Late Thursday night, the City Council passed a new bill imposing a curfew on certain businesses in Philadelphia and also gave final approval to a budget proposal that Mayor Sherrell Parker signed into law on Friday.
The following curfews are in effect in the following locations and at the following times:
Midnight to 6am
- Businesses in the area bounded by Ogontz Avenue between Haines Street and Cheltenham Avenue, and Ogontz Avenue between Haines Street and 66th Street
11pm to 6am
- Businesses in the area bounded by East Allegheny Avenue, Kensington Avenue, Torresdale Avenue, and Frankford Avenue
- Businesses around the Olney Transportation Center in the area bounded by North Broad Street and North Park Avenue, between West Chew Avenue and West Tabor Avenue, and on Wagner Avenue between North Broad Street and Old York Road
Businesses that violate the curfew could be fined $500. The law does not apply to businesses with liquor licenses, gas stations or drive-thru stores.
The City Council passed a similar bill in March, requiring about 90 businesses in Kensington to close between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. in an effort to reduce crime and litter in the area. The bill was first introduced in February after receiving input from area residents, businesses and nonprofits.
Mayor Parker signs budget into law
In addition to the new curfew, the City Council gave final approval to Mayor Sherrell Parker's $6.37 billion budget, which aims to help achieve her goal of making Philadelphia “America's safest, cleanest, greenest big city, with economic opportunity for all.”
Governor Parker signed the proposed budget into law on Friday, June 14. The budget will take effect on Monday, July 1, 2024 and focuses on investments in public safety, economic opportunity, education, housing and “clean and green” initiatives.
“I thank Chairman Johnson and City Council Members for approving a 'One Philly' budget that delivers on my promise of a government that makes unprecedented investments in public safety, making Philadelphia a cleaner, greener city, and providing economic opportunity for all Philadelphians.” “Residents will be able to see, touch and feel the positive impact of this budget in their neighborhoods, in their business district and across Philadelphia,” Parker said.
