Top five things to watch in NW Philly this week

Here’s a look at what’s to come on NewsWorks this week: 

Parents at Shawmont Elementary in Roxborough aren’t willing to take the transfer of school officer Jannifer Downing in stride. To that end, members of the Home & School Association have planned an after-school protest on Thursday. Check in then to see how the cash-strapped School District responds.

Former Eighth District City Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller was often criticized for not having an office in the community. Now that she’s retired, the community is hoping that newly elected Councilwoman Cindy Bass doesn’t follow suit. Check back next week to see where Bass’ plans for a field office stand.

Capt. Verdell Johnson, the 39th Police District’s newest leader, is scheduled to meet with East Falls residents next Tuesday to listen to and address crime concerns in a neighborhood that’s seen a drop in the number of officers on the street. NewsWorks will be there to report on what neighbors are most worried about and what solutions Capt. Johnson offers.

Speeding along Rittenhouse Street in Germantown has been a constant headache for a number of nearby neighbors. City Councilwoman Cindy Bass, whose Eighth District includes the neighborhood, will meet Thursday with residents from Rittenhouse, McCallum and Haines to offer a possible solution to the problem. She’ll be joined by the city’s Streets Department Commissioner Clarena Tolson.

Discussions around revitalizing Germantown’s bruised commercial corridors have consistently cropped up around the community in 2012. On Wednesday night, Germantown United CDC, a new and highly-anticipated organization, will introduce itself to the community and present its working vision for turning the neighborhood around. Elected officials and a panel of experts will be on hand.