New West Willow Neighborhood Association

Fly Art Center comes back to NWWNA

2012-01-26T07:20:00.000-08:00

During the Summer Program, the kids were thrilled to work with Katie from Fly Art Center and they won't have to wait long to regain the experience. Nearly every Friday from now until April, Fly Art will be coming in to do zany, instructive, fascinating crafts with the kids. Classes are FREE thanks to a generous donation from the Mardi Gras Foundation. All youth ages 6-13 are welcome to come attend. Moms, Dads, and Grandparents stop in and revisit your inner child! See the NWWNA Calendar for Upcoming Events.

Saturday, August 13th will be a day to remember...."Speak Peace Rally & NWWNA Annual Picnic"

2011-08-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday, August 13th at the West Willow Park on Tyler Road, the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office - Street Outreach Team, along with the New West Willow Neighborhood Association with host a "Speak Peace Rally" and our 9th annual Neighborhood Picnic.

The event will take place from 10AM-4PM, with engaging activities occurring throughout the day, including:

A 45-minute "Peace Walk" throughout our beautiful West Willow Neighborhood beginning at 10:30AM, with a meet up at the West Willow Park.

Returning back to the park to listen to a number of guest speakers at 11:30 AM, including community leaders, officials and members of the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office "Street Outreach Team", our NWWNA President Angela Barbash and more.

Memorial balloon release following the speakers, to celebrate life and honor those who are no longer with us around 12:15 PM.

Local non-profit and other organizations including St. Joseph Hospital - Free Mammograms and University of Michigan Hospitals - Free health clinic, Ozone House- Mentoring/crisis management program for teens, Girls on the Run-Tutoring program and Ann Arbor Dispute Resolution Center and Art in the Park-Arts Engagement Program, with booths to visit starting around 12:30 PM.

A picnic hosted by the New West Willow Neighborhood Association starting at 1:00 PM, along with the "Ballin' in the Willow" 3-on-3 basketball finals and awards ceremony, during the afternoon.

An interactive graffiti art demonstration, comedy & step show beginning around 3:00 PM

A wrap of to the days events with a Neighborhood pledge to end violence and plaque ceremony around 4:00PM.

Ann Arbor.com's writer Tom Perkins wrote a nice piece in the local newspaper about Saturday's "Speak Peace Rally". Feel free to read his piece at the following link.

We're looking forward to seeing our great neighbors out at the park!

Sincerely,

NWWNA Executive and Advisory Board Members

NWWNA August 2011 Newsletter is Available

2011-08-07T23:24:00.000-07:00

The NWWNA August 2011 Newsletter has been uploaded for online review via Google Docs. Feel free to review our neighborhood monthly newsletter at this link.

General Meeting Minutes Notes from July,11 2011 Available

2011-08-07T08:19:00.000-07:00

The General Meeting Notes from written by NWWNA Recording Secretary Claudia Small from Monday, July 11, 2011 meeting, are available at this link.

Thanks,

NWWNA Governmental Advisory Board Member

Monica Ross-Williams

General Meeting Minutes Notes from June 13, 2011 Available

2011-06-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

The General Meeting Notes from written by NWWNA Recording Secretary Claudia Small from Monday, June 13, 2011 meeting, are available at this link.

Thanks,

NWWNA Governmental Advisory Board Member

Monica Ross-Williams

President Angela Barbash appearance on the Lucy Ann Lance Business Show 1290 AM

2011-06-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

By-Monica Ross-Williams
NWWNA Governmental Advisory Board Member
Ypsilanti Township Parks Commissioner

Originally appeared on Ann Arbor.com June 18, 2011
Recap of article by Lucy Ann Lance

Photo Credit-Ann Arbor.com

Plagued with shootings and distrust of police, Ypsilanti Township’s West Willow neighborhood is fighting back to save its community. Last summer resident Angela Barbash started a Citizens Patrol to keep watch, and new entryway signs were erected to greet visitors. The New West Willow Neighborhood Association (Barbash is the president) was formed and a comprehensive strategic plan was created.

