How do you start a block association?

LindaGN asks:

A friend of mine and her neighbors need to create a Block Association, pronto. What is necessary to create a block association in Brooklyn?

(Do you have a practical "DO" or "DON'T" you've learned from years of experience?)

Step one: Cut a hole in the blocks.

(with apologies to J. Timberlake).

You contact your local District Board (for PH its District 8). They will give you a booklet to help and some forms so you can register your Block Association. We just got our packet last month and have been trying to schedule our first meeting. Good luck.

.....you also need a strong belief that your block is superior to all others. don't forget that.

i am kidding. i live on a block with a strong block association which is good for some things, not-so-good for others. in the end, i think i'm better off with it there.

My block association, Prospect Place between Flatbush and Underhill, has been around for decades, but we only just incorporated. You don't really need any formal organization to get started. We finally incorporated so we would have more credibility in joining the suit in favor of the neighborhood and against the Atlantic Yards environmental review process. Send me a PM if you want details about our structure.