Because We Care!
Westwood Concern is a grass-roots organization made up of residents that care about their neighborhood. All projects and efforts are facilitated by the volunteer work of those that live in the neighborhood. Founded in 2000, the group's goal has remained consistent ever since: to promote the positive aspects of the neighborhood and work together to make improvements on a daily basis. Westwood is a great place to live, and we all have a role to play in our neighborhood.
There is no membership fee to join Westwood Concern, and opportunities for involvement are numerous and regularly discussed at our meetings—which all are welcome to attend. If you have a particular talent or skill that you could use to help our neighborhood please let us know.
Progress
Our meetings continue to be well attended by hundreds of residents each month. We have grown and accomplished many things with the help of residents such as:
- Organized a bus tour for residents, members of council, and city departments to illustrate the positive attributes of the neighborhood and to bring attention to areas that need improvement. As a result of the tour the city has begun working on a strategic plan for Westwood and conducted a Blight Study on the Bracken Woods area.
- Administer an email list utilized to keep residents informed of important events through newsletters.
- Removed pay phones and buildings which have contributed to unsightliness, vandalism, criminal activity, and other health and safety issues.
- Increase the awareness of public officials to be attentive to the needs of the neighborhood.
- Currently working with landlords to properly screen dumpsters or move them to an inconspicuous location.
- Increased public awareness of issues that affect our community.
- Promote regular interaction and attendance by city officials at our meetings.
- Network and keep residents informed of issues and programs in our neighborhood through phone chains, and web-based social networking sites such as Twitter, Flickr, and Vimeo.
- Served as a launching pad for Westwood COPs (Citizens on Patrol).
- Organize regular neighborhood clean-up efforts including along our gateways of Montana, Harrison, McHenry, and Queen City avenues.
- Created a Historical Society that organizes an annual Home Tour to promote the beautiful architecture and neighborhoods in Westwood.
- Communicate on a regular basis with city departments such as safety, litter, and the building department to address crime, safety, litter, graffiti, tall grass and weeds, and poorly maintained properties.
- Inform and empower residents to make positive changes in their neighborhood.
Get involved!
If you are interested in making Westwood a better place, please attend future meetings and join our mailing list. If you have questions about our group or would like to become involved in any capacity please contact us. Check the calendar for upcoming meetings and events.
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