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Weekly recap

This week in Council

September 8 to September 14, 2023

19 introduced2 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.

City Council·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 14, 2023

City Council Moves to Shield Exonerated Philadelphians from Job Rejection Based on Overturned Convictions

Philadelphia residents who've had their wrongful convictions overturned may finally get a second chance at employment, as City Council aims to ban employers from rejecting applicants with expunged records, regardless of past mistakes. Hundreds could benefit from this proposed legislation.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 26, 2023

Philadelphia Requires Notice and Permits for Long-Term Construction Projects on City Streets and Sidewalks

This bill amends the city's Right of Way Management policy to require notice and permits for construction projects that last more than 7 days, affecting streets and sidewalks in Philadelphia.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 14, 2023

Chestnut Hill Business Improvement District Gets New Lease on Life in Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Philadelphia's largest BID would be allowed to raise $250,000 annually from local property owners under a proposed measure, with funds used for everything from street cleaning to holiday decorations.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 2, 2023

City Council Proposes Rezoning Land Along Germantown Avenue from Allegheny to Rittenhouse Streets

Small business owners along Germantown Avenue are facing uncertain futures as City Council debates rezoning plans that could bring in big-box stores and displace long-time eateries and shops. Neighborhood residents worry about losing their community character.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 26, 2023

Newsstands in Philly Get Green Light to Sell Wider Range of Merchandise Including Phones and Local Attraction Tickets

Small Business Owners Cheer as Council Votes to Lift Restrictions on Food Cart Vendors in City Parks, Allowing Them to Stay Later and Sell More Items. The new rules would allow food cart vendors to stay open until 10 PM and sell a broader selection of goods, including hot prepared foods, beverages, and specialty items.

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City Government·LapsedIntroduced Sep 14, 2023

Council sought to revise Philadelphia parking regulations for angle parking orientations.

This bill revises parking regulations and fines related to angle parking in Philadelphia.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 14, 2023

Aramingo Avenue Shopping District Extended Beyond Original End Date Amid Plans for New Improvements

Businesses along Aramingo Avenue will soon benefit from new upgrades after city council voted to extend the shopping district's lifespan, paving the way for a fresh wave of revitalization efforts. Property owners will chip in through special assessment fees.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 2, 2023

Temporary Demolition Moratorium Established in Wissahickon Historic District Area

This bill creates a temporary moratorium on demolishing buildings in the Wissahickon Historic District, which is bounded by Ridge Avenue, Rochelle Avenue, Vicaris Street, and Hermit Street.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 26, 2023

Clear Nylon Cord to Be Installed Along Public Rights-Of-Way In Wynnefield And Overbrook Neighborhoods

Cord-cutting not included: a local Jewish organization will install a 2-mile network of clear nylon cord to create a sacred boundary for its members in Wynnefield and Overbrook. The move aims to respect traditional Jewish practices in Philadelphia's neighborhoods.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 16, 2023

Brewerytown-Sharswood Overlay Zoning Subarea Created in Philadelphia Zoning Code Amendments

Residents of Brewerytown and Sharswood can expect to see taller buildings along 22nd Street as a new zoning overlay takes effect, doubling the maximum height from 60 feet to 120 feet overnight.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 30, 2023

Philadelphia to Expand Video Monitoring and Enforcement of Nuisance Businesses Selling Drug Paraphernalia

This bill allows Philadelphia to better enforce laws against nuisance businesses that sell drug paraphernalia by expanding video monitoring and requiring additional enforcement mechanisms.

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Business & Commerce·LapsedIntroduced Sep 14, 2023

Council proposes mandatory shopping cart containment systems for large retail businesses

Philadelphia businesses with 10 or more shopping carts will be required to implement cart containment systems, preventing customers from taking carts out of designated parking areas. Affected retailers must enforce the new rule under specific terms and conditions.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 26, 2023

Sidewalk Café Permitted at East Albert Street Location

Small Business Owners in South Philly's Commercial Corridor to Get Reprieve from Parking Tickets Under New Council Plan A proposed ordinance would exempt owners of small businesses in the 17th and 18th Police Districts from parking tickets issued between midnight and 6am on weekdays, helping to keep late-night employees safe.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 26, 2023

Sidewalk Café Permitted at 1524 S. 10th Street in Philadelphia Under Certain Terms

This bill allows a business at 1524 S.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 26, 2023

Restaurant Owner Gets Greenlight to Transform 817 Christian Street Sidewalk into Bustling Outdoor Café Space

This bill allows a restaurant at 817 Christian Street to install and maintain an outdoor sidewalk café with tables and seating.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 30, 2023

Charles Baker Recreation Center Renamed to Honor Carol Baker Rice's Contributions

Low-Income Families to Save Thousands as Philly Council Passes Measure to Increase Property Tax Rebates for City Homeowners Making Under $50,000 a Year. Philly Seniors Can Breathe Easy with New Bill Mandating Affordable Air Quality Monitoring in City Schools and Parks.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 2, 2023

City Set to Rezone Lex Street as Council Approves Vacation of Portion Along Thompson Street

This bill allows for a change to the City Plan by vacating (removing) a portion of Lex Street from the map and releasing the city from any liability related to this change.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 26, 2023

Girard Avenue Café Expands onto Sidewalk with City Approval Pending Proper Permits

This bill allows a café to install tables and chairs on the sidewalk in front of their business at 635 W Girard Ave.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 26, 2023

Sidewalk Café Coming to 29th Street: City Council Approves Temporary Installation for Otto's Taproom & Grille Establishment

Cheers are in store for residents along 29th Street as the city council greenlights a temporary outdoor seating area for Otto's Taproom & Grille, pending approval from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.

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