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Weekly recap

This week in Council

October 18 to October 24, 2019

7 introduced6 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 Oct 24, 2019

Broad Street Business District Gets Zoning Overhaul As City Council Approves Land Use Changes

Property owners along 13th Street and South Street will soon have more flexibility to build upwards as a city council vote scraps height restrictions in designated commercial corridors. Developers are already eyeing the rezoned blocks.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 24, 2019

Council Approves Changes to Allow Accessory Dwelling Units in More City Neighborhoods

New homes within homes": under revised zoning laws, up to 40% of city neighborhoods will soon allow homeowners to build in-law suites and mother-in-law apartments, opening doors for caregivers and relatives.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 24, 2019

Zoning Map Overhaul Unveiled for Baring Street Neighborhood Amid Plans for Residential Development Spree

Philadelphia's Baring Street neighborhood is set to undergo significant changes with new zoning classifications poised to allow for 12-story residential towers and 6-unit row homes, sparking concerns from long-time residents about gentrification.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 24, 2019

Zoning Board Sees New Flexibility in Handling Letters as Official Entries of Appearance

Homeowners Fighting Litter and Graffiti Get More Tools to Keep Philly's Streets Clean A new city council bill proposes stricter penalties for dumping trash and graffiti vandalism, doubling fines for repeat offenders and targeting hotspots across the city.

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City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 24, 2019

Philadelphia Council Ups Littering Fines, Adds New Penalties for Trash Dumping

Small Business Owners Blast Council Proposal to Raise Minimum Wage to $15/Hour, Saying Higher Labor Costs Will Devastate Local Economy and Force Closures A proposal to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour is sparking controversy among small business owners who claim it will lead to job cuts and bankruptcies.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 24, 2019

Towing Companies Face Steep Fines for Mishandling Crash Scenes in Philadelphia Streets Daily

This bill increases the fine for towing companies that don't properly clean up an accident scene from $100 to $300.

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Newly introduced

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

Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Oct 24, 2019

Council proposes mandatory cart containment systems for certain Philadelphia retail businesses

Philadelphia retailers must now implement shopping cart containment systems to prevent carts from being taken out of their stores and parking areas, under new regulations approved by City Council.

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Community & Neighborhoods·VetoedVetoed Dec 12, 2019

Council Moves to Relax Zoning Rules in Society Hill Amid Developer Push for Height Increases and Parking Reliefs

A proposed zoning overhaul for Society Hill could bring taller buildings and more stores to the historic neighborhood, but opponents warn it will "industrialize" the area's charm and displace long-time residents.

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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2019

Philadelphia to Lease Portion of South Philly High School for Up to 25 Years Under Lenient Terms

Low-Income Families Could Lose Subsidized Parking Permits in Latest Council Push; Bill Seeks to Repeal Program Funding Entirely by Cutting Back City Support.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

West Philly Zoning Overhaul Affects Slope to Powelton Avenue Area

Rooftop bars and restaurants along South Street are facing new regulations under a proposed city law that would limit outdoor seating, raising concerns from business owners about reduced revenue.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

City Transfers West Girard Land Parcels to Redevelopment Authority for Revitalization Project Under New Rules

A long-vacant stretch along West Girard Avenue is poised for a major makeover as city officials transfer control of several key parcels to a redevelopment authority, sparking hopes for new businesses and jobs in the area. But some community leaders are sounding alarm bells about the project's potential impact on existing residents.

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Business & Commerce·VetoedVetoed Dec 12, 2019

Market Street Sidewalk Vendors Hit with Prohibition Between 33rd and 34th Streets

A new law aims to clear out sidewalk sales, targeting vendors who sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts along a crowded stretch of Market Street, infuriating some small business owners.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2019

Philadelphia Council Votes to Rename Fairmount Park After Longtime Community Leader Lucien E. Blackwell

Philadelphia's largest park is on the chopping block for a name change: Council passes measure to rename East Fairmount Park after long-time politician Lucien E. Blackwell, sparking debate over legacy and community identity.

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