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Weekly recap

This week in Council

January 13 to January 19, 2023

10 introduced0 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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Newly introduced

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

Budget & Finance·LapsedIntroduced Jan 19, 2023

Council Moves to Widen Access to Philly's Recreation Fund with Expanded Grant Process Begins

Philadelphia's Recreation Fund gets a boost as Council expands grant process, allowing At-Large members to bring proposals to funding board. New applicants can now access up to $1 billion annually in recreation dollars.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 13, 2023

Market Street Corridor Expansion Plan Advances Amid Calls for Mixed-Income Housing and TOD Zones Growth

Philadelphia's Fading Small Businesses Get a Reprieve with New Bill Requiring Developers to Set Aside Commercial Space A proposed city law would force developers of new buildings over 20,000 square feet to dedicate at least 10% of their properties for small businesses and community use in gentrifying neighborhoods.

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Civil Rights·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 22, 2023

Philadelphia City Council Moves to Erase Discriminatory Language from Life Partnerships Benefits for All Couples

Low-Income Families to Get Reprieve: Council Proposes Free Parking Relief for City Residents with Medical Permits The measure would exempt residents holding medical parking permits from paying meters and kiosks in city-owned parking lots, bringing relief to those struggling with mobility issues.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Feb 16, 2023

Council Proposes Exempting Citizens Police Oversight Staff from Civil Service Rules in Upcoming Special Election

Philadelphia Residents Face Higher Water Bills Starting Next Month as Council Considers Plan to End Subsidy for Low-Income Families; thousands of low-income households could see their monthly water bills rise by up to $100.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 30, 2023

Trucks Banned from Parkside Ave Parking After Council Unanimous Vote to Limit Truck Congestion.

Local residents breathe a sigh of relief as Philadelphia City Council votes 14-0 to ban truck parking along North Parkside Avenue, targeting notorious congestion hotspot near Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

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Budget & Finance·LapsedIntroduced Jan 19, 2023

Finance Director Gets Green Light to Transfer $2 Million for Philly Police Department Needs

Finance Director authorized to transfer $2 million from Grants Revenue Fund to the General Fund for the Police Department's materials, supplies and equipment. The funds will be used to meet departmental needs.

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Environment·LapsedIntroduced Jan 19, 2023

Council seeks tougher regulations on public street repairs in Philadelphia

Permittees repairing public street openings must now pay all outstanding charges, fines, and penalties before securing a permit, with daily penalties of up to $150 for non-compliance affecting contractors in Philadelphia.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 9, 2023

Philadelphia Council Clarifies Zoning Definitions in Revised City Code

Neighborhood Business Owners Face Uncertainty as City Council Considers Stricter Regulations on Outdoor Signs; Proposed legislation could limit the size and number of signs displayed on commercial properties across the city.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Apr 20, 2023

Semi-trailers and truck tractors now face up to $500 fine for on-street parking in Philly.

Truck drivers who ignore "No Truck Zone" signs will face a hefty price tag, as city officials aim to squeeze giant rigs off narrow Philly streets with new, steeper fines. A surge in large trucks clogging neighborhood roads has prompted Councilmembers to propose stricter enforcement and higher penalties for truckers who park on residential streets.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Mar 30, 2023

Truck Parking Ban Takes Effect Along North 57th Street Near Lansdowne and Media Avenues

A new law prohibits truck parking on both sides of North 57th Street between Lansdowne Avenue and Media Street.

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