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Weekly recap

This week in Council

October 29 to November 4, 2021

5 introduced9 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

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 4, 2021

City Council Tries to Tame Skyline with New Height Limits for Benjamin Franklin Parkway Area

A proposed law aimed at preserving the iconic skyline views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway would cap new buildings at 75 feet, sparking debate among developers and preservationists over the impact on Philadelphia's architecture.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 4, 2021

Trenton Avenue Corridor Lands Zoning Change Sent to City Council for Consideration

A zoning overhaul is coming to the heart of Northeast Philly: the Trenton Avenue Corridor could soon welcome more bars, restaurants, and shops, but also face increased pressure to address overcrowding and parking woes for residents.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 4, 2021

Strawberry Mansion NCO Zone Expansion Takes Shape on Lehigh Avenue and Surrounding Streets

A proposed zoning change would bring new development guidelines to a longer stretch of Lehigh Avenue and nearby side streets in Strawberry Mansion, potentially altering the look and feel of the neighborhood for dozens of property owners.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 4, 2021

Fifth District Overlay District Limits Developer Bonuses Under Certain Conditions

Neighborhood residents are breathing a sigh of relief as proposed changes to Fifth District zoning laws would ban lucrative developer bonuses, but small-scale builders might still reap rewards with new exceptions.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 4, 2021

South Philly Zoning Overhaul Unveiled: New Overlay District to Spur Mixed-Use Development in the Area

This bill rezones a specific area of South Philadelphia and creates an overlay district to allow for more mixed-use development with affordable housing.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 4, 2021

Council Proposes Easing Parking Rules For Historic Philly Buildings Amid Growing Concerns Over Space and Accessibility

Historic Philly homes may soon have more flexibility to adapt to modern living as city council considers relaxing parking rules, potentially freeing up space for apartments and reducing congestion in densely populated neighborhoods.

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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 4, 2021

University Of Pennsylvania Expands West Philadelphia Campus With New Land Use Proposal Unveiled

Big changes are coming to West Philly as plans emerge for a sprawling expansion of the University of Pennsylvania's campus, set to bring thousands of new students and faculty to the already densely populated neighborhood.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 4, 2021

Philadelphia Boosts Small Business Credit Amid Concerns Over Mistracked Minority Outfits Hurt By Inaccurate Counts

This bill clarifies how businesses owned by minorities, women, and people with disabilities (M/W/DSBE) are counted in Philadelphia's Economic Opportunity Plans.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 4, 2021

Philadelphia Council Approves Extended Life for City Avenue Business Improvement District Through 2042

Small Businesses along Torresdale Avenue Get a Reprieve: Council Passes Bill Allowing for Additional Six Months to Pay Water Bills Amid Utility Company Payment Processing Delays.

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Newly introduced

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

Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Nov 4, 2021

Councilmembers Gain Power to Challenge Zoning Decisions in Court Under New Bill

District Councilmembers will now have the power to appeal certain zoning decisions in court under new legislation sponsored by Councilmembers Bass and Quiñones Sánchez. The change is meant to allow them to challenge rulings they deem unjust or incorrect within a specific timeframe.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 24, 2022

Property Owners Must Develop Rodent Abatement Plans Before Demolishing or Rehabilitating Buildings in Philadelphia

Council Approves Measure to Hold Landlords Accountable for Lead Paint Hazards, Mandating Inspections at Every Rent-Controlled Property Move-In.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 2, 2021

City Hall Gives Director of Finance Power to Shuffle Funds Across Departments This Fiscal Year

Philadelphia's Affordable Housing Trust Fund Would Get Boost Under New City Council Proposal Mayor Kenney's administration would gain the power to add more money to the trust fund, potentially freeing up millions for low-income housing initiatives.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

Roxborough Residents Face Temporary Demolition Freeze as City Weighs Historic Designation Possibility

Philadelphia City Council Sends Measure to Regulate Payday Lending to Committee, Aimed at Capping High-Interest Loans to Overburdened Residents The proposal would cap annual interest rates on payday loans in Philly at 36%, targeting lenders who critics say prey on low-income neighborhoods.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

Philadelphia Council Unveils Plan to Shift Funds Between City Departments Amid Budget Shortfall Emerges

Under the proposal, millions of dollars will be redirected from city departments including Parks and Recreation and Streets to plug a widening budget gap, with some officials warning it could harm essential services.

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