Weekly recap
This week in Council
May 31 to June 6, 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.
250099
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.
260765
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.
260801
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.
260797
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.
260830
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.
260854
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.
260764
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.
260855
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.
260896
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.
260793
Became law
City Council Votes to Raise Homestead Exclusion Deduction for Thousands of Local Homeowners
Thousands of Philly homeowners are set to see their property tax bills shrink, thanks to a City Council vote that boosts the homestead exemption by $20,000, providing much-needed relief to seniors and low-income families.
240492
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.
240472
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
Citizens Police Oversight Board Rules Overhaul Takes Center Stage at City Hall Debate
Philadelphia residents could soon have more influence over who polices their neighborhoods as a contentious overhaul of the Citizens Police Oversight Board's rules sparks debate among City Council members. Critics say it gives too much power to the mayor's office.
240330
Philadelphia Expands Definition of Hate Crimes to Include Broader Range of Qualifying Crimes
Philadelphia's hate crime laws are being revised to broaden the types of crimes considered, potentially expanding protections for victims. The changes would add new categories of hate crimes.
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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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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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Mandatory Funding for Philadelphia Housing Trust Fund Signed into Law
Mandatory funding for the city's Housing Trust Fund is up for a vote, as City Council proposes making annual appropriations to it a requirement in the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
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City Council Tackles Housing Bias Protecting Thousands of Philly Residents on Public Assistance Benefits Daily
A new proposal would require landlords to prove they have a legitimate reason to turn away Section 8 tenants, while also streamlining the complaint process for Philly residents on public assistance who face housing bias.
240060
City Council Moves to Block Crushing Real Estate Tax Hikes for Struggling Philly Families
Low-Income Philly Homeowners Face Massive Tax Hikes After City Reassesses Properties; Council Proposes Plan to Curb Burdensome Increases and Prevent Loss of Homes Through Foreclosure.
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Newly introduced
Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.
Philadelphia Businesses Face Stricter Penalties for Violence and Interference with Police Investigations
Philadelphia businesses will face stricter penalties for engaging in violent behavior or obstructing police investigations under a new ordinance amendment aimed at defining "critical nuisance businesses." The change clarifies consequences for repeatedly violent or obstructionist establishments.
240582
City Takes Control: Public Infrastructure Coming to Country Club Roads Amid Resident Demands for Improved Services
Philadelphia's Water Commissioner will soon take control of private water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure on several roads in the city, entering into agreements with property owners to transfer ownership. The infrastructure spans parts of Country Club Roads, Mimi Circle, and Lankenau Avenue.
240580
Philadelphia Council Proposes Overnight Business Shutdowns in West Philly Neighborhood to Reduce Noise Complaints
West Philly businesses will be forced to close between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. under new proposed rules, with violators facing fines of up to $500 per day.
240579
City Council Approves Installation of All-Way Stop Signs on Busy Chalfont Drive and Calera Road Intersection
All-way stop signs are coming to the intersection of Chalfont Drive and Calera Road, as authorized by City Council following PennDOT regulations. The installation aims to improve safety at this busy Philadelphia intersection.
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City Council Unveils Plan to Rename Overbrook Park Branch Library After Beloved Local Leader Congressman Brady
A Philadelphia institution is getting a new name: the Overbrook Park Branch Library, which serves thousands of residents in West Philly, could soon be renamed after beloved former Rep. Bob Brady.
240581
City Council Votes to Greenlight Private Development Over Public Space on Whitby Avenue
This bill allows a property owner at 5217-5219 Whitby Avenue to build an extension onto their property that will encroach on public space.
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