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October 20, 2009
Thoughts on Block Associations
I have been pondering starting a block association on my block and was hoping to hear from others about their experiences starting or participating in them. How does one go about starting one? What things are they helpful for? Do they deter crime at all? Are they good for block morale and neighborliness? Any thoughts very much appreciated.
Comments
We had one before I moved here 25 years ago. It was inactive for a while & then as crime increased it was brought back into play. My experience is that they're most effective when dealing w/ an immediate problem of some kind - otherwise everyone lets it slide. We used to do "block sweeps" to clean up the area, stoop sales en masse, etc.
Draft a note describing the idea & leave copies at each house w/ some way of expressing interest - email or a tear-off people can return to you. See what involvement you get.
I think they're a great idea - get to know your neighbors, if nothing else.
Posted by: Arkady at October 20, 2009 11:57 AM
Wasder- I apologize in advance for my long post but, I think it's a great idea. We have a great on my block. It's very nice to get to know your neighbors, what everyone's strengths are, who can help out who and with what. I know when we moved in my husband and I instantly felt like we were part of a community. We look out for each other because we know each other personally. It's good.
We meet 4 times a year in a local community center around the corner and generally we discuss issues that come up and as a group try to resolve them. Some of the topics we've covered are:
-We as a group, get a large dumpster delivered from the sanitation dept. twice a year so we can, over the course of a weekend, clean out big items/debris from our homes and yards.
-Dog poop issues (culprit found, issue discussed and resolved).
-Getting trees planted all along the block.
-Home repairs- We're all going in on getting balusters made for our original stairs (those of us that still have them). Almost all of us needed one or two new pieces so as a group we're getting a big discount from the woodworking co. that's recreating them.
-Stray cats spraying/population control- I'm part of the TNR (Trap Neuter Return) crew! No more spraying and re-populating cats.
-Issues with the local private school- They'd send their private school buses to circle around our block until they have a vacant spot to pull into on their private driveway. They'd block traffic on our street and create excess noise and pollution. We worked with the school and local authorities to get them to halt this practice.
We also, once a year have a rotating party (around the holidays) where we all contribute a dish and move from house to house for soup, apps, main, and deserts. Very fun.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at October 20, 2009 12:09 PM
Thanks Arkady. That is what I was thinking of doing, passing out some flyers with a group email address or something. I know many of my neighbors but not all. Cleaning the block periodically and deterring crime as much as possible are my main motivations.
Posted by: wasder at October 20, 2009 12:10 PM
as a big fan of the house tours, block assocations are awesome (i think that they have something to do with the house tours?) which is 1) cool for the community, 2) raises funds for neighborhood causes, 3) promotes a better understanding of stereotyped areas.
also, i think the block association for cobble park does neighborhood beautification projects and has a great plant sale fundraiser annually. the carroll park block assocation put together a butterfly garden which is really nice too.
Posted by: CG_ups at October 20, 2009 12:12 PM
THL! Thanks so much. Any thoughts about whether or not they make a block safer? I would hope so given that they would presumably encourage people to take more notice of things on the block and yet muggings and other street crimes are fairly intractable problems.
Posted by: wasder at October 20, 2009 12:20 PM
Block associations are also a point of contact for local community boards. For example, when a proposal for a land use variance comes across the desk of the district office, one of the things noted is whether or not there is an active block association. Why? All too frequently, developers plans and the needs or appropriateness for community do not jibe. The community board office will request that the developer contact the block association to inform them of their plans. Therefore, the block association has the opportunity for "input."
I know of an instance when BSA agreed with the block association that the representations made by the developer were deemed disingenious and acted accordingly.
Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at October 20, 2009 12:26 PM
lol i always thought block associations were just a bunch of nosy busy bodies. and im not the only one who thinks that. i guess they are cool for mass stoop sales, but other than that it's just a bunch of people all getting up in each other's grill. this is nyc! who wants people to know their business?
*rob*
Posted by: Butterfly at October 20, 2009 12:32 PM
Wasder we had a 'group' of teens that loved that our block was very quiet and peaceful a good place to 'hang out' and participate in not so legal activities" without too many eyes on them.
