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.
Antoinette Giles, Vice-Chair of West Lakes Partnership, has been a resident of the Lake Sunset / Luola Terrace community for more than 10 years. She has served on the Board of Directors for over 2 years. In addition to her position as the Vice-Chair, she is also the Co-chair of the Neighborhood Engagement Committee. On today’s blog, Antoinette talks about the future of West Lakes Partnership and the vision the initiative has for 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?
Increasing homeownership is one of the most important tools we can use to build economic empowerment in our neighborhoods. Our efforts to restore vacant homes and create purchase opportunities for our neighbors, who might normally be overshadowed by investor interests, have been impactful. We look forward to increasing our capacity to renovate homes on a larger scale and serve as advocates for our neighbors who want to own their own home in West Lakes.
Where do you see West Lakes in the future?
West Lakes will be a place where neighbors of all ethnicities can thrive and feel included in a supportive, progressive community.
What excites you most about all the development in West Lakes?
In so many historically black communities across the country, progress and improvement have been synonymous with a sense of cultural depletion and disadvantage. What we are championing in West Lakes is the idea that historically black communities can evolve and grow economically without sacrificing cultural priorities. It excites me to envision our five neighborhoods filled with beautiful homes, flourishing green spaces, healthy families, stable institutions, successful businesses, and vibrant culture that reflects our rich history. It excites me that everyone who lives here will be able to achieve a greater sense of pride as a member of this community.
What role do you see West Lakes Partnership playing in the future development of West Lakes?
West Lakes Partnership will grow exponentially in infrastructure, financial strength, and influence. We are investing manpower and dollars into bigger and better victories for the entire footprint. Collaborating with our hardworking neighbors, HOA leaders, and corporate partners who all believe in cooperative strategy, we are redefining community development with a sense of expectancy and optimism. It's reassuring to see the results of this collaboration in the past few years, and we are committed to continue our work for the long haul.
Antoinette says that the biggest achievement of West Lakes Partnership since she has been a member, has been the housing rehabilitation project. She looks forward to seeing more projects in the future. Her passion for the community and ambitious attitude will certainly help to champion all of the efforts of the West Lakes Partnership for years to come.