Located in the north part of Ypsilanti Township directly west of Willow Run Airport, the neighborhood is bounded by a triangle of I-94, US-12, and Wiard Road - all limited access roads - which tends to isolate the community from the greater Ypsilanti area. West Willow neighbors are taking a novel approach to the rejuvenation of their community. We talked with Barbash, a driving force in these initiatives, on 1290 WLBY this past week (June 14, 2011).

President Angela Barbash of the NWWNA appearance on behalf of residents of the New West Willow Community was a part of the outgoing NWWNA Media effort to promote a positive view about our historical community to the populist at large. Listen to the entire interview, with radio host Lucy Lance at her website, near the bottom of the page.

Also, if you have not joined into our growing Facebook Fan Page, please take to time to do so now and connect with residents of this fabulous community.

Notes from Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees meeting 6/21

2011-06-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

By-Monica Ross-Williams   NWWNA Governmental Advisory Board Member
Ypsilanti Township Parks Commissioner

The Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees general meeting occurred on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. Various issues that would impact and/or effect the West Willow Community were discussed. Here is a summary of the topics highlighted at Tuesday's meeting.

-Bosal International located at 1476 Seaver Way Ypsilanti, Michigan was approved for a Township tax abatement. In addition, the company will be seeking additional tax incentives from both federal and state resources.

Image via WikipediaWith the Board of Trustees approving the tax abatement for Ypsilanti Township community, Bosal spokesperson Bruce Wager stated with the incentive, the goal is to build additional production lines at the facility, adding about 150 local employment opportunities in the near future.

"Consider hiring our residents (in Ypsilanti Township)," Supervisor Brenda Stumbo stated to Bosal before the entire board voted in favor of the tax abatement". "A lot of people in the area have been laid off and could use these jobs."

Bosal spokesperson noted that the company has hired a majority of their current employees from the Ypsilanti Township area and plan to continue adding jobs locally, with the new production lines at the facility.

-Ypsilanti Township Attorney Doug Winters cited the purposed "Willow Run Aeropolis" (at the site of the former GM Powertrain location)-which would add a air, train and ground transportation hub for businesses/commuters in Southeastern Michigan, if finally approved. The site would add up to 150 new jobs into the area.

Ypsilanti Township continues to be in discussions with official in Wayne County and the state of Michigan for the development process of this proposed project.

-Attorney Winters also noted that the continuing public nuisance of the Daily Mart at 2375 Grove Road -which included up to three incidents of selling alcohol to minors that lead to a 60 day suspension of their liquor license in April/May 2011-is still being worked on behalf of Ypsilanti Township residents. The Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees plan to move forward to request the Michigan Liquor Commission revoke the Dairy Mart's spirits license, permanently.

Atty. Winters cited one incident after the 60 day suspension was lifted that a convicted felon was hired by the store owner as the "store security" and a recent incident involving minor violence fighting event at the store, for reasons why the Township would continue to pursue a liquor license revoke of this location.

A special meeting will be called in July 2011 for Ypsilanti Township residents to discuss their opinions on the Dairy Mart location, while the Township make the appeal to revoke the license to the Michigan Liquor Commission.

-Burning Bush International Church at 2069 Tyler Road in Ypsilanti, Michigan (West Willow Community) currently, was approved in a first reading to move their worship location to 770 James L. Hart Parkway in Ypsilanti, Michigan. A second reading on the measure will take place at the July 2011 Board of Trustees meeting.

The amended planning development of Burning Bush Church was approved with the following conditions by the Township Board: No day care, preschool or early educational facility at the location due to its' proximity to industrial locations, landscaping of property location would be required and no parcel usage allowed at the location.

