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Weekly recap

This week in Council

November 24 to November 30, 2023

1 introduced8 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

City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 30, 2023

Council Proposes Indemnifying Community Groups from Financial Risks in Zoning Debates

Philadelphia residents who band together to protest developments or advocate for neighborhood preservation may soon be shielded from costly lawsuits if a City Council proposal becomes law. Council Seeks to Limit Police Union's Right to Sue the City Over Officer Discipline A new measure aims to restrict the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) union's ability to sue the city in cases wher

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 30, 2023

Philadelphia City Council Votes to Give Parking Authority New Lease on Life Through 2087

Parking Fines Could Soon Be a Thing of the Past for Low-Income Drivers Under Proposed Council Plan. Low-income Philadelphians would no longer have to pay parking fines as part of a proposed council resolution aimed at easing financial burdens on struggling residents.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 30, 2023

City Council Passes New Regulations on Shared Retaining Walls

This bill amends city codes to regulate shared retaining walls, including fines and licensing requirements for owners.

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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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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·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 30, 2023

City Council OKs Sidewalk Café Permits For The Rook Manayunk on Bustling Cresson Street Corner

This bill allows a business called The Rook Manayunk at 4001 Cresson Street to install an outdoor sidewalk café with tables and seating for customers.

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Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 30, 2023

City Council Moves to Ban Face Masks in Public Spaces Amid Growing Crime Concerns Downtown

Philadelphia City Council Unveils Plan to Mandate Paid Sick Leave for All Service Industry Workers by Next Summer, a move advocates say is long overdue but businesses warn could be devastating.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Nov 30, 2023

Trucks Restricted from Parking Along Specific Streets in Philadelphia

This law prohibits trucks from parking on both sides of 52nd Street between Arlington and West Berks Streets, and on one side of 53rd Street between Lebanon Avenue and Arlington Street.

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Newly introduced

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