This week in Council

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Gives Nod to Owner of Cumberland Street Property for Exterior Ramp Repair Plans

Residents of the 400 block of East Cumberland Street may soon see repairs to the crumbling entrance ramp outside a local business after city council approved plans for renovation last night. The work is expected to take several months to complete.

190918

South Philly Neighborhoods Get Major Zoning Overhaul as City Council Votes to Redraw Boundaries

A wave of changes is coming to South Philly's streets as city council votes to redefine neighborhood boundaries, shifting zoning rules for businesses and residents along Broad Street, Snyder Avenue, 7th Street, and Oregon Avenue.

190917

City Council OKs Major Changes to City Plan on North Philadelphia's Cumberland Street Grid

This bill revises City Plan No.

190915

City Hall Seeks Multi-Year Deal for New Code Updates and Online Access to Philly's Municipal Rules

Philly Homeowners Reap Rewards of New Recycling Incentive Program, But Critics Warn of Overly Broad Fees for Missed Collections. Philadelphia residents who consistently participate in the city's curbside recycling program could see their trash collection fees waived under a new incentive plan.

190912

City Contractors Must Pay Prevailing Wage When Working on Charity-Funded Water Projects in Philly

Low-income families living in Philly's water-shutoff zones could see faster repairs and upgrades to their homes under new city council proposal requiring contractors to pay workers a higher minimum wage. Local construction union members would benefit from the increased wages.

190911

Center City Eruv District Boundaries Under Review for Expansion and Modification by Council

Philadelphia's growing Orthodox community is pushing for an expansion of the city's only eruv district, sparking debate over who should be included and how far it should stretch across Center City neighborhoods.

190910

Cottman Avenue Merchants Get Green Light to Set Up Shop on Sidewalks Near Bustleton Avenue

This bill allows for sidewalk sales near the intersection of Cottman Avenue and Bustleton Avenue, with specific rules and limitations.

190905

Trucks Prohibited from Parking on Brown Street Between 22nd and Corinthian Streets

Drivers of big rigs will have to find a new spot to park their rigs after the city starts enforcing a ban on truck parking on a congested Philadelphia street today.

190904

North Philadelphia Sidewalk Café Gets Green Light with New Open-Air Permit

Small Business Owners Rejoice: Philly's First-Ever "Safe Injection Sites" Get Greenlight for Pilot Program A new council-approved plan paves the way for up to five safe injection sites in high-crime areas, aiming to combat opioid overdoses while raising concerns among nearby residents and business owners.

190903

Zoning Changes Coming to 22nd Street and Ludlow Street Neighborhood

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing zoning designations in a specific area bounded by 22nd Street, Market Street, 21st Street, and Ludlow Street.

190902

Company Gets Permission to Build Patio and Ramp at Spring Garden Street Property

This bill allows MMB Contractors to build and maintain a patio, ramp, and planter boxes at a specific address on Spring Garden Street, under certain conditions.

190901

City Council Gives OK for Unconventional Bollards Outside Historic Reading Terminal Building Location

The City Council granted permission to the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to install non-standard bollards at a specific location in Center City Philadelphia, subject to certain conditions.

190900

City Council Vows to Revamp Newsstand Regulations Allowing Wider Merchandise Selection Amid New Signage Restrictions

Small business owners celebrate as City Hall eases restrictions on what newsstands can sell, but warns vendors to remove oversized signs from sidewalks or face fines starting next month.

190899

West Philadelphia Land Bound by Cobbs Creek Gets New Zoning Designations

Neighborhood Businesses Face Uncertain Future as Proposed Council Bill Would Raise Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers to $7 an Hour, Affecting Thousands of Employees at City's Restaurants and Bars The new wage standard would apply to over 30,000 tipped workers in Philadelphia, forcing many restaurants and bars to adapt their business models or risk facing fines.

190898

West Philadelphia Zoning Map Changes Take Effect After City Council Passage

West Philly Residents Face Higher Rents as City Council Passes Bill Allowing Multi-Unit Development in Single-Family Neighborhoods, Sparking Fears of Gentrification on Haverford Avenue. New construction is expected to bring in thousands of dollars more for homeowners' taxes.

190897

City Transfers Ownership of West Philly Land Parcel to Redevelopment Authority for Potential Future Development Projects

Low-Income Homeowners May Face Higher Water Bills Under Proposed City Rate Hike; Average Residential Customer Could See 15% Increase on Their Annual Bill.

190896

City Council Bill Targets Overhaul of Zoning Designations in West Philly Neighborhood Boundaries

This bill changes the zoning designation for certain areas of land in a specific Philadelphia neighborhood.

