
West Side Grows Together Steering Committee
The West Side Grows Together Steering Committee consists of a broad range of community stakeholders including West Side residents, civic associations, neighborhood planning councils, institutions, churches, and businesses. The committee meets regularly to prioritize projects, track plan implementation milestones, and coordinate the activities of various partners as set forth by the West Side Revitalization Plan.
Upcoming Steering Committee Meetings
Interested in organizing for positive change in your neighborhood with like-minded individuals? Explore our sub-committees and join one or more by filling out the form below.
Sub-Committees
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The Housing Sub-Committee focuses on advancing key initiatives to increase organizational capacity & collaboration among housing stakeholders, invest in the health of existing housing, and support new housing development for various needs and income levels in the West Side. Activities include planning & implementation for the following recommendations set forth by the update to the West Side Plan, Section 1: Housing
1.1 Coordinate housing priorities, development, and marketing with West Side stakeholders
1.2 Improve connections to existing housing resources and homeownership opportunities
1.3 Advocate for programs to support responsible landlord practices
1.4 Implement energy-efficient strategies in new and existing housing to increase climate resiliency
1.5 Expand homeowner repair programs
1.6 Implement strategic code enforcement to increase the health of West Side homes and support residents
1.7 Support the development of affordable and supportive housing in the West Side
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The Economic Development Sub-Committee Meeting focuses on advancing key initiatives to support and grow businesses and the commercial corridors in the West Side. Activities include planning & implementation for the following recommendations set forth by the update to the West Side Plan, Section 2: Economic Development:
2.1 Incentivize commercial development and growth along commercial corridors
2.2 Connect residents to educational and employment opportunities to support economic growth
2.3 Strengthen business leadership and collaboration
2.4 Complete Union St. as a vibrant and economically active Main Street
2.5 Improve the pedestrian experience on commercial corridors
2.6 Increase marketing and visibility of West Side Corridors
2.7 Design 4th Street for safety and walkability
2.8 Target redevelopment to support the emerging [4th Street] commercial corridor
2.9 Build the community through beautification, events, and capacity-building
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The Parks & Gardens Sub-Committee focuses on advancing key initiatives to enhance green spaces and promote environmental justice across the West Side. Activities include planning & implementation for the following recommendations set forth by the update to the West Side Plan, Section 3: Parks & Gardens:
3.1 Support the redesign and development of Rodney Reservoir as a public, nature-focused community park for the West Side
3.2 Reactivate vacant lots into community-serving spaces
3.3 Integrate green infrastructure into public spaces and streetscape improvements
3.4 Encourage participation in open space stewardship and sense of ownership
3.5 Increase access to open space, physical activity, and recreation for all
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The Mobility & Safe Streets Sub-Committee focuses on advancing key initiatives to enhance mobility justice and safe streets across the West Side. Activities include planning & implementation for the following recommendations set forth by the update to the West Side Plan, Section 4: Mobility & Safe Streets:
4.1 Improve public transit access and mobility
4.2 Make it safe and easy to bike in the West Side
4.3 Calm traffic to increase pedestrian safety
4.4 Increase curb appeal through beautification, cleaning, and public art
4.5 Increase neighborhood safety
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The Youth & Community Building Sub-Committee focuses on advancing key initiatives to increase institutional collaboration and support community leadership, and uplift & celebrate youth and families in the West Side. Activities include planning & implementation for the following recommendations set forth by the update to the West Side Plan, Section 5: Youth & Community-Building:
5.1 Support neighborhood leaders and organizations in spearheading community projects and advocacy
5.2 Increase institutional collaboration and communication among West Side organizations and service providers
5.3 Connect teens with opportunities to foster responsibility, skill-building, and mentorship
5.4 Support parents, guardians, and caretakers in building strong family foundations
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The Health & Community Wellbeing Sub-Committee focuses on advancing key initiatives to enhance health & wellness across intersections in the West Side. Activities include planning & implementation for the following recommendations set forth by the update to the West Side Plan, Section 6: Health & Community Wellbeing:
6.1 Connect community-based health initiatives with delivery of care in the West Side
6.2 Support vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness or substance abuse
6.3 Bring fresh, healthy food to residents of all backgrounds and income levels
6.4 Promote and increase access to health resources and services
Executive Committee
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Clara Zahradnik
PRESIDENT
Resident
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Elder Wayne Emanuel DeShields
VICE PRESIDENT
President, Be Ready CDC
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Paul Calistro
SECRETARY
Executive Director, West End Neighborhood House
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Dr. Henry Smith III
PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Chair, Wilmington Community Advisory Council (WCAC)
Board Member, Peter Spencer Family Life Foundation
Steering Committee Members
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5th District Neighborhood Planning Council
Founding Member
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7th District Neighborhood Planning Council
Founding Member
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Be Ready Jesus is Coming Church
Founding Member
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Cool Spring/Tilton Neighborhood Association
Founding Member
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Cornerstone West CDC
Founding Member
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Delaware Center for Horticulture
Founding Member
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Dominican Cafe
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Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center
Founding Member
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Joy's Hair Boutique
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Latin American Community Center
Founding Member
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Little Italy Neighborhood Association
Founding Member
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Mother African Union Church
Founding Member
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Nemours Health and Prevention Services
Founding Member
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Padua Academy
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St. Anthony of Padua Parish
Founding Member
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Saint Francis Hospital
Founding Member
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St. Paul Catholic Church
Founding Member
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West End Neighborhood House
Founding Member
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West Side Coalition
Founding Member
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West Side Community Action Committee
Founding Member
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Westside Family Healthcare
Founding Member
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Woodlawn Library
Founding Member
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Woodlawn Trustees
Founding Member
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WSFS Bank