New historic signs have been designed and will be added to 7 initial locations around the Willmore area this year. These signs will be used to welcome guests into the neighborhood and direct residents and visitors to historic locations.
 

- 4th and Magnolia
- 10th and Park Ct.
- 6th and Chestnut
- 7th and Cedar
- 10th and Magnolia
- Chester Pl. and Loma Vista
- Chestnut and Loma Vista

Courts & Ways:
 

For the first time in many years, we will begin redesigning and rebuilding the Willmore historic Courts & Ways. There will be at least 2 courts & ways repaved this spring, including:
 

- Crystal Court from 11th St. to Loma Vista Dr.
- Virginia Court from 11th St. connecting to Moro Ct. & Loma Vista Dr.

Daisy Business Corridor:
 

We have focused efforts at improving the Willmore business district between 9th & 10th street. Many improvements in this area are planned and are already underway. These include:
 

- The Willmore Five and Dime will debut on the northeast corner of 10th & Daisy. The current 99 cent store will receive a new sign and change its name. It will also get a new storefront historic mural, change its product line to feature items requested by residents, and carry Willmore's new signature reusable bags with logo.
- Business improvements will be made to the remaining businesses in the corridor, to compliment the new Willmore Five and Dime.
- All curbs in the corridor will be repainted with the possibility of new parking opportunities created.
- 9 New Trees and 3 New Bike Racks will be added around the Daisy Ave. business corridor this Spring.
- Tree Lighting and Banners will be added to give the business district a neighborhood and classic feel.

New Trash Cans Installed:
 

- 6th & Magnolia Ave.
- 5th & Daisy Ave.
- 6th & Cedar Ave.
- 10th & Pacific Ave.
- 3rd & Magnolia Ave.

1054 Maine:

Community Development purchased this run down property and is converting it to senior housing. The two story development will be restored and downsized to improve parking and beautify the neighborhood.

922 Magnolia:

Community Development has purchased this home and will be restoring it with the help of the Willmore City Heritage Association.

New Trees:

We will be coordinating a Tree Planting event this Spring to green Daisy Avenue from 3rd street to Anaheim.

Drake Park Expansion:
 

Later this year, work will begin on the Environmental Impact Report for the expansion of the new Drake Park. Almost all of the funding for the EIR has been secured and we hope to have an announcement on the EIR time line before the Summer.

These projects are possible because of the hard work and dedication of the Willmore City Heritage Association. They are tireless advocates of historic preservation and are committed to a cleaner and safer community. I especially want to thank Amy Peters who has spearheaded our working groups on Courts & Ways, the Daisy Business Corridor Revitalization, and the Willmore Signs. Thanks to Amy and her neighbors, these projects are only the start of a strong commitment to the neighborhood.

Go Long Beach!