Philadelphia District Council Taking a Hard Line on Unsanctioned Planters and Benches

A bill to require Philadelphia residents to get a letter from their district council before putting a bench or planter in front of their homes faces a petition from 5th Square.

1 minute read

February 7, 2017, 11:00 AM PST

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark


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Jon Seidman / Flickr

A new bill in front of Philadelphia's District Council concerns the placement of planters and benches. Placing either in front of one’s house would require, "…a signed letter of support from the District Councilmember," according to 5th Square's blog. The organization has created a petition against the bill, arguing, "This is a totally unacceptable power grab from residents and businesses, which would put City Councilmembers in the absurd position of acting as gatekeepers for people's sidewalk plants."

The District Council has yet to vote on the bill put forward by 3rd District Councilmember Jannie Blackwell, regarding what she calls "sidewalk behavior." The fate of many benches hangs in the balance.

Monday, February 6, 2017 in Fifth Square Blog

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