Noted in the Northwest

A brief look at news in Chestnut Hill and surrounding neighborhoods

Both sides mum on Woodmere negotiations

Closed door-negotiations between the Woodmere Art Museum and its near neighbors over the museum's expansion plans are still ongoing, but neither side is revealing details on the progress of the talks.

"The neighbors and Woodmere people are continuing to meet and exchange information," S. David Fineman, lawyer for the North Chestnut Hill Neighbors Association, which opposes the museum's expansion plans, told the Local last week.

After a special hearing before the city zoning board last month, board chairman David Auspitz instructed counsel for both sides in the dispute to present a statement of their position to the board by Dec. 3.

Fineman said that a letter from his office was sent to Auspitz but that he has not yet heard back from the ZBA on the matter. He offered no details on the contents of the letter.

Woodmere lawyer Peter Kelsen, also reached by phone, refused comment, citing the confidential nature of the proceedings.

Repairs close Germantown Avenue

Germantown Avenue was closed last week between Gowen Avenue and Allens Lane in Mt. Airy to allow for the replacement of sewer lines and repair of a 16-inch water main.

The Philadelphia Water Department said in a statement that it expects the road to be closed for approximately two weeks, which would put its reopening just before Christmas.

Detour signs have been posted, and the Route 23 bus is being rerouted around the construction.

Fallen soldier to be remembered

A tribute in remembrance of Chestnut Hill's own P.F.C. Charles J. Buckley, U.S.M.C., who was killed in action Dec. 21, 1968 while serving in the Vietnam War, will be given at Buckley Park in Chestnut Hill on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m.

The tribute will be presented by "patriot poet" Tom Woodruff. Woodruff, known for his annual poetry recitation at the Bocce Club Fourth of July celebration, will be assisted by the "young patriots," Sarah Kunze, 11, Brittany Phillips, 10, Jake Woodruff, 6 and Allison Yoder, 6.

Buckley Park is located at Germantown and Hartwell Lane.

-James Sturdivant