Noted in the Northwest

A brief look at news in Chestnut Hill and surrounding neighborhoods

Streetscape study to be presented

Cope Linder Architects, the group hired by the Chestnut Hill District to oversee streetscape design work in the Chestnut Hill retail corridor, will present its preliminary ideas at a community meeting to be held at the Chestnut Hill Library on June 21 at 7 p.m.

“The firm’s focus has been on elements such as pedestrian sidewalk lighting, signage, landscaping and street furniture, building upon the historic assets of Chestnut Hill’s retail district and making the area even more pedestrian friendly,” reads a press release from the Chestnut Hill District, which is sponsoring the meeting. “Planning has also focused on parking lot entrances as well as the District’s Cresheim Valley and Bethlehem Pike gateway entrances.”

Based on a study conducted in March, Cope-Linder identified what it termed “community assets” — walkability, distinctive businesses, good architecture and public transportation, among others — and “community liabilities,” including deficient lighting, damaged sidewalks and roadways, vacant storefronts and overgrown or missing street trees. The purpose of the meeting is to present a preliminary streetscape improvement strategy and solicit input from businesses and residents.

Cresheim Valley Drive celebration on Saturday

The Chestnut Hill Rotary Club will sponsor a celebration in honor of the reopening of Cresheim Valley Drive and restoration efforts at the pergola, the stone and wood arbor gateway located at Cresheim Valley and Germantown Avenue, on Saturday, June 18 at 3:30 p.m.

The event will feature an update on plans to create a sculpture on the abandoned railroad bridge that runs over Germantown Avenue, a talk on the proposed Cresheim Trail from “trials guru” Bob Thomas of the Philadelphia Parks Alliance, information on recent pergola restoration efforts and tree plantings, and special invited guests. The master of ceremonies will by the Rotary’s Carl Shaifer. Music will be provided by the Settlement Music School.

The public is invited to the event and to a reception immediately following at Kathy and Carl Shaifer’s home, 8515 Seminole Ave.