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Weekly recap

This week in Council

June 3 to June 9, 2022

8 introduced5 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 Jun 9, 2022

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.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 9, 2022

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.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 9, 2022

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.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 9, 2022

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.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 9, 2022

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.

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Newly introduced

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

Budget & Finance·LapsedIntroduced Jun 9, 2022

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.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 23, 2022

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.

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Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 23, 2022

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.

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Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 23, 2022

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.

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Environment·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 23, 2022

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.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 17, 2022

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.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 17, 2022

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.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 15, 2023

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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