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Weekly recap

This week in Council

April 26 to May 2, 2019

14 introduced5 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

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 2, 2019

City Council Approves 19 Million Dollar Allocation for Low-Income Housing Initiatives in Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Philadelphia residents on fixed incomes may soon see rent relief as City Council unanimously approved funding for 1,300 new affordable housing units and existing homeownership assistance programs. Low-income families will benefit from the allocation of $19 million in city funds.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 2, 2019

City Council Proposes Zoning Changes For Properties Along Busy Stretch of Ridge Avenue

This bill changes the zoning rules for a specific area in Philadelphia bounded by 21st Street, Oxford Street, 20th Street, Jefferson Street, and Ridge Avenue.

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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·Signed Into LawSigned May 2, 2019

Council Proposes Overhaul of Central Delaware Waterfront Streets to Boost Development and Access

Philly's waterfront is about to get a major facelift as city council proposes zoning changes to open up 16 key streets to development, potentially transforming the Central Delaware Riverfront into a vibrant hub of activity.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 2, 2019

City Council Tries to Curb Medical Marijuana Dispensary Sprawl in Residential Neighborhoods

This bill amends the Philadelphia Code to revise zoning regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries.

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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 May 2, 2019

Council Approves Plan for Germantown Business Boost with New Fees for Property Owners

Philadelphia property owners in Germantown will face new fees for business improvements under a plan approved by City Council. The fees are part of a district's effort to revitalize the area with administrative services.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

Parking Regulations Established in Six Philadelphia Locations Across City

This bill establishes new parking regulations in six specific locations across Philadelphia: S.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

Camac Street Parking Ban Established, Limits Time for Daily Traffic

This bill establishes parking regulations on specific streets in Philadelphia, limiting parking time and days for each street.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

City Council Passes Bike Lane Bill Adding North 10th Street and Columbus Boulevard Designations

This bill adds bike lanes to North 10th Street and Columbus Boulevard in Philadelphia's First Councilmanic District, and updates parking regulations along these streets.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

City Council Seeks to Revamp Zoning Rules for Growing Neighborhood Near South Philly Waterfront

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas in a specific neighborhood.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

City Council Proposes New Rules for Vehicle Access, Pedestrian Safety on Historic South 9th Street Market

This bill creates a new 'South Ninth Street Market Overlay District' in South Philadelphia to regulate vehicle access and preserve pedestrian safety in the historic Italian Market.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

City Council Votes To Rewrite Zoning Maps For 9 Square Miles Near Northeast Philadelphia's Commercial Corridors

This bill changes the zoning designations for certain areas of land in Philadelphia to align with new development plans.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

Roosevelt Boulevard to Grant Avenue Zoning Map Altered to Permit New Development

Longtime Northwest Philly residents face possible displacement as a newly approved city council measure paves the way for high-rise apartments and commercial spaces on Roosevelt Boulevard, sparking concerns about gentrification.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced May 2, 2019

Council proposes zoning change in South Philadelphia area bounded by Passyunk Avenue streets.

Zoning maps in South Philly's designated area bounded by Passyunk Avenue, Ritner Street, and others are up for overhaul as council considers significant changes today. The areas' zoning classifications would be changed under the proposed amendments.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

Council Moves to Create New Zoning Rules for West Oregon Avenue Businesses and Residents

This bill creates a new 'West Oregon Avenue Overlay District' in Philadelphia, regulating signs, parking, and landscaping for properties along West Oregon Avenue.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

Philadelphia Council Votes to Convert Richmond Street into Bike Lane Amid Parking Restrictions Take Hold

This bill adds a bike lane to Richmond Street between Lewis and Berkshire Streets, removing parking lanes on both sides of the street.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned May 16, 2019

City Department of Public Health Seeks Additional Funding from State for Philly Health Clinics

Philadelphia home healthcare workers face uncertain future as council weighs plan to privatize Medicaid-reliant services, putting 4,500 jobs at risk in a move that sparks fierce debate among advocates and city officials.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

Philadelphia Council Votes to Ease Filing Burden on Small Businesses with Low Taxable Receipts

Small business owners will breathe easier under a new plan from City Hall, which would exempt firms earning less than $100,000 annually from paying annual taxes and filing paperwork in the city.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

University of Pennsylvania Gets Reprieve on Time to Meet Requirements at Convention Avenue Site

The University of Pennsylvania is breathing a temporary sigh of relief as city council votes to give it an extra year to meet specific regulations at its high-profile Convention Avenue site, sparking questions about accountability.

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