Top 6 stories of the week in Northwest Philadelphia

Here’s a look at stories you may have missed in Northwest Philadelphia this week:

1. Citibank’s Chelten Plaza branch closes two years after much-ballyhooed grand opening

When the Citibank opened a new Germantown branch in March 2012, it was hailed as “a tipping point” for “rebirth” of the area. But, as part of a citywide withdrawal by Citibank, the location now sits as a vacant retail space in Chelten Plaza. Some still hold out hope for a brighter future, though. Check out Brian Hickey’s story for more details.

2. Mt. Airy-based food anthropologist studies middle-class eating habits locally

As part of her dissertation, City University of New York PhD candidate Neri de Kramer hopes to shed light on what she called an “ignored group” which is more diverse than commonly believed. By studying where Northwest Philadelphia’s middle-class get its food, de Kramer will explore social decisions and characteristics of this broad economic class. Aaron Moselle’s story has the full menu of specifics.

3. Weinstein rails against Local 98’s ‘desperate… focus on Northwest Philly’

Amid regular protests outside the Trolley Car Diner in Mount Airy, owner Ken Weinstein said he is being harassed by members of the Local 98 electrical workers’ union. Since February, protesters have railed against Weinstein’s use of non-union labor to convert the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Germantown into a school. Weinstein claimed these protests are part of a larger push by unions to gain contracts in Northwest Philadelphia. Check out Alan Jaffe’s in-depth look at the ongoing situation.

4. In Roxborough, Memorial Day feelings run deep

The Hattal-Taylor VFW post’s Memorial Day service featured a prayer, war stories, gun salutes and taps. It drew an estimated three dozen veterans, family members and neighbors. Many also attended an afternoon service to unveil a memorial wall at the Gorgas Park. Elana Gordon was there to bring you the whole story.

5. Residents decry altered development plan for historic strip of Northwest Philadelphia

Members of the Mt. Airy Neighbors community group voiced objections with altered development proposals from Nolen Properties, which seeks to repurpose the historic Nugent and Presser Home buildings on West Johnson Street as affordable housing for seniors. Check out Queen Muse’s story for more.

6. Your guide to the 2014 Parx Casino Philly Cycling Classic

NewsWorks compiled a guide, amid a series of stories, with everything* you need to know about Sunday’s return of the annual bike race and related extravaganza to Manayunk, East Falls and all along the Schuylkill River. (*Fine, everything that we could think of may not represent everything everything). Emily Brooks’ story is a perfect jumping-off point to learn about Sunday’s events.