Top 7 stories of the week in Northwest Philadelphia

Here are several stories that you may have missed this week in Northwest Philadelphia:

1. Young Philly football star’s transfer stirs bad blood between two schools

Dawayne Young, a star defensive end who used to suit up for George Washington High School’s football team, may not play his senior season. At issue is Washington’s objection to Young transferring to Martin Luther King High School in West Oak Lane. Young’s mother said she decided to transfer him in March for family reasons, but now her son is being subjected to a campaign of spite, something his former coach denies. Read Brian Hickey’s story about Young’s ordeal, and future prospects, for more information.

2. After lost development battle, historic Roxborough home put back on the market

Developer Todd Joseph’s effort to replace the historic “Benjamin Kenworthy House” at 365 Green Lane with apartment units was denied by the Zoning Board of Appeals on July 2. Roxborough community members had been fighting the effort in favor of the building being restored. The house was put on the market, then taken off again last week. Round and round the listing goes. Click here for Emily Brooks’ article on the situation.

3. Northwest Philly’s Valley Green Bank sold for $76 million, will retain name

The locally owned Valley Green Bank will merge with Univest Corp. following the expected approval by the bank’s shareholders in the fall. The bank, which opened in 2005, will be bought by Univest for $76 million, but will still retain its name and leader. See Alan Jaffe’s coverage of the purchase for more details.

4. Mt. Airy’s Commodore Barry Club faces financial woes

The Commodore Barry Club in Mt. Airy saw its property value spike after a re-assessment that tripled its tax bill. The Irish club finds itself in dire straits and members are attempting to raise $50,000 before the end of the year to keep the center open. Read Michelle Barrett’s article for more about the club’s predicament.

5. Restoration of historic Hohenadel House in East Falls inching closer to completion

Following nine months of loan requests and zoning approvals, Felicite Moorman and her husband started work on the historic Hohenadel House on Indian Queen Lane in February. The project is closer to being finished with numerous rooms completely restored. Check out Emily Brooks’ article on the house’s restoration to learn more.

6. 50 free things to do with kids in Philadelphia

Jen Bradley returns with her 2014 list of places that parents can take their children for little to no money in Philly. She details both indoor and outdoor activities open to the public all summer. Check out her list of 50 free things for kids this summer.

7. Germantown man faces life without parole after Mt. Airy murder conviction

Brian Tootle, a 21-year-old East Germantown resident, was convicted of first-degree murder, and four other charges, in connection with the 2012 fatal shooting of Nafis Armstead in Mt. Airy. With sentencing scheduled for September, Tootle faces life in prison without parole. Read Marcus McCarthy’s story about the trial for more.