The West Lakes Partnership community development initiative was created by resident leaders to help ensure the preservation of West Lakes’ cultural heritage and the vision of a thriving community where its residents can live, work, learn and play. The operations are funded privately, through a combination of private donations, board giving, and development fees. Led by a 15 member board (10 of which are residents of the West Lakes neighborhoods), WLP’s approach is geared toward housing rehabilitation and spurring further investment in pockets of disinvestment within our neighborhoods.
Tangia Smikle, was one of the original 7 founding members of the West Lakes Economic Opportunities Council, currently known as West Lakes Partnership. A lifetime resident of West Lakes, Tangia, is proud of her roots in the community. After serving two tours in Desert Storm, she returned home to the West Lakes community where she has resided for over twenty years.
On today’s blog, Tangia talks about the future of West Lakes Partnership and the future of West Lakes from her perspective.
What do you think of the Partnership's efforts to increase homeownership in the neighborhood by rehabbing vacant housing?
As one of the founders of the West Lakes Economic Opportunities Council, currently known as West Lakes Partnership, homeownership became an important pillar in our vision for the community. I absolutely love the fact that WLP, unlike LIFT Orlando, decided to find a way to bring affordable homes to fruition for our area. We understand that homeownership is the greatest equalizer in terms of building generational wealth,
Where do you see West Lakes in the future?
A hopeful memory of trust and unity if self-serving agendas are put aside.
What excites you most about all the development in West Lakes?
The long-overdue renovation of Lake Lorna Doone Park and the fact that the park will be inclusive and ADA accessible for all children.
What role do you see West Lakes Partnership playing in the future development of West Lakes?
An important role if they step up. Unfortunately, other entities have other agendas.
The biggest achievement of the WLP Board since your involvement?
The successful implementation of the West Lakes Partnership food drives. West Lakes started the food drives in 2018 long before COVID.