Top 7 stories of the week in NW Philly

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

1. Nutter’s office: NBC report of collapse inspector’s admission of guilt ‘patently false’

Mayor Nutter’s office has denied an NBC10 report claiming that Ronald Wagenhoffer, the man in charge of city inspections at the site of last week’s deadly building collapse in Philadelphia, said the tragedy was his fault in a video recorded shortly before his death in Roxborough this week. Check out Elizabeth Fiedler and Holly Otterbein’s story to learn more. 

2. Roxborough High prepares for loss of Principal Brandt and nearly two dozen staffers

For the past three years, the Roxborough alum has worked tirelessly to improve his alma mater. He’s had success, but now he’s moving on as the school district works to plug a multi-million dollar hole. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details.

3. The Final Month: GHS grad Dwight Evans says officials did not prepare for inevitable change

The influential state lawmaker is one of Germantown High School’s most notable grads. But Evans is also known for his efforts to enact charter school legislation in the state, a movement that some say has hampered the city’s traditional public school network. Check out Brian Hickey’s story to learn more about what Evans had to say about his alma mater closing. Also be sure to check out the rest of the other series of installments from this week, which include interviews with former Tonight Show band leader Kevin Eubanks, a grad from the Class of ’77 and members of the school’s alumni association.

4. East Germantown residents seek to rebuild community after alleged serial rapist’s arrest

Residents breathed a sigh of relief when police recently arrested Antuane Brown, who allegedly raped four young girls at gunpoint. Now, they’re working to ensure no one in the neighborhood is sexually assaulted again. Check out Matthew Grady’s story to learn more.

5. Security cameras to be installed at 162 city playgrounds and rec centers

Following last summer’s spate of violent incidents at city rec centers and playgrounds, members of City Council are funding a new program meant to deter and solve crime. Eighth District City Councilwoman Cindy Bass, whose district covers a large swath of Northwest Philadelphia, helped spearhead the safety effort. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details.

6. Construction at Ridge Flats site expected to begin this winter

The large, East Falls development project now has a rough timeline after months of inactivity. Piecing together financing was a key cause of the delay for the project, which will bring apartments and several small retail spaces to a visible neighborhood intersection. Check out Matthew Grady’s story to learn more.

7. Mt. Airy couple on the unexpected cusp of becoming Germantown restaurateurs

Desmin and Jania Daniels’ journey to restaurant ownership is unique. Neither has a formal background in the industry. Desmin has a degree in mechanical engineering; Jania’s is in education. But both have a passion for food. Check out Alaina Mabaso’s story for more details.