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Weekly recap

This week in Council

February 8 to February 14, 2019

10 introduced4 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

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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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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City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 14, 2019

Retailers Ordered To Accept Cash Payments Under New City Ordinance Amid Growing Concerns Over Payment Discrimination

This bill makes it illegal for retail businesses in Philadelphia to refuse cash payments, with some exceptions.

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City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 14, 2019

City Council Proposes Ballot Question to Make Charter Language More Inclusive

Philadelphia City Leaders Consider Implementing Universal Pre-K Program with Public Funding A new proposal would establish a publicly funded pre-kindergarten program, potentially providing free education to thousands of low-income children and setting up a possible showdown with Governor Wolf over state funding.

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Newly introduced

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

Budget & Finance·LapsedIntroduced Feb 14, 2019

Council Transfers Funds to Boost Construction Enforcement and Hire More Police in Philly Streets

City Council transfers $1.4 million to hire more police officers and allocates $600,000 for additional inspectors at Licenses and Inspections amid concerns over building safety and enforcement.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

City Buildings Must Install Automated External Defibrillators and Advanced First Aid Kits Under New Law

Thousands of Philadelphians working in city-owned offices and facilities will soon be safer thanks to a new requirement for life-saving AED devices, with installation costs to be split between the city and building owners.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2019

Philadelphia Landlords and Tenants Must Unite Against Bed Bugs Under New City Ordinance Requirements

Philadelphia Homeowners Could Be Forced to Inspect Their Roofs Twice a Year Under New City Mandate A proposed ordinance would require homeowners to inspect their rooftops at least twice annually to ensure safety and prevent costly repairs down the line.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 14, 2019

City Council Calls Special Election to Let Philly Voters Set Minimum Wage Standard

Philly Small Business Owners Scramble as City Council Votes to Impose Strict Regulations on E-Cigarette Sales A new ordinance targets online retailers and convenience stores, requiring them to verify customers' ages and restrict flavored products in a bid to curb youth vaping epidemic.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned May 16, 2019

Two-Hour Parking Zones Expand to 7 More Neighborhoods Across South Philadelphia

This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia to manage traffic and ensure convenient access for residents, businesses, and visitors.

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Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Feb 14, 2019

Sidewalk Sales Restricted on Woodland Avenue Between Sixtieth and Sixty-seventh Streets

Woodland Avenue vendors face restrictions along a two-block stretch between 60th and 67th Streets, under new rules limiting sidewalk sales. Councilmember Johnson sponsored the measure to curb commercial activity in this area.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 10, 2019

Parking Regulations Established in South Philadelphia Neighborhoods

This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia to help manage traffic and parking.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned May 16, 2019

Trucks Banned from Parking on Townsend Road as Council Approves Strict New Regulations

Residents living near Philadelphia Zoo are up in arms over a new measure requiring all large vehicles to move at least 500 feet away from the zoo's main entrance by next month.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned May 16, 2019

McNulty Road Becomes Truck-Free Zone as City Council Outlaws Parking and Towing Loops in Place.

Residential Residents Revolt Over Proposed Bill to Limit Outdoor Dining Permits Near 30th Street Station, Fearing Noise and Congestion for Neighborhood Streets. The bill would restrict outdoor dining permits within two blocks of the station, aiming to reduce noise complaints from nearby residents.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

City Officials Crackle Down on Parking on 13th Street West Side From Master to Jefferson

West Philadelphia residents are set for a parking crunch as a new city rule limits street time on 13th Street, forcing drivers to rotate in and out every two hours.

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