Thursday’s year-end City Council meeting has wide-ranging implications for several parts of West Philly.

The council will consider several bills from Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell that will change zoning in several neighborhoods, including a controversial measure in Garden Court. The bills would rezone swathes of properties during Blackwell’s last meeting as representative of the 3rd District. 

One bill would change the zoning of West Catholic High School’s parking lot to clear the way for an apartment building. Another would change the zoning on the south side of the 4600 block of Spruce Street from single family homes to allow multi-unit residential buildings “by right.” That particular bill has drawn scorn from some nearby residents (Facebook page) who argue that the legislation could prompt developers to buy homes, tear them down and build multi-unit buildings, which happened a few years ago nearby on 45th Street.

Councilwoman-elect Jamie Gauthier, who defeated Blackwell in last spring’s primary election and easily won in November, has criticized the slew of bills.

A bill to remove food trucks from the 3300 block of Market Street on Drexel’s campus is also on the agenda. The university asked Blackwell to introduce the bill, which would force vendors to move to other parts of the campus. Vendors told Plan Philly that the move would hurt their businesses.

Members are also slated to vote on a change to the 10-year property tax abatement for new development. Proponents argue that the tax abatement has spurred development and opponents say it is starving vital city services, including schools. The bill up for a vote tomorrow would gradually step down the abatement over the 10 years.

A ban on “single use” plastic bags is also on the agenda. The ban unanimously passed through committee earlier this month after a 15-cent fee for consumers to buy heavier, reusable plastic or paper bags was removed. The ban would require businesses like supermarkets, convenience stores and gas stations (even food trucks and farmer’s markets) to use paper bags instead of plastic. If signed into law by Mayor Jim Kenney, the ban would go into effect on July 2, 2020.

Thursday’s meeting begins at 10 a.m. You can watch the livestream here. The full agenda can be found here.