Settlement reached in building dispute
A contentious dispute involving a building in Center City that formerly housed many LGBT businesses and nonprofits has been settled.
The building, at 1201 Spruce St., was going to house a first-floor restaurant. The restaurant was to be developed by a limited-liability company known as 250 S. 12th Street Co., according to papers filed in Common Pleas Court.
The building’s owners, the Odd Fellows of America, claim they sustained more than $300,000 in losses due to the failed venture. But attorneys for 260 S. 12th Street Co. filed a counter claim, alleging that it was the company that sustained significant losses.
The case was scheduled for a bench trial with Common Pleas Judge Arnold L. New presiding, beginning 9:30 a.m. Jan. 12 in City Hall Courtroom 602.
But on Jan. 9, New was notified that both parties had reached a confidential settlement in the case.
“Yes, we’ve settled; it’s a confidential settlement,” said John M. Corcoran, an attorney for the 260 S. 12th Street Co. “I’ve moved on to the next matter.”
Beverly Muldrow, an attorney for the Odd Fellows, couldn’t be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, the building remains vacant, but PGN has learned that several business and real-estate developers have contacted the Odd Fellows in the hope of developing the building for LGBT business and nonprofits once again.
— Tim Cwiek
Local lawyer to air wedding essay
Openly gay Flaster/Greenberg attorney Abbe Fletman will read an essay she wrote about her wedding during National Public Radio affiliate WHHY’s “This I Believe” program, Jan. 16 at 5:44 p.m. and Jan. 18 at 9:34 a.m. on 91 FM.
Fletman, who heads the firm’s IP litigation section, was one of 50 people selected to participate in the “This I Believe” essay series, which allows local leaders to share their stories and sentiments with listeners. Mayor Nutter was last week’s featured guest.
For more information about the series, visit www.whyy.org.
Music and charity in New Hope
Triumph Brewing Company, 400 Bridge St. in New Hope, will host singer-songwriter Christine Havrilla at 10 p.m. Jan. 16 in an event that will showcase the out performer’s musical talents and provide assistance to those in need.
Those attending the show are encouraged to bring new or slightly used coats, blankets and ponchos that will be distributed to the needy. Fans who donate an item will receive $5 off a CD purchase during the show.
There is a $5 cover charge for the event. For more information, visit www.triumphbrewingcompany.com.
Church hosts trans discussion
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Jersey Shore will sponsor a seminar and workshop on transgender issues at noon Jan. 18 at the Unitarian Universalist Center, 75 S. Pomona Road in Galloway.
Allison Woolbert, a transgender CEO of New Jersey-based Phoenix Consultants Group, will lead the discussion, which will center on the obstacles transgender people must face in overcoming the cultural limitations placed on gender and gender identity.
The event is free, but there is a $10 suggested donation and space is limited. To register, contact Woolbert at (609) 926-0386.
Del. LGBT Dems to elect leaders
The Delaware Stonewall Democrats will host their first meeting of the year at 1 p.m. Jan. 24 at The Dover Century Club, 40 The Green, in Dover.
At the meeting, members will elect the new executive board.
Those interesting in running for the board should contact nominations committee chair Tim Spies at [email protected]. In order to serve on the board, individuals must have been paid members for at least one year.
To vote at the meeting, individuals must be up to date with membership fees and have been members for at least 30 days.
To RSVP for the event, contact Erik Painter at [email protected] or (302) 593-0945 by Jan. 22.
Internships available at LGBT-friendly orgs
The R. Scott Hitt Foundation is offering internship funding for undergraduate and graduate students at pro-LGBT organizations.
Students interested in the R. Scott Hitt Internship in Leadership Development program would work with a nonprofit organization of their choice and would submit a potential internship curriculum that would need to be agreed upon by the host institution, along with several other application materials, by May 8.
For more information, visit www.scotthittfoundation.org.
— Jen Colletta