Top 7 stories of the week in NW Philly
Here’s a look at what you may have missed this week:
1. Police release video of SEPTA bus attack of NewsWorks photographer
NewsWorks contributor Bas Slabbers was the victim of a seemingly unprovoked attack last month while riding a SEPTA Route 23. Philadelphia police this week released the onboard video of an incident that’s left Slabbers a bit shaken in the days since. Check out Alan Tu’s story to learn more about the assault and a related police-issued warning.
2. Chestnut Hill’s cobblestone replacement project to begin at 3 a.m. daily
PennDOT crews are still busy replacing and resetting a stretch of Belgian blocks along Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill. The work, however, is now starting earlier in the day in an effort to keep business owners happy. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more about the maintenance project.
3. Where, oh where, can you get Wi-Fi near Germantown or West Oak Lane?
Finding a public internet connection in the neighboring area is hard, but NewsWorks doesn’t give up easily. Armed with “Connect Philly,” a tool conjured up by the folks over at Technically Philly, Yasmein James and Meg Frankowski went in search of wireless connections. Check out their story for the results.
4. St. Blaise Elementary School won’t open this fall in Manayunk
The newly formed regional school was formed after the Archdiocese of Philadelphia moved to close the St. Bridget School in nearby East Falls. Enrollment at St. Blaise, however, struggled to hit the student enrollment figure necessary to financially operate the school. Check out Matthew Grady’s story for more details and what the most recent closures means for area students.
5. A change of scenery, if only temporarily, for Green Woods Charter School
The well-regarded public school will soon have a brand new campus on the site of a former Roxborough inn. In the meantime, Green Woods will occupy space formerly filled by Catholic students in Manayunk. Check out Amy Z. Quinn’s story for more details.
6. Mayor Nutter officially opens the city’s pool season at Awbury Rec Center
The mayor and Eighth District City Councilwoman Cindy Bass were in East Germantown this week to kick off the city’s annual pool season. Unlike the second half of the week, temperatures during the event were a bit cool for swimming. That didn’t stop several children from diving right on in. Check out Yasmein James’ story for more details.
7. AMY Northwest school moves to Roxborough this week
Staff at the special admissions school rolled up their sleeves in earnest this week to pack up and move to William Levering Elementary’s former building on Ridge Avenue. In mid-march, the city’s School Reform Commission voted to close Levering, paving the way for AMY Northwest to move its program. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more about how folks are feeling about the transition out of Mount Airy.
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