Weekly recap
This week in Council
November 29 to December 5, 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 Leases Space at Mount Airy Property for Expanded Fire Department and Public Health Services
Philadelphia's Fire Department and Department of Public Health are poised to expand their services in Mount Airy with a proposed lease on a long-vacant strip mall property on Ogontz Avenue.
190862
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.
190827
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.
190825
City Closes Loophole on E-Cigarettes in Philly Businesses Where Kids Can Browse
New Limits on Parking Placards to Hit Low-Income Residents Hardest: City Council Votes to Raise Cost of Resident Permits
190804
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
Zoning designations changed for areas bounded by 38th Street, Chestnut Street, 39th Street, and Ludlow Street.
Small businesses along 38th Street brace for impact as city officials vote on new land-use rules that could force owners to adapt or face costly renovations to comply with stricter zoning requirements.
190763
Zoning Changes Alter Land Use and Development in Area Bounded by 38th to 39th Streets
A proposed rewrite of the city's zoning code could pave the way for more residential developments downtown, but neighborhood business owners are concerned about increased density and parking shortages along Market Street.
190762
City Acquires Land in Montrose Street Area with Commissioner Approval
Philadelphia is buying up prime real estate in Southwest Philly, with a major land deal now underway that could bring new development to a long-stagnant corner of the city's industrial heartland. The purchase aims to kickstart redevelopment on a site currently home to old warehouses and vacant lots.
190744
Philadelphia Council Pays Tribute to Legendary Athlete and Broadcaster Johnny Sample with New Park Name
West Philly Residents to Benefit from Free Mural Program Bill Aims to Fund Public Art Initiatives Citywide, Giving Local Communities $50,000 Annually for Street Murals and Community Projects.
190742
Upsal Avenue Neighborhood Zonings Overhauled as Council Votes to Revise Long-Standing Designations
Philadelphia Homeowners Could Face Higher Taxes Under New Council Proposal, Which Would Hike Taxes on Vacant Properties, Affecting Thousands Citywide. The plan aims to revitalize neglected lots, but critics warn it could disproportionately hurt low-income neighborhoods.
190718
Pharmacies Ordered to Share Prescription Data with City Health Officials Daily
New Law Mandates Electronic Recycling for Philly Businesses Small businesses in Philadelphia must now provide electronic waste collection at their stores, a move aimed at reducing e-waste in landfills and promoting environmental sustainability.
190715
City Council Approves 10-Year Lease for City Office Space on Walnut Street
The City Council authorized a 10-year lease agreement with 2401 Walnut LP for city office space at 2401 Walnut Street, with an annual base rent of $256,063 and options to renew.
190710
Philadelphia Zoning Code Overhauled to Welcome Smoking Lounges Throughout City Limits
Philadelphia homeowners could soon be neighbors with "vapor dens" that cater to e-cigarette enthusiasts, sparking concerns about air quality and property values in densely populated neighborhoods. Under the proposed overhaul, any building can convert into a smoking lounge with minimal restrictions.
190601-A
City Acquires Land Along Schuylkill River for Public Recreation, Connecting Existing Parkland and Extending Towards Grays Ferry Crescent
This bill authorizes the City to acquire land along the Schuylkill River for public recreational purposes, connecting existing parkland and extending it towards Grays Ferry Crescent.
190554
Zoning Changes Adopted for Area Between Washington Avenue, 25th Street, Kimball Street, and 24th Street
This bill changed the zoning classifications for certain properties in a specific area bounded by Washington Avenue, 25th Street, Kimball Street, and 24th Street.
190451
Flavored Tobacco Products Banned in Philadelphia, Except for Cigarettes, Under New City Law
Philadelphia Could Require Bars to Pay Homeless Residents for Work Under Proposed Bill Aimed at Addressing Homelessness City officials propose paying homeless residents a stipend to work in bars, sparking debate over the merits of this unique approach to tackling homelessness.
180457
Failed or vetoed
Newly introduced
No bills were introduced this week. Council may have been in recess.