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Weekly recap

This week in Council

June 2 to June 8, 2023

5 introduced6 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

Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 8, 2023

Property Owners in Third Councilmanic District Get New Affordable Housing Incentive

Philadelphia Homeowners May Be Able to Build Affordable Housing Without Breaking the Bank; Proposed Plan Allows Property Owners to Donate Land and Reduce Development Costs.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 8, 2023

City Council Proposes Shifting Affordable Housing District Boundaries Near Southwest Philly Neighborhoods

This bill amends an existing law related to affordable housing preservation in a specific neighborhood near Filbert Street and 40th Street.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 8, 2023

East Poplar neighborhood gets new zoning district with building height limits and roof deck ban

This bill creates a new zoning district in the East Poplar neighborhood, limiting building heights and prohibiting roof decks.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 8, 2023

Center City Overlay District Zoning Regulations Amended in South Street and Head House Square Areas

Philadelphia's iconic South Street will see new restrictions on large chain stores and bars under a proposed overhaul of zoning laws aimed at preserving its local character and small businesses' vitality. Small business owners are watching closely as the changes could impact their bottom line.

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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 8, 2023

Holy Family University's Master Plan gets major overhaul with new Welcome Center, sports facilities coming to NE Philly

Holy Family University's plans for its 26-acre campus are about to get a major upgrade, with a new state-of-the-art Welcome Center and sports facilities set to sprout up on an existing playing field.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 8, 2023

City Refinances Debt with Ability to Refund Bonds and Use Proceeds for Related Costs

Philly homeowners may see reduced property tax bills after City Council passes measure allowing refunds on $1 billion in outstanding debt, potentially saving residents hundreds of dollars annually.

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Newly introduced

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

Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 26, 2023

Cameras Coming to Philly Streets: New System Targets Parking Violators Near Mass Transit Hubs

City Council Advances Plan to Monitor Homeless Encampments: Proposed Ordinance Would Limit Occupancy Timeouts to 24 Hours, Allow Social Services Interventions

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 26, 2023

Angle Parking Rolls Out Citywide: New Rules Set Fines for Illicit Street Turns

Philadelphia residents can expect a shake-up in parking habits as the city introduces angle parking on 400 city blocks, but drivers who ignore signs will face steep fines, up to $500 per infraction.

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Public Safety·LapsedIntroduced Jun 8, 2023

Drifting Now Banned on Philly Streets with Hefty Fines and Car Confiscations Coming Soon

Drifting drivers face hefty fines of $2,000 and potential car confiscation in Philadelphia's new anti-drifting law. Intentional skidding sideways, also known as "doughnuts" or "spin-outs," is now prohibited on city streets.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 26, 2023

Morse and Allen Streets Up for Revision as City Looks to Update Neighborhood Maps

This bill allows for a change in City Plan No.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 26, 2023

Philadelphia City Plan Revised: Vacating Addison Street and Reserving Sewer Right of Way Ahead

Addison Street residents face uncertain future as proposed city plan revamps neighborhood's layout, potentially altering traffic flow and property values in the process. Homeowners along the affected stretch will be required to sign off on the changes.

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