-Purposed new development in Ypsilanti Township -Spirits Restaurant at 2711 Rawsonville Road in Belleville, Michigan (Ypsilanti Township Property) was approved a food services Liquor Operational License. Formerly, the building housed a Lonestar Steakhouse restaurant.

The restaurant spokesperson D'Wayne Turner stated that the theme of the location will be a India based food cuisine, along with a lounge location nightly, with live music. A spokesperson also noted that Spirits, will be hiring local employees to Monica RW of the Reach Out Job Search News Blog, after the development is complete.

-Water and sewer governmental operator YCUA was approved in their request of the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees to increase residential and business rates by 5.3%. The average residential costs increase Township residents will increase between $2.47 to $4.52 monthly, depending on water usage.

The request of the increase was to the increased retirement and operational costs, a YCUA spokesperson cited during the meeting.

-The first reading of the purpose Ypsilanti Township Dog Ordinance , requiring "Backyard Breeders" to have a permit and meet certain conditions to operate a dog birthing business, was approved by the Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees. Township governmental officials have and continue to work jointly with the Humane Society of Huron Valley and members of the local AKC organization for final approval of the proposal.

"Backyard breeding is a business," Jenny Paillon Director of the HSHV Clinic Operations cited. " Many of these breeders are selling the animals without the proper vaccinations, behavioral training or history and when these owners call the breeders with issues on the dog, they are avoiding their calls".

More information on the purposed Ypsilanti Township "Backyard Breeder" ordnance can be found on the Ann Arbor.com website.

To stay abreast of information on local governmental operations, meetings and proposals, please visit the Charter Township Ypsilanti Government Website.

2011 WEST WILLOW SUMMER PROGRAM

2011-05-19T04:04:00.000-07:00

By Linda Mealing
Treasurer NWWNA/Youth Programs Committee Chairperson

West Willow Summer 2011 Youth Program

DATE AND LOCATION
June 20 - Aug. 11, 2011 *closed July 4th
Mon. - Fri., 11am - 3pm
Community Resource Center (CRC)
2057 Tyler Rd.
Ypsilanti, Mi., 48198

EARLY REGISTRATION (at CRC building)
June 14th - 10am-noon school
June 16th - 4-6pm

AGES: school ages 5-17 yrs. old Capacity around 60 youth

OVERVIEW - Lunch provides by Washtenaw Cty. ETC Lunch Program at 11:15am promptly!! With the help of other nonprofit agencies, governmental entities, individuals and area churches, the West Willow Summer Program (under NWWNA leadership) offers neighborhood youths a healthy and safe haven at the CRC for the summer months. Activities include guest speakers, nutritional classes, computer work, help with reading and math, gardening and a few field trips. We hope to cover each week with a central theme such as Safety, State of MI/Around the World Exploration, Community Helpers, Life Skills/Careers, Leadership, Art/creativity and much more!

SUPPORTING OPPORTUNITIES
Come as a guest speaker, janitorial services, provide a tax-exempt donation, volunteer as an adult mentor, donate craft supplies, provide support for field
trips, help get building & grounds ready, gardening mentors/care takers

Contact information: Linda Mealing 734-483-8195 or lindame5881@att.net

* more details can be found posted at the CRC and on distributed flyers

General Meeting Minutes Notes from April 11, 2011

2011-05-08T21:16:00.000-07:00

The General Meeting Notes from Monday, March 11, 2011 are available at this link.

Thanks,

NWWNA Recording Secretary

Monica Ross-Williams

Are You Ready for a Yard Sale? June 11-12th from 8am-4pm

2011-05-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

Image via WikipediaLake Shore Apartments and the West Willow Neighborhood are kicking off the 1st annual Big Ypsi Yard Sale on Saturday June 11th through Sunday June 12th, 8am-4pm. All neighborhoods are welcome to join in the fun!

Maps and refreshments will be provided at central locations in both neighborhoods. Residents can email westwillowmedia@gmail.com or call 734-719-0074 to get their home added to the map.

