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Weekly recap

This week in Council

November 12 to November 18, 2021

17 introduced0 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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Newly introduced

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

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned May 5, 2022

Zoning Maps Overhauled in Southwest Philly Neighborhoods Amid Changes to Commercial and Residential Designations

Southwest Philly residents can expect major changes as commercial areas are rezoned to make way for more restaurants and shops, while residential zones will see increased parking requirements under revised neighborhood guidelines.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

Company Gets Reprieve on Independence Mall Ramp Project Deadline Extension Approved

Philadelphia's historic district may get a new entrance soon as city council approves delay in construction deadline for Independence Mall West ramp, giving developers another six months to finish the project.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

Parking Restrictions Imposed in Multiple Philadelphia Neighborhoods Under New Two-Hour Regulations

This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations in various Philadelphia neighborhoods, limiting parking time from 8 AM to 2 AM every day except for certain RPP zones.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 17, 2022

Philadelphia Tightens Contractor Parking Permits with New Rules and Fees

Philadelphia Homeowners Rejoice as City Council Passes Bill Capping Rent Hikes at 5%, Protecting Tenants from Exorbitant Increases Amid Housing Crisis This bill updates the rules for rent increases in Philadelphia, capping annual hikes at 5% to shield tenants from rapid cost-of-living burdens and provide relief during a housing crisis.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 10, 2022

Chestnut Street Bike Lane Expansion Rolls Out Along with Lane Removal in West Philly Neighborhoods

This bill adds a bike lane to Chestnut Street from South 63rd to South 45th and removes one travel lane in that area.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

City Council Moves to Revamp Zoning Maps for Neighborhood Along Crispin Street and Frankford Avenue Boundaries

Property owners along Frankford Avenue could soon see their businesses transformed as City Council tackles long-standing complaints about outdated zoning laws governing storefronts and industrial spaces near the Torresdale neighborhood.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

City Agreements Signed into Law to Purchase Electricity, Natural Gas, and Motor Fuel at Fixed Prices

Philadelphia's public schools and libraries could save millions under new energy deals set to boost city coffers, but consumer advocates worry about rising costs for residents stuck with variable rates.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Jan 20, 2022

Zoning Changes to Specific Philadelphia Neighborhood Bound by Fountain, Umbria Streets

A proposed zoning overhaul could bring more density and diversity to the bustling corridors along 5th Street and Lehigh Avenue, but some residents worry about losing small businesses and community character.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

Philadelphia City Council Proposes Landlord-Tenant Eviction Diversion Program Amid Rent Relief Concerns Rise

Philadelphia homeowners could be forced to wait up to six months for a property tax refund under a proposed City Council bill that aims to streamline the refund process for delinquent payments. Homeowners who pay in full will still get priority, but others may face long delays.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

Philadelphia Council Unveils Tough New Leasing Laws to Protect Commercial Tenants from Hidden Fees and Fines

This bill requires commercial property owners to provide certain disclosures before leasing a space, and offers protections for tenants.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 9, 2021

City Council Approves Contract to Modernize Cargo Handling at Philadelphia International Airport

The City Council authorized a contract with Kale Info Solutions to create and operate an Airport Cargo Community System at Philadelphia International Airport.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jan 20, 2022

Philadelphia Businesses Banned From Operating Unregulated Casino-Style Games That Accept Cash Payments

Tighter Regulations on Philly's Street Vendors Take Effect, Small Business Owners Worry About Losses; A new city ordinance restricts where street vendors can operate, affecting hundreds who sell everything from food to handmade crafts.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

Council Votes to Make East Godfrey Ave One-Way Westbound Through Summerdale To Pratt Street Intersection

This bill makes East Godfrey Avenue between Summerdale Avenue and Pratt Street a one-way street for westbound traffic.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

North Broad Street Encroachment Permitted Near Arch Street Under Certain Conditions

Philadelphia's City Council has given the green light to plans for a sprawling outdoor cafe on the corner of 13th and Market Streets, but critics warn it will displace local vendors who have sold goods there for years without permits.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

Independence Park Hotel Gets Reprieve on Exterior Ramp Compliance Deadline Extension

A last-minute reprieve has been granted to the owners of the Independence Park Hotel, who will get another chance to install a long-planned accessibility ramp on their exterior facade. The hotel's deadline to meet city requirements was just hours from expiring when council members stepped in to give them more time.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

City Gives Go Ahead for Planters on Calumet Street, Subject to Strict Requirements

Residents of 19th Ward Get Relief from Litter with New Recycling Bins Added to Neighborhood Streets A new city initiative will introduce 50 recycling bins along the busy commercial corridors of Roosevelt Boulevard, aiming to reduce litter and promote a cleaner environment for local residents.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 16, 2021

Camac Street Between Wagner and Fisher to Become Northbound One-Way Under New Traffic Plan

South Philly Residents Fear Noise and Congestion as Proposed Bill Would Ban Left Turns onto 13th Street from Broad Riverside Plaza. A new traffic plan would eliminate left turns onto 13th Street from the Broad Riverside Plaza parking garage in a bid to ease congestion on the busy thoroughfare.

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