Neighbors fight mansion's demolition
by by CORIE TRACEY
Last month at a meeting in Roxborough, the historic Dearnley Mansion was given a 30-day reprieve from being demolished by the Marathon Design and Construction Company. The sale and planned demolition to make way for new property has been a hot topic in the Dearnley Park area of Roxborough for the past several weeks. “They actually gave the 30-day reprieve to the councilman, but we have nothing in writing,” said Helene Rodgers, interim president of the Dearnley Park Civic Association, of the assurance given to Councilman Michael Nutter.
Germantown non-profit group to consider Vaughn ouster
by MICHAEL J. MISHAK
The Central Germantown Council will vote this week on whether to oust Steven Vaughn from his post as the group's president. A special executive, or closed, meeting is set for May 13. The meeting comes two weeks after a group of activists delivered a 325-signature petition to the council, asking its board to vote on Vaughn's removal during the April 29 meeting. Though a motion to oust Vaughn was introduced, it was ultimately tabled in an 11-2 vote.
Zoning Board delays Woodmere decision
by MICHAEL J. MISHAK
The Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) postponed its decision in the case of Woodmere Art Museum and its neighbors at a special hearing last Wednesday. The board granted a 10-day continuance at the request of legal counsel for the North Chestnut Hill Neighbors, a group of about 20 nearby households who oppose the museum's proposed expansion plans. Lawyer David Fineman told the board he wanted more time to consult with the group's president, who was absent due to a death in the family.
Facing financial woes, Sedgwick looks to fall re-opening
by MICHAEL J. MISHAK
The Sedgwick Cultural Center, the nonprofit arts group credited with sparking neighborhood revitalization in Upper Mt. Airy, suspended its programming last month. A new board and executive director are restructuring the organization in the hopes of returning this fall.
