In journalism, the most important thing you can do is ask questions. When you ask questions, you create new opportunities and avenues of exploration.

Most, if not all, of the time, the questions we have, and the questions our neighbors bring us, turn into stories — helping us fill the gaps and connect the dots on topics that matter most to the broader Germantown community.

Each year, I’ve made a tradition of naming the top things that Germantown Info Hub looks forward to covering and seeing throughout the year. And, in the spirit of asking questions, I have decided to present this year as such.

While this list is simply to pose topics of interest, based on what we know, you can expect these to be on our radar, with some having coverage happening sooner rather than later.

Any updates on the Germantown Town Hall?

It’s been a couple of years since Germantown got its last update from Developer Anthony Fullard on the current state of the iconic structure that has sat vacant for decades. As other projects have been proposed for development directly next to this structure, will this structure finally see new life?

What is to happen with the Ada Lewis building?

Last year, the city was struck by the tragic death of local beauty queen Kada Scott. Her death became a somewhat reluctant political vehicle through an array of open letters and op-eds by community leaders, elected officials, and stakeholders.

Locals also had much to say about the potential reuses of the building via comment sections and Facebook groups. One group, SHE IS U, already has a rally planned at the building this coming MLK Day, Jan. 19, to urge the city to repurpose the building into a Domestic Violence resource center.

In this same light, what other traction will we see around the building?

What the heck happened to Germantown 250?

Since late 2024, there has been a lot of momentum building around neighborhood-level participation for the 250th celebration of Philadelphia and the United States at large. The coalition ran a chain of events for a six to seven-month stretch in 2025, only missing June, but abruptly disappearing after their August gathering.

A couple of recent posts from one of its co-founders, Chrissy Watts, help fill in those blanks, from her perspective. And what is the issue, as she sees it, and why the sudden disappearance? Betrayal and misappropriation of funds, in which she calls out the other co-founder, Kristen Clark of GAD Philly.

While the Germantown Info Hub will have more to report on this, sooner than later, we can report that Clark and GAD Philly deny any wrongdoing.

What pop-ups and festivals will we see?

From night markets to jazz fests and food trucks to flannel shirts, there’s been an uptick in niche open get-togethers and gatherings in the neighborhood over the past few years. What else will join the lineup, and which festivals will return? Only twelve months to find out!

What businesses will come and go this year?

Businesses are always a talking point in Germantown, as many know our corridors aren’t what they used to be decades ago. And throughout the years, we’ve done spotlights on businesses, highlighting the many challenges they’ve faced, particularly in the post-COVID era.

Last year, we saw Germantown Espresso Bar finally open back up after a two-year absence, only to see its unfortunate permanent closure in late September. After years of closures, the final Rite Aid branch on Chelten Ave., serving as a pharmacy for many, also finally closed its doors.

Yet, there are still businesses on the horizon, hoping to bring the economic energy to our neighborhood: a bakery at 5520 Germantown Ave., a jerk food spot at 5301 Germantown Ave., and a smoothie spot at 6323 Germantown Ave.

What else are we expecting?

Bonus: What are businesses doing to pivot?

Owning a business is hard, and the effects are showing. Recently, I’ve noticed different small businesses providing a new service, or even space, to help keep things afloat. I’d love to know what things business owners are doing to stay resilient and keep their businesses strong.

Bonus: Can we get a new grocery store?

Just short of a year and some change of a decade within the neighborhood, the IGA at Wayne and Chelten is coming to a close. Since 2017, Germantowners (myself included) have disclosed their discontent with the cleanliness of the store and the quality of its items.

As it prepares to shut its doors, I only wonder if we can get another high-quality supermarket to replace it and give us back a semblance of the glory days, when Harlem Globetrotter Frank Washington’s mural and the aroma of fried chicken greeted customers as they made their way in and out of the old Pathmark that the IGA replaced.

While the Weavers Way has brought a new branch of food access to some neighbors, filling in the new gap the IGA’s closure creates with something better than before seems fitting for Germantown.

Councilmember Cindy Bass posted across social media channels that her office is aware of the closing. In the post, she says, “Our office is actively working with the [Department of Commerce] to identify potential tenants who can provide essential goods and services that meet the neighborhood’s needs.”

Who will be our next Third Congressional District U.S. Representative?

After being elected and then re-elected 18 times, Dwight Evans served in the PA House of Representatives from 1980 until 2016. Then, in 2018, he ascended to the U.S. House. Last year, the congressman announced he would not be placing his bid for reelection.

