The Chestnut Hill Local

01/08/2026

Several years after a fire severely damaged the historic Hiram Lodge building, a developer plans to begin work in March on converting the structure to three condominiums — two residential units and one commercial unit featuring an antiques and furniture store.

In August 2022, a two–alarm fire severely damaged the historic Hiram Lodge building at 8425-27 Germantown Ave..

12/23/2025

Last week, the Local sent a list of questions to Democratic candidates running in 2026 for retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans’ seat ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary. Read seven candidates' responses here:

Last week, the Local sent a list of questions to Democratic candidates running in 2026 for retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans’ seat ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary.

12/11/2025

End-of-year crime data for the 14th Police District shows a drop in thefts, robberies, and burglaries — including a 29.6% decrease in shoplifting.

With 2025 coming to a close, end-of-year crime data shows shoplifting down nearly 30% in the 14th Police District.

12/10/2025

With nearly a dozen candidates running for retiring U.S. Rep Dwight Evans' seat in 2026, what single question would you ask each candidate to respond to?

The Local might include your response in a handful of questions sent out to each of the top candidates. Their answers will be run in an upcoming print issue.

12/04/2025

Prescribe Outside hosts free programs throughout Philadelphia — including nature-based crafts, hiking, and other outdoor activities — to improve physical and mental health.

Many programs came to a screeching halt during the COVID-19 lockdown. Nature PHL, a Philadelphia-based initiative that counsels patients on the health benefits of outdoor activity, was no exception.

11/26/2025

Local couple Mindy Maslin and Sidney Ozer, along with their friend Judi Bernstein-Baker, started a nonprofit called Welcoming Homes to host young immigrants with safe and caring families.

Mindy Maslin and Sidney Ozer, a Germantown couple, started the nonprofit, Welcoming Homes, an all–volunteer organization, earlier this year along with a friend, Judi Bernstein-Baker.

11/21/2025

POWER Interfaith held a series of press conferences across the city in hopes of pressuring City Council into intensifying efforts to address Philadelphia’s housing affordability crisis.

Faith leaders called for housing affordability and a repeal of the city’s business tax cuts last week during a series of press conferences in neighborhoods across the city including the Northwest.

11/13/2025

Chestnut Hill's Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields is aiding in the resettlement of an Afghan family to Philadelphia.

Chestnut Hill’s Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields is aiding in the resettlement to Philadelphia of an Afghan family whose father worked in logistics for a company that supported U.S. military forces.

11/07/2025

Power Interfaith and congregations around the city and Northwest Philadelphia will host press conferences demanding action on “the city’s growing affordability crisis.” Learn more here:

Power Interfaith and congregations around the city and Northwest Philadelphia will host press conferences demanding action on “the city’s growing affordability crisis.”

11/06/2025

Read Councilwoman Cindy Bass’ op-ed from this week’s issue of the Local:

It is deeply disappointing that anyone would attempt to turn the tragic death of 23-year-old Kada Scott into a debate about real estate.

11/03/2025

With the recent tragedy of Kada Scott’s body being found behind the abandoned Ada H.H. Lewis Middle School in Germantown, residents’ long-held concerns over vacant city-owned properties have risen to the surface.

10/29/2025

Located just blocks away from Woodmere Art Museum’s Charles Knox Smith Hall, Maguire Hall offers the institution a chance to display even more of its vast collection of artwork. Take a peek inside the renovated Victorian mansion — opening this weekend — below.

Many of Woodmere's works have gone unseen by the public, stored in vaults at Woodmere’s Charles Knox Smith Hall. Space constraints hindered the museum’s ability to display more of its collection — until now.