190894

Zoning Changes Implemented for Ogden Street to 40th Street and Parrish Street to Preston Street Areas

This bill changes the zoning designations for a specific area of land in Philadelphia, bounded by Ogden Street, 40th Street, Parrish Street, and Preston Street.

190893

City Conveys Two Parcels to Penn and Children's Hospital Group for Further Development

This bill allows the city to sell and lease back two properties in University City (near 34th St and Civic Center Blvd) to a new entity formed by the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for further development.

190892

Civic Center Boulevard and University Avenue Zoning Designations Changed by City Lawmakers

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas near Civic Center Boulevard and University Avenue.

190891

Philadelphia Zoning Maps Get Overhaul as Council Approves Changes to Neighborhood Boundaries

This bill changes the zoning laws for certain areas in Philadelphia bounded by Chestnut Street, 45th Street, Ludlow Street, and 46th Street.

190890

Spring Garden Neighborhood Zoning Map Overhaul Proposed to Revamp Land Use and Development Patterns

Philly Businesses Scramble as New Parking Regulations Would Impose Stiffer Fines on Downtown Commercial Parking Lots, Boosting Revenue for City Coffers.

190889

No Stopping Allowed on Jasper Street Section Designated as Tow Away Zone

Motorists beware: drivers caught parking in the newly restricted area will face towing and fines, leaving some residents scrambling to adjust their daily routines along one of the city's busiest commercial strips.

190868

Philadelphia Officials Launch One-Way Traffic Pilot on Elkhart Street from Helen to Emerald Streets

This bill makes a portion of Elkhart Street one-way eastbound between Helen and Emerald Streets.

190867

Philadelphia Tightens Building Permit Rules in Neighborhood Conservation Zones to Ensure More Consistent Designs

This bill updates rules for building permits in Philadelphia's Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCO).

190866

Hospitals Ordered to Report Overdose Data to City as Philly Grapples with Opioid Epidemic Crisis

Philly Landlords Would Have to Pay Fines for Not Allowing Tenants to Display Security Cameras Under Proposed Council Bill The measure would require landlords to obtain written consent from renters before blocking or removing security cameras, potentially affecting thousands of tenants across the city.

190864

Philadelphia Enacts New Regulations for Affordable Housing Properties Receiving Federal Assistance

New Rules for Renters: City Officials Propose Stricter Landlord Licensing Requirements, Focusing on Properties with History of Code Violations and Unresolved Disputes with Tenants.

190860-A

Developers to Earn Bonuses for Affordable Housing Under Revised Zoning Rules in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Developers May Get Tax Breaks for Adding Affordable Units Amid City's Affordable Housing Shortage; Under revised rules, developers can pocket up to $50,000 per unit in tax credits for building below-market-rate apartments.

190859

City Leaders Vote to Make Ruth Street One-Way Northbound Through Major Neighborhood Revitalization Effort

This bill makes Ruth Street one-way northbound between Hart Lane and E.

190858

Point Breeze Urban Renewal Area Redevelopment Plan Gets Eighth Amendment Approval

Philadelphia's Fossil Fuel Ban Takes a Step Forward: City Council Votes to Prohibit New Gas Hookups in Residential Buildings Starting Next Year. The move aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by targeting new construction projects, affecting hundreds of developers planning residential buildings across the city.

190853

Truck Parking Banned on Sheffield Avenue Between Walker and Cottage Streets

Resident complaints spark city action as a new ordinance bans large vehicles from parking on Sheffield Avenue, narrowing the already congested street and causing frustration for local drivers and pedestrians alike.

190852

Owner Gets Green Light to Install Sidewalk Café at 1301-05 North Howard Street in Philly

This bill allows Steven Cook to install and maintain a sidewalk café at 1301-05 North Howard Street in Philadelphia, subject to certain conditions.

190851

Treasurer's Office Seeks Deal for High-Tech Cash Tracking System Amid City Budget Scrutiny

Philadelphia taxpayers' dollars may soon be tracked more efficiently, but at what cost? A proposed deal would outsource management of the city's $1.4 billion in cash reserves to a private firm.

190850

Council Expands Tax Breaks for Keystone Zone Properties Amid Economic Rebound

Property owners in blighted neighborhoods could reap significant tax savings under a new proposal aimed at spurring economic growth, with some estimates suggesting thousands of dollars in annual discounts for eligible parcels.

190848

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.

190829

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.

190824

City Council Tackles Zoning Reforms for Central Delaware Riverfront in Bid for Sustainable Growth

Philadelphia Residents With Outstanding Tax Debts Could See Relief Under New Proposal Aimed at Encouraging Property Owners to Pay Up.

