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About Us
Westerwood Neighborhood Association is a North Carolina non-profit corporation with three primary purposes relating to the Westerwood Neighborhood:
- To promote a safe Neighborhood in which to live and raise a family.
- To enhance, maintain and preserve property values in the Neighborhood.
- To encourage Neighborhood residents to become acquainted with their neighbors.
Membership in the Westerwood Neighborhood Association is open to all residents of the area in Greensboro, North Carolina that is bounded by Benjamin Parkway/Smith Street to the north, West Friendly Avenue to the south, the Cedar Street railroad tracks (Norfolk-Southern spur line) to the east, and Aycock Street to the west.
Developed in the early 20th Century, the Westerwood Neighborhood was one of Greensboro's earliest planned communities, and Westerwood reflects what were the prevailing trends in neighborhood design, including a park-like setting, grid street patterns, paved streets with granite curbs and sidewalks separated from the curbing by planting areas, and alleys to provide access for coal and ice trucks. Homes in Westerwood were built on-site by skilled tradesmen and their apprentices using available materials, with houses constructed of natural materials in the Craftsman, Colonial Revival and other styles popularized at the time by magazines and plan books. Westerwood has one of the finest collections of bungalows in the State and perhaps in the region, and most of the houses in Westerwood possess architectural character not found in modern subdivisions. In addition to its architecture, Westerwood is known today for its granite curbing, front porches, abundant stone retaining walls, tree-lined streets, and strong sense of community among residents.
A study conducted in 2001 by the City of Greensboro's Department of Housing and Community Development and approved by the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office determined that Westerwood qualifies for designation as a local historic district, and a portion of Westerwood had previously been determined to be eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The 2001 historic study concludes that "Westerwood may be one of the better examples of an early, planned community for middle-income groups in North Carolina," that "as one of Greensboro's earliest neighborhoods, Westerwood is a treasure," and that "because of its traditional design, shady streets, proximity to thoroughfares, public transportation, parks, the downtown, colleges, schools, churches, and neighborhood shopping centers, Westerwood may well be the most 'livable' neighborhood in the city."
Westerwood is located centrally between downtown Greensboro's
Central Business District, the University of North Carolina
at Greensboro, and Friendly Shopping Center. Many neighborhood
residents walk or bicycle to work downtown or at UNCG, and Westerwood
has a well-deserved reputation as one of the City's most walk
able communities. In addition to its fabulous collection of
architecture, the Westerwood Neighborhood is also home to the
City's only surviving roundabout, a large portion of Lake Daniel
park (including open spaces, a playground, tennis courts, and
volleyball courts), and several magnificent bridges over North
Buffalo Creek (including the Garland Street bridge depicted
on the Association's logo).
Westerwood Neighborhood Association does not collect any mandatory or optional dues. Instead, the Association's activities are funded by a combination of donations, fundraiser proceeds, grants, and advertising revenue from the Westerwood News, a newsletter that the Association regularly publishes. Because the Internal Revenue Service has designated the Association as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, donations to the Association are generally tax-deductible.
The Association is run by a Board of Directors that includes
elected neighbor representatives and the chairpersons of the
Association's committees. The Association's committees include
a Newsletter Committee, a Web page Committee, a Zoning Committee,
a Beautification and Environmental Enhancement Committee, and
a Social/Programs Committee. All neighbors are strongly encouraged
to volunteer for service on these committees. Please contact
one of the Association's
Board members if you have any questions about Westerwood
or the Westerwood Neighborhood Association. |
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