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Weekly recap

This week in Council

February 4 to February 10, 2022

11 introduced1 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

Newly introduced

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

Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Sep 15, 2022

Mt Airy Business Improvement District Extended Beyond Initial Expiration Date

Proposed Zoning Changes Could Allow Larger Development Near Eastern State University as City Seeks to Boost Economy and Housing Options for Growing Student Population

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Feb 10, 2022

Council Seeks Limits: Philadelphia Voters Decide Fate of Four-Term Term Limits Proposal for Council Members

Philadelphia voters will decide in May whether City Council members can serve more than four terms in office, according to a proposal put forth by six councilmembers including Domb and Squilla.

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Budget & Finance·LapsedIntroduced Feb 10, 2022

City Council Eases Licensing Requirements for Young Fire Safety Technicians Amid Workforce Shortage Concerns

Fire safety technicians under 21 will be allowed to work under supervision while enrolled in a registered training program, easing licensing requirements amid workforce shortage concerns.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned May 5, 2022

Manayunk Special Services District Term Extended to 2032 Under New Law

Local business owners in Manayunk breathed a sigh of relief as the city council approved a measure extending their district's funding by a decade, securing vital services and promotions for the next ten years.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 17, 2022

City Officials Revise Rules Allowing More Sidewalk Cafes in Certain Neighborhoods Throughout Philadelphia Proper

Philadelphia's West Passyunk Avenue is set for a major makeover as City Council approves new rules allowing sidewalk cafes to spill out onto the street, boosting small business owners in the vibrant neighborhood.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 23, 2022

Philadelphia City Hall Slows Down Demolition Permits for Historic Houses of Worship Amid Community Fears

Neighborhood churches, synagogues, and mosques face longer waits to be torn down as City Council passes measure requiring public meetings before demolition permits are issued for historic places of worship older than five decades.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 15, 2022

Awnings and Columns Allowed on East Passyunk Avenue, Near Moore Street, Under Specific Terms

This bill allows a property owner to install an awning and supportive columns on East Passyunk Avenue, near Moore Street.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 10, 2022

Philadelphia Council OKs Major Changes to Gas Works Funding Amid Shifts in Management Agreement Requirements

Major overhauls to the way Philadelphia funds its troubled gas utility are set to take effect, shifting millions in costs onto the shoulders of city ratepayers amid a contentious dispute over PGW's management structure.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 10, 2022

City Treasurer Given Power to Shuffle Funds Across City Pockets Amid Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Adjustments

Philadelphia Homeowners Could Pay More in Water Bills Under Council Vote on Stormwater Management Fees City council plans to hike stormwater management fees, which could add hundreds of dollars annually to water bills, hitting homeowners with big property lots and those in flood-prone areas hardest.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 10, 2022

Philadelphia Approves Bulk Window Installation for Sweetwater Group on Busy Frankford Avenue Corridor

A massive digital billboard is coming to Frankford, despite concerns from local residents who fear it will bring more noise and traffic to the already congested corridor. Under a new agreement with the city, Sweetwater Group can install a 20-foot-tall screen at 2519 Frankford Avenue.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned May 5, 2022

Manayunk Businesses Face New Assessment Plan to Fund Upgrades Through 2032

Philadelphia Homeowners Could See Property Tax Relief in Years Ahead, Under New City Council Proposal to Freeze Taxes at 2024 Levels A proposed city council plan aims to freeze Philadelphia property taxes for three years, providing relief to homeowners from rising assessments and potential tax hikes.

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