Weekly recap
This week in Council
February 21 to February 27, 2020
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 Approves $127.7M for Philadelphia Gas Works Projects in Fiscal Year 2020 Budget
Philadelphia residents could see reduced gas leaks and more efficient pipes under a new council-approved plan, but some critics argue it comes at a steep price: an additional $127 million added to the city's already-strained budget.
200117
Tax Rates for Low-Income Residents in Philadelphia Revised to Provide Relief
Low-income Philadelphians could soon breathe a little easier under a new proposal to slash property and income taxes, potentially saving thousands of dollars per year for the city's most vulnerable residents.
200016
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
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.
200189
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.
200186
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.
200185
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.
200183
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.
200182
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.
200181
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.
200180
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.
200188
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.
200187
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.
200184
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.
200179
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.
200178