Top 6 stories of the week in NW Philly

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

1. Vernon Park memorial commemorates Philadelphians lost to gun violence in 2012

In late January, members of Heeding God’s Call, a grassroots gun control group, planted nearly 300 T-Shirts on posts in the front lawn of a Chestnut Hill church. This past weekend, the traveling memorial was moved to a Germantown park in the heart of the neighborhood. Check out Olivia Jane Winters’ story to learn more about the awareness project.

2. Alternate Potter’s Field development proposals presented at NW Neighbors meeting

A little more than a week ago, archeologists announced that no human remains were found outside of historical boundaries of the African-American burial ground. The news may mean that the Philadelphia Housing Authority can move forward with a new development that’s running more than a year behind schedule. Neighbors, however, now have some new ideas for the project. Check out Matthew Grady’s story for more details.

3. Is the ‘real estate version of ‘Kickstarter’ coming to Germantown Avenue?

Crowdfunding platforms, such as Kickstarter, have been used to raise funds for a variety of projects, independent video games and a language immersion daycare. Fundrise wants to apply that model to the real estate world to foster more community involvement in development projects. Check out Neema Roshania’s story to learn more about the company’s aspirations.

4. Philly Cycling Classic to start and finish atop Manayunk Wall [upated]

The hilly Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood was a highlight of the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship, which was recently canceled after nearly 30 years. Organizers with the Philly Cycling Classic, created to fill the void, don’t want to change that. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details on the city’s newest professional bike race.

5. NW Philly residents express concern with Wissahickon treetop adventure proposal

The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation wants to erect an outward bound-style course in a section of Fairmount Park in Roxborough. On Wednesday, department officials discussed bringing a Tree Top Adventure Sports Program to the neighborhood with more than 100 residents. Check out Matthew Grady’s to learn what neighbors thought of the potential project.

6. Three Rita’s Water Ice locations to open in NW Philly after battle in Chestnut Hill

Last year, John Thain wanted to open a Rita’s Italian Ice shop in Chestnut Hill. Local developer Ken Weinstein wasn’t having it, evoking a restrictive covenant that barred “fast food” establishments from being so close to nearby residents. Thain eventually decided to drop his plans, but he’s back in the area this summer. Check out Jana Shea’s story for more details.