Weekly recap
This week in Council
November 10 to November 16, 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.
250099
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.
260831
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.
260855
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.
260895
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.
260793
Became law
Philadelphia Receives $163 Million in Federal Disaster Relief Funds for Ida Recovery Efforts
Council Votes Down Proposal to Expand Rent Control for Small Businesses Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty; Owners Say Measure Would Have Crushed them, but Tenant Advocates Call It a Lifeline.
230654
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.
230574-A
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Acquires City Land from Redevelopment Authority for Various Properties
This bill allows the City of Philadelphia to acquire land from the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority for various properties across the city.
230835
City Unveils Ambitious Revitalization Plan for North 18th Street Corridor with Mixed-Use Developments and Public Spaces.
Residents along North 18th Street are set for a major transformation as a proposed development plan brings new shops, homes, and community spaces to the area; neighborhood leaders say it's long overdue but still raise concerns about gentrification.
230829
City Leases North Broad Property Space for Popular Nicetown-Tioga Library Branch Expansion
Residents near Nicetown-Tioga Library are about to see their neighborhood hub expand as city officials seek approval to lease a nearby property, potentially doubling the library's space and services for low-income families and seniors.
230864
Staircase Encroachment Permitted on South 8th Street with City Design Approval Required
This bill allows the owners of a property at 1446 S 8th St to install a staircase that encroaches onto the sidewalk by about 3 feet.
230861
City Expands Chestnut Street Office Space with 26,000 Square Foot Sublease Amendment
City Hall is set to double down on downtown with a major expansion of its office space on Chestnut Street, more than tripling its current footprint in a move that will bring in hundreds of city workers.
230858
Sidewalk Vending Permitted in 6th Councilmanic District Neighborhood Business District
Residents and shoppers along Bustleton and Cottman Avenues are poised to see a colorful boost as city council votes to permit up to 8 street vendors to peddle fresh produce and bouquets in the bustling commercial corridor.
230856
Philadelphia Streets Come off Official Maps as City Prepares Way for Potential Development Projects
Low-Income Philadelphians Could Pay More in Water Bills Under Proposed Rate Hike, Frustrating Advocates Who Say It's Unfair to Those Already Struggling to Make Ends Meet. The rate hike would increase water bills by 3% annually for three years, affecting over 150,000 low-income households and seniors who rely on the city's reduced rate program.
230853
Melville Street and surrounding streets to be paved under new city authorization
Residents on eight west Philadelphia streets can expect smoother commutes after city officials greenlit a major road repair project that will resurface worn pavement and improve traffic flow.
230852
Council Orders Office to Report on Troublesome Camping Spots Across Philly Neighborhoods Immediately
Council requires Office of the Managing Director to report on city code-violating camping activities and enforcement efforts to City Council. Reports must detail these issues immediately, under new law taking effect in the city's codes.
230847
Council proposed adding new chapter to Philly Code requiring quarterly opioid antidote reports
City Council requires quarterly reports on opioid antidote use, including data on frequency and location of administration, from the Office of the Managing Director. The new requirement aims to shed light on the City's use of overdose-reversing medication.
230846
City Rolls Out Traffic Calming Measures at Recreation Centers Across Philadelphia Today
The City of Philadelphia is expanding its traffic calming measure program to include recreation centers, allowing the Department of Streets to install speed bumps and other safety features around these locations. The changes are set to take effect with certain terms and conditions.
230845
City Seeks Warehouse Space on Frankford Avenue for Municipal Use Under New Sublease Agreement
Plan to Convert Abandoned Lot into Affordable Housing Moves Forward; Council Seeks to Allocate $2 Million in Funding to Rebuild Vacant Land on North 52nd Street into 20 New Apartments.
230844
Parking Regulations Established in Philadelphia Neighborhoods Along Ellsworth and S. 16th Streets
This bill establishes new parking regulations in various Philadelphia neighborhoods, including time limits and days of enforcement.
230842
Philadelphia to Impose Two-Hour Parking Limit in Several City Neighborhoods
This bill establishes two-hour parking regulations in various locations throughout Philadelphia, including specific streets and intersections.
230834
City Secures Warehouse Lease on East Comly Street for Expanded Fire Department Operations
Philadelphia firefighters are getting a bigger home as the city leases a massive warehouse on East Comly Street to expand training facilities and house more emergency vehicles, just blocks away from the Northeast's busiest firehouses. The move aims to streamline response times in one of Philly's fastest-growing neighborhoods.
230827
Restaurant Owners Cleared for Sidewalk Café Expansion on Bustling East Allegheny Avenue Business Strip
Local Homeowners Face Higher Water Bills as City Council Considers Rate Hike to Fund Aging Sewer System Repairs; Residents in low-lying areas worry about increased costs on fixed incomes. Philadelphia Drivers Could See Fees Spike for Parking Tickets under New Proposal to Boost Revenue for City's Cash-Starved Streets Department.
230862
City Takes Control of More Office Space at Historic Market Street Property
The City Council authorized an amendment to a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to allow the city to use additional space at 1101 Market Street for office space.
230859
Council proposed revising streets near Powelton Avenue and Busti Street intersections
City Council bill aims to revise street plans near Drexel campus and Busti Street intersection for improved roadways and intersections. Property owners would be required to release city from liability in these areas.
