Westside Development Corporation issues resolution
Westside Development Corp. issues resolution in support of OLLU
Group also presents $10,000 planning grant
The Westside Development Corporation (WDC) issued a formal re
solution of support for Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) to assist the university in its rebuilding efforts and presented a $10,000 planning grant during a Community Assembly on Thursday, May 29 at OLLU's Providence Hall, Blue Room.
WDC, a city-founded organization whose mission is to generate economic development in the Westside of San Antonio, is uniquely positioned to assist OLLU in a variety of ways as it rebuilds its campus. This formal resolution commits the WDC to assist OLLU in its rebuilding efforts and makes available the financial and legal tools that the WDC was created to offer. In addition, the $10,000 planning grant will assist the University in developing its plan in connection with the Westside community.
Christopher Martinez, Board President of the WDC, commented, "The rebuilding of OLLU has a direct impact on our efforts to support economic and community growth on the Westside, and through this resolution, we are formally committing ourselves to provide unique assistance to the University. Our organizational structure enables us to use tools like tax-exempt bonds, serve as a liaison between the University and the Westside community, provide grants for planning and research, link University efforts to various City of San Antonio programs, and assist with master planning as the University rebuilds. OLLU’s future success has a direct impact on our mission – to support and generate Westside economic growth – and this is a natural extension of our very function to support one of the educational and economic anchors of our district.”
During the ceremony, Mr. Martinez welcomed a representative from Congressman Charlie Gonzalez's office and Councilwoman Lourdes Galvan, whose district includes OLLU. Councilwoman Galvan talked briefly and said that OLLU is the largest economic generator in her district. "We're going to do everything that needs to be done for this university."
Patricia Castillo, chair of the WDC's Community Outreach Committee and OLLU alum, presented the WDC Resolution in support of OLLU. Castillo said that she "is proud to be a part of this university because it's a jewel, una joya, and we're grateful to the CDPs for bringing it here." She joked that "when my bones are dead and gone, I will still be running around the campus."
After the resolution was presented, the WDC board members who were present came up to the podium to present Dr. Pollack with the $10,000 check. Members included Patricia Castillo, Christine Ortega, Henry Flores, Mark Hernandez, Martha Castilla and Janie Barrera. Dr. Pollack thanked the organization and recognized Sister Jane Ann Slater, CDP for her support. She said, "The fire has given us the opportunity to knit together the entire fabric of our great city."
Ray Flores, executive director of WDC, shared additional details of how the WDC could support the Lake as it establishes its "needs" during the coming months of planning.
In conclusion, Board President Martinez cited the contributions to OLLU from Westside businesses, including True Flavors, Hill Country Bakery, Southwest Airlines, St. Mary's University and the Edgewood Independent School District.
Photo: (From Left) Lourdes Galvan, Patricia Castillo, President Pollack, Christine Ortega and Christopher Martinez pose with the $10,000 planning grant check presented to OLLU by the Westside Development Corporation.