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Weekly recap

This week in Council

February 21 to February 27, 2020

12 introduced2 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

Newly introduced

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

Public Health·LapsedIntroduced Feb 27, 2020

City Council Moves to Clamp Down on Supervised Injection Sites Across Philadelphia Neighborhoods

City Council bill aims to reclassify supervised injection sites as nuisance health establishments, requiring them to prove community support through a hearing before City Council. The proposal's sponsor is Councilmember Oh.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 29, 2020

City Council Approves Bike Lane Network for Southwest Philly Neighborhood Streets

Residents of West Philadelphia are gearing up for a new cycling infrastructure as city council votes to transform three major roads into dedicated bike lanes, prompting concerns about lost parking spots and alternative transit options.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 29, 2020

City Council Approves Bike Lane Expansion on South Philly Streets Amid Parking Rule Changes

South Philadelphia residents will soon have more options for getting around by bike as City Council approves a plan to convert several streets into dedicated bike lanes, but some worry about lost parking spots.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 25, 2020

Point Breeze Redevelopment Plan Updated to Align with City's Comprehensive Plan and Urban Renewal Goals

A new law aims to revamp the way Philly handles vacant lots, allowing property owners to rent them out to small farmers and gardeners instead of requiring expensive permits.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 19, 2020

Red light cameras installed at 52nd and Lancaster Avenue intersection

The City Council has authorized the installation of red light enforcement systems at the intersection of 52nd and Lancaster Avenue to prevent red-light violations.

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Feb 27, 2020

City Council Advances Bill Granting Civil Service Preference to Military Family Descendants

City Council advances bill granting preference in civil service exams to descendants of US military members killed in action. The proposed change would benefit children and grandchildren of fallen servicemen.

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Feb 27, 2020

Military Heroes' Families Get Preference in Civil Service Exams Under Proposed City Ordinance Reforms

Children and grandchildren of US military members who died in the line of duty would get preference in civil service exams under proposed city reforms, aiming to honor fallen heroes' families.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Sep 10, 2020

City Acquires Land for Liberty Bell Youth Organization Recreation Center

Homeowners along Calera Road are set to lose some of their backyard space as a city proposal would pave over nearly an acre of property near the Liberty Bell Rec Center, sparking concerns about noise and safety.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 29, 2020

No Parking on North 31st Street's East Side Between Jefferson and West Thompson Streets

Philadelphia drivers are in for a change: parking is now strictly prohibited along one busy North Philly street, sparking concerns about congestion and alternative routes. The new no-parking zone could impact thousands of commuters daily.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Feb 27, 2020

South Philly Property Owner Gets Greenlight to Build New Exterior Stairway at 15th and Moore Streets

Stephen Garafolo, owner of a property at 3000 South 15th Street, received permission from City Council to build an exterior stairway under certain terms. The new structure must comply with city laws and regulations.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 29, 2020

Farmer's Market Given Green Light on Busy Ogontz Avenue in Northeast Philly Neighborhood

Northeast Philly Neighborhoods Reap Benefits as Council OKs Zoning Change for Large-Scale Food Truck Park at 13th and Market Streets.

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Transportation·LapsedIntroduced Feb 27, 2020

Trucks Banned from Parking on Both Sides of East Godfrey Avenue Between 8th and Street Intersection

Trucks banned from parking on both sides of East Godfrey Avenue between 8th and Street intersections, as new regulation takes immediate effect. Councilmember Parker sponsors the ordinance prohibiting truck parking on this stretch.

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