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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Being an AWNA member brings privileges. You can join Coast Federal Credit Union and receive some great rates.
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.