Exciting Upgrades Coming to West Ashley Neighborhood
Charleston, S.C. is buzzing with anticipation as the Ardmore-Sherwood Forest community gears up for some much-needed upgrades. Thanks to a generous $100,000 grant from the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation, revitalization projects are on the horizon. This two-year program promises not only improvements to the area but also aims to increase community involvement, a win-win for everyone living in the neighborhood.
A Community’s Call for Change
Many residents feel that these renovations are long overdue. “Completely overlooked. Everything from flooding to paving, to manicures or streetscaping,” said local resident Teresa Tidestrom. Her sentiments echo the feelings of many in West Ashley who believe it’s finally time for some change. This grant, part of the ‘Love Your Block Grant’ initiative, is designed to tackle the challenges that have plagued the community, helping to restore both pride and functionality to this vibrant area.
How Will the Grant Help?
The $100,000 will be utilized for various revitalization efforts, particularly aimed at improving blight conditions. As Amy Southerland, the city’s deputy director of livability and tourism explained, “It’s not just about cleaning up a neighborhood, but also teaching the community to help each other out.” The approach empowers residents to engage in volunteer opportunities that can significantly boost community spirit and capabilities.
Funds from the grant can be assigned to various mini-grants, offering direct support to neighbors in need of exterior house repairs — think broken porches or mailboxes. Southerland pointed out that many who face code violations might lack the resources to fix them. This initiative aims to bridge that gap, addressing issues like overgrowth or debris in yards that can lead to community-wide problems.
Community Engagement is Key
Collaboration is a big part of this revitalization initiative. Local nonprofit group, West Ashley Connects, has already started enhancing the area with community-driven efforts, including repainting neighborhood signs and organizing litter sweeps. Tidestrom, a dedicated co-founder of the nonprofit, shared, “This area is a very tight-knit community. They are amazing people that get out here. They pick up trash, they take care of each other in the community.” The pride residents feel for their neighborhood is palpable, and these projects aim to help preserve that vibrant spirit.
Next Steps
The Charleston City Council is expected to approve the grant contract in an upcoming Tuesday meeting, marking the official start of this refreshing journey for Ardmore-Sherwood Forest. As the city clears the path for these improvements, residents can look forward to participating more actively in the transformation of their community.
Looking Ahead
As work begins, it will be exciting to see how these upgrades bring positive changes to daily life in West Ashley. The community members are getting ready to roll up their sleeves and join hands in making their neighborhood a better place to live. With both local government and community groups stepping up, Ardmore-Sherwood Forest is poised for a bright and collaborative future.
