A lot is happening in West Duluth. In 2005, new streetscape was put in on Grand Avenue and Central Avenue was completed in 2006.
Beginning this fall, Ramsey Street will undergo new streetscape construction, creating a finished connection to the business corridor section of West Duluth and positively impacting the West Duluth Business District.
Along with the new streetscape, the buildings have found new looks thanks to the Storefront Renovation Program. This program is sponsored by SVCNDA, Duluth LISC, and NHS-Duluth.
New housing has also been popping up all over the neighborhood, including three new homes in Ramsey Village on 50th Avenue West. The Spirit Valley Citizens Neighborhood Development Association (SVCNDA) has produced more than 30 new homes in West Duluth -- more are being built every year.
These public displays of progress are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to displaying the hard work furthering positive changes for the citizens of West Duluth.
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Creating neighborhoods
Saturday, Oct. 6, was the At Home in Duluth - Creating Neighborhoods that Work: "Connecting the Dots" Showcase and Assembly. Held at the First United Methodist Church, this event was put on with the purpose of showcasing the partnerships and plans for comprehensive community development in five Duluth neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are: East Hillside, Central Hillside, Lincoln Park, West Duluth and Morgan Park. To aid with the next stage of implementing these plans, State Farm Insurance donated close to $300,000 to the cause.
The rainy and cold morning didn't hamper the 300-plus people who came out to support the event. Along with residents from each neighborhood, Mayor Herb Bergson and U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar were in attendance and also spoke on the value and history of Duluth's neighborhoods, and the people who make them what they are.
What makes West Duluth unique in the neighborhood planning process is the fact that it has yet to complete its plan, making it all the more vital that its community members take part in the process.
West Duluth and Morgan Park (which is also still in the development stage of planning) have been holding neighborhood meetings to allow the community members to come out and be a part of shaping the future of their neighborhoods.
The backbone to creating "neighborhoods that work" is active community involvement by the people who live in the neighborhood. SVCNDA is the co-lead agency, working alongside NHS (Neighborhood Housing Services). Together they are working hard to get the word out to the citizens that they are encouraged to come to the meetings, share their thoughts, hear from others and get involved!
The next West Duluth Neighborhood Planning meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday. Nov. 8 in the Mr. D's Banquet room. The Morgan Park Meeting was originally planned for election night, however, that meeting is postponed until further notice.
Those interested in attending the Morgan Park meeting, should call Kris Ridgewell of SVCNDA at 624-2317 or Debbie Isabell Nelson of NHS at 727-8604 for more information on the day and time.
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West Duluth loses on of its own
On the evening of Aug. 10, Dr. Mary Schlangen of the Grand Avenue Veterinary Clinic in West Duluth was killed by a drunk driver in Pine County. Survivors of the crash included her husband Mark and their two children Kaija, 7, and Eli, 4. To help with the medical bills for Mark and for the children, the Grand Avenue Veterinary Clinic is taking up a collection.
There aren't many people in West Duluth who were not touched or affected by the loss of "Dr. Mary." She was a well-loved vet known by her customers for her kindness and love for animals and respected by those in the medical field for her passion and knowledge for veterinary medicine. To help out the family, you can make your donations to:
Dr. Mary Memorial Fund, c/o Grand Avenue Veterinary Clinic 5503 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN 55807
Please make the checks out to "Dr. Mary Memorial Fund".
