For the past six months, a local group of residents has met regularly to discuss ways to revitalize, organize and improve Staunton’s West Beverley corridor from Thornrose Cemetery to the Augusta County line. The group, Staunton’s West End Alliance, is now ready to take the next step to build and energize efforts to improve a historic, but often hidden side of Staunton.
With the upcoming release of a letter and business survey, Staunton’s West End Alliance, plans to survey more than 100 business owners and community members along the West Beverley corridor. The survey aims to collect information about needs and potential issues which concern businesses along the corridor.
“My family has lived on Thompson Street, off West Beverley near Thornrose Cemetery, for almost 10 years. It’s a beautiful neighborhood, full of great neighbors and bungalow architecture. We’re within walking distance of New Town and Downtown and short walks away from both Gypsy Hill Park and Montgomery Hall Park. “ says resident and group member Sean Harvey. “I think this area of Staunton, from Thornrose to the county line, holds great opportunity for business and community investment, but lacks a strong voice in the areas of economic development, business representation and community development.”
Staunton’s West End Alliance is a citizen led effort to organize residents and partners of Staunton’s West End to address concerns specific to the area’s businesses, residents and community. Their goal is to improve the area’s general infrastructure, aesthetic and general visibility in an effort to increase foot traffic to local businesses, raise property values for residents and create a safer, more pleasant place to live.
“As you drive west out of town, the differences between the West End and other areas of town can be stark. We have many commercial buildings with dark windows or high business turn over. We have crumbling walls and peeling paint. On the other hand we have great churches, institutions, and businesses such as Kitch’n Cook’d Potato Chips, Mi Rancho and Stuff Antiques to name just a few. Besides engaged citizens, the foundation of a great community is strong business. Our goal is provide a vehicle for both to collaborate, discuss and voice concerns.” explains Harvey. “West Beverley may not be the primary corridor for Tourism, but it is a gateway to Staunton. More importantly it is a gateway with a direct route to Downtown. As the population of the county grows, more and more traffic will be funneled along this corridor. It’s important to the future of this community to have a strong voice in front of City Council, submit grants to state and national organizations, and provide avenues for continued discussion between all the stakeholders. That’s what we hope to start. This letter and survey is a jumping off point.”
Letters and surveys were mailed on October 30th, 2014 . Each letter and survey contains a self-addressed stamped envelop. Staunton’s West End Alliance is urging owners and community members to complete and return the letter before November 20.
About Staunton’s West End Alliance
Staunton’s West End Alliance is a citizen led effort to organize residents and partners of Staunton’s West End to address the concerns of our area’s businesses, business owners and residents. Our goal is to improve our area’s general infrastructure, visibility, and overall aesthetic in an effort to increase foot traffic to local businesses, raise property values for residents and create a safer, more pleasant place to live.
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