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Weekly recap

This week in Council

November 29 to December 5, 2019

0 introduced17 became law1 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 Dec 5, 2019

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.

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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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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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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

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

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Public Health·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

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

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

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.

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Public Health·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

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.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

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.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 5, 2019

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.

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Failed or vetoed

Newly introduced

No bills were introduced this week. Council may have been in recess.