A new year means new legislation possible in city council.
We chatted with Councilman Mark Squilla (who was hanging out with our buddy Connor Barwin) during the recent Treecycling on South Street. The Councilman has his eyes on three possible sustainability bills for 2016.
Squilla mentioned a goal to bring the plastic bag legislation to City Council again before February – which is coming up quickly. He also mentioned tying the legislation with a reusable bag distribution for low-income neighborhoods and perhaps a ‘bag credit’ program if people reused their bags.
2. Circulars: This ordinance would inhibit businesses from giving free circulars in your mailbox and doors. Often, these flyers end up on sidewalks and streets due to sloppy distribution habits.
Circular legislation would reduce street litter as a result.
3. Street Cleaning: This hotly debated topic is due to umbrage from city residents too lazy to move their cars for the street cleaning trucks weekly or biweekly during the pilot program a few years ago.
Squilla compares the program to Manhattan, where they must move cars twice per week for a street cleaning. However, if the 215 decided to move forward with the program, they’d phase in gradually so the cost wouldn’t be so tremendous to the city.
Another issue hot on Squilla’s mind? Implementing a bedbug policy to work with landlords, residents and businesses to nip the spread in the bud.
Readers, what sustainability legislation would you like to see possible?
Let's sail-ebrate the latest changemakers who are moving the region towards a sustainable, equitable place.…
Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Community Farm gets closer to community ownership. The…
Philadelphia residents will not only vote on who will be the next district attorney, but…
Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Transit advocates demand better SEPTA funding. On Tuesday…
Part Two of Every Voice, Every Vote research revealed that Philly takes pride in community…
The Green Building United Groundbreaker Awards celebrated local innovative projects using passive house, LEED and…