This is the question posted at the top of the form provided to me by United Neighborhoods and the Community Action Organization.
Some of the answers furnished are:
– The safety of the residents
– Neighborhood cleanliness
– Neighborhood beautification
– Maintaining property values
– The opportunity to seek funding for beautification projects
– Having a united voice when dealing with the city government.
For my little neighborhood, we hope that it will be something of a social club with benefits for the whole neighborhood. As we launch the first Block Club on our street in more than 10 years, we are finding opportunities left and right to become a fine example of the iCity of Good Neighborsi.
The other weekend we hosted our 2nd annual block party. With over 400 block clubs in the Buffalo area, I am sure that many fundraising ideas and beautification projects have been developed and successfully put into action. Some neighborhoods combine their strength to fight islumlordsi and crime. Others maintain community gardens and general street maintenance.
With our first official meeting coming up in September, our party was abuzz with ideas and suggestions. A Halloween carnival? Holiday open house? Sidewalk snow removal for our seniors? Festive winter boughs or wreaths on our lampposts? How about the block club selling its residents boughs or wreaths to raise money? An organized raking day, where afterward the city is called to schedule leaf removal for the whole street? A bigger, better block party next year?
Our party was a smashing success. Thanks to a block party grant from the American Red Cross, we had the resources for a hotdog cookout, nametags, sign in forms and fun activities for our younger residents. Our many talented neighbors pulled out their instruments and provided us with an evening of live music. Two raffles were held. One showcased delicious homemade desserts provided by party goers. The second consisted of donations of gift certificates and items from our closest (and very generous) retailers. Donations from many great shops came in. Stores like Pavlovis Togs, Jim Steakout, Poster Art, Lab Indigo, Sonnyis Doggie Bakery, Forever Elmwood and room helped us to earn a good nest egg with which to start our next project.
A permit from the city is required to block off your street. It costs only $12, but requires 30 days notice for processing. Donit be discouraged, it isnit too late to put something together for your block. Itis early enough to schedule a fall get together. Perhaps you have a neighbor with a big yard, or a local church or community center with enough room.
You do not need an official block club to have a block party or any other event. However, I strongly suggest that you form one. It gives everyone a chance to voice their opinions as decisions are made for the neighborhood. And, as pointed out above, itis a great opportunity to meet your all of your neighbors and organize positive social change. Often, visits with political candidates are arranged, neighborhood crime watches are scheduled, rodent removal takes place and beautification becomes a group effort.
The Community Action Organization, United Neighborhoods, and the Buffalo & Erie County Board of Block Clubs are all united to help you in your quest. Out of all of the neighbors attending our party, not one of them checked the inoi box under the iare you interested in a block club?i section of our sign in sheet. If you question whether or not a club will work on your street, perhaps mention it to a few of the neighbors that you feel most comfortable with. They may be willing to help you begin the process.
For a starter kit and a helping hand, contact United Neighborhoods/CAO @ 716-886-2616. You will be surprised at how easy they have made it for even the most timid of us to begin change.