City Hall Roll Call: November 2nd, 2023
City Nightlife Redefined
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Welcome to City Hall Roll Call, a summary of City Council’s weekly Stated Meeting. Reminder, the information provided below is not an official or complete record. City Council’s official legislative database can be accessed through Legistar.
For a full play-by-play of the Council session, including speeches and public comment, be sure to follow me on Twitter.
Session Recap:
With only four more Council Stated Meetings remaining on its calendar after today, Council continued powering through its legislative agenda before its long winter recess. The majority of legislation passed today was district related — land dispositions, right-of-way matters and zoning amendments.
Two noteworthy pieces of legislation were also introduced by Councilmembers at the Stated Meeting. The first, by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (D-7th), would expand the City’s definition of affordable housing to include “property [that] was developed with funding from and remains subject to the requirements of the New Markets Tax Credit Program…”
The second is a bill introduced by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (D-AL) related to the city’s nightlife scene. Thomas introduced a bill called, “Define the Night” that would revise zoning code definitions governing nightclubs and private clubs. The bill also creates a new use category, “assembly facility use” and identifies commercial districts where that use would be permitted.
The legislation, which is the result of a listening tour conducted by the City’s Nighttime Economy Director, Raheem Manning:
…modifies the definitions of “Nightclubs and Private Clubs”, now called “Nightclubs and Public Entertainment Venues,” and creates a new use category called “Event Assembly Facility.” These nightlife facilities outline assembly spaces such as Fraternal Organizations, Nightclubs and Private Clubs, and Eating and Drinking Establishments. Various establishments will now have clear guidance, under Zoning and Planning, on capacity, gathering intent, inclusion of live music, food and/or drink, parking requirements and more.
The bill’s sponsor observed, “As a city, we need to welcome nightlife businesses to create a 24-hour city which will create jobs, boost the local economy, and boost tourism.” Thomas continued, “By creating nightclub definitions, we can better regulate these businesses while respecting neighborhoods. Define the Night also designates specific commercial districts for nightlife businesses that can spur tourism and hospitality without disrupting residents.”
The legislation will likely be referred to the Committee on Rules for a full public hearing.
Council stands adjourned until November 16th, 2023. There is no Stated Meeting next week due to the November 7th Election.
Bills and Resolutions Introduced Today (By Subject Matter)
Due to the volume, ceremonial resolutions introduced by Councilmembers that honor or memorialize individuals or organizations will not be listed below, but can be found on Legistar.
🏗️ Construction / Zoning
Bill changing zoning of land located in the 1st Councilmanic District. (Squilla)
Bill amending Title 14 revising certain provisions related to 4th District Overlay District. (Jones)
Bill amending zoning maps for land located in the 5th Councilmanic District. (Clarke)
Bill amending Title 14 by creating an overlay, the Kensington El Overlay District. (Driscoll)
Bill changing the zoning of land located in 6th Councilmanic District. (Driscoll)
Bill amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code “Zoning and Planning” to revise definitions and rules governing nightclubs and private clubs; create the event assembly facility use category and identify the commercial districts where the use is allowed. (Thomas)
🏘️ Housing
Bill amending the housing code to modify the definition of affordable housing property. (Lozada)
🗺️ Land Disposition / Acquisition
Bill authorizing the Director of Aviation to acquire property located near the Philadelphia International Airport. (Johnson)
Resolution authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 3rd Councilmanic District. (Gauthier)
Resolution authorizing the land bank to dispose of property located in the 7th Councilmanic District. (Lozada)
Resolution authorizing the land bank to dispose of property located in the 7th Councilmanic District. (Lozada)
Resolution authorizing the land bank to dispose of property located in the 7th Councilmanic District. (Lozada)
Resolution authorizing the land bank to dispose of property located in the 7th Councilmanic District. (Lozada)
🚦Streets
Bill authorizing a sidewalk cafe at 743 S. 4th Street. (Squilla)
Bill authorizing the revision of lines and grades in the 2nd Councilmanic District. (Johnson)
Bill authorizing the grant of an easement. (Johnson)
Bill authorizing the revision of lines and grades. (Clarke)
Bill authorizing the plotting of two drainage areas in 7th Councilmanic District. (Lozada)
Bill authorizing the revision of lines and grades for land located in the 7th Councilmanic District. (Lozada)
Bill authorizing the Streets Department to install additional traffic calming measures near senior housing. (Bass)
Bill establishing parking regulations in the 9th Councilmanic District. (Phillips)
🔏 Contract / Agreement / Plan Authorization
Bill approving the Headhouse District Plan. (Squilla)
Bill approving amendments to the University of Pennsylvania Master Plan.(Gauthier)
Resolution authorizing the conveyance of ownership interest in a development agreement. (Lozada)
📛 Board / Commission Appointments
Resolution confirming Valerie Harrison to BOE. (Clarke)
Resolution reappointing Angela Val to the Center City District. (Clarke)
Resolution appointing Dan Kilinger to the Center City District. (Clarke)
Resolution reappointing Jack Sokoloff to the Center City District. (Clarke)
Resolution reappointing Jamal Johnson to the Center City District. (Clarke)
Resolution reappointing Randall Scott to the Center City District. (Clarke)
💸 Finance / Budget
Bill amending Bill No. 230144, revising appropriation amounts. (Clarke)
Bill amending Bill No. 230145, revising appropriation amounts. (Clarke)
Bill authorizing an appropriations transfer. (Clarke)
Bill authorizing an appropriations transfer. (Clarke)
Bill authorizing an appropriations transfer. (Clarke)
⚖️ Privileged Resolutions (Authorizing Hearings / Urging Action)
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings examining the use of vehicle immobilizing window barnacles as a form of predatory parking by private entities to understand the impact they have on Philadelphia’s residents.(Jones)
Resolution authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to discuss problems and systemic biases in oversight that create inequalities between Black and white led schools resulting in less support for Black founded and led institutions. (Thomas)
Bills and Resolutions Introduced Today (By Member)
Due to the volume, ceremonial resolutions introduced by Councilmembers that honor or memorialize individuals or organizations will not be listed below, but can be found on Legistar.