And thus emerged a field of names, with very different legacies and reputations, who look to do so, with names State Rep. Chris Rabb, State Rep. Morgan Cephas, Dr. Ala Stanford, and Senator Sharif Street leading the conversation.

Residents in the Third Congressional District will head to the polls for the primary election on May 19 to cast their vote. The winner is expected to also win the general election on Nov. 3, as an overwhelmingly Democratic district.

Germantown neighbors can see invited candidates Rabb, Cephas, Stanford, and Street chat in a forum hosted by the 12th and 59th Democratic Wards, next Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Center in the Park (5818 Germantown Ave.) 

What will Happy Hollow look like at the end of this year?

Ground was broken at Happy Hollow towards the end of this year to help implement Rebuild’s plan to refurbish various points of the interior and exterior of the historic property to maximize communal use and elevate joy.

Initially an $8.6 million project, November brought the news that the property is now a $16 million one. With so much money being invested, I am wondering, “Will it be worth it?” Certainly hoping so! 

What state and city-level legislation will have the most effect on us, hyperlocally?

On a state level, Pennsylvania had a hard time agreeing on a budget, months after its deadline, signifying a clear divide within the PA House.  And lest we forget the SEPTA trials, which linger from last year over our transit riders’ heads, after months of disorienting information and disservice.

What can we expect in the coming year, legislatively? Which elected officials will rise, in the eyes of our neighbors, and which will come up short?

Where will Uncle Bobbies move to?

It’s been almost a year since beloved coffee shop and bookstore, Uncle Bobbies, announced they were looking to leave their current location, launching a GoFundMe beside it. Neighbors expressed how much the café has meant to them, and hope it’ll stay around, too. While they have said they intend to remain in the neighborhood, no one can ever be too certain.

Will there be any other interest for the City Council?

Germantown neighbor Jeff Jones has launched a campaign, with a plethora of local events, serving as spotlights and benefits to get the attention of neighbors for his hopeful run for the Eighth District City Council seat, currently held by Cindy Bass.

While the next election for City Council isn’t slated to happen til 2027, it seems Jones is eager to throw his name in the hat.

Besides Jones, the only educated guess for another contender, this early on, would be Bass’s 2023 opponent, Seth Anderson-Oberman, who only lost by roughly 400 votes (50.7% to 49.1%). Anderson-Oberman currently serves as executive director at Reclaim Philadelphia.

Can Wister Woods Biking get more support behind it?

This past summer, our community organizer/reporter, Maleka Fruean, reported on biker and Park Ranger Sahlee Brown’s crusade to make Wister Woods a premier destination for biking. Through research, Brown assesses that there’s enough space to construct upwards of seven miles of bike trails, a family area, an asphalt pump track, and a large dirt jump park.

Since then, Brown has launched a petition to bring attention to our elected officials to gain some traction on the issue and garner more support around the idea.

What homes and buildings will be preserved and protected?

There are always a handful of properties on the Philadelphia Historical Commission’s docket — and there are always neighbors and community groups uplifting them. Last year, we saw churches like Providence Baptist on Haines St. and Sanctuary Church of God in Christ on Sharpnack St. gain historic designation status because of this dedication to preservation.

In other news, community members loudly appealed the granted permit for the demolition of La Salle’s Edgewood House, which folks learned held untold and unheard histories of an asylum for Black girls. The school says they have no plans for demolition, despite the granted permit.

In 2026, will there be any closure to that situation? And what other buildings and properties will gain historical status?

What happened to the Raise Your Pay model?

Back in April 2024, East Germantown was set to serve as a model to move people from poverty wages to a more sustainable pay. State Senator Art Haywood’s team had assembled a task force of employers and community organizations to help do so.

A hopeful 50 people were expected to be part of the “Raise Your Pay: East Germantown” inaugural experience, with the hopes of taking their $20-30K a year and adding $10-30K to their income within a 12-to-18-month period. But in 2025, we hadn’t heard anything about the project.

While it was a test trial, I’m still very interested in knowing the results of the experiment. 

Can we get an update on the Germantown YWCA?

Earlier this year, Ken Weinstein was rejected in his request for reconsideration of the decision by Judge Ann Butchart that there was no blight found or caused by the Germantown YWCA grounds ahead of his Act 135 filing.

This led to another waiting period of uncertainty for neighbors until the Chestnut Hill Local reported on Aug. 20 that Councilmember Bass would have an update on the building soon. As of today, there have been no plans or announcements revealed.

Will our neighbors finally know what the future holds for this decades-vacant property? After months of courtroom sit-ins and coverage, I certainly am interested to know.