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Weekly recap

This week in Council

February 26 to March 4, 2021

6 introduced6 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 CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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 CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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 CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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 CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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 CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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 CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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 CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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 CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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 CommitteeHearing Nov 9

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

Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 4, 2021

Council OKs Transfer of 50 Million From Grants Revenue Fund to City's General Fund Purse

A whopping $50 million influx is headed to City Hall coffers as Council approves a move to siphon funds from grants meant for specific projects into the city's general fund, fueling spending on day-to-day operations.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 4, 2021

Council Transfers 4 Million Dollars From City Offices to General Fund Amid "New Normal Jobs Initiative" Rollout

This bill transfers $4 million from various City offices to the General Fund, implementing Council's 'New Normal Jobs Initiative'.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 4, 2021

Philadelphia Adopts New Vaccine Procurement Rules Allowing City to Directly Purchase COVID Shots From Private Suppliers

Council Approves Measure to Allow Homeless Shelters to Convert Parking Lots into Outdoor Spaces, Giving Residents More Room to Breathe Amid Pandemic Housing Crunch

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 4, 2021

City's Ethics Code Revised to Expand Filing Requirements for Certain City Officials

City Council Passes Landmark Reform Requiring Elected Officials to Disclose Finances by Next Week; 12,000 City Workers Must File Statements Before Taking Office.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 4, 2021

City Transfers 500 Thousand Dollars To Support Job Creation Initiative At City Hall

Philadelphia's jobless population is set to get a boost with $500,000 earmarked for Same Day Work and Pay Program at City Hall, potentially placing hundreds of unemployed residents into immediate employment.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 4, 2021

Voters to Decide Fate of Three-Member Panels at Expanded Licensing Review Board in Philly

Philadelphia Small Businesses Face Higher Fines Under Proposed Bill Requiring Regular Fire Safety Inspections. The new law would hike penalties for non-compliance, hitting mom-and-pop shops with steeper fines than larger corporations.

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Newly introduced

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

Community & Neighborhoods·LapsedIntroduced Mar 4, 2021

City Eyes Long-Term Deal for Christmas Village at LOVE Park Amid Renewed Interest in Holiday Events

City Council eyes long-term deal to keep Christmas Village at LOVE Park, potentially expanding it to other city-owned areas. German American Marketing's contract could be extended from one year to five years.

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Mar 4, 2021

Morris Street Parking Regulations Take Effect Amid Tightened Enforcement and New Time Limits Implemented

Parking restrictions are now in effect along Morris Street between 2nd and Moyamensing avenues, with drivers facing two-hour limits from 8 AM to midnight every day.

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Community & Neighborhoods·LapsedIntroduced Mar 4, 2021

South Philly Streets Get Parking Clocks: Two-Hour Time Limits Imposed on Busy Corridors

South Philly residents will have two hours to park their cars on certain busy streets, including Greenwich Street and 2nd Street, under new regulations. Streets affected include those surrounding Reed Street and S. 4th Street, and Moyamensing Avenue and Wharton Street.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 8, 2021

City Council Proposes New Location for Farmers Market at Haverford Avenue Retail Complex

Community gardeners rejoice as City Council considers relocating the weekly Sharswood Farmers Market from 52nd Street to the Haverford Avenue retail complex, bringing fresh produce to a underserved neighborhood for years to come.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 8, 2021

Trucks Banned from Parking Entire Length of Hammond Avenue Due to Resident Complaints

A new law prohibits trucks from parking on Hammond Avenue between East Nedro Avenue and Crescentville Road at any time.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 8, 2021

Trucks Banned Along Frontenac Street in Philadelphia

Fed up with massive trucks taking over the narrow strip of Frontenac Street, City Council is voting to ban big rigs from parking along one of South Philadelphia's busiest residential blocks.

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