Councilmember Mark Squilla (D-1st)
B: Authorizing a sidewalk cafe at 743 S. 4th Street.
B: Changing zoning of land located in the 1st Councilmanic District.
B: Approving the Headhouse District Plan.
Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd)
B: Authorizing the revision of lines and grades in the 2nd Councilmanic District.
B: Authorizing the grant of an easement.
B: Authorizing the Director of Aviation to acquire property located near the Philadelphia International Airport.
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-3rd)
B: Approving amendments to the University of Pennsylvania Master Plan.
R: Authorizing the Land Bank to dispose of property located in the 3rd Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th)
B: Amending Title 14 revising certain provisions related to 4th District Overlay District.
R: Authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings examining the use of vehicle immobilizing window barnacles as a form of predatory parking by private entities to understand the impact they have on Philadelphia’s residents.
Council President Darrell Clarke (D-5th)
B: Amending Bill No. 230144, revising appropriation amounts.
B: Amending Bill No. 230145, revising appropriation amounts.
B: Authorizing an appropriations transfer.
B: Authorizing an appropriations transfer.
B: Authorizing an appropriations transfer.
B: Authorizing the revision of lines and grades.
B: Amending zoning maps for land located in the 5th Councilmanic District.
R: Confirming Valerie Harrison to BOE.
R: Reappointing Angela Val to the Center City District.
R: Appointing Dan Kilinger to the Center City District.
R: Reappointing Jack Sokoloff to the Center City District.
R: Reappointing Jamal Johnson to the Center City District.
R: Reappointing Randall Scott to the Center City District.
Councilmember Mike Driscoll (D-6th)
B: Amending Title 14 by creating an overlay, the Kensington El Overlay District.
B: Changing the zoning of land located in 6th Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (D-7th)
B: Authorizing the plotting of two drainage areas in 7th Councilmanic District.
B: Amending the housing code to modify the definition of affordable housing property.
B: Authorizing the revision of lines and grades for land located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
R: Authorizing the land bank to dispose of property located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
R: Authorizing the land bank to dispose of property located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
R: Authorizing the land bank to dispose of property located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
R: Authorizing the land bank to dispose of property located in the 7th Councilmanic District.
R: Authorizing the conveyance of ownership interest in a development agreement.
Councilmember Cindy Bass (D-8th)
B: Authorizing the Streets Department to install additional traffic calming measures near senior housing.
Councilmember Anthony Phillips (D-9th)
B: Establishing parking regulations in the 9th Councilmanic District.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (D-AL)
B: Amending Title 14 of The Philadelphia Code “Zoning and Planning” to revise definitions and rules governing nightclubs and private clubs; create the event assembly facility use category and identify the commercial districts where the use is allowed.
R: Authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to discuss problems and systemic biases in oversight that create inequalities between Black and white led schools resulting in less support for Black founded and led institutions.
Bills and Resolutions Passed by City Council at Today’s Session
Resolutions:
📛 230752 (Clarke): Confirming the re-appointment of Matthew Stitt to the Board of the Philadelphia Energy Authority to serve in the term ending January 1, 2029.
🗺️ 230757 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority deeds conveying fee simple title to 5232 Chester Avenue, 5906 Market Street, 5908 Market Street, and 6025 Washington Avenue in the Third Councilmanic District of the City of Philadelphia and further authorizing the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority to transfer to the Philadelphia Land Bank fee simple title to such properties pursuant to Section 16-405 of the Philadelphia Code.
🗺️ 230758 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 1511-17 S. 55th Street located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
🗺️ 230759 (Gauthier): Authorizing the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 5232 Chester Avenue located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of The Philadelphia Code.
