Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 20 to May 26, 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
Philadelphia to Enter Energy-Saving Contract with Ameresco to Light Up City Streets More Efficiently
Residents and businesses along Main Street can expect brighter lights at reduced energy costs under new plans for a city-wide LED conversion set to save millions annually. The proposal aims to replace outdated bulbs with high-efficiency LEDs across Philadelphia's 87,000 streetlights.
220359
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
Philadelphia City Council Mandates Public Disclosure of Resale Restrictions' Impact on Property Assessments
Homeowners with restrictive covenants face surprise hits to their tax bills, but a new council measure aims to shine a light on how these secret restrictions inflate assessments for properties across the city.
220168
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Approves Intergovernmental Agreement for State Funding of Emergency Medical Services in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Residents Could Face Higher Parking Fines under Proposed Council Ordinance, with Revenue Hiked from $120 to $200 for Repeat Offenders within Six Months. Proposal to Create Citywide Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advances through Philadelphia City Council, potentially unlocking millions in funding for low-income residents and community development projects.
220529
Philadelphia City Council Approves 42 Million Dollar Boost for Affordable Housing Initiatives
Low-Income Families May See Rent Hikes After Proposed 5% Tax Increase on Vacant Properties Councilmanic Proposal Would Levy Additional Tax on Abandoned Buildings to Fund Homelessness Services
220508
City Council Moves to Give Itself New Powers to Block Big Property Assessment Hikes Locally
Councilmember Oh introduces legislation aimed at giving City Council more control over large property assessment hikes, requiring voters to approve any changes to this power in a future referendum.
220532
Philadelphia Council Passes Bill Expanding Parking Meter Fees in Center City and University City
Philadelphia's parking landscape is about to change dramatically: drivers will soon face new restrictions and higher fees in Center City and University City as a result of council-approved regulations aimed at easing congestion.
220520
Philadelphia Seeks Record $45 Million in Federal Grants for Housing and Anti-Blight Efforts
Philadelphia Seeks Record $45 Million in Federal Grants: With blighted neighborhoods still scarred by 2015's devastating flood, the city will apply for massive funding to revitalize waterfront areas and revitalize local economies.
220509
Philadelphia City Signs Deal to Shine Bright with New Energy-Efficient Street Lighting System
Philly's streets are about to get a brighter, greener glow: the City has partnered with the Philadelphia Energy Authority on a $200 million plan to swap outdated streetlights for energy-efficient models that will reduce carbon emissions by 50%.
220506
Council Votes to Revamp Tax Breaks for Longtime Homeowners in Philly Adjusting Income Limits and Valuation Methods
Philadelphia Homelessness Rate Sees Sharp Decline with New City Council Bill Offering Supportive Housing Incentives Property owners who provide permanent supportive housing can now receive tax abatements for up to 10 years, boosting affordable housing options in the city.
220497
Philadelphia Homeowners Can Earn 10% Rebate for Punctual Tax Payments Starting March 31st Deadline
Philadelphia homeowners can earn a 10% rebate on real estate taxes if they pay by March 31st, with eligible residents required to submit an application and documentation. The rebate applies to primary residences only.
220531
Council Proposes Mandatory Disclosure of Property Assessment Methods
Philadelphia's Office of Property Assessment must now reveal its methods for calculating property values before issuing annual assessments, under a new city council requirement.
220530
Philadelphia Extends Protections to Thousands of Airport Service Employees, Parking Workers Amid Rising Industry Displacement
Airport service workers, who often make minimal wages, will now be eligible for benefits like paid time off and severance pay when their contracts are terminated or reassigned; local activists hail it as a major win for low-income families.
220526
City Leases Interstate 95 Property to Prepare for Waterfront Development and Public Amenities
Philadelphia Businesses Face Higher Taxes Under Proposed New Tax Classification System. A new tax classification system would shift certain businesses, including food trucks and pop-up shops, into higher tax brackets starting next year.
220524
Washington Avenue Parking Restrictions Take Effect, Following Passage of City Code Amendment
Philadelphia Business Owners Reel as Proposed Ban on Single-Use Plastics Could Cost Them Thousands; Aims to curb litter, protect waterways, and align with city's sustainability goals by 2025.
220523
City Unveils Plans to Transfer Properties Near 12th and Wharton Streets, Leases City-Owned Building to PAID
Philadelphia is about to see changes in its property landscape as city officials prepare to hand over several long-neglected buildings near 12th and Wharton streets, while also leasing a nearby building to the PAID agency.
220522
University of Pennsylvania Gets Green Light for Pedestrian Bridges Near Convention Center
This bill allows the University of Pennsylvania to install and maintain pedestrian bridges and other structures in the area around 1 Convention Avenue.