Let's just say once they started to realize that each time they meandered in and conducted their activities that the local precinct would get 5-8 phone calls until they were shooed away it became clear they needed to start setting up shop elsewhere.
It's also pretty good to call the police with- "Hello this is Mrs. ______ from the _____ Street Block Association. The same group of young men has stopped by and are congregating in front of # 18 ______ Street. If you could send someone by that'd be great. As we've discussed before none are residents of this block. There will be 5 of us keeping an eye out until they leave. Thanks, we all appreciate it!"
We have a few not so nice areas around here so the police actually really like that we're collectively keeping this block on the straight and narrow. They know it's one of the better blocks and we have a good relationship with them.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at October 20, 2009 12:38 PM
Rob- When you own a piece of the block it's in the best interest of everyone to help each other out with keeping it a nice place to live. There are a few homes that don't participate in the block association (one of them being the elected official across the street that was recently arrested in the giant corruption sweep!) and that's fine. For others it's a nice way to help each other accomplish some nice things.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at October 20, 2009 12:42 PM
are block associations the same groups of people that throw those those funny (but sorta sad) block parties with the giant trampolines and entemanna's coffee cakes and stuff?
*rob*
Posted by: Butterfly at October 20, 2009 12:46 PM
THL--thanks again. And is there friction with the non-participants? That would be an unfortunate by-product of an effort that would be undertaken to help with block unity.
CG Ups and BisH--thanks for comments and good points.
rob--this is an unfortunately short-sighted position by you.
Posted by: wasder at October 20, 2009 12:48 PM
rob--not entenmans shortsighted but the busy body aspect of it. If you know your neighbors are looking out for you I think you feel safer and more part of a community that cares. Other sorts of personal business don't get into the discussion.
Posted by: wasder at October 20, 2009 12:51 PM
wasder,
Some of my neighbors just started to revive our block association, after a 25 year hiatus. They passed out flyers for the first meeting and posted the event on our local on line list. After the first meeting an organizing committee met to discuss bylaws, etc. Contact me off list if you want a copy of the proposed bylaws.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at October 20, 2009 12:51 PM
rob,
Block associations are only of interest to people who are involved with their community--go back to sleep while we discuss grownup things :-)
Posted by: Bob Marvin at October 20, 2009 12:53 PM
Not that I've encountered. I've only been here two years so maybe something will come up along the way who knows?
Honestly, I don't think that anything we've done would be something that they known that "we'd done". The trees being planted? Only in front of our homes. The dumpster? They can use it. Whether they're aware of how it magically appears there twice a year I don't know.
If they have anything to say about anything I'd just make sure to encourage them to come to a meeting and discuss it! After all we're here to help! ;)
Posted by: TownhouseLady at October 20, 2009 12:56 PM
wasder, I think it's a good idea as well. What BrooklynIsHome said about the community boards is very important. The CB's will only deal with a viable, legal block association in some of the more important issues of land use, policing, violations, etc. They hardly ever deal with individuals, unless it's something huge or media worthy. Since the CB is then the conduit to the elected officials and the city, the lines of communication are made much easier by the existence of a block association, and you might even get something you need done, done. The CB's, as well as other city reps, can also disseminate information, proposals, even possible grants and programs and freebees through the block associations. (not too many freebees anymore, but good to be on the list). It definitely can be a positive asset.
Posted by: Montrose Morris at October 20, 2009 1:03 PM
Bob--just sent you an email...thanks!
This is getting me fired up. Thanks everybody for the suggestions and encouragement.
Posted by: wasder at October 20, 2009 1:05 PM
Kevin and Jake---hope you guys are reading this...
Posted by: wasder at October 20, 2009 1:10 PM
Wasder, how is forming a block association going to abate the muggings in your nabe? That is your main concern isn't it?
Posted by: Colonel Steve Austin at October 20, 2009 1:35 PM
In my neighborhood I think most Community Board contacts are done through the Lefferts Manor Association, but even though LMA only covers 8 blocks, smaller associations are also useful (for block parties, stoop sales, and things that are really local). That's why I'm happy our block association is being revived.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at October 20, 2009 1:40 PM
Activism at its finest.
