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Weekly recap

This week in Council

May 10 to May 16, 2024

11 introduced3 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.

Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 6, 2024

Philly Law Bans Certain Firearms Speed Boosters

Philadelphia residents could soon face stiffer penalties for possessing "bump stocks" after a City Council proposal aims to ban the device's use in the city, reigniting debate over gun control and public safety.

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Zoning & Development·In CommitteeIntroduced May 16, 2024

Philadelphia Council Moves to Strengthen Laws Targeting Vacant Houses and Public Nuisances throughout City Neighborhoods

Council members Jones, Landau, and Harrity introduce legislation to revise the Necessary Urgent Repair Program in the city's property maintenance code, targeting public nuisances in multi-family and vacant homes.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

Philadelphia Council Passes Law Regulating Business Hours in Two North Philadelphia Areas

This bill regulates the hours of operation for certain businesses in two specific areas of North Philadelphia.

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Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

Philadelphia Residents Face New Rules Limiting Large Vehicle Parking in Neighborhood Streets

Boats, motor homes, and RVs will no longer be allowed to park in certain areas of Philadelphia under new rules imposed by City Council. The restrictions aim to limit large vehicle parking in neighborhood streets.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

Business Hours Restricted in Area Bound by East Allegheny and Kensington Avenues

This bill regulates business hours and sets penalties for certain establishments in a specific area bounded by East Allegheny Avenue, Kensington Avenue, Torresdale Avenue, and Frankford Avenue.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

City Council Moves to Boost Economic Growth in Designated Neighborhoods Through Extended Incentives and Perks

A new proposal would forgive up to 75% of property taxes for Philadelphia's small business owners in low-income neighborhoods, a move aimed at spurring job growth and revitalization in underserved communities.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

Philadelphia Council Votes to Enforce Strict Business Hour Restrictions on Ogontz Avenue Businesses

This bill regulates hours of operation for certain businesses in a specific area bounded by Ogontz Avenue between Haines Street and 66th Avenue.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

City Council Orders Philly's Big Hospitals to Chip In for Municipal Expenses

Philly's largest hospitals will soon be writing bigger checks to City Hall, as a new mandate requires them to kick in millions more each year for municipal expenses like street cleaning and police services.

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City Government·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

Zoning Board Quorum Rule Undergoes Dramatic Shift Amid Growing Community Concerns About Transparency

Philadelphia residents who pack zoning board meetings will now have a majority of their voices represented, as the number of required board members shifts from four to just two.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

Midvale Avenue Sidewalk Café Wins Approval for Expanded Permits to Operate Downtown

This bill allows a specific sidewalk café to operate in a designated area on Midvale Avenue, subject to certain terms and conditions.

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Community & Neighborhoods·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 13, 2024

City Council Votes to Allow Eruv Markers in University City as Part of Proposed Orthodox Community Development

Tensions rise between residents and developers in University City as City Council approves plan for 20 miles of overhead markers to be installed, sparking concerns about aesthetics and impact on local businesses.

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