Weekly recap
This week in Council
April 26 to May 2, 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.
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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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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.
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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'.
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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.
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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.
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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
Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia City Council Approves Major Borrowing Package to Fund Pothole Repairs and New Infrastructure Projects
Residents can expect a smoother ride thanks to a new borrowing package approved by city council, which allocates $300 million for pothole repairs, street resurfacing, and other infrastructure upgrades across 20 neighborhoods.
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City Council Votes to Revive Special Tax District to Boost East Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Efforts
City Council votes to revive special tax district along East Passyunk Avenue and surrounding streets to fund local improvements. Reauthorization will affect property owners within a designated area.
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South Philly Zoning Shifts Boundaries Along Historic Snyder Avenue and 7th Streets
A South Philadelphia neighborhood is about to get a major facelift as zoning laws are rewritten to allow for taller buildings and more commercial space along busy streets, sparking both excitement and concern among residents.
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Council Seeks Clarity on Changes to Non-Confirming Properties in Philadelphia Zoning Code
Philadelphia's zoning code may soon get clearer guidelines for non-confirming properties, making it clear when a property can no longer be considered non-conforming after changes. Discontinued non-confirming uses could lose their status with or without a permit.
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City Simplifies Non-Profit Contract Bids with New Requirements
City Council passes bill simplifying rules for non-profit contract bids, modifying requirements for these organizations under new terms and conditions. Non-profits will face changed regulations in city contracts.
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City Council OKs $500M Airport Borrowing Increase
Philadelphia Airport Set to Soar on Wings of $150 Million Windfall, But City Taxpayers May Foot Bill for Massive Loan Increase as Council Votes to Raise Revenue Bond Ceiling.
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Sidewalk Café Permit Approves Outdoor Seating at 944 North 2nd Street in Philadelphia
This bill allows a sidewalk café to be built at a specific location near 944 North 2nd Street in Philadelphia.
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Philadelphia City Council Approves Renewed Contract to Bring Verizon Cable Services to Neighborhoods
This bill renews a cable TV franchise agreement between the City of Philadelphia and Verizon Pennsylvania LLC for four areas of the city.
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Small Businesses Get Sign-Posting Flexibility in Philadelphia Neighborhood
This bill authorizes private entities to install and maintain structures near certain addresses in Philadelphia's Roxborough neighborhood.
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Farmers Market Stands Permitted on South 52nd Street Between Pine and Osage Avenues
Residents of West Philly's Parkside neighborhood are in for a tasty treat as City Council approves plans for two new farmers market stalls on 52nd Street, bringing fresh produce to one of the city's food deserts.
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Council Votes to Inject Millions into Philly Gas Works Budget Amid Forecasted Expenses Surge
Philadelphia's struggling gas department is set to receive a financial lifeline as City Council members approve a plan to inject millions into its budget, but critics warn it may be a Band-Aid on a larger problem.
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City Begins Selling Bonds to Fund Long Overdue Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation Project
City sells bonds to fund sewer pipe rehabilitation and refinance debt, as authorized by a recently passed City Council ordinance. The bond sales aim to cover costs for long-overdue capital projects and existing financial obligations.
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City Council Approves Plan to Issue Bonds to Fund Airport Upgrades
A plan to upgrade Philadelphia International Airport is taking off with a unanimous vote by City Council, which authorized borrowing $200 million to revamp terminals and roads serving millions of travelers each year.
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City Council Proposes New Rules to Curb Hazardous Tree Branches Damaging City Properties Daily
This bill amends the Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code to add restrictions and remedies for encroaching trees.
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Council Tries to Revamp Neighborhood Landmark Naming It After Local Baseball Legend Dwight Evans
Dwight Evans' storied baseball career is set to get a permanent nod in Philadelphia: Council is pushing to rename the West Oak Lane Library after the legendary slugger, sparking debate among residents.
240370
Philadelphia Signs Exclusive Payroll Banking Deal with Citizens Bank Amid Growing Fiscal Pressures
Families of Philadelphia School District Staffers May Receive Additional Benefits Under New Council Bill. A proposed law would require the district to provide life insurance coverage to part-time and substitute teachers starting in January next year.
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City Council Tries To Untangle Red Tape Surrounding Airport Revenue Bond Fund Management
Philadelphia airports could start getting millions more in annual revenue for infrastructure projects as City Council aims to streamline management of a 25-year-old bond fund, potentially benefiting SEPTA's airport shuttle service.
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