Westville Village Renaissance Alliance (WVRA)
-A Connecticut Main Street (TM) Community Organization
The Westville Village Renaissance Alliance (WVRA) is a Connecticut non-profit, whose volunteer board includes local residents, business owners, government officials and corporate representatives who have a vested interest in the social and commericial success of Westville Village and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Executive Director, Chris Heitmann
POB 3004, Westville Station, New Haven, CT 06515
WVRA office, 873 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515
203 285-8539, executivedirector@westvillect.org
Our Mission
The Westville Village Renaissance Alliance's mission is to partner with local businesses, property owners, residents and public and private institutions to foster and sustain economic development, community engagement and cultural vitality in Westville Village and the surrounding neighborhoods, while emphasizing historic preservation and placemaking.
WVRA focuses on:
- Economic Development
- Historic Preservation
- Community Building Events
- Transit, Traffic Calming, Biking & Walkability
- Cleanliness and Safety
Who We Are
Originally founded in 1996 to support the Westville ArtWalk, the area's largest annual community event, WVRA has become the main advocacy organization for Westville. WVRA advocates on behalf of Westville's commerical and residential districts, representing their needs and interests to the City of New Haven, the State of Connecticut, and many other stakeholders who partner in community development, historic preservation, arts programming, and community based economic revitalization.
WVRA Board Members
President: Gabriel DaSilva, owner, The Frame Shop and Westville Gallery and resident
Vice-President: Helen Rosenberg, NH Economic Development office and resident
Secretary: Anne Lozon, Resident
Treasurer: Linda Colman, owner, Colman Books
Design Chair: Eric Epstein, architect and property owner
Marketing & Promotion Chair: Natalie Judd, principal, BigVoice communications, and resident
Membership Chair: Lisa Brandes, Yale employee and resident
other Board Members:
Paulette Brooks,
Sergei Gerimasenk, artist and resident
Peter Gremse, owner, Delaney's Grille and Tap Room
Ronald Herron, VP for Student Affairs, SCSU
Join WVRA
Westville needs a strong, committed membership to stand with us in our mission to create a vibrant and livable community. Our continued success depends largely on you--people who embrace a strong future without losing sight of the past. Help keep our programs FREE! Annual ArtWalk Festival, Spring and Fall Music, Film and Literary Events, and Historic Walking Tours. Help keep our programs free and open to all.
You can volunteer your time, your talents and give your financial support by becoming a member of WVRA!
Click here for membership information
