We have just wrapped up another season of Clean Green SGF. It was very successful and made a huge impact in our neighborhoods for neighbors needing a little more time to toss unwanted clutter and items. Who knew that getting rid of tires, TVs and mattresses could be so exciting?! Then, in the midst of our Clean Green activities, we were challenged with a new competition between all of our registered neighborhoods.
This competition, called Neat Neighborhoods, offered monetary prizes to be distributed among participating registered neighborhoods in each council zone. Volunteers were challenged to create beautification projects and collaborate with neighborhood stakeholders on improvements in public spaces. As a pilot program, sponsored by the Hatch Foundation, we have seen what dedicated neighbors can accomplish when given a timeline and an incentive. There is a lot of creativity sitting on front porches around our city. Tap into the possibilities!
I’ve seen a shift this year in neighbors wanting to connect and get more involved. Activities like Clean Green and Neat Neighborhoods open doors for things we can do together. Also, more opportunities to learn about good neighboring have become available to us through the MU Extension programs and the Good Neighbor Week activities. There is no lack for ideas. We just need to step over our shyness and talk to a neighbor. Accept the challenge!
The new Property Care Team program is still in the formation stage. This program will give some structure to neighborhoods who struggle with nuisance properties as well as some guidelines on dealing with these issues. Our goal is to partner with the City’s Building Development Services Department (BDS) to keep our neighborhoods cleaner and safer. Please contact me if you would like to know more about this program by emailing nac.sgf.658@gmail.com.
Be on the lookout for neighborhood meeting signs around your neighborhood. The City’s Planning & Development Department has been assisting us by creating yard signs announcing the time and location of neighborhood meetings. Another marketing effort several neighborhoods have used recently has been door hangers. These have pertinent information announcing meeting locations, activities and social media pages. If your neighborhood is ready to distribute door hangers, let us know. We will help you get them printed. This has been a successful effort to bring more people to meetings and events for those who have participated. Neighborhood association meetings and activities are not limited to homeowners. We are here and organized for ALL residents.
This is our community. It is up to us to keep it beautiful and friendly. We have great partners with the City who help keep our neighborhoods clean and safe as well. This works best when all hands are on deck.
Let’s keep working together and reach out to those around us. Start with a smile and a wave!