Block Party?

Anyone have any idea how one goes about arranging a neighborhood block party? I am sure I see many of you walking your dogs or having stoop sales all the time, but I'm too shy to do much more than smile. I think it would be awesome to block off a street one lovely saturday in august and bbq, drink, and mingle. It also might help lighten some of the racial tension on the block too, since I live between underhill and washington and I have read plenty on this board about "clorox," and have been called "snow flake" numerous times myself.

Any thoughts on how I might throw this thing together would be stellar.

I'm pretty sure that you need some type of permit, first and foremost...

Also, is there a block association on your block?

If there is a block association start with them. You basically need to put in an application for street closing. That application needs to be approved by the community board and the local precinct (I'm not sure in what order). If you don't have a block association, stop by either the community board offices (Park and Underhill) or the Precinct (Utica and St. Marks) and you can get the document.

Note that if you live on a quiet block getting approval and a permit should be pretty easy. There is some sort of schedule to prevent all of the block parties from occurring on the same day and screwing up traffic.

Subject: Block Parties

I have never been to a block party. I have seen them going on as a passer by and they look like they are a lot of fun. I would like to arrange one someday.

How would I find out if there is a block association? Thanks!

what block are you on?

and the community board office is not at park and underhill...

Community Board 8
1291 St. Marks Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11213
(718) 467-5574
[email hidden]

Thanks for the info EP, I realized I was confusing it with the BOE district offices.

EmmaViz wrote: How would I find out if there is a block association?

Ask your neighbors on the block.

I'm on Prospect btwn Underhill and Washington—Thanks EasternPkwy for the email addy. I'll report back here with any news.

came across this today...


http://www.blockpartynyc.org/

Mini-grants available for block parties on your street

Posted: February 10, 2008

News and issues

This summer, the New York City Streets Renaissance Campaign is helping New Yorkers organize 30 neighborhood block parties.

Block Party NYC is a good, old-fashioned block party and a chance to redesign your street—all in one day!

Block Party NYC helps neighbors build consensus around the value of reduced car traffic on neighborhood streets. This is your chance to host a party and develop a plan to build a greener and safer neighborhood at the same time! Block Party NYC brings neighbors together with safe-streets experts in a fun atmosphere to draw new street designs that better suit community needs.

Why block parties?

* Block parties are fun.
* Block parties are an opportunity to meet your neighbors! Both on the day of the event and in the weeks leading up to the big day. The best block parties are organized by many households!
* Block parties perfectly illustrate how much better life can be when public street space is made to accommodate people.

Mini-grants are now available and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Fill out an application today!

i know a couple of old timers on that block from the community garden. i'll see them at a meeting on march first and can ask them if there's a block assoc, if you don't find something out before then.

haliejah (sp?) (formerly of FB enterprises)might also know, even though he doesn't live on the block, since he seems to know most everything else. he's around a lot and happy to answer questions.

Can't wait for the usual eardrum shattering music, wanton littering, and public urination. Block parties have a negative impact more than a positive one from what I have seen outside my building.