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Weekly recap

This week in Council

February 18 to February 24, 2022

1 introduced7 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

City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 24, 2022

Philadelphia Facilities Signs Deal Renewing Gas Storage and Transportation Pact with Transcontinental Pipeline

A city-crafted deal seals the future of natural gas supply lines, keeping the Philly Gas Works fueled through at least 2028 under a revamped contract with Transcontinental Pipeline. Local residents may see no change to their utility bills as a result.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 24, 2022

Philadelphia Set to Issue Bonds for City Water and Wastewater Projects Amid Ongoing Infrastructure Needs

Philadelphia homeowners could see their property taxes rise by $100 a year if Council passes a plan to pay for millions in overdue stormwater infrastructure repairs with increased real estate fees. A new bill would give Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections the power to shut down businesses found selling e-cigarettes to minors, and impose hefty fines on violators.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 24, 2022

Philadelphia Voters to Decide Fate of New Fair Housing Commission in Upcoming Special Election

Renters and landlords are at odds over proposed tax on vacant properties, with supporters saying it will bring in millions for affordable housing and critics calling it a "backdoor rent hike". The measure would add a 1% tax on vacant lots and buildings across the city.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 24, 2022

City Mandates Employers Alert Workers to Available Tax Credits Amid Growing Income Inequality Concerns

Low-income Philly workers may soon have a clearer path to tax savings as city council targets income inequality with a new bill requiring employers to alert employees about available credits. The move aims to reach thousands of eligible Philadelphians.

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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 24, 2022

City Council Sends Gender-Neutral Education Referendum to Philly Ballot in May Election

Philadelphia Students with Non-Binary Identities Could See Curriculum Overhaul After City Council Votes to End Single-Gender Designations in School Textbooks and Educational Materials. Changes would impact approximately 200 schools serving over 300,000 students.

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City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 24, 2022

Philadelphia City Council Votes to Put Gender-Neutral Charter Amendment on May Ballot Next Year

Philadelphia Homeowners Could Face Steep Fines Under Proposed Law Requiring Regular Tree Maintenance, Targeting Vacant Lots Across City Neighborhoods.

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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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Newly introduced

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