190811-A

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

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

City Council Moves to Revamp Zoning Map for Bustling Neighborhood Along Schuylkill River

Philadelphia Residents Who Rely on Home-Based Businesses May See Changes After City Council Approves Bill Allowing More Zoning Flexibility Nearby; Entrepreneurs could soon expand operations from cramped apartments to larger storefronts.

190766

City Council Sets Parking Rules For Five Philly Neighborhoods Amid Traffic Concerns And Resident Frustration

A proposed measure would overhaul the city's rules for street vendors, allowing them to operate year-round at any time of day without permits, a move some see as a boon for entrepreneurs but others fear will harm local businesses.

190745

Two-Hour Parking Limits Take Hold on Busy South Philly Streets This Summer

South Street shop owners face a crunch as new two-hour parking limits kick in this summer, forcing customers to dash for parking spots or risk feeding meters.

190743

Philadelphia Hotel Industry Secures Special Levy Funding for Downtown Improvements

Council Approves Plan to Tax Ride-hailing Fares for Street Cleaning Amidst Growing Congestion Concerns A new fee on ride-hailing services will be imposed to support street cleaning efforts in Philadelphia, with drivers expected to absorb a significant increase in costs due to increased passenger volumes.

190717

Philadelphia Requires Large Buildings to Track Energy Use Under New Benchmarking Program

Philadelphia's largest office buildings and public housing projects will soon be forced to reveal their secrets: how much energy they're using to keep the lights on and the elevators running. Under a new benchmarking program, building owners must disclose their consumption to the city by 2025.

190716

City Updates Plumbing Code to Ensure Safer Toilet Facilities for Construction Workers and Tighter Water Pipe Regulations

Construction sites across Philly are about to get a major facelift as city officials push to install working toilets for laborers, but some builders are crying foul over increased costs.

190713

Fishtown and Kensington Neighborhoods Unite Under New Business Improvement District Plan

Philly's Struggling Street Vendors Get Boost with Proposed New Ordinance Changes The proposed ordinance would waive permit fees for mobile food vendors and reduce health inspection requirements, giving small business owners a fighting chance in the city's crowded marketplaces.

190659

Private Developer to Build Exterior Stairway at North Front Street Property

This bill allows a private property owner to build an exterior stairway at their property on North Front Street in Philadelphia, under certain conditions.

190645

New Permit Parking Zones Unveiled for Three Philly Neighborhoods Amid Boundary Shifts

Residents in three Philly neighborhoods are about to get a lot more crowded with metered parking spots, as new permit zones go into effect next month affecting thousands of commuters and homeowners in North Philly and Strawberry Mansion.

190644

City Council Votes to Shake Up Zoning Rules in Bustling West Philly Neighborhoods

This bill changes the zoning designations of certain areas in West Philadelphia, specifically around 52nd Street and Cedar Avenue, from existing zones to new ones.

190638-A

Philadelphia Retailers Must Use Specific Bags at Checkout, Charge Customers for Non-Compliant Options

A proposed city ordinance would force grocery stores and pharmacies to ditch single-use plastics for more sustainable options, but some business owners worry about the added costs of compliance.

190610-A

City Council Approves Plans to Pave Troubled Sigma Way and Tackawanna Street Sections

Philadelphia drivers can breathe a sigh of relief as City Council greenlights a plan to repave two notorious traffic zones on Sigma Way and Tackawanna Street, but taxpayers won't be footing the entire bill.

190557

City Council Approves Plans for New Neighborhood Streets in Northeast Philly Under Developer Agreement

This bill revises a portion of Philadelphia's City Plan by adding Sigma Way and Tackawanna Street, northeast of Vankirk Street.

190555

City Agrees to Temporarily Hand Over Public Land on Girard Avenue to Pa DOT for Roadwork

Residents and businesses along North Philadelphia's busy Girard Avenue will face traffic disruptions as city officials prepare to cede public land to Pa DOT for roadwork, sparking concerns about congestion and noise pollution.

190436

Philadelphia Landlords and Tenants Must Unite Against Bed Bugs Under New City Ordinance Requirements

Philadelphia Homeowners Could Be Forced to Inspect Their Roofs Twice a Year Under New City Mandate A proposed ordinance would require homeowners to inspect their rooftops at least twice annually to ensure safety and prevent costly repairs down the line.

190106-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

Council Proposes Zoning Changes for Areas Bounded by Walnut, Front, South, and 8th Streets

This bill would change the zoning designations for certain areas in Philadelphia bounded by Walnut Street, Front Street, South Street, and 8th Street.

190916

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.

190830-A

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.

190826

Council sought to require Community Benefits Agreements for certain large projects in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Residents Could Soon Be Able to Sue Landlords for Substandard Living Conditions Amid New Council Proposal A proposed law would allow city residents to sue landlords for failing to maintain safe and habitable living conditions in rental properties across Philadelphia.

190553