220517-AA
Osler Circle's Curblines and Curb Elevations Revised Under City Plan No. 269
This bill allows for changes to Osler Circle's curblines, cartway width, and curb elevations from Civic Center Boulevard to a point northwestwardly of it and from Curie Boulevard to a point southeastwardly of it.
220513
City Treasurer to Sign New Deal with Citizens Bank for Payroll Services Under 2-Year Pact
Tighter Controls on Philly's Gun Sales Hinge on Council Approval, But Foes Say Measure is "Overreach" A proposed law would require gun buyers to store unloaded firearms in locked containers, a move opponents claim will only drive sales underground and harm legitimate businesses.
220510
Red Light Cameras Installed on Busy Corner of Front and Hunting Park Avenues Amid Safety Concerns
Residents who speed through the busy corner of Front and Hunting Park Avenues will soon be caught on camera, as a new safety measure aims to reduce the alarming number of near-misses and accidents in the area.
220505
City Council Signs Bill Redrawing Permit Parking District Boundaries Across Philadelphia
This bill amends the boundaries of permit parking districts in Philadelphia, affecting several neighborhoods.
220504-A
Streets Department Gets Authority to Regulate Traffic and Parking in Specific Philadelphia Area
This bill gives the Philadelphia Streets Department the authority to regulate traffic flow and parking on certain streets in a specific area bounded by Wyoming Avenue, 9th Street, Pike Street, and Rising Sun Avenue.
220501
Low-Income Seniors Get Reprieve on Tax Filing Deadline Amid Pandemic Financial Strains Downtown
Philadelphia's elderly residents are breathing a sigh of relief as City Council passes measure extending deadline for low-income seniors to apply for crucial property tax relief, just in time for another pandemic winter.
220499
Bike Lane Established on Grays Ferry Avenue from 34th Street to Washington Avenue
Proposal to Ban Single-Use Plastics in Philly Restaurants Takes Shape as Council Votes to Restrict Carryout Containers and Straws Tonight City residents who frequent cafes, restaurants, and food trucks may soon see changes to their favorite eateries' take-out habits under new legislation aimed at reducing plastic waste.
220495
Philadelphia Airports Must Comply with City Labor Laws and Pay Prevailing Wages
Philadelphia City Council Targets Predatory Lending Practices in Low-Income Neighborhoods with New Restrictions on High-Interest Loans A proposed ban on payday lending services would affect thousands of residents, capping interest rates and fees for short-term loans to prevent financial exploitation.
220493
Trucks Barred Near Neighborhood Hubs in North Philly's 9th Ward as Safety Measures Take Hold
Philadelphia Homeowners to Face Stricter Regulations on Renting Out Properties as City Seeks to Curb Evictions and Over-Tourism A proposed law would require property owners to register rentals with the city, pay a fee, and adhere to strict standards for habitability and safety in residential areas.
220488
City Retirees Face New Rules on Working for City Without Losing Benefits After Passage of Reform Measure
City Council passes bill altering rules for city retirees working part-time while keeping retirement benefits intact. Retirees will face new contribution requirements if rehired and reemployed in certain circumstances.
220487
City Council Proposes Refund or Forgiveness for Low-Income Residents Hit by Rising Property Taxes Immediately
City Council proposes plan to forgive or refund property tax increases for low-income Philadelphia residents hit by rising taxes. The measure aims to provide relief from economic burden caused by increasing property values and taxes.
220486
City Takes Steps to Clarify Tax Laws for Out-of-Town Businesses
This bill amends the Philadelphia Code to change how businesses are taxed on income and receipts inside and outside of the city.
220485
City Approves Plan to Widen Pedestrian Space on Pine Street by Relocating Watts Street Curbs
This bill allows for the relocation of curblines on Watts Street between Pine Street and a point northwardly from Pine Street, making way for pedestrian space.
220528
Newsstand Removal Regulations Tightened with 10-Day Notice and Retrieval Fees
Local vendors are crying foul as the City Council introduces new rules forcing businesses to give street sellers 10 days' written notice before yanking their permits, sparking concerns about lost revenue.
220527
Red Light Cameras Authorized at 58th Street and Baltimore Avenue Intersection
Drivers who run red lights on South Philly's busiest streets are in for a wake-up call as city officials bring high-tech traffic enforcement to 58th Street and Baltimore Avenue starting next month. The new cameras will start snapping photos of offenders, with fines mailed directly to their doors.
220518
Council OKs Revamping City Map to Axe Fifty-First Street and Make Room for Utility Lines Expansion
This bill allows the city to remove Fifty-First Street from a portion of City Plan No.
