Top 5 stories of the week in Northwest Philly

Here’s a look at what you may have missed in Northwest Philly this week.

 

1. Blighted East Falls house, once the cause of protest,  now being torn down

A deteriorating house in East Falls that sparked a protest last year — and many years of neighbors’ discontent — is finally, if slowly, being razed by its owner. The house at 3342 Conrad Street has been vacant for decades, according to area residents. Read more here.

2. Mt. Airy community prepares for two-year closure of Lovett library

In January, the nearly 130-year-old library will be closing its doors for at least two years while the building undergoes major renovations as part of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s multi million dollar 21st Century Libraries Initiative. Learn more here.

3. ‘One Man’s Trash’ puts year-long Wissahickon cleanup effort on display at Fairmount Water Works

Over the course of a year, Bradley Maule collected all the trash he saw while hiking nearly every inch of Wissahickon Valley Park, which cuts through several Northwest Philly neighborhoods, including Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy and Roxborough. Here’s the full story.

4. ‘My Son Matters’ exhibit confronts stereotypes facing young black men

Mt. Airy Art Garage’s lastest exhibit features a series of portraits showing single African-American mothers with their young sons. Read more about the exhibit from local photographer Denise Allen here.

5. Q&A: Dwight Evans on endorsing Jim Kenney and the race-tinged aftermath

Just two weeks ago, state Rep. Dwight Evans led a group elected officials who formally endorsed former city councilman Jim Kenney’s mayoral candidacy during a lively event at West Oak Lane’s Relish restaurant. Suffice it to say, it sparked an interesting 14 days in the campaign. Read more here.