Photo: Jill Saull, for Flying Kite
- Almost a year after its closing by the School District, Germantown High School’s neighbors and alumni are hard at work to determine how to reutilize the large, century-old building.Flying Kite discusses how various groups, such as the Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) and the school’s active alumni association (GHSAA), are committed to maintaining the facility as neighborhood high school of which to be proud. GHSAA president Vera Primus (’71) envisions a viable vocational school, one supported by local businesses in a “win-win” educational partnership (perhaps Comcast, Aramark, or Urban Outfitters). While GHS advocates might differ slightly with the specifics, the general goals unite the community, says Primus. “Basically what we’re trying to do is keep the name alive and keep us together, and support our children.”
- Last month the Planning Commission approved the University of Pennsylvania’s plans to transform Locust Walk’s old Kappa Alpha fraternity house into the Perry World House seminar space.Philadelphia Real Estate Blog shares the details; the $17.8 million proposal calls for an addition for the historic structure, bringing the interior space to 17,000-square-feet, comprised of “14 offices, a classroom, a cafe, flex space, and a conference room. There will be an additional ‘World Forum’ auditorium space for events, with 150 seats, outdoor space in a ‘forecourt’ and outdoor seating.”
- Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey testified on Monday before the State Senate Transportation Committee, says The Inquirer, urging lawmakers to approve Sen. Michael Stack’s bill calling for the installation of speed cameras on Roosevelt Boulevard, where 150 people have been killed since 2001. Deputy Mayor of Transportation and Utilities Rina Cutler concurs: “It is our belief that these cameras will dramatically reduce the speed of vehicles and the number of crashes in Philadelphia.” If approved (and successful), this public safety measure could be expanded to additional sites across the city.
- Plan Philly speaks with University City District director of planning and economic development Prema Gupta about the planned improvements to the 40th Street Trolley portal, a two-phase project that hopes to energize the important nexus (Baltimore Avenue, Woodland Avenue, and 40th Street converge here) with butterflies and caffeine.
About the author
Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.
