Weekly recap
This week in Council
June 3 to June 9, 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
Council Tackles Campaign Finance Reform with Revisions to City Law on Political Contributions and Expenditures
Local activists are cheering a proposal that would ban corporate donations to Philly politicians, but opponents warn it could silence small business owners' voices in city politics.
220361
City Tightens Ethics Protections to Prevent Retaliation Against Whistleblowers and Ethics Investigators
Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Tax Bills Amid City Council Push for More Progressive Property Tax Reform Under the proposed changes, owners of larger properties could see their tax rates reduced while lower-income families may face significant increases as part of an effort to make taxes more equitable across neighborhoods.
220360
Philadelphia Employers with 50+ Workers Must Offer Pre-Tax Transit Benefit Programs
Thousands of Philly commuters will soon be able to save hundreds on their daily commute as local employers are required to start offering tax-free benefits for public transportation and bike rides starting next month, impacting over 120,000 city workers.
220337
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.
220049
City Contractors Must Post Demolition Notices, Warn Neighbors Before Bringing Down Buildings
Families in row homes will be protected from surprise explosions under new legislation that forces demolition companies to alert neighbors with bright orange notices and timely warnings at least 10 days before leveling a building.
210677
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Proposes Steep Hike in Real Estate Taxes to Fund City Services and Schools This Year
Philadelphia homeowners can expect to pay higher real estate taxes starting next year, with city tax rates increasing to 57.19 cents per $100 of assessed value and school district tax rates rising to 82.79 cents per $100 of assessed value.
220578
Philadelphia Council Votes to Move Curfews Earlier for Minors Aged 13 to 15 Across City Limits
This bill revises the evening curfew hours for minors in Philadelphia, setting different times depending on age.
220577
Red Light Cameras Headed to Kelly Drive and Eakins Oval Under City Council Plan
This bill allows for the installation of red light cameras at the intersection of Kelly Drive and Eakins Oval, with certain terms and conditions.
220575
Red Light Cameras Set to Be Installed at 20th Street and JFK Boulevard Intersection
This bill authorizes the installation of red light cameras at the intersection of 20th Street and John F Kennedy Boulevard to prevent red-light violations.
220574
City to Buy Solar Power Directly from New Northeast Philly Facility Starting Next Year
Proposal Would Raise Taxes on Luxury Real Estate Deals Across Philly, Generating an Estimated $2 Million for Affordable Housing Funds A newly introduced measure aims to slap higher transfer taxes on high-end property sales in the city, directing the revenue toward affordable housing initiatives.
220573
Truck parking banned on both sides of Columbia Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets.
This bill prohibits truck parking on both sides of Columbia Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets.
220580
Trucks Prohibited from Parking on Woodbine Avenue Between 76th and 77th Streets
Residential residents along Woodbine Avenue are rejoicing as a new law bans truck parking in the neighborhood, citing noise complaints and safety concerns after a string of near-misses with pedestrians and cyclists.
220579
Fence and Structures Permitted at Rising Sun Avenue Location Near Caribbean Feast Restaurant
Homeless Shelter Expansion on Hold Amid Controversy Over Proposed Zoning Changes Near 11th Street and Washington Avenue A new proposal would rezone the area around the Philadelphia Center for Homeless Women and Children to accommodate a larger shelter, sparking fears about gentrification in South Philly neighborhoods.
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