Bills:
💸 200253-A (Clarke): Amending Section 20-303 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Salaries of Specified Officers,” to establish salaries based on an Annual Compensation Plan.
🚦230575 (Jones): Authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 266 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portion of Lex Street from Thompson Street to its terminus southwardly therefrom.
🚦230652 (Gauthier): Amending Section 2 of an Ordinance (Bill No. 170086) approved May 22, 2017, entitled “An Ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 269 by relocating portions of the houselines and curblines of Convention Avenue, from Thirty-Fourth Street to Health Sciences Drive, and placing on the City Plan two rights of way for drainage purposes within the vicinity of the intersection of Convention Avenue and Health Sciences Drive and authorizing acceptance of the grant to the City of the said rights of way for drainage purposes, all under certain terms and conditions, including the dedication to the City of the beds of the areas proposed to be placed on City Plan as portions of Convention Avenue,” by extending the period for compliance with the terms and conditions stated therein.
🏗️ 230547 (Clarke): Amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Mayfield Street, 6th Street, Indiana Avenue, and Marshall Street.
🏗️ 230578 (Jones): Amending Chapter 14-1000 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Historic Preservation,” to establish a temporary demolition moratorium with respect to properties in the area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Rochelle Avenue, Vicaris Street, and Hermit Street.
🏗️ 230585 (Bass): Amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Johnson Street, Germantown Avenue, Rittenhouse Street, and Wissahickon Avenue.
🏗️ 230626 (Squilla): Amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled “Zoning and Planning,” by revising certain provisions of Chapter 14-700 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Development Standards,” by revising bulk and massing controls within CMX-4 and CMX-5 zoning districts.
🏗️ 230627 (Squilla): Amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by George Street, 2nd Street, Laurel Street, the Delaware Expressway, Spring Garden Street, and 3rd Street.
💸230628 (Squilla): Approving a new plan, estimated costs and proposed method of assessment of the Old City Special Services District of Philadelphia for and concerning business improvements and administrative services to the Old City area of the City of Philadelphia.
🏗️ 230629 (Bass): Amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Herman Street, Baynton Street, Walnut Lane, and Germantown Avenue.
🗺️ 230630 (Clarke): Authorizing the Philadelphia Housing Authority to acquire fee simple title to certain properties located in the vicinity of 28th Street to the east, 29th Street to the west, Cumberland Street to the north, and York Street to the south.
🏗️ 230650 (Gauthier): Amending the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Arch Street, 50th Street, Market Street, 49th Street, Chestnut Street, and 51st Street.
🏆 230### (Thomas): Recognizing Champion of the Week, Maria Mendez, Juntos Podemos for her work highlighting youth voices and leading young voters to the polls.
⚖️ 230### (Thomas): Authorizing the Committee on Education to hold hearings to discuss problems and systemic biases in oversight that create inequalities between Black and white led schools resulting in less support for Black founded and led institutions.
🏆 230### (Clarke): Designating December 3, 2023 as “Rocky Day” in the city of Philadelphia to celebrate the anniversary of the 1976 motion picture debut of Rocky.
🏆 230### (Jones): Honoring Philadelphia Eagle Safety Kevin Byard and welcoming him back to Philadelphia.
🏆 230### (Jones): Recognizing and honoring the Philadelphia Express Track Club for over 30 years of service to the youth of Philadelphia.
🏆 230### (Jones): Honoring the United Age Group Track Club Association for their decades of contributions and dedication to youth track and field development in Philadelphia.
⚖️ 230### (Jones): Authorizing the Committee on Public Safety to hold hearings examining the use of vehicle immobilizing window barnacles as a form of predatory parking by private entities to understand the impact they have on Philadelphia’s residents.
🏆 230### (Brooks): Congratulating and recognizing Youth Empowerment for Advancement Hangout (YEAH Philly) for the grand opening of their neighborhood food market in West Philadelphia and for their transformative work with Philadelphia’s youth.
🏆 230### (Gauthier): Recognizing and honoring the dedicated and loyal service of Diana Cortez, Esq.
🏆 230### (Gauthier): Declaring November 2023 Smell andTaste Testing Month in Philadelphia in recognition of the contributions of the Monell Chemical Senses Center and its groundbreaking smell and taste research.
🏆 230### (Bass): Congratulating the Martin Luther King High football team for winning the public league Liberty Division title.
📆 Upcoming City Council Public Hearings
(Click on the Committee listing to download the full agenda of bills and resolutions for the meeting.)
Monday, November 13th
Committee on Streets and Services, 10:00 AM - the committee will hear testimony on three bills, including Bill No. 230717, “An Ordinance extending the term of existence of The Philadelphia Parking Authority.”
Committee on Licenses and Inspections, 1:00 PM - the committee will consider legislation “to expand the provisions for video monitoring of nuisance businesses,” as well as legislation related to shared retaining walls.
Monday, November 20th
Committee on Rules, 10:00 AM - the committee will take testimony on six (6) bills related to zoning and land use throughout the City of Philadelphia.