Renaissance Block Challenge Leads By Example
“Each time you say hello to a stranger, your heart acknowledges over and over again that we are all family.”
~Suzy Kassem
Sometimes my parents reminisce about the old days. They describe a time when summer nights buzzed with the sound of kids playing in each other’s front yards and going next door to ask for a cup of sugar was a pretty common occurrence. I grew up knowing everyone in my neighborhood, attending big block parties every year and meeting up with the kids down the street to play basketball, kickball, or street hockey. We would go to other neighbors’ houses to hang out. Everyone said hello as we passed each other, or waved if we were driving by.
Occurrences like these seem rare these days. We barely talk to our neighbors, and often don’t even know their names. People seem to ignore each other or just nod to avoid talking.
But there are pockets of hope forming throughout the city, and efforts to reverse these trends are becoming more visible each year. Since 2011, the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation’s Renaissance Block Challenge has helped unite neighbors and restore pride within each neighborhood cluster. As speaking to each other has become less common over time, visiting a Renaissance Block Challenge Cluster is refreshing. Walk down one of the streets and you will probably see neighbors talking, or saying hello to each other as they pass by. It’s inspiring to see everyone working together.
Each cluster in the Renaissance Block Challenge has a leader that starts the process by meeting with neighbors to form a group of at least five homeowners that want to participate. This initiates interaction within the neighborhood, and relationships grow as people come together to discuss renovation projects and find common bonds amongst each other.
In 2018, participants will submit proposals for external improvements to their properties and are eligible for a matching grant up to $2,000 provided by the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation. People also gain access to discounts from sponsoring stores and garden centers, lower prices on coordinated purchasing of materials and services and planning/design assistance.
While a new driveway or front door has a big visual impact on a street, it appears that developing relationships among neighbors may be the most crucial aspect of the Renaissance Block Challenge. In fact, some of my parents’ memories are coming back to life: each neighborhood celebrates their successful completion of the program by hosting block parties, picnics, and dinners. A tour is held each year to show off at least one cluster’s hard work and neighbors keep in touch with each other long after the conclusion of their projects.
Want to start a new trend in your neighborhood? Say hello, hi, hey, or good morning next time you pass by the neighbor you don’t know. Saying hello can leave a lasting impression. It acknowledges that they are part of your world, which may be the best thing that happens to that person that day. They may not say hello back, and even if they don’t, try again the next time you see them. Your first hello may have caught them off guard.
After a few greetings, think about stepping it up. Say something like, “have a great day!” or if you don’t know their name, introduce yourself. Be positive. Compliment someone that you see doing yard work, or home improvement. Offer to help if they are struggling to shovel their driveway. And last but not least, consider starting a neighborhood cluster and applying for the 2018 Renaissance Block Program!
Over the past seven years, 30 clusters of property owners received ‘Renaissance Block’ status, with participating property owners investing more than $975,000 into exterior improvements and repairs. Learn more about the Renaissance Block Cluster pre-application process by attending an informational workshop on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m. at the at the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation offices, 301 E. Second St., Suite 301. Reservations are requested. Call Mary Maxwell at 489-3493 or email mary@jamestownrenaissance.org.
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