Weekly recap
This week in Council
March 8 to March 14, 2024
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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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
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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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.
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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
Council Moves Forward with Expanded Traffic Calming Measures for City's Recreation Hubs
This bill expands traffic calming measures in Philadelphia by allowing the Department of Streets to install them near recreation centers, playgrounds, parks, and libraries.
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Street Vending Prohibited on 54th Ward Streets Following Passage into Law
This bill prohibits street vending in the 54th Ward of Philadelphia.
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Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
City Council Unveils $6 Billion Budget Blueprint for Fiscal Year 2025 Amid Fierce Debate Over Tax Revenue Allocations
This bill adopts the Philadelphia City budget for Fiscal Year 2025, outlining how tax dollars will be spent and managed.
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City Council Unveils Ambitious Plan to Pour Billions into Philly's Aging Roads and Bridges
This bill outlines a multi-year capital program for Philadelphia from 2025 to 2030, which would guide city spending on large-scale projects and infrastructure development.
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Philadelphia Council Approves Blueprint for 2025 Capital Projects Budget with Major Infrastructure Boost
Philadelphia's capital budget for 2025 has been approved, allocating funds for infrastructure and public works improvements across the city. The plan includes a major boost for city spending.
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Philadelphia Homeowners Face Higher School Taxes as City Rate Drops in New Proposal
A proposed change to Philadelphia's property tax code would shift more of the financial burden for local schools onto homeowners' shoulders, while simultaneously lowering the overall tax rate paid by city residents.
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Tioga Urban Renewal Area Redevelopment Proposal Amended to Align with Neighborhood Plan
Philadelphia city officials have revised the Tioga Urban Renewal Plan to align with a community-approved blueprint, affecting the area generally bounded by Hunting Park Avenue and Broad Street. The changes aim to make it consistent with the Tioga Redevelopment Area Plan.
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Council Aims to Fix Congested Streets with New Parking Rules for Several Philly Neighborhoods
This bill establishes parking regulations in various streets across Philadelphia to better manage traffic and parking.
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City Council Moves to Clamp Down On Parking Restrictions In Popular Residential Neighborhoods
Furious Residents Speak Out as City Council Proposes Overhauling Parking Rules on Bustling Streets Like 63rd Avenue and Ridge Avenue.
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Council Proposal Aims to Give Philly Homeowners Fair Shot at Buying Back Their Own Properties
Low-Income Tenants Could Soon Face Eviction as Council Considers Bill Allowing Rent Increases Above Inflation Rate The proposed bill would raise the cap on annual rent hikes from 3% to 5%, affecting tens of thousands of renters in Philadelphia's aging housing stock.
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Philadelphia Council Votes To Rein In Late Night Hours For Kensington Area Businesses Starting Immediately
Businesses in Kensington area must now operate between 6am and 11pm, with fines for those that stay open later; restrictions are set to expire on January 1, 2028.
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New Parking Rules Go Into Effect for Busy South Philly Commercial Corridors
This bill establishes parking regulations in specific areas of Philadelphia to guide where and how people can park their cars.
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Council Members Revise City's Multi Billion Dollar Capital Budget Ahead of Next Year's Spending Deadline
Philadelphia homeowners would pay more in annual fees to fund city infrastructure under a revised capital budget plan approved by council members today, increasing costs for low-income families by up to $200 per year.
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City Council Moves Quickly to Install New Parking Restrictions on Certain South Philly Side Streets
This bill establishes parking regulations on specific streets in South Philadelphia to improve traffic flow and public safety.
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Parking rules established for select streets and avenues across Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Philadelphia's Oldest Historic Districts to Get Major Facelift with Proposed Zoning Laws Under the new rules, homeowners would be required to install security cameras on all exterior doors and windows within 90 days of enactment.
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South Philadelphia streets get new parking regulations with passage of city law
This bill establishes parking regulations on specific streets in South Philadelphia.
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Parking Regulations Established for Four Specific Philadelphia Street Intersections
Angry residents are speaking out against new parking restrictions on four busy streets, which go into effect Monday, limiting drivers to just two hours of parking on Pacific and North Broad Streets among others.
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City Council Approves Overhaul of 2024-2029 Budget to Reflect Latest Fiscal Changes
City Council Approves Overhaul of 2024-2029 Budget to Reflect Latest Fiscal Changes, with appropriation amounts and totals revised to align with recent amendments to the FY2024 Capital Budget Ordinance.
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City Officials Shift Millions in Funds Between Departments to Balance Budget
A proposal before City Council would redirect $12 million from the Streets Department to fund new police recruits, while another $10 million is slated for debt repayment in the Water Revenue Bureau's budget.
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