As a business owner and resident on the west side of Collingswood since 2013, Kelly McGinnis is invested in her town.
She is a co-chair of the West Collingswood Revitalization Committee, a nonprofit organization that formed in 2023 to essentially improve the area.
Prior to two years ago, the business district in the area was in “rough shape,” which was best to describe the area at the time.
“There were built in planters put in decades ago that had a collection of wild leaves,” McGinnis recalled.
Business owners in the area came together to form the West Collingswood Revitalization Committee (WCRC) and reached out to the Collingswood Business Improvement District (BID) and borough officials for help.
The committee with the support of the BID became part of the Collingswood Civic Collective allowing them to expand opportunities for fundraising, grants, and volunteerism.
In October 2023, the WCRC committee held a volunteer driven beautification cleanup. They cleared leaves in the planters. The Collingswood Department of Public Works brought mulch.
Slowly and steadily, members have worked to improve the area. To date, they have hosted 12 work/cleanup days, planted 600 native plants creating a pollinator garden, two additional shade trees planted, created plans to install bike racks, trash cans, and string lights in business district, planned a public art project and more.
This year has been rather busy. Not only do they beautify, they advocate.
In October, WCRC members advocated for improved safety for the White Horse Pike and Collings Avenue sections. McGinnis got to speak with Camden County Board of Commissioners led by Commissioner Director Lou Cappelli when they came together to tour the White Horse Pike with New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Francis O’Connor, Collingswood Borough Mayor Jim Maley and Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey.
The busy corridor has experienced 24 accidents since 2019, with nearly 30% involving pedestrians or cyclists, Cappelli said.
“It is crucial that we collaborate on solutions,” he said. “Whether it’s improving crosswalks, enhancing sidewalks, adding lighting, or increasing enforcement, we are committed to make this roadway safer for everyone in our community.”
In June their Collingswood Monarch Project gardens were one of the tour stops on the Collingswood Civic Collective Home and Garden Tour. The gardens were on display and featured local artists Tatiana Nieves, Robin Brownfield and Cara Anderson-Boiler as they worked on permanent art installations for the gardens.
In March, the WCRC held its first Wild Collings West Party fundraiser – with a mechanical bull and everything – at the Scottish Rite Grand Ballroom. Some 350 tickets were sold and they were able to raise $17,000 to further their goals.
“The community really showed up,” McGinnis said, adding the use of the ballroom was donated. “It was beyond my expectations.”
The west side of Collingswood on Collings Avenue has a little bit of everything to cater to the socio-economic mix in the area from the laundromat, fax and cabinet storefronts to salon, pharmacy, fitness, insurance businesses as well as food places.
“The businesses reflect that awesome blend,” said McGinnis, who owns her own mental health practice in the area.
To learn more about the West Collingswood Revitalization Committee, it’s best to read what they are all about on their Facebook page. The WCRC is a community-driven organization dedicated to enhancing the overall quality of life in the West Collingswood neighborhood. Working with the support of the borough of Collingswood on initiatives such as neighborhood cleanup and maintenance, planting native gardens, and beautifying the business district, the committee strives to create a clearer, safer, and more aesthetically pleasing environment.
By actively engaging in place-making endeavors, they aim to foster a sense of community pride and identity, encouraging social interaction and connection among residents. The committee’s approach focuses on environmental sustainability, economic growth, and the creation of vibrant public spaces, collectively contributing to the revitalization and improvement of West Collingswood. — 08108
For more information about WCRC, visit their Facebook page or email collingswoodwest@gmail.com.
