Top 5 stories of the week in Northwest Philadelphia

Here’s a look at what you may have missed in Northwest Philadelphia this week:

Veterans group proposes moving to vacant space in Roxborough

The now vacant property near the corner of Hermit Street and Ridge Avenue gained a new interested buyer at a meeting of the Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association on Monday night. The Adam Kowalski Post 1 Polish, a military veterans organization, is looking to relocate to the property after having to sell their former property on Shurs Lane due to financial woes. These budgetary issues, dwindling membership and proposed third-party events at the venue sparked vocalized concern from residents attending. Check out the full story here.

Weinstein discusses ‘$10 million investment in Germantown’ at community meeting

Developer Ken Weinstein held a meeting with Germantown residents to discuss plans for restoration and redevelopment of the church at 4811 Germantown Ave. and the four other buildings he owns near the site. Philly Office Retail, Weinstein’s development company, unveiled plans for 4811 Germantown he says will make the block more attractive, safe and pedestrian-friendly. Additionally, tenants of the buildings are planned to include a center for 25 nonviolent offenders and an adult daycare, which was met with some concern by local residents. Check out our full coverage here.

‘Home Tweet Home’ exhibit at Morris Arboretum celebrates feathered friends

Elaborate and decorative birdhouses line the paths of Morris Arboretum in their three-season exhibit celebrating “Our Feathered Friends.” The exhibit, which includes a miniature New England home, a dwelling carved out of wood and 27 other detailed houses, is titled “Home Tweet Home.” Check out the full story and slideshow of the birdhouses here.

Independent gyms in Northwest Philly adapt to competition from big-box fitness chains

With large franchise gyms becoming increasingly popular on a national level, locally-owned gyms in Northwest Philadelphia have found ways to compete or carve out a niche market of their own. Through personalized training, small exercise class-sizes or in-home training these independent gyms have found identity-defining programs to separate themselves from big-box competition. Check out the complete feature story here.

Germantown residents to tourism officials: Update your website so people know we exist

A petition was started earlier this week after Germantown residents felt snubbed from the city’s official tourism site, VisitPhilly.com, incorrectly listed the neighborhood’s historical landmarks as being in Mt. Airy. The administrators of the site staunchly deny it was a matter of oversight and scheduled a meeting with Germantown representatives for the end of the week. Check out the full story here.