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Weekly recap

This week in Council

April 26 to May 2, 2024

17 introduced1 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 Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

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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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Sep 5, 2024

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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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

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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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeIntroduced May 2, 2024

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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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

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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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

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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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

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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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned May 30, 2024

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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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

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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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

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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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

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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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

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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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

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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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

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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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 6, 2024

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.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

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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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

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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