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Weekly recap

This week in Council

May 31 to June 6, 2024

6 introduced12 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

Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 6, 2024

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.

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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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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 6, 2024

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.

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Public Safety·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 6, 2024

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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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 6, 2024

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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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 6, 2024

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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Education·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 6, 2024

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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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 6, 2024

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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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 6, 2024

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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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 6, 2024

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.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Jun 6, 2024

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.

Business & Commerce·In CommitteeIntroduced Jun 6, 2024

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.

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Environment·In CommitteeIntroduced Jun 6, 2024

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.

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Business & Commerce·In CommitteeIntroduced Jun 6, 2024

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.

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Transportation·In CommitteeIntroduced Jun 6, 2024

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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Education·Signed Into LawSigned May 8, 2025

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.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Oct 10, 2024

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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