Top 5 stories of the week in Northwest Philly

Here’s a look at the top stories you may have missed last week:

1. ‘Welcoming Committee’ cheers for MLK High students on first day of school

It was a tumultuous summer for the Philadelphia School District. Schools were closed, employees were laid off and programs were cut. None of that, however, appeared to be on the minds of students and staff on the first day of school at Martin Luther King High in West Oak Lane. Check out Brian Hickey’s story to learn more. Also be sure to check our stories from Monday on Roxborough High School and Roosevelt Elementary.

2. Potential conversion of St. Bridget School in apartments get mixed reaction in East Falls

The Archdiocese shuttered the Catholic school due to low enrollment and debt. Now, the Midvale Avenue building may be used for apartments instead of teaching students. Developers presented that unofficial proposal this week during a meeting with St. Bridget parishioners and the East Falls community. Check out Matthew Grady’s story to learn more.

3. With street-cleaning plans in works, GSSD plan introduced at Council meeting

The revamped Germantown Special Services District is now one step closer to becoming a day-to-day part of the neighborhood. The organization’s budget and five-year plan were introduced this week in City Council by Eighth District City Councilwoman Cindy Bass, meaning that residents should see street cleaners on Germantown Avenue and elsewhere this fall. Check out Matthew Grady’s story for more details.

4. Queen Lane Apartments tower can’t face implosion until spring at the earliest

The pubic-housing high-rise was shuttered two years to make way for a 55-unit low-density development. Construction, though, is still a ways off. A mandatory historical review must first be completed between before Philadelphia Housing Authority gets the green light from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more.

5. A guide to Fringe Fest in Northwest Philly [Part 2 of 2]

The annual arts festival is back with a new assortment of oddball performance pieces and attractions from which to choose. This year’s list includes several Northwest Philadelphia-based shows in both Manayunk and Chestnut Hill. Check out Alaina Mabaso’s preview for more details.