Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 1 to May 7, 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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
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.
200287
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.
200306
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.
200302
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.
200298
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.
200295
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.
200286
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.
200285
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.
200303
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.
200305
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.
200304
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.
200301
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.
200294
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.
200288
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.
200291
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.
200300
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.
200297
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.
200293
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.
200292
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.
200290
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.
200289
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.
200299
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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