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Weekly recap

This week in Council

September 16 to September 22, 2022

10 introduced1 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

Newly introduced

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

Public Safety·LapsedIntroduced Sep 22, 2022

Philadelphia Offers Cash Rewards to Citizens Who Help Crack Major Crimes and Civil Infractions

Citizens can now receive cash rewards for providing tips that lead to convictions in major crimes and civil infractions, under a new program established by the City Council.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 8, 2022

Philadelphia City Council OKs Plan to Borrow 215 Million Dollars for Key Projects and Expenses

Philly Set to Invest Heavily in Infrastructure: Council Approves Massive Loan to Fund Everything from Road Repairs to New Fire Stations, Allowing City to Keep Pace with Growing Needs.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2022

New Parking Rules Roll Out for Busy Philly Corners Amid Complaints of Congestion and Overcrowding

Philadelphia drivers are in for a change: new parking restrictions are set to take hold at four busy intersections where congestion has become a major headache for residents and commuters alike.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2022

Philadelphia Council Creates Parking Restrictions in Multiple Neighborhoods Amid Traffic Concerns Mounting

This bill establishes new parking regulations in several Philadelphia neighborhoods, including restrictions on time and location for parking.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2022

Parking Restrictions Installed in Philadelphia Neighborhoods Along Several Streets

This bill establishes parking regulations in specific neighborhoods of Philadelphia, limiting parking to 2 hours during certain times of day.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 1, 2022

City Imposes Two-Hour Parking Fines on Busy Philly Streets Including Ellsworth Federal Intersection Zones

Philadelphia's 60,000 renters are set to lose access to free street parking under a proposed ordinance that would charge them up to $30 per day to park on some city streets.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 2, 2023

Commissioners Banned from Holding Public Office and Donating to Politicians

Philadelphia residents who serve on the Citizens Police Oversight Commission may soon be forced to choose between advocating for police reform and holding elected office.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 17, 2022

Sharswood and Harlan Streets in West Philly Set for Major Overhaul Amid City Plan Revision

Philadelphia's Aging Water Infrastructure Gets a Boost as Council Passes Bill Requiring Regular Inspections and Faster Repairs, Ensuring Safer Drinking Water for City Residents. Council Members Unite to Protect Philly's Low-Income Homeowners from Rising Utility Bills, Introducing Measure to Cap Annual Increases at 2%.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 16, 2023

City Council Prepares Special Election Ballot with Proposal to Boost Rainy Day Fund Contributions

Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Tax Bills as City Council Proposes New Assessment Fees for Vacant Properties, With Revenue Hoped to Fund Community Revitalization Efforts.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 17, 2022

City Plotting Utility Right-of-Way Near West Crown Avenue Intersection Moves Forward Slowly Amid Conditions

Utility companies inch closer to securing a coveted right-of-way near a busy NW Philadelphia intersection, but local residents still await word on whether their private properties will be impacted by the change.

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