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Weekly recap

This week in Council

May 14 to May 20, 2021

18 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.

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Zoning designations changed in Philadelphia area bounded by Broad Street and Hunting Park Avenue.

This bill changes the zoning classifications for certain areas of Philadelphia, updating the zoning maps to reflect new designations within a specific area bounded by several streets.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Neighborhood Bound by Allegheny Avenue and Surrounding Streets to Get New Zoning Rules

This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land within a specific neighborhood bounded by Allegheny Avenue, Collins Street, Westmoreland Street, and Tulip Street.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 17, 2021

Philadelphia Self-Service Laundries Must Display Info, Ensure Dryer Safety, and Limit Hours

This bill modifies the requirements for operating a self-service laundry in Philadelphia by requiring businesses to display certain information, ensure dryer safety, and limit operating hours.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Civic Center Area Zoning Map Changes Signed into Law

This bill amends Philadelphia's Zoning Maps to change the zoning designations for areas bounded by Civic Center Boulevard, University Avenue, Spruce Street, and 34th Street.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 23, 2022

Two-Hour Parking Regulations Established in Multiple Philadelphia Neighborhoods Across the City

This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations in various locations throughout Philadelphia, including specific streets and intersections.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 17, 2021

City Seeks Major Grants to Combat Homelessness Blight in Philadelphia Neighborhoods and Revitalize Communities Across the City

This bill allows the Director of Planning and Development to apply for federal and state grants for community development, homelessness prevention, and blight elimination.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Sep 30, 2021

City Council Moves Forward with Zoning Reforms to Spur Affordable Housing Developments Throughout Philadelphia

This bill revises Philadelphia's zoning regulations to offer incentives for developments that provide affordable housing and meet certain height requirements.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Christian Street Properties Placed Under Temporary Demolition Freeze Amid Historic Preservation Review Efforts Begin

Neighbors of Christian Street Voice Concerns Over Proposed Condo Development That Would Replace Iconic Local Businesses A new proposal would transform a strip mall into upscale condos, sparking worries from longtime residents and owners of nearby bars and restaurants about displacement and gentrification in the South Philly neighborhood.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Philadelphia's Permit Parking District 16 Boundaries Adjusted to New Locations in City

Residents along a 1.2-mile stretch of Broad Street are about to face stricter parking rules as Permit Parking District 16 expands, requiring thousands of new permits from drivers who once had free reign. Those without permits will now risk hefty fines.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Council Proposes Zoning Overhaul for North Central Philly Areas Subarea B and C

This City Council bill amends zoning regulations for two specific areas in North Central Philadelphia (Subarea B and Subarea C).

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

City Hall Acts to Create New Overlay District Along Girard Avenue Amid Plans for Major Redevelopment Efforts

Riders on SEPTA's Route 11 bus may see fewer stops as City Council votes to eliminate five trolley stops along Market Street in an effort to speed up travel times during peak hours. Philadelphia small business owners could face stricter regulations under a new bill aimed at reducing litter and maintaining storefront appearances.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

City Council Unveils Zoning Plan to Tame Heliports Over TJU Hospital Skies

Residents Living Along Elverson Avenue Fear New High-Rise Development A proposed zoning change would allow for taller buildings on that street, sparking concerns among residents who worry it will exacerbate existing traffic and parking woes in the neighborhood.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 17, 2021

Philadelphia Gas Works Capital Budget for 2022 Approved, $147.5 Million in Spending Authorized

This bill approves the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget for the Philadelphia Gas Works, which includes $147.5 million in spending, and acknowledges a revised forecast of capital budgets from 2023 to 2027.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 17, 2021

City Council Approves Major PGW Spending Plan Amendments Amid Revised Forecast Projections Revealed

Philadelphia Gas Works customers face a potential 10% rate hike next year as City Council passes amended budget, adding $25 million in new spending despite decreased projected revenue over the next five years.

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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

University of Pennsylvania Moves Forward with Plans to Build on Historic Landmark Site along Chestnut Street

This bill amends the Master Plan for the University of Pennsylvania by approving a new building addition at 3317-33 Chestnut Street.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Parking Permitted on Ridge Avenue Property Under Certain Terms and Conditions

Philadelphia City Council Votes to Lift Parking Restrictions on Two Ridge Avenue Properties, But Advocates Warn of Long-Term Impact on Neighborhood Traffic and Safety.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

Market Street Digital Signs Get New Rules Amid Concerns Over Visual Clutter and Neighborhood Character

This bill amends sign regulations for digital display signs in a specific area of Philadelphia near Market Street, allowing for certain exemptions and restrictions.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 24, 2021

City Council Votes to Rezone Historic North Philly Neighborhood along Cecil B. Moore Avenue

Property owners on Cecil B. Moore Avenue are facing a potential windfall as City Council votes to allow mixed-use development in long-dormant lots; advocates say it's a boost for local businesses.

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