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Weekly recap

This week in Council

January 21 to January 27, 2022

10 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.

Public Health·LapsedIntroduced Jan 27, 2022

City Council Moves to Delay Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax's Go-Ahead to Fall Kick-Off Weekend

Councilmember Oh's bill would delay implementation of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax until fall, altering its original start date. The revised effective date will still be determined under specific terms and conditions.

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Public Health·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 3, 2022

Philadelphia Council Proposes Additional Paid Sick Leave for Workers Amid Ongoing Health Crisis

Low-wage workers in Philadelphia could see a significant boost to their benefits as city council votes on new legislation requiring employers with 25 or more employees to provide up to 40 hours of additional paid sick leave per year.

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Jan 27, 2022

City Hall Sets Stage for Creation of Powerful Oversight Agency Amid Growing Calls for Transparency

City officials face increased scrutiny as bill proposes creating powerful Office of Inspector General to investigate corruption, waste, and misconduct in city operations.

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Jan 27, 2022

Council Proposed Enhanced Ethics Rules for City Officials to Clarify Conflicts and Financial Interests

City Council toughens ethics rules, requiring officials to disclose more income details amid push for greater financial transparency.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 10, 2022

Trucks Prohibited from Parking on Horning Road Between Roosevelt Boulevard and Terminus

Drivers of large commercial vehicles could soon face fines for idling on a notorious stretch of North Philadelphia road, prompting relief for residents who've had to navigate congested streets. The proposed measure targets Horning Road's bottlenecks, particularly near Roosevelt Boulevard.

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Zoning & Development·LapsedIntroduced Jan 27, 2022

Council proposed repealing a Far Northeast Overlay District ordinance that restricted floor area, height, and parking bonuses.

Council is set to repeal regulations that limited development in the Far Northeast by restricting bonuses for floor area, height, and dwelling units, as well as increasing minimum parking requirements. The move aims to boost growth in this area.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 9, 2022

Philadelphia's Campaign Finance Laws Get Major Overhaul with New Disclosure Requirements

Philadelphia Small Business Owners Worry as City Council Bill Targets Parking Minimums, Threatening Thousands of Jobs in Neighborhood Retail Districts. Council Proposes Overnight Delivery Fee Cap Amid Growing Concerns Over Amazon's Impact on Local Economy and Small Package Shops.

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Jan 27, 2022

City Council Unveils Plan to Fund Campaigns with Taxpayer Dollars Starting Next Year

Philadelphia may soon fund political campaigns with taxpayer dollars under a new system that would provide matching funds to candidates meeting specific requirements. City Council members Green, Squilla, and Brooks are sponsoring the proposal.

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Jan 27, 2022

City Council Sends Proposed Age Hike for Elected Officials to Voters in Upcoming Ballot Measure

Council votes to put age hike for city officials on May ballot, asking voters whether to set minimum at 21 years old. The proposed change would affect eligibility for election as certain city officials.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 10, 2022

Truck Parking Ban Takes Effect Along Overbrook Avenue from 64th to 66th Streets

Truck drivers face new restrictions as a parking ban takes hold along Overbrook Avenue, forcing big rigs to look for alternative spots from 64th to 66th streets starting immediately. Residential drivers worry about lost parking options.

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