220512
Philadelphia City Council Approves $187 Million Budget Boost for Aging Philadelphia Gas Works Infrastructure
Philly residents could soon see lower gas bills as the city council votes to pump $187 million into aging pipes and infrastructure, aiming to reduce leaks and outages that cost homeowners thousands each year.
220511
City Makes Tax Records Website Accessible Within Days After State Filing Deadline
City makes tax records website accessible within days after state filing deadline, following a new law requiring public disclosure on city's website within 10 days.
220498
City Gives Green Light for PECO Transmission Lines Across Schuylkill River Waterfront Properties
This bill allows PECO Energy Company to install transmission lines across a portion of the City's property in the area bounded by 34th Street, Grays Ferry Avenue and the Schuylkill River Pierhead Line.
220496
City Plan Revised as Broad Street Drainage Project Sparks Change in Neighborhood Infrastructure
This bill allows the City to modify a section of its city plan to accommodate new infrastructure for drainage, water mains, and gas lines in certain areas of Philadelphia.
220494
Airport CEO Gets Power to Ink Deals with Airlines on Use of Key Facilities
Philadelphia Renters May See Increased Utility Fees; Council Bill Proposes Higher Charges for Non-Payment Fees, Affecting 70% of City's Rental Market.
220491
Saint Joseph's University Cleared to Build Underpass Beneath Busy City Avenue in West Philly.
This bill allows Saint Joseph's University to install a pedestrian underpass beneath City Avenue in West Philadelphia, subject to certain conditions and regulations.
220490
Philadelphia Hands Over Land to Pennsylvania Under Certain Terms
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to give some or all of a specific parcel of land to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under certain terms and conditions.
220525
City Agrees to Contract with Provider to Host and Manage Philly's Human Resources Systems
Philadelphia Workers Face Longer Wait Times as City Considers Outsourcing HR Services; Thousands of City Employees Could See Changes in Payroll, Benefits Management under Proposed Deal.
220521
City Officials Gear Up to Vacate Land on Haverford Avenue for Municipal Projects Under New Proposal
Philadelphia's Proposed Living Wage Ordinance Would Require Contractors to Pay City Workers $15 Per Hour Starting Next Year, Affecting Thousands of Municipal Employees. The plan would mandate a higher minimum wage for city contractors working on projects that involve over $1 million in city funding or assistance.
220519
Council Votes to Ban All Parking and Stopping on Saybrook Ave Through 46th Street Neighborhood
This bill establishes 'no stopping anytime' parking regulations on Saybrook Avenue, from Melville Street to 46th Street.
220516
Farmers Markets Expand onto Baltimore Ave Between 58th and 59th Streets Under Strict Guidelines
Community Land Trusts Get Tax Break in Philadelphia as City Council Votes to Exempt Non-Profits from Certain Property Taxes City residents who live in community land trusts will get a tax break under a new policy aimed at preserving affordable housing and community spaces.
220515
Truck Parking Ban Takes Hold on 53rd Street and Whitby Avenue Neighborhoods Overnight
Residential streets in the Whitby neighborhood will soon be off-limits to trucks overnight as a new parking ban takes effect, aimed at reducing noise and traffic congestion for local residents. Homeowners on 53rd Street and Whitby Avenue are breathing a sigh of relief tonight.
220514
Council seeks lease renewal for Philadelphia Gas Works at 212-214 W. Chelten Avenue.
Philadelphia Gas Works poised to amend lease on West Philly block with Germantown Realty Investment Group for four-year term at 212-214 W. Chelten Avenue. The deal would involve certain premises owned by the city.
220507
Philadelphia Council Votes to Make Meadow Street Two-Way from Paul to Frankford Amid Community Hopes for Easier Commutes
This bill makes Meadow Street between Paul Street and Frankford Avenue a two-way street.
220503
Gillingham Street Becomes Two-Way Street Between Mulberry and Tackawanna Streets
This bill makes Gillingham Street between Mulberry and Tackawanna Streets a two-way street.
220502
City Council Approves Bulk Front Addition for Fernandez Brothers Group Inc. Project on East Wyoming Avenue
Fernandez Brothers Group Inc.'s East Wyoming Avenue project gets a reprieve from zoning restrictions, but with strings attached: the development will be allowed to stand despite exceeding local building limits.
220500
City Officials Revise City Plan Adding Missing Piece of Sixty-Seventh Street to Official Map
This bill allows a portion of Sixty-Seventh Street to be added back onto the city map, connecting it with another part of the street that was previously separated from the rest by the Schuylkill River.
220492
Philadelphia Extends Deadline for Developers to Comply with Montour Street Vacancy Terms
Developers on Montour Street have been given an extra year to renovate vacant storefronts and comply with city regulations, but the delay is sparking concerns among community activists who say it's a missed opportunity for revitalization.
220489