Top 5 stories of the week in NW Philly

Here’s a look at what you may have missed on NewsWorks this week:

1. Philadelphia Parks and Rec officially withdraws city’s treetop course proposal

The city’s efforts to bring an outward-bound style adventure course to Fairmount Park ended this week via a prepared statement. A group of concerned neighbors from Roxborough, where the course was planned, played a part in the city’s decision. Check out Alaina Mabaso’s story for more details.

2. The final month: Why Bill Cosby thinks Germantown High should close

Though he didn’t graduate, Germantown High School can claim Bill Cosby as a former student. As part of a month-long series leading up to the closure of GHS, NewsWorks‘ Germantown/West Oak Lane editor Brian Hickey caught up with the iconic comedian to get his thoughts on the closure and the time at the school. Also be sure to check out the rest of this week’s installments, which include interviews with Ralph Roberts, a four-generation GHS family, and a GHS volunteer.

3. Dissension arises among Germantown neighbors at Potter’s Field meeting

In late march, archaeologists revealed that they found no human remains during their dig at 301 W. Queen Lane, the site of a stalled public housing project. The news was significant, removing perhaps the last barrier to tearing down an existing high-rise and replacing it with a new development. Some neighbors, however, still have concerns about the project. Check out Amy Z. Quinn’s story to learn more.

4. Sedgwick Theater among several downtown Mt. Airy properties up for sale

For years, David and Betty Ann Fellner have owned a number of properties up and down Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy, including the Sedgwick Theater, an art deco building from the late 1920s. Now they’re selling much of their vast real estate holdings in the neighbors. The couple says it’s simply time. Check out Jana Shea’s story for more details.

5. Zoning board approves Manayunk school conversion, Chestnut Hill College signs

The city’s zoning board approved this week two variances connected to Catholic schools in Northwest Philadelphia. One involves a shuttered elementary school in Manayunk; the other a college in Chestnut Hill. Check out Amy Z. Quinn’s story for more details.