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Weekly recap

This week in Council

May 1 to May 7, 2020

22 introduced0 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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Newly introduced

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

Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 25, 2020

Philadelphia City Council Adopts 2021 Operating Budget Outlining $4.8 Billion in Spending

Philadelphia's 2021 operating budget pours billions into schools, slashing taxes for low-income seniors and boosting funding for libraries, but critics say it falls short on addressing poverty and crime. The city's 600,000 residents are expected to feel its impact.

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Public Health·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 25, 2020

Healthcare Employers in Philadelphia Required to Compensate Employees for Pandemic-Related Medical Expenses

Hospital workers, already on the frontlines of COVID-19, are now fighting for fair pay as city council pushes legislation to guarantee lost wage reimbursement when contracted illnesses force them into unpaid leave.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 18, 2020

City Council Temporarily Waives Fees For Landlords And Tenants Struggling With COVID-19 Crisis Expenses

Philadelphia's "Rent Bank" program is set to expand with $1 million in new funding from City Council, providing low-income residents with emergency financial assistance for rent payments.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 25, 2020

City Set to Sell Bonds to Fund $134 Million in Capital Projects Across Philadelphia

Philadelphia's Aging Parks Get a Boost: Council Passes Bill to Allocate $20 Million for Playground Renovations and New Athletic Fields. Council Pushes to Protect Tenants from Eviction Amid Rent Increases: New Bill Requires Landlords to Provide 90-Day Written Notices Before Hiking Rents.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 18, 2020

City Council Bill Aims to Offer Eviction Relief to Tenants Struggling Amid Ongoing COVID 19 Crisis in Philadelphia

Renters facing eviction would get a reprieve from March to December under proposed city law, while landlords could still collect partial payments on back rent owed by struggling tenants.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 25, 2020

Philadelphia City Council Votes to Allocate Billions in Funding for Major Infrastructure Projects

This bill adopts a $3.15 billion capital budget for Fiscal Year 2021, outlining how Philadelphia will spend its money on various infrastructure and development projects.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 25, 2020

City Council Adopts $11.29 Billion Capital Program for Six-Year Term

Philly's Future Uncertain as Proposed 3% Property Tax Hike Heads to City Council Debate, with Homeowners Facing Sticker Shock on Upcoming Bills.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Sep 10, 2020

Philly Establishes Paid Sick Leave, Public Health Emergency Leave for City Workers

Philadelphia Could See Major Changes to Zoning Laws as City Council Proposes New Residential Development Restrictions in "Hot Zone" Neighborhoods Under the proposal, developers would face stricter requirements for affordable housing and community benefits in areas near universities and hospitals.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 18, 2020

City Council Moves to Ease Strained Landlord Tenant Relations Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis

Philadelphia Landlords May Soon Get Relief from Piling Back Rent Checks as Councilors Weigh Measure Allowing Payment Plans for Struggling Tenants Harmed by Pandemic Economic Slump.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 18, 2020

City Council Moves to Shield Tenants from Illegal Lockouts Amid Ongoing Pandemic Crisis

Philadelphia Residents Could Soon Be Protected from Winter Heat Emergency Blackouts Under New City Council Proposal, which targets buildings with more than 10 units that fail to provide heat during extreme cold snaps.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced May 1, 2020

Council Introduced Bill to Stabilize Rent for Tenants Amid Pandemic

Philadelphia City Council members have proposed changes to landlord-tenant laws, including temporary rent stabilization, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Four councilmembers sponsored the bill to provide relief for tenants.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 18, 2020

Landlords and Tenants Get Pandemic Relief as City Council Introduces New Eviction Diverstion Rules

New Proposal Would Give Philly Renters a Break, Waiving 20% of Unpaid Back Rents During Pandemic Relief Period, But Landlords Must Agree to Participate.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 25, 2020

Council Seeks to Raise Parking Tax Rates in City's Commercial Districts Again

This bill amends Philadelphia's 'Parking Tax' law to change tax rates on parking facilities.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 25, 2020

Philadelphia Adjusts Tax Rates for Non-Residents and Businesses Operating Within the City

This bill adjusts tax rates for non-residents who earn income in Philadelphia and businesses operating in Philadelphia.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 18, 2020

Philadelphia Gas Works Receives $213 Million Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2021

Philadelphia residents will see significant upgrades to the aging gas infrastructure as Council votes to inject $213 million into Gas Works' repair and replacement projects, but critics question if it's enough to prevent future outages.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 18, 2020

City of Philadelphia Authorized to Refinance Water and Wastewater Debt with Tax-Exempt or Taxable Bonds

Philadelphia residents are set to save millions on their water bills as City Council approves a plan to refinance $1 billion in outdated water and sewage debt with new, tax-free bonds next month. Homeowners could see their annual bills drop by hundreds of dollars.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 25, 2020

Emergency Contracting Revisions Signed Into Law to Expedite Public Health and Safety Contracts

Philadelphia Residents Could Face Increased Fees for Water and Sewer Services as Council Considers New Rate Hikes to Fund Aging Infrastructure Repairs; Rates may jump by 15% starting next year.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 25, 2020

Philadelphia Eliminates Discount for Early Payment of Real Estate Taxes

Philadelphia homeowners who've been paying their real estate taxes ahead of schedule will have to rethink their budget, as City Council votes to nix a long-standing discount that's allowed them to shave off thousands from their bills.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 25, 2020

City Council Cuts Business Tax Rates in Slight Relief to Local Companies Amid Economic Struggles

Philadelphia Residents Could Pay Up to $300 More per Year Under Proposed Increase to Parking Fines and Fees.

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Education·LapsedIntroduced May 1, 2020

Philadelphia City Council Moves to Revise School Tax Rates for Property Owners Across the City

Council President Clarke and Councilmember Parker are pushing to revise tax rates for property owners across the city under a proposed update to the School Tax Authorization law.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 18, 2020

Citizens Bank Deal Gets Green Light as Philly Council Authorizes Payroll Banking Pact

Philadelphia's employees will soon be bankrolling their paychecks through a deal that paves the way for the city to store its payroll funds at Citizens Bank, sparking concerns about transparency and oversight.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 25, 2020

City Greenlights Multi-Million Dollar Plan to Upgrade Gas Works Infrastructure and Refinance Debt

Philadelphia homeowners are facing a potential 10% hike in their annual gas bills as the city plans to borrow $150 million to overhaul aging pipes and refinancing debts tied to the Gas Works Department.

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