Weekly recap
This week in Council
November 15 to November 21, 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 Authorizes Emergency Funds Transfers to Balance Budget as FY19 Deadline Looms Near Again
A last-minute maneuver is needed to avoid a late-night deadline, with City Hall scrambling to shift $43 million in funding between departments to get Philadelphia's books balanced by July 1st.
190857
City Council Greenlights Fund Transfers for 25 City Departments Across Five Funds for Fiscal Year 2020
This bill authorizes transfers of funds from various city departments and funds to others in Fiscal Year 2020.
190856
City Council Boosts FY20 Capital Budget by 64 Million Amid Municipal Spending Hike Proposal
A proposed 10% hike in municipal spending would hit Philadelphia homeowners with a projected $18 tax increase, sparking debate among council members about the city's fiscal priorities and financial accountability.
190855
Council Boosts City's Big Build Budget by 65 Million Amid Infrastructure Push
Philadelphia homeowners and small businesses could see their property tax bills rise under a proposed council measure increasing annual tax hikes on vacant land, with proceeds earmarked for affordable housing initiatives. A new city ordinance aims to bring electric vehicle charging stations to every Philadelphia neighborhood by 2025, but critics argue it may not go far enough in supporting low-i
190854
City Council Introduces New Two-Hour Parking Rules for Busy Mount Vernon and N. 32nd Street Corridors
Residents of Mount Vernon and North 32nd Streets are in for a change: parking will soon be strictly limited, forcing drivers to keep their cars moving every couple hours unless they're a resident or business owner.
190802-A
University of the Sciences Takes Control of Street Lights Along Woodland Avenue in West Philly Neighborhood
Bill allows University of the Sciences to own and maintain existing street lights on Woodland Avenue in West Philadelphia.
190801
City Paves Way for Stormwater Solution in Northeast Philly as Parks and Recreation Signs Deal with School District
Philly Council Advances Measure to Protect Waterfront Businesses as proposed changes to zoning laws would grant waterfront establishments tax breaks in exchange for committing to mitigate stormwater runoff and improve water quality.
190765
Philadelphia Council Moves to Ban Guns from Rec Centers as Part of Effort to Stem Rising Violence
This bill prohibits possessing weapons at Philadelphia City Recreation Facilities to prevent gun violence and ensure public safety.
190749-A
City Seeks to Buy Sayre Morris Rec Center on Walnut Street for Public Use and Upgrades
The City Council passed a bill allowing the Commissioner of Public Property to acquire Sayre Morris Recreation Center at 5800 Walnut Street for public recreational or other purposes.
190637
Philly to Ban High-Sulfur Fuel Oil in Residential Buildings
Local business owners who burn dirty fuel oil to heat their buildings will be forced to switch to cleaner-burning alternatives by 2025 under a new measure aimed at slashing air pollution.
190636-A
Philadelphia Owners of Large Buildings Ordered to Regularly Tune Up Energy and Water Systems
City Council Targets Parking Ticket Fines, Proposes Slashing Revenue for City's Coffers A new proposal would cut parking ticket fines by 50% in an effort to address a growing public outcry over aggressive enforcement tactics downtown.
190600
Philadelphia Council Votes to Boost Penalties for Hate Crimes Motivated by Bias Against LGBQ Individuals
Philadelphia Residents Could Face Fines Up to $10,000 for Blocking Bike Lanes Under Proposed Council Legislation The measure aims to strengthen enforcement of the city's bike lane rules, with fines doubling for repeat offenders who clog busy thoroughfares like Market Street and Spruce Street.
180969-A
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia City Council Clears Way For Potential 15 Billion Dollar Debt Refinancing Deal
Residents could see lower water bills, but a potential property tax hike is looming, as City Council votes on a measure allowing refinancing of over $6 billion in debt, largely tied to aging sewage infrastructure.
190935
City Council Moves to Reassess Duration of Tax Breaks for New Philly Construction Projects
Philadelphia homeowners could soon see a bigger share of their tax bills as City Council considers capping lucrative tax breaks for developers building luxury condos and high-end offices downtown. Developers would face stricter limits on the length of time they can receive massive tax abatements under proposed changes to city policy.
190944-A
Council proposed boosting Philadelphia homestead exclusion to $50,000 over several years
Philly homeowners stand to save an extra $20,000 a year under new legislation raising the homestead exemption threshold to $50,000, providing relief to property owners with modest homes and large families.
190943
City OKs Rent Hike and Larger Footprint at Troubled South Broad Street Medical Office Complex
Rent hikes and expanded offices are coming to a troubled medical complex on South Broad Street, as city council votes to boost the facility's rent by over half a million dollars. The change affects tenants at 1930 South Broad Street.
190942
Vendors Allowed on Sidewalks at Lindbergh and 84th Amid New City Law Exemption Trial
City Council Proposes Allowing Vendors Back on Lindbergh Sidewalks, But Some Neighbors Oppose Plans for Increased Foot Traffic Amid Revitalization Efforts.
190939
Developer Gets Greenlight to Build Exterior Stairway on Fitzwater Street After Months of Review
Controversy Over South Philly Billiard Halls Reaches City Hall as Council Members Propose Strict Regulations on Hours and Liquor Licenses for Pool Halls; Critics Claim the Move Would Decimate Local Businesses.
190941
City Sells Small Piece of Land on Chestnut Street to Industrial Authority Amid Development Plans Unfold
City to sell small piece of land on Chestnut Street to industrial development authority as part of ongoing plans for the area. A right-of-way easement will also be created for sewer and bridge purposes.
190940
Food Truck Owner Gets Green Light to Install Conduits for Electrical Service on 43rd Street and Woodland Avenue
A long-time food vendor gets approval to bring power to their corner of 43rd Street and Woodland Avenue, but neighbors still worry about increased noise and congestion in the area.
190938
Philadelphia City Council Votes to Rename Cobbs Creek Center after Environmental Trailblazer Carole Williams-Green
Cobbs Creek Center is being renamed "Carole Williams-Green Community Environmental Education Center" in recognition of its founder's environmental efforts. The honor comes after decades of rehabilitation work led by Carole Williams-Green in Fairmount Park.
190937
Newsstand Owner Gets Green Light to Bury Electrical Conduits Under 30th Street and Market Street
Philadelphia Newsstands Set to Shine Brighter, Thanks to New Council Ruling Allowing Owners to Bury Electrical Conduits Under Busy City Streets. Small business owners along 30th Street and Market will reap benefits from reduced electrical costs.
190936