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Weekly recap

This week in Council

May 3 to May 9, 2019

9 introduced1 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.

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 14, 2019

City Provides Free Lawyers to Low-Income Philly Residents Facing Eviction in Landlord-Tenant Court Battles Daily

Philadelphia's Affordable Housing Task Force Chairwoman vows to block bill that would gut rent control protections for seniors and people with disabilities, calling it a "betrayal of the city's most vulnerable populations.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

Philadelphia City Council Approves $127.7 Million in Spending for Philadelphia Gas Works Projects This Year

Ratepayers to See Slight Increase: A proposed increase in gas rates is expected as part of the Philadelphia Gas Works' plan to upgrade aging infrastructure with $27 million worth of new pipes and equipment.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced May 9, 2019

Council proposed zoning restrictions for single-family preservation districts.

Philadelphia's Zoning Board can no longer approve multi-family developments in designated Single Family Preservation Districts. Protected neighborhoods will see stricter rules on variance requests for multi-family use.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

Parking Rules Set for Six Philadelphia Neighborhoods

This bill establishes parking regulations in several Philadelphia neighborhoods, setting time limits and restrictions for parking on specific streets.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

Philadelphia Updates Parking and Commercial Rules for Properties with Multiple Street Frontages

Philadelphia Property Owners Will Soon Have More Flexibility to Use Their Alleys as Outdoor Spaces After Council Votes to Relax Zoning Restrictions on Accessory Structures The new law will allow homeowners to build larger decks, patios, or other outdoor features without needing a variance.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

Council Approves Plan to Pay Homeowners Up to $1 Per Watt for New Solar Panels Citywide

Solar Power Boost: Philadelphia homeowners could soon be rewarded with up to $1,000s in cash incentives for installing new solar panels on their rooftops and properties.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

Philadelphia Gas Works Budget Gets $474,060 Boost Amid Revised Forecast Uncertainty Looms

Philadelphia Gas Works Budget Gets $474,060 Boost Amid Revised Forecast Uncertainty Looms: A last-minute injection of cash into the utility's budget comes just as officials grapple with a revised forecast that threatens to upend long-term planning.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 20, 2019

City Approves Funding for Philadelphia Gas Works Upgrades Amid Revised Budget Projections

Philadelphia City Council Passes Resolution to Rename 52nd Street Station After Local Music Icon; Community Leaders Praise Tribute as "Long Overdue Recognition" of Jazz Legend's Contributions.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2019

Deadline to Revise City Plan 269 Extended as Project Completion Date Approaches Two-Year Mark

Philadelphia's ambitious plan to revamp Convention Avenue is running behind schedule, with city officials now facing a new October 2024 deadline to finalize the complex project affecting businesses and residents along the bustling thoroughfare.

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