at 2048 S. 21st Street Gets Legal Approval Under Certain Conditions
Local Business Owners Will Have to Pay Higher Fees for Trash Collection Permits Under Proposed Council Ordinance Change The new fees are expected to generate an estimated $1 million in revenue for the city's sanitation department each year.
180601
Council Votes to Update TOD Rules with New Transit Stations Including 46th Street and Erie-Torresdale
Developers eyeing major transit hubs will soon have a new set of rules to navigate, as city council votes to expand TOD guidelines to 46th Street and Erie-Torresdale Stations.
180008-A
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Imposes Two-Hour Parking Limits in Bustling South Philly Neighborhoods Along Main Avenues
South Philadelphians Face Higher Parking Fines as City Council Passes Measure Raising Fine from $50 to $150 for Unpaid Metered Parking Tickets
181047
South Street Parking Restrictions Tightened Between 21st and 27th Streets
Business owners along South Street are breathing a sigh of relief as the city finally tackles notorious parking congestion between 21st and 27th Streets, where drivers will now face fines and towing for parking anywhere at any time.
181046
City Transfers West Philly Land to PAID Under Signed Bill
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to transfer ownership of a plot of land in West Philly to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID) under certain conditions.
181044
Council Extends Emergency Powers for PGW to Secure Urgent Natural Gas Supplies
This bill extends a program that allows the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation to quickly enter into contracts for gas supply, storage, distribution, transportation, and transmission on behalf of the Philadelphia Gas Works, with some approval from City Council.
181043
Frankford Avenue Property Owner Granted Approval for Exterior Stairway Construction
City Council Approves Change in Zoning Laws, Giving Northeast Philadelphia Residents the Right to Replace Chain Link Fences with Decorative Alternatives Starting Next Month. Residents along Torresdale Avenue will no longer need special permits to install decorative fences after City Council votes on a zoning law revision today.
181048
City Seeks Freedom to Reuse Rec Center Land Near Pennypack Park After 70 Years of Restrictions
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to remove a restriction on land near Pennypack Park that was originally set aside for a recreation center and athletic field.
181045