West Park Kamm’s Neighborhood Development is a story of progress—thanks to the people who have been working on behalf of the West Park community for nearly 40 years.

In 1977, a small group of residents and business owners were concerned about the deteriorating condition of the Kamm’s Corners central business district. They realized there was a direct relationship between a community’s businesses and the fortunes of its nearby residential neighborhoods. Something had to be done to reverse a creeping trend of disinvestment.

In June of that year, a steering committee met at Perkins Pancake House (now Gene’s Place) to formalize their good intentions by creating an organization, naming it, and setting up its by-laws. Attending the meeting were:

That organization was called Kamm’s Area Development Corporation and it was abbreviated KAMCO. Howard Schreibman was elected its first chairman of the board, and Carolyn Verlie was the first executive director.

Other early leaders included Bob Bohr, Steve Campanella, Norma Buchwald, Chuck Humbert, Paul Gelman, Deanna Hiros, and Dan Chambers. Their mission was to foster the growth and development of Kamm’s Corners and West Park.

Many development corporations were being formed throughout Cleveland around that time. It was, and remains today, an efficient way to administer government programs, foster targeted development, and advocate for the neighborhood. What was originally primarily a Chamber of Commerce-style merchants’ group has grown into the diversified non-profit corporation known today as West Park Kamm’s Neighborhood Development.

Today, the organization has a volunteer board of twelve people and eight full-time employees. The board consists of neighborhood residents, merchants, and business people as it always has – a hardworking group that has the interest of the neighborhood as their highest priority.

It is clear that our efforts have resulted in tangible improvement in our business district over the years. We have developed an organized approach to helping the businesses and residents take advantage of programs that will continue our success and growth for many years to come. Our efforts include strategic planning, creative marketing, and careful use of available resources that aid in our mission. This approach has enabled us to build an efficient organization and provide superior service to our community.

It is appropriate to conclude this brief history by expressing the deep gratitude we feel toward the many people who contribute to the success of West Park through donations to our Friend’s Campaign, attending our events, and supporting our work. We know they share our pride. We have come a long way together. With the continued support of Councilman Charles Slife and the City of Cleveland, we believe the best is yet to come!