230850
Sidewalk Café Set for Powelton Avenue as City Council OKs Permits for Outdoor Seating Area
A new outdoor dining spot is headed to West Philly: the city council has approved permits for a sidewalk café on busy Powelton Avenue, despite neighbors' concerns about noise and trash.
230849
Philly Streets to Get New Layout in North Market District Area
This bill allows for revisions to be made to City Plan Nos.
230848
New Parking Rules Established in Four Philadelphia Neighborhood Areas
Residents of four West Philly neighborhoods face stiff new parking fines starting next month as council votes to impose time limits on busy streets, restricting drivers to just an hour or two in some areas.
230843
City Council Approves Lease Amendment for Additional Office Space on Busy South Broad Street Corner
Developers eyeing coveted spot on Broad Street's vibrant intersection scored a major coup as the city council approved a key lease deal, paving the way for more offices to sprout up alongside trendy eateries and shops.
230839
Restaurant Owners Get Green Light to Transform East Ann Street into Bustling Sidewalk Café Destination
This bill allows a restaurant at 2636 East Ann Street to install and maintain a sidewalk café with tables and seating for approximately 78 people.
230863
Previous Ordinance Repealed Regarding Addison Street Vacation and Sewer Right of Way
Residents who own property near Addison Street are holding their breath as City Council debates whether to revive stalled development plans or preserve a beloved community green space.
230860
City Clears Way for Luxury Development Above Viaduct Rail Park as Easement Deal Takes Shape
Luxury apartments may soon sprout above the trendy Viaduct Rail Park as city council gives green light to easement deal; nearby residents worry about loss of park shade and increased density. City gives Famell, LLC a free pass to build high-rise on North 13th Street by modifying easements near the popular Viaduct Rail Park.
230857
City Leases Orthodox Street Warehouse for Five Years, Options for Renewal, in Deal Worth Thousands to Taxpayers
Philadelphia Small Businesses Face Increased Parking Fees Under New Ordinance Mandating Metered Spaces in High-Traffic Areas Council members propose raising parking meter fees to $4 an hour in high-traffic commercial districts, a move that could affect over 1,000 small businesses and thousands of employees.
230855
City Approves 15-Year Lease for Warehouse and Office Space on New State Road
Philadelphia taxpayers are on the hook for nearly $2 million in annual rent as City Council approved a 15-year lease for warehouse and office space at 6601 New State Road. Small businesses and residents along the growing corridor may benefit from the new facilities.
230854
City Council Clears Way for Leases at Popular Southwest Philly Recreation Center
A long-awaited makeover could soon be in store for the Sayre Morris Recreation Center, as city officials voted to allow leasing of a key section to generate funds for upgrades. Local kids will reap the benefits of fresh facilities.
230851
Canopies Approved for The Bellevue Building at 200 S Broad St.
This bill allows the owner of The Bellevue building at 200 S Broad St to install projecting canopies and planters on the west sidewalk, with certain restrictions to maintain clear passable space.
230841
City Plans to Lease Partial Control of Bainbridge Street Property for Homeless Shelter Services
Homeless residents may soon have a new place to call home, as city officials propose leasing city-owned property on Bainbridge Street to operate a much-needed shelter and support services for local vulnerable populations.
230840
City Council Renames Corner of Parkside Avenue and Belmont Avenue in Tribute to Philly's Negro League Legacy
Community activists hailed the decision, citing the park's proximity to Shibe Park, where the legendary Stars once played as part of the Negro Leagues, a vital piece of Philly's rich baseball heritage.
230838
City Greenlights Constellation Culinary Group to Run Event Planning and Catering at Fairmount Park Horticulture Center for Years
Constellation Culinary Group is set to manage event planning and catering at Fairmount Park's Horticulture Center under a multiyear agreement with the City of Philadelphia. The deal could last up to six years.
230837
New Sidewalk Café Coming to Fleming Street: Council Approves Permit for Outdoor Seating Area
Fleming Street businesses are about to get a boost as City Council gives the green light for an outdoor dining area, bringing more vibrancy to the historic neighborhood's commercial corridor.
230836
City Leases Space in Downtown Building at 1500 JFK for Storage Use
Philadelphia residents could see a new "storage village" pop up near City Hall, with a proposed city plan to lease 20,000 square feet in a downtown building for storing city equipment and supplies.
230833
City Taps Sublease Deal for Broad Street Building Space Amid Ongoing Government Operations Needs
Philadelphia homeowners may see their property taxes increase as city council considers a measure that would allow for additional assessments on newly constructed homes and apartments in the city's hottest neighborhoods. Under the proposal, thousands of residents could face bigger tax bills each year.
230832
City Seeks New Storage Space on JFK Blvd as Public Property Commissioner Signs Sublease Pact
Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher Tax Bills Under New Legislation as Council Approves Proposed Property Tax Increase of $70 per Average City Household. This bill raises property tax revenues by increasing the millage rate on commercial and industrial properties to fund city services and infrastructure improvements.
230831
City Council Approves Leases for North Broad Street Space From Charitable Trust Through 2033
Philadelphia Homeowners Could Face Steep Fines for Leaking Faucets Under Proposed Council Measure Proposed changes to the city's plumbing code could slap homeowners with fines of up to $1,000 if their leaky faucets waste more than a certain amount of water per day.
230830
Vine Street Expansion Unveiled as City Claims 20 Feet of Public Roadway in North Philly
This bill officially declares a section of Vine Street in North Philadelphia to be part of the public right-of-way, making it open to traffic.
230828