Purpose | Governing Board | History | Bylaws
The purpose of the Historic Westside Neighborhood Association shall be:
- to preserve and protect the area represented by the Association;
- to promote the economic stability of the City of Springfield;
- to protect the health and general welfare of the residents of the City of
Springfield; - to maintain the environmental and economic integrity of the residential
neighborhoods of the City of Springfield through educational programs
designed to foster civic pride and understanding of problems of the
City of Springfield; and - to encourage and offer assistance to citizens who wish to participate in
the affairs of local government.
Governing Board (2025-2027)
Governing Board Email: info@HWSNA.org
Our Governing Board Meets Quarterly, with additional Board Meetings as needed. Board Meetings are open to attendees, contact us at info@HWNSA.org (or contact a Board Member) if you would like to attend a Board Meeting.
- Carrie Becker
- Kurt DeWeese
- Annet Godiksen
- Madison Rembert
- Darrell Riffey
- Sharon Riffey
- Vacancy
There shall be seven (7) members of the Governing Board who are members of the Association. Members of the Governing Board shall serve a term of two (2) years (renewable without term limits).
The officers shall be elected by the Governing Board from the Governing Board members during the first meeting following the Annual Meeting election, and bi-annually thereafter (the most recent Annual Meeting was October 15, 2025).
Association History
The Historic West Side Neighborhood Association was originally named the Westside Neighborhood Association. It was established in the late 1970s, primarily to fight a zoning change that would have altered the residential character of the neighborhood. In 1983 the HWSNA convinced the city council to “down zone” the entire area to an “R-3,” single-family zoning classification to stem the increasing conversion of homes into commercial uses and multi-family rental housing. Since that time the Association has been a steady voice of continuity before the city planning commission and city council to maintain the residential character of the area.
In addition to our advocacy on zoning issues, the Association has sponsored a “house history” program and provided plaques that formally recognized notable houses. The organization sponsored an annual tour of homes in the area and spearheaded several planting programs.
In 2001 the name was officially changed from the West Side Neighborhood Association to the Historic West Side Neighborhood Association. The HWSNA is a non-profit organization. Our motto is “Preserve-Protect.” Our Map Page shows our boundaries.
A vote was taken in December 2005 to annex the area covered by the former North Washington Park Neighborhood Association. That area will now be part of the Historic West Side Neighbor Association
It is important to note that City of Springfield Comprehensive Plan, expressly references the need to preserve the residential character of the area covered by the HWSNA, It provides:
- [Section 6, Near West Area] states that “commercial areas are clearly delineated and should not increase in intensity.” And: “Redevelopment of any stable neighborhoods such as the Historic West Side should be mindful of the character of the surrounding area and ensure that any changes in use are consistent with the area.”
Association Bylaws
Download Our Association Bylaws (PDF)
Our Bylaws were affirmed and adopted on October 15, 2025.