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Weekly recap

This week in Council

February 22 to February 28, 2019

7 introduced0 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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Newly introduced

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

Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Feb 28, 2019

Council proposes new fee for accelerated permit reviews in Philadelphia

City Council proposes $350 fee for expedited reviews of building permits, generating revenue to cover costs and potentially reducing wait times for applicants.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned May 2, 2019

Philadelphia Realty Transfer Tax Clarified to Treat Company Sales Equally to Direct Sales

Philadelphia's top commercial property owners will soon be subject to the same realty transfer tax rules as individual sellers, forcing corporations to pay their fair share of taxes on lucrative deals. The change is expected to generate millions in new revenue for the city.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Feb 28, 2019

City Council Axes Tax Breaks for Philly Properties Amid Push to Boost Revenue Streams

Philadelphia residents and businesses will pay more real estate taxes for certain improvements after City Council reduces exemption periods and amounts. The changes affect properties undergoing construction or renovation across various types.

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Transportation·LapsedIntroduced Feb 28, 2019

Council Proposed Truck Parking Ban Along Torresdale Avenue and Megargee Street

Truck parking is now prohibited at all times on both sides of Torresdale Avenue from Linden to Rhawn Street and Megargee Street from Torresdale to Frankford Avenue. The no truck parking regulation took effect immediately following City Council approval.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawIntroduced Feb 28, 2019

City Unveils Plan to Raise Up to 800 Million Dollars for Water and Sewer Projects This Year

Philadelphia Small Businesses Struggle with New Fees Imposed by Proposed Tax on Food Truck Permits The proposed tax would add an estimated $1,200 a year to each food truck's permit cost, impacting hundreds of small business owners who rely on these mobile vendors for income.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 25, 2019

City Workers to Get Second Chance at Paying Back Past Jobs with New Retirement Code Amendment

Philadelphia Water Department Employees Face Layoffs as Council Considers Bill Cutting 25% of Staff to Balance Budget.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 10, 2019

Loveluck LLC to Operate Food and Beverage Concession in Fairmount Park Welcome Center

A new food vendor is coming to Love Park, but critics argue that it's a sweetheart deal for Loveluck LLC, which will rake in up to $300,000 in annual profits from the prime tourist spot. Locals worry about lost green space and more traffic congestion.

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