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Weekly recap

This week in Council

November 30 to December 6, 2018

5 introduced9 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

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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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 Dec 6, 2018

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 6, 2018

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 6, 2018

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 6, 2018

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 6, 2018

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 6, 2018

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 6, 2018

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.

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Newly introduced

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

Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 2, 2019

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.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Dec 6, 2018

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.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 28, 2019

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.

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