©2006 The Chestnut Hill Local

News

Mount Airy business district makes strides
by JENNIFER KATZ

Plans for a Mt. Airy Business Improvement District, stretching from Cresheim Valley Drive to Washington Lane, are one step closer to fruition after the latest steering committee meeting Monday. The committee, comprising more than 35 property and business owners, met to determine the parameters of the BID, said Ken Weinstein, co-chair of the steering committee.

CHCA officers to be elected at new location
by Kristin Pazulski

The Chestnut Hill Community Association has moved its board meetings from the Hiram Lodge to the Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Ave. The first meeting of the new board of directors, voted into office in April, is scheduled for Thursday, May 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the library.

Deb Shop restaurant puts neighbors on edge
by Kristin Pazulski

The lack of details surrounding the new Japanese/French restaurant, Hokka Hokka, concerns near neighbors.

A sign in the front bay window of the old Deb Shop that reads “Restaurant Coming Soon” has neighbors worried about odors and parking.

Interior construction is underway at 7830 Germantown Ave., next to CinCin, but the sign is the only explanation residents have for what is going on inside. Workers have politely refused to reveal details at the building, most recently home to Chestnut Hill Resale.

Pastorius concerts start on June 14
by Kristin Pazulski

Ten performances are lined up for this year’s Pastorius Park Concert Series, despite a cut in budget that threatened to reduce the size of the series.

College promises to reserve Sugarloaf green space
by Kristin Pazulski

The small one way road (above) was dubbed “Tobacco Road” by Chestnut Hill College’s smoking student population in the 1930s and 40s. Chestnut Hill College has not yet purchased the 32-acre Sugarloaf property that will almost double the college’s campus size.

Chestnut Hill College was surprised to learn from community members at the Garden Festival two weeks ago that many believe the school has already purchased the Sugarloaf property. Sister Carol Jean Vale SSJ, the college’s president, wants to clarify that the college has not yet bought the Sugarloaf property, but has signed an agreement of sale with the Albert M. Greenfield Foundation.

The agreement of sale provides Chestnut Hill College with a “period of due diligence” — a certain amount of time given to observe the property from all angles before making a final decision. During this time, the school is also raising the money needed to purchase the property.

Bank’s permit not revoked
by Kristin Pazulski

The city Department of Licenses and Inspections says it will not revoke the zoning permit issued to Commerce Bank on May 1.

Pilot science project teaches diversity and college preparation
by JENNIFER KATZ

Administrators at Girard College and Germantown Friends School have found new means to give seniors experience at doing college level work. As part of a pilot project, this year two advanced biology classes from GFS and one Evolution in Genetics class from Girard collaborated on extensive scientific research projects using the internet as their laboratory.

Bridge to reopen soon; repairs done, traffic issues remain
By JENNIFER KATZ

The bridge at St. Martin’s train station on Willow Grove Avenue is set to reopen after being closed for repairs for three months. (Photo by Kristin Pazulski)

Repair work to a deteriorated steel beam on the Willow Grove Avenue Bridge is complete, but traffic concerns must be addressed before the bridge is reopened.

That was the word from department spokeswoman Keisha McClarty-Skelton last week. She said the department was working to correct “traffic issues.” Attempts to learn more about those “issues” this week were unsuccessful, as the department did not return calls from the Local by press time.