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Weekly recap

This week in Council

February 15 to February 21, 2019

4 introduced15 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

Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

Bike Lanes Installed on North 10th and 13th Streets in Philadelphia

This bill creates designated bike lanes and no-stopping zones on North 10th Street and North 13th Street in Center City Philadelphia.

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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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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·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 Feb 21, 2019

Council Passes Parking Restrictions on 6 City Streets Amid Resident Complaints Over Congestion and Overnight Parking Abuse

This bill establishes parking regulations for six specific areas in Philadelphia, requiring drivers to park their vehicles within two-hour time limits and adhere to certain days of operation.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

City Council Revamps Tax Exemption Rules for Longtime Homeowners in Bid to Simplify Benefits Process

This bill amends Philadelphia's tax exemption policy for long-time owner-occupants of residential properties to revise eligibility and benefit determination standards.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

Philadelphia Establishes New Parking Rules on Busy City Streets Including Locust and S 45th Street

Tired commuters will have to adjust their morning routines as a new city ordinance restricts parking along congested streets like Spruce and Pine, limiting drivers to two hours on weekdays.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

New Parking Limits Take Effect on East Side of 46th Street Between Larchwood and Osage Avenues Daily

This bill establishes a two-hour parking limit on the east side of 46th street between Larchwood and Osage avenues, from 8am to 6:30pm, Monday through Friday.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

Two-Hour Parking Limit Established on Haverford Avenue Between 31st and 32nd Streets

Haverford Avenue residents and shoppers face stricter parking rules starting this week as city officials aim to curb congestion in the popular West Philly neighborhood.

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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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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

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.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

Council Approves Major Redesign of Tasker Street, Blvd, and Dickinson Street in South Philly to Boost Safety and Pedestrian Flow

A proposed overhaul of Roosevelt Boulevard would create a dedicated bus lane, reducing congestion on the notoriously crowded highway that's plagued commuters for decades. Under new regulations, all gas stations within a half-mile of schools and parks in Philly must implement pollution-reducing measures to safeguard public health.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 21, 2019

City Officials Relocate Portion of Warnock Street to Align with Original Plan

This bill allows the city to revise a portion of City Plan No.

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Newly introduced

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

City Government·LapsedIntroduced Feb 21, 2019

City Council Submits Three-Term Limit Proposal to Philly Voters for November Ballot Vote

Councilmembers seek voter limit on their own tenure, proposing a three-term cap that would take effect after January 2020, limiting future Council election eligibility.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Feb 21, 2019

Council Tackles "Percent for Art" Program with Proposed Changes to Boost Public Art in Philadelphia Construction Projects

Philadelphia's "Percent for Art" program may get a boost with new proposals from Councilmembers Henon, Blackwell, and O'Neill to modify the requirement that 1% of construction costs go towards public art in city spaces. The changes aim to enhance aesthetics in city structures.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned May 16, 2019

City Officials Set to Revise Berks Street on City Map as Part of Ongoing Grid Updates Effort

Dispute Resolution Ordinance Would Mandate Mediation for Certain Landlord-Tenant Disputes in City-Maintained Housing Projects A new city ordinance would require mediation for disputes involving rent hikes, lease terminations, and safety concerns in 11 large public housing projects across the city. The measure aims to reduce evictions and improve living conditions.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

City Council Moves to Limit Parking on Busy Stretch of 22nd Street West During Rush Hours Daily

Commuters may soon face tighter parking options as City Council considers limiting spaces on 22nd Street West during peak hours; the proposed restriction would affect over a thousand drivers daily.

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