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Weekly recap

This week in Council

December 6 to December 12, 2024

2 introduced17 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

Transportation·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

Philadelphia Launches Smart Loading Zone Program With Cameras Watching for Abandoned Vehicles

This bill updates Philadelphia's parking regulations to create smart loading zones and use cameras for enforcement.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

City Council Approves Plan Map Changes in Northeast Philadelphia

This bill revises City Plan maps to change some property lines and streets in Northeast Philadelphia.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

Zoning Changes Take Effect on Streets Bounded by 4th St, Pine St, Market St, and Pine St

This bill makes changes to zoning laws in a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by several streets.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

Changes made to zoning in neighborhood bounded by Oxford Street and Germantown Avenue.

Small business owners along Oxford Street could see drastic rent hikes as council proposes rezoning nearly 20 acres to accommodate luxury high-rise developments, sparking fears of gentrification.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

City Council Moves to Shield Packer Avenue Businesses with Zoning Map Overhaul Proposal Unveiled

Philadelphia City Council is set to vote on a proposal that would rezone nearly 200 blocks in South Philadelphia, potentially saving long-time businesses from displacement by big-box stores and chain restaurants. Small business owners like Tony Bianchi of Tony's Italian Deli would be among those most impacted.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

Philly Council Tackles Overhaul of 9th District Zoning Regulations Amid Growing Developer Pressure

This bill amends zoning requirements in a specific Philadelphia neighborhood to require special exceptions for certain uses.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

City Subleases Property at 30 S. 15th Street from Municipal Authority

The city will sublease a portion of the property at 30 S.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

City Leases Office Space on Bustling JFK Boulevard as Municipal Services Get Boost

JFK Boulevard's Changing Face: Philly's new municipal hub, slated to serve thousands of residents, will soon call a prime downtown space home.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

City Sets Sights on Blighted West Butler Property with Potential Purchase Plan Unveiled

Vacant Lots Scattered Throughout Philly Neighborhoods Could Soon Get a Makeover as Council Bill Aims to Turn Abandoned Land into Affordable Community Spaces for Local Residents and Businesses.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

City Launches Lease Plan Allowing Commissioner to Rent Out Properties On Multiple Philly Street Blocks

Mayor's Affordable Housing Plan Hits a Roadblock as City Council Debates Limiting Investor Tax Credits Amid Rising Homelessness Rates in Philly Neighborhoods

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

City Secures Office Space Expansion Next to Municipal Building Headquarters

Philadelphia's City Hall is set for a physical expansion as city officials seek to occupy nearly 10,000 square feet of adjacent office space in a long-term lease deal with the Philly Muni Authority. The new digs will house over 100 municipal employees currently working in cramped quarters within City Hall itself.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

City Purchases 20 Acres Along Schuylkill River for New Parks and Bike Path Extension

The City is buying land along the Schuylkill River for parks and transportation projects.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

Philadelphia Housing Authority Gets Access to Small West Philly Land Parcel

This bill allows the Philadelphia Housing Authority to acquire a small parcel of land in West Philly for possible future development.

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Public Health·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

Council Tackles Pandemic Leave Policy Shifts Impacting Thousands of City Workers and Families Daily

City workers and their families could face reduced job security and lost income under new leave policies being considered by Council, which critics warn will disproportionately affect low-income residents.

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Zoning & Development·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

City Council Unveils Plan to Revamp Zoning Along Busy Broad Street Corridor Overnight

This bill changes the zoning designations in a specific area of Philadelphia bounded by Broad Street, Medary Avenue, Park Avenue, and Godfrey Avenue.

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Business & Commerce·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

Fishtown Businesses to Pay Fees Again as City Council Votes on BID Reauthorization

Fishtown businesses to continue paying fees for services like street cleaning and security after city council votes on reauthorization. The Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District will remain in place, affecting local businesses within designated boundaries.

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Budget & Finance·Signed Into LawSigned Dec 12, 2024

Council Approves Measure Giving Agencies Power to Adjust Certain Fees on the Fly

City Council gives agencies power to adjust certain fees without council approval. Agencies can now revise various fees through regulations under specific terms and conditions.

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Newly introduced

Most bills go to a committee next, which must hold a public hearing before Council can vote.