Weekly recap
This week in Council
June 11 to June 17, 2021
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
Vaccinated Philadelphians Rewarded with Discounted Gas and Water Bills Amid Ongoing Pandemic Efforts
Philadelphia Homeowners Hit Hard by Rising Property Taxes to See Relief from Council's Proposed Tax Freeze on Primary Residences.
210511
Philadelphia Offers $50 Gift Certificates to Vaccinated Residents Amid COVID-19 Incentivization Efforts
Low-income Families to Face Rent Increases Under Proposed City Tax Abatement Cuts Philly landlords could charge low-income tenants higher rents if City Council approves changes to property tax breaks, sparking concerns about gentrification and displacement in vulnerable neighborhoods.
210510
Voters to Decide Whether Mandatory Annual Funding for Housing Trust Fund Becomes a City Charter Requirement
City Leaders Clash Over Plan to Allow Philly Liquor Stores to Sell Wine and Beer on Sundays; Small Business Owners Say It Will Hurt Local Retailers, but Some Advocates See it as a Step Forward for Economic Development in Under-Served Neighborhoods.
210507
Philadelphia Voters Told They Will Decide Fate of City Civil Service System Job Selection Process Changes
City Workers Could Face Easier Layoffs Under New Bill Aimed at Streamlining City Government; Municipal union leaders are warning that a proposed overhaul could put thousands of city employees out of work.
210501
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.
210481
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.
210477
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.
210476
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.
210475
City Seals Deal to Extend Lease on 1234 Market Street Office Space Amid Growing Civic Hub
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to enter into an amended lease agreement with SEPTA for office space at 1234 Market Street, under certain terms and conditions.
210450
City Seeks Land Along Delaware River for New Parks and Recreational Spaces Along Tacony Creek
Residents living near the Delaware River could see new green spaces as soon as next year, with a proposed purchase of 15 acres stretching from Tacony Street to the Frankford Arsenal Boat Launch. The city's Parks and Recreation Department would oversee development of the new parkland, bringing much-needed recreational facilities to a long-overlooked waterfront area.
210444
City Signs Sublease Deal For Office Space At 1101 Market Street, Rent Slightly Increases
City Signs Sublease Deal For Office Space At 1101 Market Street, Rent Slightly Increases Philadelphia taxpayers will foot an extra $100,000 in annual costs as the city signs on to occupy more office space at 1101 Market Street for another year. The lease keeps hundreds of city employees downtown.
210424
City Allows PennDOT Temporary Easement On Richmond Street Property For Construction Project
Homeowners on Richmond Street may soon see more traffic and noise as PennDOT gets the green light to build a temporary easement, potentially impacting nearby businesses and residents.
210419
City Prepares to Hand Over Vacant Land Along Kingston Street to State of Pennsylvania
South Philly Residents Face Increased Parking Restrictions Amidst Attempted Revitalization Efforts A proposed ordinance would prohibit parking on both sides of 13th Street between Dickinson and Snyder, forcing residents and business owners to adapt to a more pedestrian-friendly zone.
210418
Philadelphia Council Seeks Stricter Rules for Excavation Contractors Near Historic Sites
This bill updates Philadelphia's construction and business regulations by requiring excavation contractors to be licensed, adding safeguards for properties near construction sites, and changing rules for work on historic buildings.
210389
Contractor Licensing Requirements Revised in Philadelphia Following Passage of New Law
This bill amends licensing and conduct requirements for contractors in Philadelphia, including application procedures, required conduct, and prohibited activities.
210388
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.
210332-A
City Council OKs Deal for Extended Rent, Lease Terms at Historic Chestnut Street Office Space Location
Philadelphia's historic Chestnut Street neighborhood will soon be home to longer-term tenants after City Council approved a plan to keep small businesses anchored in the area through at least 2032. Rent hikes are also on tap for some tenants.
210293
City Eyes Expansion of Delaware River Parks as Council Moves to Acquire More Land Along Waterfront
This bill allows the city to buy or take ownership of land along the Delaware River and the Tacony-Holmesburg section of the Delaware River Trail for public park purposes.
210282
City Seeks to Acquire PennDOT Land near I-95 for New Water Treatment Plant Site
Philadelphia Residents Could See Higher Fines for Littering Under Proposed Ordinance A new law would increase fines on people caught littering, with some violators facing penalties up to $2,000.
210281
City Seeks Lease on South Broad Street Property for Expanded Public Health Facilities Space
South Broad Street residents could see increased foot traffic from city employees as Council votes on a measure to expand public health facilities in the area with new lab and pharmacy space. This expansion would provide more room for vital services like HIV testing and vaccination programs, serving thousands of West Philly community members.
210248
City Council Proposes Changes to Bouncer Law to Better Regulate Security at Nightspots Across the City
This bill amends Philadelphia's 'Bouncers' law to revise definitions of covered establishments and personnel related to security and order maintenance in places like nightclubs, bars, and restaurants.
210117
City Set to Transfer Small Land Parcel on Bustling Chestnut Street to PAID Agency
This bill allows the city to transfer ownership of a small parcel of land at 2401 Chestnut Street to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID), with some conditions.
210076
City Approves Pedestrian and Vehicle Easement in Chestnut Street Area
This bill allows the Department of Public Property to purchase an easement in a specific area of Philadelphia for pedestrian and vehicular use.
200677
City Council Approves 16-Year Sublease Deal for Part of Roosevelt Boulevard Property Site
A massive section of Roosevelt Boulevard is set to become an office hub, as city officials OK'd a deal that could bring in millions from the sale of land on one of Philly's busiest roads.
200662
City Hall Unveils Plan to Create Department of Fleet Services, Puts Question to Philly Voters This Fall
Philadelphia's 4,500 municipal cars could soon be under one roof as City Council introduces legislation to establish a standalone agency overseeing all city fleets and green transportation programs. Council Members Aim to Curb Parking Ticket Profiteers with Tough New Enforcement Rules A proposal would limit the number of parking tickets issued per day to any individual vehicle, seeking to prevent
200075
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.