The most important element of the Westport Community Partnerships effort is the community.  The more people participating in some way, the more effective everyone’s efforts will be, and the more neighbors will have a say in shaping the future of their own neighborhood. 

Each community member’s participation in the effort, no matter how small, contributes to the critical mass that lifts up the neighborhood.

Westport Community Partnerships took its first step toward revitalization by organizing a big community meeting on March 18, 2008.  Well over 50 people filled the Westport Academy cafeteria to talk about their vision of Westport at its best.  The neighbors discussed what they wanted Westport to look like in one year, and in five years.  Forty-one ideas were suggested, and everyone present voted for their top five priorities. Here are the results:

Based on the community’s priorities and practicalities, Westport Community Partnerships has started the wheels turning to make the community’s vision of Westport a reality. Some things may be accomplished quickly and with little cost, and other changes may take years and multiple grant applications, but the effort has begun.  

Community members actively volunteer in trash clean-up and playground restoration projects.  Interested neighbors are helping to shape the neighborhood’s greening and beautification plan.  The Design Committee, made up of community members and others, helps organize and administer the façade improvement grant.  Clearly, the success and progress of Westport Community Partnerships’ revitalization efforts depends upon its partnership with the community.

Click here to get involved in this exciting initiative!