Top 5 stories of the week in NW Philly

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

1. SRC votes to close Germantown High, Fulton and Kinsey elementaries; spares Roosevelt

On Thursday, the city’s School Reform Commission voted on nearly 30 recommendations made by the School District of Philadelphia as part of its Facilities Master Plan, an effort aimed, in part, at addressing an ongoing budget crisis. Most notably, the body’s five commissioners looked at 27 school closure proposals, including four in Northwest Philadelphia. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more about what happened following nearly two hours of emotional testimony.

2. Councilwoman Tasco defends Evans, attacks Inquirer’s OARC story

Ninth District City Councilwoman Marian Tasco took her displeasure with the story to this week’s full Council session. In it, the daily newspaper discusses a commonwealth investigation into recent spending at the West Oak Lane-based community development corporation, which state Rep. Dwight Evans helped found. Check out Brian Hickey’s story for more details.

3. East Mt. Airy Neighbors divided over rooming house proposal

For years, Pamela McHerrin has rented rooms in an East Johnson Street house that sits far from her own. The longtime resident is now seeking zoning approval that, if approved, would establish the neighborhood’s first-ever rooming house, a move that elicited mixed feelings during the civic’s last monthly meeting. Check out Carrie Hagen’s story for more details.

4. Developers of former Bunting House site say fast food proposal is not ‘set in stone’ and ‘not off the table’

Community outrage over the now empty five-parcel site flared after rumors spread that developers wanted to use the space for a Wendy’s franchise. While Wendy’s may not end up occupying the plot on Ridge Avenue, it remains a possibility along with a number of other fast-food companies. Check out Amy Z. Quinn’s story for more details.

5. Specter archive collection to be shared by Pitt and Phila. U.

The late lawmaker donated a vast collection of documents, photos, audio recordings and videos to Philadelphia University in 2010. While the East Falls-based school will hold onto some of the materials, the vast majority will soon head west. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details.