Weekly recap
This week in Council
November 30 to December 6, 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
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
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 Seeks to Buy 15-Acre Property in Tinicum Township Under Unclear Future Plans
Controversy Erupts Over New Tax on Philly's Largest Landlords as Council Passes Bill to Levy Additional Fees Council members push through legislation imposing a new tax on large landlords, sparking heated debate over gentrification and the city's affordability crisis affecting thousands of tenants.
180951
Philadelphia City Council Approves Lease Agreement for Portion of John F. Kennedy Center Space on Broad Street
City workers are set to take over a chunk of the John F. Kennedy Behavioral Health Center's Broad Street space, sparking questions about how the arrangement will affect local residents and businesses.
180906
Philadelphia City Council Votes to Hike Minimum Wage Rates Across The City Starting Next Year
Philadelphia's lowest-paid workers are set for a significant pay boost as city council approves a bill raising minimum wage rates to as high as $22.25 per hour by 2025. The increased wages will affect over 150,000 employees in the city.
180846
City Contractors Must Meet Strict Workforce Diversity Goals Under New Council Mandate
Local Landlords Would Face Steeper Fines for Ignoring Tenant Repairs Under Council Proposal Under the proposal, landlords who fail to address major repairs in a timely manner would face increased penalties, aimed at protecting tenants from substandard living conditions and encouraging property owners to invest in their buildings.
180704
Philadelphia Employers Told to Give Workers 24 Hour Notice on Schedules and Shifts
This bill requires certain large employers to give their employees fair notice of work schedules and rest time between shifts, as well as opportunities for extra hours.
180649-A
City OKs Sublease Deal for Portion of 100 South Broad Street Building, Site of Future City Hall Expansion
Philadelphia City Council clears way for expansion plans at City Hall by greenlighting a deal to lease office space in the historic 100 South Broad Street building, set to accommodate growing municipal staff needs. The agreement targets over 50 city employees and contractors currently working on-site.
180602
City Council Tries to Shield Philly Tenants from Harsh Eviction Policies and Give Them Priority Lease Renewal Rights
Low-Income Families Face Sudden Price Hike at Philly Pool: Council Bill Would Charge More for City Swims, Angering Advocates Who Say It's Unfair to Kids and Seniors A proposed city policy would start charging low-income families more to swim in Philadelphia public pools, potentially pricing out thousands of kids and seniors who rely on the affordable fun.
170854-A
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Votes to Enforce Two-Hour Parking Rules Along Germantown Avenue from East Hortter to Gorgas Lane
This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations on Germantown Avenue between East Hortter Street and Gorgas Lane, both sides of the street.
181065
Council Proposes Overhaul of Central Delaware Waterfront Streets to Boost Development and Access
Philly's waterfront is about to get a major facelift as city council proposes zoning changes to open up 16 key streets to development, potentially transforming the Central Delaware Riverfront into a vibrant hub of activity.
181064-A
City Council Tinkers With Vacant Properties Panel, Adds New Duties Amid Calls for Change Now
Philadelphia's Vacant Property Review Committee gets a new lineup and expanded responsibilities amid growing calls for reform, with city officials pushing for more transparency in handling vacant properties. Changes will be made to the committee's composition and duties under new rules set by City Council.
181062
Philadelphia Gas Works Clears Path for Liquefied Natural Gas Project on City Owned Land and Facilities
Philadelphia residents and businesses near the PECO generating station in South Philly could soon be dealing with a new neighbor: a massive liquefied natural gas tank and processing facility on city-owned land. LNG trucks would fuel it just blocks from homes.
181063-A
Vending Prohibited on Certain Streets in West Philadelphia Under New City Ordinance
A proposal to ban sidewalk vendors from bustling areas of West Philadelphia has Council members pitting small business owners against residents who say the cluttered streets are a safety hazard for kids walking to school.
181061