Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 4 to October 10, 2019
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
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.
250099
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.
260765
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.
260761
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.
260698
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.
260801
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.
260797
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.
260831
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.
260830
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.
260854
Tuesday, November 17, 10:00 AM · Committee on Rules
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.
260764
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.
260697
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.
260689
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.
260688
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'.
260800
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.
260855
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.
260851
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.
260896
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.
260895
Tuesday, November 17, 1:00 PM · Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities
Wednesday, November 18, 10:00 AM · Committee on Law and Government
Wednesday, November 18, 1:00 PM · Committee on the Environment
City to Sign 4-Year Contracts with Major Waste Management Firms under Certain Terms and Conditions
Philadelphia is set to sign 4-year contracts with Waste Management, Republic Services, and ReWorld Sustainable Solutions to collect and dispose of municipal waste, with the option to extend for up to 3 more years.
260794
City to Enter Agreements with Vendors to Process and Market Recyclable Materials
City Council approves deals with vendors to process and market recyclable materials, boosting the city's recycling program. The agreements are the result of a comprehensive request for proposals from the Sanitation and Procurement Departments.
260793
Became law
City Council Approves Lease Deal for New Lab Space on East Hilton Street for Public Health Dept
A new lab facility is coming to East Hilton Street, bringing medical research and testing closer to neighborhoods with high rates of disease and infection in North Philly's Parkland area. The move aims to speed up response times to public health threats.
190714
Vendors Get Green Light for Sidewalk Sales at 52nd Street Corner Despite Some Conditions
Small business owners rejoice as city council votes to permit Saturday sidewalk sales along the bustling 52nd Street corridor, but neighbors worry about increased noise and disruption.
190705
City Council Proposes Compensation for Members of Environmental Justice Advisory Commission
City officials are set to receive paychecks for serving on a panel tasked with addressing environmental racism in Philadelphia, sparking debate about fairness and accountability in city government. The move would benefit 13 unpaid commissioners.
190703
City Council Approves Parking Regulations for Four Philadelphia Neighborhood Areas
Parking abuse is set to become a costly habit in four South Philly hotspots as council passes stricter regulations limiting parking time and enforcing fines on repeat offenders, starting immediately.
190657
Parking Restrictions Rolled Out on Key South Philly Streets as Council Eyes Congestion Relief
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, including Dickinson Street, Greenwich Street, and Wharton Street, limiting parking time to 2 hours during certain hours.
190656
City Rolls Out Two-Hour Parking Zones on Key Philly Streets Amid Congestion Concerns
This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations in specific locations throughout Philadelphia to manage traffic and parking.
190648
Motor Homes Banned from Parking Along Drexel Road in West Philly Neighborhood
This bill prohibits motor homes from parking on Drexel Road between City Avenue and Upland Way.
190647
Philadelphia to Enact Parking Restrictions on Certain Streets in City Neighborhoods
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, including restrictions on time limits and days of the week for parking on certain streets.
190646
New Parking Regulations Take Effect in Philadelphia Neighborhoods
This bill establishes new parking regulations in several neighborhoods of Philadelphia, setting time limits for parking on specific streets and days.
190643
New Two-Hour Parking Limits Take Effect in West Philly Neighborhoods Along Cedar Avenue and More Streets
West Philly drivers face a new reality as parking limits shrink to two hours on key streets like Cedar Avenue, forcing commuters and shoppers to plan their visits carefully to avoid fines. Residents in several neighborhoods are bracing themselves for the changes.
190642
East Side of Academy Road Becomes Tow-Away Zone with No Parking Allowed
This bill makes the east side of Academy Road from Grant Avenue to Glenn Street a tow-away zone and prohibits parking at any time.
190609
City Must Reveal Quarterly Breakdowns of Lawsuits Settled Out of Court Under New Reporting Measure
Philadelphia Residents Could Face Higher Parking Fines Under Proposed Council Bill Raising Penalties by Up to 50% The proposed measure aims to curb traffic congestion in commercial zones, but critics warn of potential unfair impacts on low-income residents and small business owners.
190608-A
Frank Strawbridge Given Green Light to Install Sign at Busy Market Street Corner Spot
Small Business Owner Fights for Visibility on Bustling Market Street, Proposed Sign Installation Sparks Debate Over Aesthetic Appeal and Potential Traffic Congestion.
190561
Deadline Extended for Sewer and Drainage Improvements in City Plan Revision Area
Deadline Extension May Help Small Businesses Avoid Fines: Council voted to extend the compliance deadline for small businesses on Christian Street, citing concerns over costly upgrades to outdated sewers and drains.
190556
Deadline Extended: City Gives Developers Another Year to Widen University Avenue Under Revised Plan
This bill extends the deadline for compliance with previous city ordinance (Bill No.
190552
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.
190130
Parking Regulations Established in South Philadelphia Neighborhoods
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia to help manage traffic and parking.
190101
City Council Imposes Two-Hour Parking Limits in Bustling South Philly Neighborhoods Along Main Avenues
South Philadelphians Face Higher Parking Fines as City Council Passes Measure Raising Fine from $50 to $150 for Unpaid Metered Parking Tickets
181047
Philadelphia Council Passes Measure Allowing Performing Artists Priority Loading Zones Around The City
Council Approves Proposal to Expand Food Waste Recycling Program to Large Apartment Complexes The plan aims to divert more organic waste from landfills by requiring large Philly apartment buildings to participate in food composting programs starting next year, affecting thousands of residents citywide.
160026-A
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Hospitals in Philadelphia Must Provide 120-Day Notice Before Closing Units or Departments
Closures Loom: Philly Hospitals Must Now Warn City of Plans to Shut Down Departments, Giving Patients and Staff Time to Prepare for Disruptions
190788
City Scrutinizes Bill to Regulate Small-Dollar Contracts Amid Concerns Over Transparency and Fairness in City Procurement Process
Small contractors claim new regulations will level playing field, but critics warn stricter rules could limit business opportunities for minority-owned firms; Council debate underway over transparency measures for city deals.
190787
Solar Collectors Get Green Light in Philly Neighborhoods as Council Passes New Rooftop Installation Rules
Philadelphia Homeowners to Pay Lower Water Bills Thanks to City's New Conservation Program, Expected to Save Average Household $150 Annually New tax on sugary drinks proposed for Philadelphia's budget, could raise millions from major beverage distributors.
190784-A
Council Votes to Rethink Development Plans Along Morris Street Corridor in Southwest Philly Neighborhoods
Zoning designations are being changed in areas bounded by Morris Street, 26th Street, Moore Street, and 27th Street under a city ordinance. Maps "A" and "B" show the existing and proposed zoning changes.
190783
Philadelphia Code Revised to Clarify Non-Competitive Contract Requirements and Financial Assistance
Council Members Introduce Legislation to Limit Campaign Contributions from City Contractors Amid Growing Scrutiny Over Influence Peddling Practices in Philly Politics.
190786-AA
Philadelphia Council Moves Forward with New Fee for Solar Panel Installations in City Buildings
Solar-powered city buildings could get pricier: a proposed new fee would slap developers with a $200 charge per installation, hitting big builders hardest but also affecting small community groups trying to go green.
190785
Vending Prohibited on Portions of Spring Garden Street in Philadelphia Under New Law
Philadelphia Homeowners Could See Lower Property Taxes Under New Council Plan to Freeze City Tax Base at 2014 Levels. This could save many long-time residents thousands of dollars annually.
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