Top 7 stories of the week in NW Philly

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

1. Kendrick Center to get new roof, basketball courts and fields

Roxborough residents who gathered inside the rundown recreation center Monday night got some welcomed news: Their tireless efforts paid off — literally. Check out Janis Chakars’ story for more details on a series of planned upgrades at the hulking Ridge Avenue building.

2. Philly Cycling Classic organizers strive for ‘classic European’ style race

In late January, organizers with the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship announced the race would not be run in 2013. Pro-bike fans were devastated. That is, until a new group of organizers announced that they were creating a new bike race for this city. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for a deeper look at the new event.

3. Final designs for West Mt. Pleasant train trestle mural approved by community

Mt. Airy will soon be home to another mural. On Tuesday night, representatives with the city’s Mural Arts Program met with neighbors to review the final designs before work on the 65-foot, double-sided mural gets underway. Check out Karl Biemuller’s story to get a glimpse of the designs and learn more about the project’s timeline.

4. Charter-school operators take their pitches directly to Pastorius Elementary

Come September, the East Germantown school will no longer be run by the district, but one of three charter-school operators. As part of that process, a volunteer group will choose their favorite operator and make a recommendation to the district. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more about what each company had to say during a Monday night meeting at the school.

5. Northwest Philadelphia ‘time bank’ launches

A new volunteer group wants to provide residents with a way of obtaining services without shelling out any cash. On Sunday, Time4Time held its kickoff event in Chestnut Hill. Check out Kiera Smalls’ story for more details on the nascent initiative.

6. OARC, commonwealth discuss possible settlement

The West Oak Lane-based community development corporation has filed a lawsuit that accuses the state of arbitrarily freezing some funding while demanding the return of other money. Not long afterwards, a report was submitted to the state, the contents of which were detailed in a recent story in the Philadelphia Inquirer, that stated that OARC had “misspent or mismanaged portions of state grants worth $12 million since 2006,” among other things. Check out Amy Z. Quinn’s story to learn more about this ongoing legal saga.

7. Vernon Park ‘peace pole’ dedication highlights Countdown to Germantown Day

On Oct. 6, the Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood will turn 330 years-old. In advance of that milestone, residents organized a spring celebration, which included honoring poet and Germantown resident Sonia Sanchez. Check out Alaina Mabaso’s story to learn more about this past weekend’s festivities.