Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 5 to May 11, 2023
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Noise Restrictions Enacted in Two Philadelphia Neighborhoods
This bill prohibits excessive noise from vehicles in two specific areas of Philadelphia: South Street District and Delaware River Entertainment District.
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City To Send Homeowners Clearer Details On Tax Relief Options In Property Notices
Low-Income Families To Get More Time To Pay Backwater Garbage Fees Under Proposed Council Bill The legislation aims to waive late fees for low-income households struggling to pay backwater garbage charges, giving them more time to catch up on payments.
230419
City Mandates Local Newspapers Advertise Tax Relief Programs Amid Growing Foreclosure Crisis in Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Philadelphia Homeowners Struggling with Back Taxes Will Get More Notice of Help as City Council Mandates Free Ads in Local Newspapers for Tax Relief Programs and Counseling Services.
230418
New Bike Lane Installed on North 2nd Street from Race to Market Streets in Philadelphia
This bill creates a new bike lane on North 2nd Street from Race to Market Streets in Philadelphia, removing one travel lane and requiring 'No Stopping Anytime' parking restrictions on the east side of the street.
230417
Bike Lane Installed Along East Market Street from 2nd to 6th Streets
This bill authorizes a bike lane on East Market Street from 2nd to 6th street and adjusts parking regulations in the same area.
230416
Schuylkill River to City Hall: Neighborhood Zoning Map Rewrite Proposed Along Major Roads
Community groups are pushing for a major overhaul of the city's zoning map along the Schuylkill River, which would allow for more high-rise development and denser housing near Drexel University. Residents say it will bring much-needed affordability to the neighborhood.
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Philadelphia Council Unveils Plan to Create Office for People with Disabilities Amid Calls for Improved City Accessibility
Disabled residents of Philly face a labyrinthine system of government offices; under new legislation, they'd have one-stop shop for navigating everything from accessible sidewalks to social services.
230411
Philadelphia Council Votes to Allow Narcotics Injection Sites in Select Neighborhoods Under Strict Regulations
This bill creates a new 'Narcotics Injection Sites Overlay District' in specific neighborhoods of Philadelphia.
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City Council Expands Tax Breaks for Businesses in Keystone Opportunity Zones Throughout Philadelphia
Philadelphia's Small Business Owners Set to Save Big: A proposed city council measure would grant tax breaks to small firms operating in underserved neighborhoods, but critics warn of unequal distribution of incentives.
230408
City Council Votes to Redraw Neighborhood Maps Changing Zoning Rules on Bristol Street to Park Avenue Corridor
Philadelphia's 'Zoning Overlay' Bill Stirs Debate Among Landowners and Small Business Owners Along Bustling Park Avenue Corridor, Raising Concerns About Potential Rent Hikes.
230407
Planters and Seating Areas Permitted on Certain Streets in Philadelphia Under New Ordinance
Philadelphia's Restaurant Workers Will Get More Paid Time Off for Inclement Weather Under Proposed Council Bill Under the proposal, food service workers would be guaranteed paid time off during severe weather events, including snow days, thunderstorms, and heatwaves.
230406
City Tightens Parking Reins on Busy North Philly Streets to Curb Congestion Amid Resident Complaints
Fed-up North Philadelphians Win Small Victory: Parking Restrictions Coming to Troubled Streets; Longtime residents say new rules will finally ease congestion on busy Norris, Page, and Monument streets. New Parking Permits in High-Demand Neighborhoods: Philly Council Approves Ordinance Requiring Commercial Vehicles to Display Stickers After 10 Residents Cite Safety Concerns.
230405
Philadelphia Mandates Lactation Rooms in All City Buildings Starting This Fall For Employees and Visitors
Low-Income Philly Seniors Face Higher Taxes Under Proposed Property Tax Relief Changes A new proposal would limit property tax relief for low-income senior citizens, raising concerns about affordability and fairness for vulnerable residents.
230403
City Sells Off North Philly Land Parcel to State Under Terms Approved by Council
Low-Income Homeowners Face Rent Hikes as Council Approves Measure Relaxing Affordable Housing Protections Philadelphia homeowners with incomes below 80% of area median will no longer be entitled to rent subsidies, potentially forcing thousands into housing insecurity, under new council-approved guidelines.
230414
City of Philadelphia to Acquire 23,595-Square-Foot Land Parcel in Market Street Area
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to buy a plot of land in the area bounded by Market Street, 39th Street, Ludlow Street, and 40th Street for a purpose that is not specified in the bill.
230413
Bike Lane Plan Rolls Out on Bartram Avenue as Council Approves Bike Lane Designations and Parking Changes
This bill creates a designated bike lane on Bartram Avenue from 84th Street to Essington Avenue and changes parking regulations in the area.
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City Approves Contract for Sewer Work on Troubled North Newkirk Street Corridor
Residents who live in the flood-prone row homes along North Newkirk Street are finally getting relief from chronic sewage backups, thanks to a new city contract that will replace outdated pipes and infrastructure.
230404
City Extends Deadline for Vacating Montour Street after Years of Delay
Philadelphia Council Bill Would Let More Tenants Pay Lower Rent, Affecting Thousands in Affordable Housing Program. The proposed legislation would reduce rent burden for low-income families by adjusting payment standards for Section 8 housing subsidies.
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