Top 8 stories of the week in NW Philly
Here’s a look at what you may have missed this week:
1. Rep. Evans: Recently ended OARC probe was case of ‘political profiling’
After two years, the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation is once again eligible to receive state grants. The state had severed the flow of public money to the high-profile organization as it investigated the alleged mismanagement of millions in grant dollars. With no wrongdoing announced, OARC’s founder had some choice words about the probe. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more.
2. 6700 Germantown Ave. Wingstop plan shut down, making room for High Point Café expansion
Following a series of community concerns and other obstacles, the 58-seat restaurant is no longer slated for a Mt. Airy debut. The property, however, will not sit vacant for long. A successful Northwest Philadelphia-based coffee shop outfit has already signed on to use the space to expand its business. Check out Jana Shea’s story for more details.
3. Camelot would like to move to Germantown, but does the neighborhood want it?
The for-profit education company is in discussions with the school district to lease the former home of Germantown High School. As a result of budget cuts, it needs to merge three of its city-based programs. But with the community still mourning the loss of GHS, it’s unclear if Camelot will be welcomed or run out of town. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details.
4. Coming soon to Germantown: The Rittenhouse Soundworks Arts Complex
Longtime Germantown resident Jeff Hamilton’s dream will soon sit just up the block from his home. For years, he’s wanted to open a space to showcase intercultural music and house an arts center. Inside a cavernous, former manufacturing property, he found it. Check out Alaina Mabaso’s story to learn more.
5. Ridge Flats proposal heads to zoning board next month
Following a financing setback, the five-story, mixed-used development in East Falls is once again on track. As long as zoning is approved, construction on the multi-million dollar project is expected to start by early 2014. Check out Joel Frady’s story for more details.
6. Reaction to Zimmerman verdict varies among African-American teens in Northwest Philly
More than a few people were outraged after learning that George Zimmerman had been acquitted on all charges in connection to the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin. Here in Philadelphia, a rally for justice was quickly organized at LOVE Park. Mayor Michael Nutter wrote an essay for TIME magazine. On Monday, we went out and talked to teens in the Northwest about it all. Check out Brian Hickey’s story for more details.
7. Pa. bride-to-be saves child from drowning during engagement shoot
Becki Salmon didn’t hesitate. Upon seeing a child struggling in the murky waters of the Wissahickon Creek, she jumped right in to help, making one mother a very happy woman. Check out Ilana Levinson’s story to learn more.
8. Philly clinic has 20-year head start on integrating mental, physical health care
Among the myriad goals of the Affordable Care Act, is an interest in treating mental and physical health care as two sides of the same coin. In East Falls, a public health clinic is already doing just that. The approach appears to be paying off with patients. Check out Maiken Scott’s story for more details.
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