Posted by: infinitejester at October 20, 2009 1:43 PM
Colonel Steve--that is certainly one of my concerns but not the only one. I was talking to my wife about this and we had a similar conversation. Nothing about a block association will physically prevent somebody from assaulting somebody else but I do think that once it becomes known that a certain block is well organized it might discourage some potential miscreants as THL observes above. If it did nothing but help the block get cleaner and help me have a more substantive relationship with my neighbors though it would be worth it. Do you have a block association where you live Colonel? If so how is it?
jester--do I detect sarcasm?
Posted by: wasder at October 20, 2009 1:52 PM
Zero sarcasm. I find it touching to reflect on people coming together to improve stuff. Makes you want to cheer for humanity.
Posted by: infinitejester at October 20, 2009 1:56 PM
I love my block association. Let me add my voice to the chorus of people who belong to one and encourage you to start one.
It only takes a couple people to turn a block from a bunch of apartments into a neighborhood.
Posted by: harriet at October 20, 2009 2:23 PM
I'm a cop and I've noticed fewer petty crimes on blocks with civic organizations regardless neighborhood.
Posted by: JonB at October 20, 2009 2:44 PM
We have one. It was formed in the 60s and is a pale version of what it used to be apparantly. One spring when I got laid off from my job, I had 3 months when I did lots of things I probably wouldn't have thought of otherwise (not proud of it...). But I helped organize one of those block parties and one of the residents arranges a Jazzmobile for another event and once in the late spring there is a block clean up. New people get to meet the old timers and each other which is nice. I guess certain kinds of fights can look amusing to people on the outside, but there was a real conflict (complete with nasty words and tears) among a couple of old ladies who have been on the block for 40 years, so the wounded one withdrew herself from participating and it was clear that she was the energy behind organizing the block. Nonetheless, there are many old timers on this block and they are on the lookout for weirdness and there is a real sense of community here. Including the gaggle of teenagers, who are good kids. While there is stray crime in the area, I feel safe around here. I don't know to what extent the block assn matters, but it the sense of cohesion and connection that fosters a safe environment I think.
Posted by: donatella at October 20, 2009 3:13 PM
Wasder, my block has a block association, but i'm not particularly active. I'm of the school of the thought that you don't have to have a block association in order to have a nice block or friendly relations with your neighbors.
My other half is an active participant and the association has been quite successful with civic concerns like trash, tree pits and street lights, etc.
When it comes to crime and policing, they haven't gotten too far with the 88th. The strength in numbers theme that is so successful with civic matters is futile when it comes to the 88th and the NYPD as a whole.
I'm personally thinking about installing a few cameras on my property to capture the street and sidewalk traffic. If something were to happen on my street at least i'd be able to help the police out a bit more substantively. If a couple of neighbors chip in you know your block will be covered.
Posted by: Colonel Steve Austin at October 20, 2009 3:54 PM
Colonel--I totally agree that you don't need a block association to have friendly relations with your neighbors. I am hoping though that a Block Association can increase overall awareness of crime and cosmetic (trash) issues on the block. I guess I am not surprised that your block association hasn't gotten too far with the 88th as alot of people complain about the precincts outreach skills (or lack thereof). Anyway, thanks for giving your perspective. Sounds like there are positive results in ways other than crime reduction at the very least.
Posted by: wasder at October 20, 2009 4:29 PM
wasder, where are you? Aren't you near me? There's a new block association for the Lex, Classon, Quincy, Franklin square. Before you get to the appointments and by-laws, I think they got started by advertising a list-serve to join, on posters at local retailers. this is prob less sophisticated advice than you got above, i didn't read. i do think they can make an area safer, for e.g., if there was an attack or a mugging and there was a suspect's picture posted, and the BA responds visibly and is actively on the lookout for the suspect, that must be a deterrent, especially teen criminals that strike in their own neighborhood
Posted by: blowfish at October 20, 2009 6:06 PM
I have a PDF entitled "Organizing a Block Association" that was compiled by the Alliance of Bay ridge Block Associations a couple of years back.
Please email me for a copy.
Ron at SenatorStreet dot com
Posted by: SenatorStreet at October 20, 2009 6:39 PM
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