Weekly recap
This week in Council
September 24 to September 30, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
West Philly Neighborhoods Get Boost from New Affordable Housing Preservation Zone, Demolition Moratorium Enacted
Low-Income Families' Affordable Homes Face Threat of Eviction as Rent Control Extension Bill Heads to City Council Vote, Frustrating Advocates Who Say It's Just a Band-Aid Solution.
210778-AA
Philadelphia Council Tackles Bill to Lure Hollywood Filmmakers with Tax Credits and Production Deals
Councilmember Oh introduces bill to create film industry incentives in Philadelphia, aiming to attract Hollywood filmmakers and digital media productions with tax credits and production deals.
210784
Philadelphia Council Adds Security Cameras to Safe Play Zones Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Under pressure from parents and community leaders, city council has agreed to install surveillance cameras in playgrounds across Philadelphia as part of a push to tackle rising crime rates near schools. The plan targets some of the city's most vulnerable neighborhoods.
210783
Philadelphia City Council Adds Security Cameras to Safeguard Popular Recreational Areas Throughout The City
This bill amends the Capital Program to add funding for security cameras in Safe Play Zones.
210782
Parking Time Limits Set for Specific Streets Near Franklin and Mifflin Streets
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, including time limits for parking on certain streets.
210781
Two-hour parking regulations established in several Philadelphia neighborhoods.
This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia, including around Clarion Street and Reed Street, Manton Street and S.
210780
Philadelphia City Council Tackles Sidewalk Café Regulations with New Rules and Licensing Requirements
Philadelphia is revising sidewalk cafe regulations with new licensing and location restrictions, affecting outdoor eating spaces in the city. Details of changes to Section 9-208 of The Philadelphia Code are expected.
210777
City Rolls Out "Streeteries" Program Allowing Expanded Outdoor Dining in Philly Neighborhoods This Summer
Philadelphia residents can expect to see more street-side cafes and dining areas popping up in popular neighborhoods this summer, but some business owners are still waiting on the details of the new "Streeteries" program.
210776
City Council Targets Parking Lot Troublemakers with New Liability Law Taking Hold Across Philly Streets
This bill makes property owners responsible for nuisance behavior on their parking lots shared with multiple businesses.
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City Tightens Grip on Commercial Parking in Neighborhood Streets Except During Loading and Unloading Times
This bill restricts commercial vehicles from parking in certain streets and neighborhoods except for loading/unloading purposes.
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Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority Named Agent for Green Stormwater Projects Across City Construction Sites
Philly's building boom just got a greener twist: the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority will now oversee eco-friendly stormwater projects at every new development site, from skyscrapers to community centers.
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Pension Board Required to Conduct Annual Stress Test of Retirement System
Philadelphia homeowners facing foreclosure could get a reprieve as council votes on plan to delay eviction proceedings by at least 6 months, giving them more time to catch up on payments and stay in their homes.
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Plaque Honoring Computer Pioneer Grace Hopper Set to Replace Existing Panel on North Broad Street Sidewalk
A tribute to pioneering computer scientist Grace Hopper is coming to North Broad Street, as City Council approved a measure to install a commemorative plaque in front of Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School.
210779
Water Main Construction Underway in Philadelphia as Council Approves Massive Infrastructure Project in Wells Street and Charles Street Neighborhoods
Philadelphia's aging water mains are getting a long-overdue upgrade as city council greenlights a massive construction project that will bring fresh water to thousands of residents in underserved neighborhoods.
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