Top 5 stories of the week in NW Philly

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

1. Bracing for Sandy from the Philadelphia Canoe Club’s perch along the Schuylkill

Hurricane Sandy hovered over the city for two straight days, forcing many residents to remain homebound. As the live-in caretaker for the Philadelphia Canoe Club, Kris Alutius got a front-row seat to the storm’s progression. The organization’s building sits at the mouth of the Wissahickon Creek and Schuylkill River. Check out Matthew Grady’s story to learn more.

Be sure to also check out our moment-to-moment coverage of Sandy. NewsWorks reporters fanned out across Northwest Philadelphia, filing photos and stories throughout Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Hurricane Sandy shelter opens at Roxborough High School
Hurricane Sandy’s path, to, and through, Northwest Philadelphia
Hurricane Sandy’s path through Northwest Philadelphia: Day Two

2. State Rep. Cherelle Parker’s alleged-DUI trial set for Nov. 13

The seven-year lawmaker will return to Philadelphia Municipal Court more than a year after she was arrested in Germantown for allegedly driving drunk. All evidence in the case was initially thrown out, but following a labyrinth of appeals, Parker is back at square one. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details.

3. West Oak Lane gateway project takes big step with OARC move to former Club Jaguar siteBit by bit, the community development corporation has brought together the pieces of a plan that it hopes will help rejuvenate the neighborhood. The transformation of the former night club into an office space for the organization is now the only thing left before the “Gateway to the Northwest” project is complete. Check out Yasmein James’ story to learn more.

4. 7 questions for U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah about his re-election bid

On Nov. 6, residents in parts of Northwest Philadelphia will choose from a trio of candidates seeking to represent the Second Congressional District. Fattah, a Democrat, has held that position since 1995. Germantown/West Oak Lane editor Brian Hickey recently sat down with the incumbent to discuss the upcoming race that includes an independent and Republican challenger.

5. What are the stakes for voters in Northwest Philadelphia?

It’s hard to believe, but the Presidential Election is just three days away. With most polls predicting a close contest between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, we went out and asked voters who they plan on casting their ballot for and why. Check out the second installment of our web-exclusive series Street Level Conversations to learrn more.