Westwood needs your ideas

Everyone knows how to fix Westwood. Whether it is more benches
so you can actually sit down, redoing the sidewalk, or providing
more parking so students don’t have to walk the four blocks
from their apartments, every student knows how to fix Westwood.

The problem arises when we realize that we don’t have any
control over the area. We can’t even let out our frustrations
during finals week without receiving community service.

Why, you ask? Because students have never been involved in the
discussions and development of our community. We may be here for
four (or five) years at a time, but the things we want usually
don’t change that much. Well, we are silent no more. Starting
in a couple weeks, the voice of the students will be heard far and
near, when the Westwood Committee meetings begin.

What would happen if students, businesses and homeowners started
meeting together and finding solutions to Westwood’s
problems? Could businesses close later to meet the late-night
demand of a growing on-campus student population? Could restaurants
find solutions to the store-killing meal plans required by every
housing contract? Could Westwood become a place where more than
just high school kids hang out?

I don’t know, but I think some good will happen. Anything
is possible when creative minds come together. Half a dozen
businesses have already guaranteed their attendance, and more will
follow.

If it were not for the downfall of the late ’80s and early
’90s ““ during which time a shooting occurred in the
Westwood area ““ we might still have dancing. A few bad things
haunt Westwood’s past, but they are long gone.

When empty window signs are commonplace, and even The Gap has to
close down, it’s time for change.

I don’t know what Westwood will be like in 10 years. But,
after nearly four years here, I can definitely give my perspective
on what it needs.

More places for a bored student to relax are a start. Perhaps
someplace to sit with friends other than Starbucks’ patio is
too much to ask, but we should ask for it anyway.

We need businesses that make the Village more than the place to
eat at night. What would be wrong with a salsa restaurant opening?
Or perhaps a pool hall? There are hundreds of ideas out there.
Whatever the details, they all have one goal in mind ““ to
make our college town have more of a college feel.

It is with this goal that the leaders of the community are
invited to start gathering. This has not occurred for a very long
time, so the outcome will only be as effective as our
creativity.

If you have ideas on how to improve Westwood, join in the
discussion. Send me an e-mail with your thoughts, and they will be
mentioned. No idea is too far-fetched or out-there when new trends
are being set.

This process may be slow, as change often is, but it’s a
start in the right direction. This is your Westwood ““ where
would you like it to go?

Vardner is the chief of staff for the office of the internal
vice president of the Undergraduate Students Association Council.
He can be reached at [email protected].