General Meeting Minutes Notes from March 14, 2011

2011-04-11T06:22:00.003-07:00

The General Meeting Notes from Monday, March 14, 2011 are available at this link.

Thanks,

NWWNA Recording Secretary

Monica Ross-Williams

NWWNA 1st Annual Volunteer Fair Was a Great Success!

2011-03-07T18:09:00.000-08:00

In late February 2011, the New West Willow Neighborhood Association held our 1st Annual Volunteer Fair at Kaiser Elementary School in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

We were very impressed with the residents and various members of the Washtenaw County community that came out to express that they were willing to donate time to improve or provide services to the West Willow Community.

Over 20 people attended the event and we plan on having another Volunteer Fair in May 2011! Feel free to take a look at our pictures!

Join us for our next General Membership Meeting Monday, March 14, 2011

2011-03-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

The next General Membership meeting is March 14, 2011 @7pm at Kaiser Elementary School 670 Onandago Ypsilanti, Michigan 48198. Hope to see you there and bring a neighbor and/or a friend from our community!

General Meeting Minutes Notes from February 14, 2011

2011-03-07T17:04:00.000-08:00

The General Meeting Notes from Monday, February 14, 2011 are available at this link.

Thanks,

NWWNA Recording Secretary

Monica Ross-Williams

General Meeting Minutes Notes from January 11, 2011

2011-03-07T16:24:00.000-08:00

The General Meeting Notes from Monday, January,10, 2011 are available at this link.

Thanks,

NWWNA Recording Secretary

Monica Ross-Williams

2011-01-09T19:09:00.000-08:00

New West Willow Neighborhood Association

The New West Willow Neighborhood Association (NWWNA) is the non-profit neighborhood association (CERTIFIED 501.C3) of the West Willow neighborhood. The West Willow community is located within the triangular area of Ypsilanti Township bounded by I-94, Ecorse Road and Willow Run Airport, and was developed in the 1950's as housing for manufacturing workers. As a neighborhood, we benefit from a unique history, diversity amongst our neighbors, and an engaged neighborhood association.

Our purpose is:

To develop a safe and healthy community for all
To support education of our children
To promote the welfare and safety of our children
To create and maintain a clean and beautiful neighborhood

Association Meetings:

2nd Monday of each month
All meetings begin at 7pm
School year meeting are at Kaiser School, 670 Onandaga
Summer meetings are at the Community Resource Center, 2057 Tyler

Next General Membership Meeting

January 10, 2010 @7pm at Kaiser Elementary School

View the NWWNA neighborhood improvement plan presentation. Details

New West Willow Neighborhood Association Sign Established in December 2010

General Meeting Minutes Notes from November 8, 2010

2010-11-07T22:15:00.001-08:00

The General Meeting Notes from Monday, November 8, 2010 are available at this link.

Thanks,

NWWNA Recording Secretary

Monica Ross-Williams

New West Willow Neighborhood Association

Fly Art Center comes back to NWWNA

Saturday, August 13th will be a day to remember...."Speak Peace Rally & NWWNA Annual Picnic"

NWWNA August 2011 Newsletter is Available

General Meeting Minutes Notes from July,11 2011 Available

General Meeting Minutes Notes from June 13, 2011 Available

President Angela Barbash appearance on the Lucy Ann Lance Business Show 1290 AM

Notes from Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees meeting 6/21

2011 WEST WILLOW SUMMER PROGRAM

General Meeting Minutes Notes from April 11, 2011

Are You Ready for a Yard Sale? June 11-12th from 8am-4pm

Related articles

General Meeting Minutes Notes from March 14, 2011

NWWNA 1st Annual Volunteer Fair Was a Great Success!

Join us for our next General Membership Meeting Monday, March 14, 2011

General Meeting Minutes Notes from February 14, 2011

General Meeting Minutes Notes from January 11, 2011

General Meeting Minutes Notes from November 8, 2010