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Weekly recap

This week in Council

April 19 to April 25, 2019

18 introduced2 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·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

New Parking Rules Allow Ride Share Vehicles to Park Free in Designated Areas Overnight

Ride-hailing drivers will breathe easier tonight as Council passes legislation allowing them to park for free in designated areas, but some neighbors worry about increased traffic and noise in residential zones.

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Education·LapsedIntroduced Apr 25, 2019

Philadelphia School Board Gets Greenlight for Revenue-Neutral Real Estate Tax Hike Next Year

Council passes bill allowing School District to impose revenue-neutral real estate tax at rate set by City Council, intended to produce same level of tax revenues as prior year.

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Budget & Finance·LapsedIntroduced Apr 25, 2019

City seeks to stabilize real estate taxes with revenue-neutral rates starting 2020.

Philadelphia's new real estate tax formula aims to keep revenues stable starting in 2020, adjusting rates as needed annually. The "revenue neutral" rate will match the prior year's level, with adjustments possible if deemed necessary.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

City Council Moves to Boost Homestead Tax Exemption for Philly Homeowners Amid Rising Property Values Slowdown

Philadelphia Homeless Services Office Seeks Increased Funding for Emergency Shelters and Housing Programs amid Soaring City Rent Prices.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned May 16, 2019

Parking Garages Ordered to Hire Adequate Staff or Face City Fines and Penalties Imposed

Philadelphia Residents Could Be Left Without Mail Delivery as City Council Considers Bill Mandating Minimum Wage for Postal Workers

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned May 16, 2019

City Council Passes Parking Employee Protection Law

Parking attendants at Philly's municipal lots could soon have more job security after a city council move to shield them from unfair firings and clarify what constitutes a legitimate dismissal.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

City Council Passes Bill Requiring Fresh Food Markets to Meet Minimum Square Footage Requirements

Smaller vendors face squeeze as city tightens rules on fresh food markets, forcing some entrepreneurs out of coveted spots along Main Street.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

Zoning Changes Along South Street, Schuylkill River to Allow for New Building Uses

This bill changed the zoning designations of certain areas along South Street, the Schuylkill River, Spruce Street (extended), and Broad Street.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

Council Proposes Ban on Two-Family Buildings in North Central Philly Overlay District Amid Zoning Overhaul

A proposed zoning overhaul for North Central Philadelphia would block new two-family homes from being built in the area, sparking debate among residents and developers about housing affordability and density.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

Council Votes to Rethink Land at Second and Germantown, Giving City Control Over Newly Created Cut-Back Area

Philadelphia's urban landscape is about to get a major tweak as City Council votes to hand over control of a key Germantown Avenue corner, but some residents worry it's a power grab that could price out local businesses.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

Philadelphia Farmers' Markets Expand to New Locations Along Delaware River Waterfront District

Local residents along the Delaware River waterfront will soon have more opportunities to buy fresh produce as a new city initiative expands existing farmers' markets into high-demand areas, doubling the number of vendors and shoppers.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 6, 2019

City Transfers Millions Between Funds as Philly Faces Fiscal Shortfall This Summer

Millions in city funds are being shuffled as Philadelphia's budget takes a hit, with the transfer of millions set to affect vital services for low-income seniors and struggling families in North Philly neighborhoods.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

City Approves Sublease Deal Allowing Philly to Occupy Office Space on Broad Street

Philly's next chapter in Broad Street revitalization takes shape as city officials secure prime office space, securing a long-term home for key departments near City Hall and Temple University.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

Spring Garden Street Vending Ban Takes Shape as Council Proposes New Regulations for the Popular Shopping Corridor

This bill amends a section of The Philadelphia Code to prohibit vendors from selling goods on certain parts of Spring Garden street.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 14, 2019

Vine Street Section Struck from City Plan in 20-Foot Revision Along 17th and 18th Streets

Philadelphia homeowners may soon see an easement on their property removed if they live in a narrow stretch of Vine Street where a proposed council measure would eliminate a notorious eyesore: a small, unused road strip.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

Council Passes Bill to Update Neighborhood Zoning in Venango Street Area

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas in a specific neighborhood bounded by Venango Street, 11th Street, Erie Avenue, and Marvine Street.

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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

Temple University Plans Major Expansion at North Philadelphia Site Amid City Council Approval Push

This bill amends Temple University's Master Plan and approves construction at 1835-99 N.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

Council Approves Curved Corner on 34th Street and Curb Extension in Mantua Area

A new curved corner is coming to a bustling intersection in Mantua: the city council has given the green light for a redesigned 34th Street and Mantua Avenue intersection that will improve pedestrian safety.

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