Accomplishments
AWNA is more than just a name. We are actively pursuing the goals of
your neighborhood and we are voicing your concerns through strong
involvement in Raleigh and Wake County government. Below you will find
just a few of our current projects and our past accomplishments. Please
consider joining us to help further these goals.
Your involvement could be as little as attending our social events (at
your leisure) or as much as volunteering to be part of these efforts.
It is your choice. Before you decide, though, take a look at what we
are doing:
AWNA develops a Neighborhood Plan.
Members of our neighborhood formed a task force and are hard at
work with the city to define the character of our community and express
the goals and desires of the neighborhood's future. This is an ongoing
process with many steps requiring community input, interest, and
support. The plan and overlay, once accepted and approved, will provide
zoning support to assist in keeping the single-family character of our
neighborhood. See the AventWest Neighborhood Plan home page for more
information.
Avent West challenges the City Council.
Members of AWNA were instrumental in proposing a text change related
to the number of occupants within a single family home. While the
original proposal was rewritten by the city, and rejected by the
Council, continuous pressure from Avent West encouraged the City
Council to form a Neighborhood Preservation Task Force to study the
issues related to housing rentals. This task force is composed of
members from the city, the university, and various neighborhoods, and
provides for the first time constructive dialogue on the issues that
affect our neighborhood and the surrounding area's future. This is an
example why it is important to continue the growth of the AWNA.
Membership provides a voice in city affairs.
Our active membership has grown from 200 to 350 members, and we hope
to continue to grow. A large active membership provides real meaning in
voicing concerns at meetings with City Council, Planning Commission,
Zoning hearings and other working committees. Several of our members
have appointments to city committees where they work for improvements
and protecting our neighborhood. AWNA must continue to grow and
encourage active participation in city affairs.
An informed association turns around outcome.
Responding to an alert from a neighbor and information on the chat
led to a successful petition drive. Avent West members were able to
voice their concern over the proposed building of apartments at 1202
Kent Road. While the two lots are rated R-10, and the original plan
called for the entire area to razed including all the trees, we were
able, through a proactive approach, to advocate for a more contextually
sensitive product. Examples are the preservation of the front tree line
on Kent Rd., parking in the rear of the complex, one driveway instead
of multiples, low box lighting, and partial brick veneer on the
structures.
Joins the Coast Federal Credit Union.
Being an AWNA member brings privileges. You can join Coast Federal Credit Union and receive some great rates.
Fosters community spirit.
AWNA plans neighborhood social events, provides a forum for
chatting, a website and newsletter offering its members various ways to
talk, exchange ideas, provides time critical information and just have
fun. AWNA is actively pursuing beautification projects in our
neighborhood. Following the successful planting project at the
Melbourne median, AWNA applied and received another grant to improve
the landscaping and sign areas at different points in the neighborhood.