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Weekly recap

This week in Council

April 9 to April 15, 2021

15 introduced1 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

Newly introduced

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

Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Philadelphia City Council Unveils Massive 6-Year Infrastructure Plan with $9.4 Billion in Upgrades

A proposed law would force the city to repair over 1,000 potholed streets within three years, a stark departure from current maintenance schedules that allow some roads to go unrepaired for up to seven years.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Philadelphia Allocates $3.061 Billion for Capital Projects in Fiscal Year 2022 Budget

A record-breaking budget for city capital projects is headed to the mayor's desk after a unanimous vote by City Council today, earmarking over $3 billion for everything from street repairs to new libraries.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

City Council Approves 2022 Operating Budget with New Allocations for City Departments and Services

Philadelphians can expect longer hours at rec centers and a bigger police presence in neighborhoods under the new city budget, which pours millions into community programs and public safety initiatives tonight.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

City Employees Who Contracted COVID-19 on the Job Eligible for Service-Connected Death Benefits

Philadelphia is set to provide new protections for its frontline workers, with a proposed law streamlining death benefits for city employees who lost their lives battling COVID-19 on the job during the pandemic. Families of fallen workers can now expect faster access to financial support.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 10, 2021

City Council Slaps Two-Hour Parking Time Limits on Greenwich, Reed, Moyamensing Neighborhoods

Drivers in three South Philly neighborhoods will have to circle the block if they stay too long, with new two-hour time limits on streets where residents are fed up with non-resident parking spilling over onto their blocks.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 17, 2021

East Passyunk Avenue Vendors Banned from Selling Wares on Busy Stretch Through New City Ordinance

Philadelphia's vibrant street market scene is set for a shake-up as the city imposes new restrictions on vendors in one of its most popular commercial districts, raising concerns about gentrification and community impact.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned May 27, 2021

Long Term Care Facilities Must Notify City Before Ownership Changes Under New Council Bill

Philadelphia's elderly residents could soon have more transparency on who runs their long-term care facilities, as a new bill requires facilities to disclose ownership changes to the city and public. Families of nursing home residents may breathe easier with this added layer of oversight.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Landlords Must Be Transparent With Prospective Tenants Under New City Screening Rules

Philadelphia Small Businesses Hit Hard by Proposed Parking Reform Ordinance A new city law would eliminate free parking for drivers along major commercial corridors, shifting costs to businesses that rely on customer traffic to stay afloat.

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Civil Rights·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Landlords Ordered to Clearly Spell Out Rental Application Rules for Prospective Tenants

Philadelphia Landlords Must Reveal Hidden Fees, Credit Score Requirements in Plain Sight Under New Law; Failing to Comply Could Result in Hefty Fines for Property Owners and Rental Agencies.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 10, 2021

City Rolls Out Emergency Funding Transfers to Balance Budget Ahead of Crucial Fiscal Deadline

Philadelphia Schools Face Cuts as Council Votes on $100 Million in Funding Reductions, Affecting Thousands of Students and Educators The proposal would slash school district funding by 5% across the board, impacting everything from textbooks to teacher salaries, amidst ongoing budget negotiations with the mayor's office.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Council Weighs Overhaul of Philly Wage Tax Rates Amid Calls for Relief from Burdensome Tax Bite

Philadelphia Small Business Owners Push Back Against Proposed New Fees on Delivery and Food Service Firms as Council Debates Fair Share Tax Bill The measure would impose a new annual fee of $1 per delivery or takeout order on companies like UberEats and GrubHub, sparking concerns over increased costs for consumers.

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Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Apr 15, 2021

City Council Votes to Hike Business Tax Rates Amid Growing Concern Over Budget Shortfalls and Economic Uncertainty

Business tax rates are set to increase in Philadelphia as City Council votes on amendments aimed at addressing budget shortfalls and economic uncertainty. The changes will affect businesses operating in the city.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 10, 2021

City Council Enacts New Parking Restrictions on Morris Street in South Philly Neighborhood

This law establishes a 2-hour parking limit on Morris Street and surrounding streets from 8am to midnight every day.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Truck Parking Ban Takes Hold on Saint Vincent Street Between Sackett and Hawthorne Streets

Philadelphia drivers can expect a major disruption as a new no-parking policy for large trucks kicks in, forcing overnight deliveries to find alternative routes along a busy stretch of Saint Vincent Street starting immediately.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Sackett Street Truck Parking Ban Takes Effect, Tow-Away Zone Established from Cottman to Ryan Avenues

This bill prohibits truck parking and establishes a tow-away zone on both sides of Sackett Street between Cottman Avenue and Ryan Avenue.

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