Weekly recap
This week in Council
September 4 to September 10, 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
Council Proposes Stricter Licensing Rules for Fire Suppression Workers Amid Safety Concerns Arise Locally
Philadelphia's construction industry would be hit with a new layer of regulation under proposed legislation mandating specialized training for workers who install and inspect fire safety systems. Homeowners and building owners could face higher costs as a result.
200365
City Officials Push Forward with Plan to Reclaim Underutilized Space Beneath I-95 in South Philly
Philadelphia's Minimum Wage Hike Bill Heads to Council Vote, Would Boost Pay for City's 50,000 Low-Income Workers. Under the proposed measure, workers earning minimum wage would receive an immediate raise from $7.25 to $15 per hour, impacting thousands of employees in the city.
200354
City Seeks Control Over Riverfront Properties to Create New Parks and Recreation Spaces
Long-abandoned factories along the Delaware River could become vibrant green spaces under a new proposal that gives the city control over key riverfront properties, sparking hope for revitalized neighborhoods and community amenities.
200345
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 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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Toxic Herbicides Banned from Philly Parks and Rec Centers Under New City Law
Philadelphia's 250 parks and rec centers will soon ditch harsh chemicals in favor of eco-friendly methods under a new law aimed at protecting children and wildlife from toxic herbicides. Residents who live near city greenspaces are cheering the move to safer alternatives.
200425-A
City Council Temporarily Waives Rent Collection Fees Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis in Philly
Rental debt collection fees will be suspended until further notice, giving thousands of struggling renters a temporary reprieve as they navigate the ongoing economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic in Philly.
200420
City Council Passes Emergency Eviction Relief Bill for Tenants Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Crisis Restrictions
Philadelphia City Council has passed a bill providing temporary eviction relief to residential and commercial tenants, limiting evictions to cases where there is an imminent threat of harm due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
200414
City Council Greenlights PCDC to Transform 10th Street Median into Vibrant Pedestrian Plaza Space
Philadelphia's Chinatown is getting a major makeover: City Council just approved plans to turn the 10th Street median into a vibrant public space with art installations, landscaping, and more - but some commuters worry about congestion.
200422
City Council Passes Repayment Agreement Law For Landlords Struggling With COVID-19 Rent Delinquencies in Philadelphia
Philadelphia's largest apartment owners will soon have an easier time collecting back rent from tenants who fell behind during the pandemic, thanks to a new city policy on repayment agreements.
200421
Council Tackles Zoning Changes Along Bartram Avenue Corridor in Effort to Revitalize Neighborhood
Councilmember Johnson proposes changing zoning designations along Bartram Avenue Corridor, aiming to revitalize a Philadelphia neighborhood, with specific areas shifting from existing to new zones as outlined in Maps "A1" and "A2".
200418
Developers Must Disclose Ownership Information with Certain Permit Applications
Philly homeowners would be protected from secret landlords under proposed new transparency rules, as council members push to shine a light on property ownership behind the scenes of major building projects.
200417
City Council Moves to Revamp Zoning Codes Along Delaware Riverfront Neighborhoods Suddenly in Play
Philadelphia's riverfront neighborhoods are set for a major overhaul as City Council proposes rezoning areas around FDR Park and Penn Treaty Village to allow more mixed-use development, sparking concerns about affordability.
200416
Philadelphia's Fair Practices Ordinance Excludes Credit Screening for Non-Employer Jobs
Job seekers breathe easier as City Council votes to limit employers' ability to scrutinize credit scores; changes will apply to 80% of city businesses, excluding cops and bankers.
200413
New Law: Philly's Hate Crime Law to Punish Misuse of 911 System
Residents who call police with false reports driven by hate could face fines and community service, under a new measure aimed at combating discriminatory 911 misuse in Philadelphia neighborhoods.
200412
Council Proposes Overhaul of Art Commission Amid Growing Controversy Over Monument Removals
Council proposes overhaul of Art Commission's powers, requiring analysis and public referendum before removing or relocating City statues amid controversy over monument removals. This change would affect how the Art Commission handles such decisions in the future.
200426
Council OKs Emergency Transfer of 10 Million Dollars to Fight City Poverty
Ten million dollars is being redirected from city coffers to tackle crushing poverty in Philly, with the money set to flow into local programs that provide food, housing, and job training for thousands of residents.
200419
City Council Votes to Rename 30th Street Playground After Beloved Community Leader Howard McCall Sr.
Low-Income Families Could Lose Access to City's Only Free Outdoor Swimming Pool Under Proposed Council Bill Cutting Funding. Council Bill Seeks to End City Subsidies for Large Commercial Property Owners Who Rent Out Parking Spaces as Residential Units.
200424
Keystone Gets Greenlight to Build Exterior Ramp at Historic Independence Mall West Site
A proposed exterior ramp will soon be built at the Independence Mall West shopping center, potentially boosting accessibility for shoppers with disabilities, but also sparking concerns about the site's historic integrity.
200423
Trucks Banned from Parking on Tolbut Street Between Torresdale Avenue and Street's End
Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Taxes Under Proposed Council Bill, With Properties Over $500,000 Seeing Up to 10% Increase Due to Changes to Tax Abatement Program.
200415