Westchester Square / Zerega Improvement Org

WSZIO is a 501(C)4 nonprofit corporation founded in September 1990 by a group of Westchester Square parents with young children, who over the years learned to become grassroots community activists in response to what we perceived to be major issues that affected the lives of our children, neighbors, and friends. During the course of our existence we have had several major victories, some defeats, and almost 2 decades later, WSZIO continues to be an active force supporting the community through advocacy, our children’s arts and crafts program at the Westchester Square Branch Library, a column in the Bronx Times Reporter, and events in cooperation with the Parks Department, Bronx Council on the Arts, and the Association of Merchants and Professionals of Westchester Square.

History

Challenges 1990-2004:   Not only did the Westchester Square Zerega community have no elementary school of its own, the general area was neglected by city agencies, a circumstance made worse by its being split among 3 community board districts. In addition, there were very few resources for children, and the only playground in the community (now called Pearly Gates) was a drug-addict infested, graffitied mess.

Our response: From 1990, we fought relentlessly for the building of a community public school, going to hearings, giving testimony, doing research, working with our elected officials and the then community board District Manager (now Councilmember) James Vacca. In 2004 all our efforts were rewarded with the building of the state-of-the-art PS/MS 194 on Zerega Avenue, a K-8 school, which now is considered the gem of the school district, with 1250 children enrolled. As we always anticipated, this school has done much to revitalize the population base and serve as an anchor for families to remain in the community, stabilizing the area. We continue to support 194 through a yearly community service award donated by WSZIO to deserving graduates, who are chosen by their teachers for exemplary service to their school, other students, and the community.

From 1993-1995, we spearheaded the effort, in cooperation with our then Councilmember (later Judge) Michael DeMarco, to have the city community board map changed to include the Westchester Square-Zerega community (then in CB9) within the bounds of Community Board 10, to improve city services by unifying most of the area in one, geographically closer, district. In 1995 this became a reality, when the City Council, the Borough President, and the Mayor approved the change.  WSZIO’s founder became the first community member appointed to CB10 in 1995.

From 1990-Present:   WSZIO helped maintain Pearly Gates Playground, ran weekend summer programs, held events and concerts, and a basketball clinic there.  We also removed graffiti and cleaned the park on a regular basis.

In 1991, we began an arts and crafts program for children at the Westchester Square Branch Library, which after 18 years is going stronger than ever.

In 1995 we began partnering with the Department of Parks and Recreation (originally for National Night Out Against Crime) to organize and run borough wide family-oriented events in Pelham Bay Park. This successful cooperation continues again this year with Family Fun Day, on July 11 of this year.(link to flyer?)

In addition, this year we have formed a mutual-support network partnership with the Westchester Square Merchants Association, Centerstage Community Playhouse, Owen Dolen Recreation Center, and the Bronx Council on the Arts to bring family, artistic, and other community events to Westchester Square on a regular basis throughout the year.

The Future

The only thing constant is change, and we being no exception, WSZIO has seen changes over time. Many of our original members have moved away or went on to other phases in their lives and have full-time jobs and careers, making time scarce. Our children have now become adults, and in some cases have become second-generation volunteers and WSZIO members.

Nevertheless, we continue to advocate for the community, continue our programs and events, and continue to work with our community partners to strengthen and improve the Westchester Square-Zerega community, our neighbors, and the northeast Bronx in general, because we are all in this together.

There has never been a better time to volunteer or get involved. We are always working to make things better and there are many good things planned. Together with our partners, elected officials, city agencies, local merchants, and you, the community, we are looking forward to a bright future with many exciting changes. Please check in with us on this web blog for updates and news. We welcome your ideas and participation.