Top 5 stories to look for in Northwest Philly

Here’s a look at what’s to come this week. 

1. When Germantown photographer, Tieshka Smith, found herself with the chance to exhibit work her home state of Illinois as a featured artist in honor of Black History Month she was faced with a challenge: How to bankroll costs involved in mounting an out-of-state exhibition?  So she turned to crowdfunding platform, Indiegogo, to raise the cash — fast. Check back for our full story on Smith’s exhibit. 

2. On Thursday evening State Rep. Cherelle Parker spoke at the monthly meeting of the Mt. Airy-Nippon-Bryan-Creishem Town Watch.  Throughout her remarks Parker stressed that constituent service and bi-partisan collaboration are the means by which she can best support the residents of her legislative district. Check back for a full recap of the meeting. 

3. Last month, word got out that the property at 365 Green Ln., which has been mired in controversy for a year, was under new ownership. Roger Ross, who owns a plumbing and heating company on Manayunk Avenue purchased the property for $285,000 from developer Todd Joseph, who wanted to turn the historic home into condominiums, much to the chagrin of the neighborhood. Check back for more on Ross’ plans for the property. 

4. Little Jimmie’s Bake Shop is set to open on Germantown Avenue. Jimmie of Little Jimmie’s Bakery Cafe is expanding his business to open up opportunities for catering, and a fuller dinner and lunch menu. Stay tuned for a full look at what he has planned for his second storefront on the Avenue.

5. In 2013, we wrote about the vacant property at 5101 Rochelle Ave, a former pizza shop that had been cited by L&I. The owner has now paid off his taxes, taken care of the violations, and is trying to get the building renovated for mixed use. He’s running into some trouble along the way, however. We’ll have the full story this week.