Weekly recap
This week in Council
October 29 to November 4, 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.
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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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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
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.
210742
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.
210687
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.
210668
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.
210667
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.
210638
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.
210637
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.
210634
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.
210632
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.
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.
210903
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.
210902
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.
210900
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.
210899
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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