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Weekly recap

This week in Council

January 18 to January 24, 2019

17 introduced3 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.

Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Jan 24, 2019

Council proposed reducing real estate tax exemptions for certain property improvements and new constructions in Philadelphia from 20 to 10 years.

Philadelphia developers face reduced tax breaks as City Council votes to limit exemptions on property improvements and shorten their duration from 20 years to 10. The measure slashes incentives for major developments across the city.

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City Council·LapsedIntroduced Jan 24, 2019

City Transfers 50 Million Dollars From Grants Fund to Aid Struggling Federal Workers During Shutdown

City Council transfers $50 million from Grants Revenue Fund to aid struggling federal workers during government shutdown. The move aims to support financial emergency assistance for the approximately 380,000 affected by the ongoing federal closure.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 7, 2019

City Council Proposes Zoning Changes for Residential Neighborhoods Along Broad Street and Nearby Avenues

Philadelphia Residents May Soon Face Increased Parking Fees for Vehicles with Expired Registrations A proposed city law would require vehicle owners to pay fines before their cars can be released from impound lots, generating new revenue for the city's tow truck operators and potentially burdening low-income drivers.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Jan 24, 2019

Council proposed reducing real estate tax exemptions for certain property improvements and new construction.

Philadelphia property owners face increased tax burden as City Council proposes slashing exemptions for new construction and shortening the duration of these breaks.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

Cottman Avenue Residents Face New Permit Parking Rules Amid Growing Congestion Concerns

Residential streets around Cottman Avenue are about to get a lot more competitive: under new parking rules, drivers will soon be forced to pay for permits just to park near their own homes and on neighborhood mainstays like Roosevelt Boulevard.

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Jan 24, 2019

Council Asks Philly Voters: Should City Back State Legalization of Recreational Marijuana Sales?

Council members Green, Henon, and Squilla urge voters to weigh in on decriminalizing recreational marijuana use for those 21 and older. The city council is asking residents whether they support a state law change to regulate pot sales.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 14, 2019

Voters to Decide Fate of Office of Immigrant Affairs in Philadelphia Election

Proposal to Create New Office of Homeless Services Gains Momentum Among Council Members, but Questions Remain About Its Impact on Existing Shelters and Programs Serving Thousands.

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City Council·LapsedIntroduced Jan 24, 2019

City Unveils Plan to Speed Up Vacant Property Sales with New Acquisition Rules in Place

Philadelphia is streamlining its acquisition process for vacant and underutilized properties through tax sales, allowing the city to speed up the sale of vacant properties. The new rules are part of an amended land bank policy.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 14, 2019

Deadline Extended for Low-Income Seniors to Apply for Real Estate Tax Refund or Forgiveness

Low-income seniors facing eviction over unpaid property taxes will get more time to seek refunds, but critics argue it's just a Band-Aid solution for deeper tax burden problems. The City Council has approved a plan to waive thousands of dollars in fees associated with applying for the city's property tax relief programs.

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Public Health·LapsedIntroduced Jan 24, 2019

Pharmacies Ordered to Stock Only FDA-Approved Naloxone Products in City Law Update

Pharmacies in Philadelphia must now stock only FDA-approved naloxone products, according to a city law update aimed at clarifying the types of antidotes required for availability.

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Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Jan 24, 2019

City Council proposed tightening animal ownership regulations, revising 'Animals' chapter in Philadelphia Code.

Philadelphia's pet ownership laws are getting a major overhaul as city lawmakers aim to clarify definitions and responsibilities for dog and cat owners, including a new age threshold for adult animals.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

Gowen Avenue Parking Restrictions Tightened with Ban on South Side Vehicles Between Devon and Ardleigh Streets

This bill prohibits parking on the south side of East Gowen Avenue between Devon Street and Ardleigh Street.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

Vincent Cappello Wins Approval to Install Electrical Wires in Dickinson Street Right-of-Way for Fruit Truck Power

This bill allows Vincent Cappello to install electrical wires and conduits in a specific right-of-way on Dickinson Street to supply electricity to his fruit and produce truck.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

Farmers Market Set to Take Root on Castor Avenue This Wednesday Starting July 11th

New life is sprouting up on Castor Avenue: this week, a weekly farmers market will debut in front of 6434 Castor Avenue, bringing fresh produce and goods to the community every Wednesday through Halloween.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

No Parking Zone Established on Ivy Hill Road Near Mansfield Avenue

Resident complaints about narrow streets spark new "no parking" zone on Ivy Hill Road, where cars often park on sidewalks and reduce already-tight road space for drivers. Starting this week, violators will face fines up to $100.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 7, 2019

Council Gives Thumbs Up to $ Millions in Mid-Year Budget Transfers Across City Agencies

This bill authorizes transfers of funds from various city offices and departments to the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2019.

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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 7, 2019

Drexel University's Master Plan Amended to Include Addition at 101 North 34th Street

This bill amends Drexel University's Master Plan and approves an addition to a specific building at 101 N.

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