The east and west sides of town seem like natural partners. Both are rich in history and culture. Parts of both remain, thankfully, untouched by time. And both are routinely ignored in favor of Charlotte's richer, whiter neighborhoods.

But for whatever reason - sheer geographical distance or long-held assumptions about one another - they've never come together, not really. City and neighborhoods leaders are trying to change that. Tomorrow, the Eastside-Westside Coordinating Committee, former and current council members, including John Autry and Al Austin, and Mayor Clodfelter will gather at the Carole Hoefener Center (610 E. 7th St.) to kick off the Communities United for Action coalition. East and westside neighborhood leaders are expected to meet and discuss transportation issues and plan a service project that will benefit the city's northwest corridor.

Anyone who lives in the east or west side is encouraged to attend. The event goes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information or to RSVP, call 704-650-3313.