Weekly recap
This week in Council
March 4 to March 10, 2022
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.
260797
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.
260831
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 Moves to Add Bike Lane and Revamp Parking on Busy West Market Street Corridor
This bill adds a bike lane to West Market Street between 30th and 34th Streets in Philadelphia.
220145
Market Street Vending Restrictions Put into Place in City's Latest Ordinance
This bill prohibits street vendors from selling goods on Market Street between 33rd and 34th Streets.
220144
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.
220119
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.
220116
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.
220114
City Council Clears Way for Affordable Housing Push on North Philly's Cumberland Street Corridor
North Philadelphia residents may soon see a surge in affordable housing options as City Council votes to empower the Philadelphia Housing Authority to buy up vacant lots and rundown buildings along the coveted Cumberland Street corridor.
220076
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.
220053
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.
220045
New zoning rules set for area near Girard Avenue and 54th Street
This bill amends the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas near Girard Avenue and 54th Street.
220005
Truck and trailer parking banned on several West Philadelphia streets to boost neighborhood safety
West Philadelphians can expect a drastic reduction in truck traffic on their streets as city council votes to ban large vehicle parking on several key routes, citing safety concerns for residents and pedestrians. Streets like 60th Street near Malcolm X Park will soon be no-go zones for big rigs.
211019
Penn University's Master Plan to Be Amended for Graduate School Building Area
This bill amends the University of Pennsylvania's Master Plan for a specific area around the Graduate School of Education building at 3700 Walnut Street.
210957
Trucks Banned from Parking on Both Sides of N. Daggett Street Through Vine Street Neighborhood
Big rigs will have to find a new spot to idle as Philadelphia City Council passes measure to ban trucks from parking on both sides of North Daggett Street, a major artery through the Vine Street neighborhood.
210955
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.
210927
New Subarea Created in Old City Residential District with Specific Zoning Regulations
New Proposed Parking Regulations Spark Debate Over Congestion Relief in Center City A plan to limit parking permits on South Street and restrict deliveries during peak hours has some business owners worried about lost revenue and customer access.
210829
City Extends Deadline for Completion of Convention Avenue Reconstruction Project Again
For the second time this year, city officials are pushing back completion deadlines for the long-stalled Convention Avenue reconstruction project, delaying relief for frustrated commuters and local business owners along the corridor.
210828
City Set to Borrow 285 Million for Potholes Roads Bridges and Other Key Municipal Upgrades
Philadelphia's Poorest Neighborhoods Could See New Grocery Stores Amid Vote on Measure to Boost Local Food Options, but Critics Warn of "Gentrification by Stealth".
210827
Philadelphia Zoning Maps Modified to Reflect Changes in Specific Neighborhood Area
This bill changes the zoning classifications for certain areas in Philadelphia bounded by Penn Street, Morris Street, Coulter Street, and Priscilla Street.
210807
Tioga Street and N. 15th Street Parking Limits Established, 2-Hour Limit on Weekdays
This bill sets a two-hour parking limit from 8am to 6:30pm on weekdays for Tioga Street and north 15th Street between N.
210806
Philadelphia Residents Face New Parking Restrictions in Central Neighborhood Areas
This bill establishes new parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia: two-hour parking limits will be enforced between certain hours on Sulis Street and N.
210805
Parking Restrictions Introduced for Specific Philadelphia Streets
This bill establishes two-hour parking restrictions on certain streets in Philadelphia: Mentor Street and Windrim Avenue, and Pelham Road and Mower Street.
210804
City Council Extends Deadline for University Avenue Widening Project Developers Must Comply
Developers behind a major University Avenue overhaul are now scrambling to meet new construction deadlines, which could delay the project's expected completion by several months, affecting thousands of Northeast Philly residents.
210801
West Philly Neighborhoods Get Boost from New Affordable Housing Preservation Zone, Demolition Moratorium Enacted
Low-Income Families' Affordable Homes Face Threat of Eviction as Rent Control Extension Bill Heads to City Council Vote, Frustrating Advocates Who Say It's Just a Band-Aid Solution.
210778-AA
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Schools Mandated to Install Drinking Fountains and Filtered Water Dispensers Citywide Starting This Fall
Philadelphia schools are getting a major hydration boost as a new city council law takes effect this fall, requiring thousands of new drinking fountains and water dispensers to quench students' thirst throughout the school year. The move aims to tackle water quality concerns in Philly's aging school buildings.
220221-A
Ridge Avenue Curbline Relocated and Pedestrian Area Created Along Calumet Street
This bill changes the location of curbs and sidewalks on Ridge Avenue and Calumet Street in Philadelphia, creating a wider pedestrian area and adjusting traffic lanes.
220222
Philly Officials Get Email, Cloud, Software Licenses Through New City Agreement
Small Business Owners Fear New Parking Fines Will Crush Local Economies as Council Proposes Stiffer Penalties for Violations. The proposed legislation would increase fines for expired meters and parking infractions to $200 per day.
220225
City Demands Transparency from Harrisburg as Bill Mandates Annual Report on Unpaid Taxes Owed to Philly.
Philly Residents Left in Dark About Millions in Back Taxes, Council Moves to Shine Light with New Bill Requiring Regular Report from Harrisburg.
220220
Drexel Plans Update Underway for Kelly Hall Building on 34th Street Near Campus
A proposal would allow Drexel University to add more floors to its iconic Kelly Hall, potentially bringing hundreds of new students and employees to the already bustling 34th Street corridor, raising concerns about neighborhood traffic.
220224
Truck Parking Banned on South 61st Street Between Lindbergh Boulevard and Eastwick Avenue
This bill makes it illegal to park trucks on South 61st Street between Lindbergh Boulevard and Eastwick Avenue at any time.
220223