NEW STREET BLOCK CLUB SUCCESS

Written by: Allen Janke

Even more is happening in the Bates Hendricks Neighborhood! Thanks to an IMAGINE grant through the city, this time the focus of neighborhood community leaders and volunteers was a section of the southeast quadrant. Specifically included this time was the area South of Iowa St., North of Beecher, and East of East St., West of Pleasant Run Parkway. This neighborhood has experienced a resurgence of involvement thanks to emerging neighborhood leaders and the strong overall planning of the Bates Hendricks Neighborhood Association and SEND.

The weekend of October 17th and 18th was a huge success thanks to the volunteer efforts of Bates Hendricks southeast quadrant neighbors, churches, and businesses. Heading up the planning of the nearly month long community event were the members of the New Street Block Club, formed in early 2007. A five 40 cubic yard dumpster event was designed by these members as the main component of an IMAGINE grant.

Creation of a successful IMAGINE grant project is all in the details leading up to the work. Word was spread for two of the four weekends leading up to the main beautification/clean up events. Flyers were distributed and banners were displayed to welcome neighbors to the big event weekend. On October 9 and 10, a large group led by the New Street Block Club cut out excess alley brush and readied trash for the dumpster day. Over five tons of street curb debris was removed to restore the look and functionality of our streets!

Even more impressive than the cleanup was the after party turnout after! Sunday October 18 the 1800 block of New Street was shut down to host the first ever New Street Block Party. The over 200 in attendance enjoyed carnival games, a bounce house, free cookout, and pumpkin painting—just some of the activities of the day. A raffle designed to reward those who had participated in the cleanup was held and gift cards were distributed to the winners.

While we were able to make a big impact in a fairly short time span, much of the real success was meeting many of our great neighbors. Continue to build on this effort, whether you live in the Bates Hendricks Neighborhood or not! Reach out and talk to the couple down the street who’s lived there almost as long as you have. Take a moment and say “hello” to those you may see but to whom you never talk. Get to know your neighbors and start a block club of your own. You’ll find a whole bunch of people who care as much as you do.

Notes:

A special thanks goes out to our two church affiliates on Iowa Street, Wesleyan Christian Church and Eastside Tree of Life Full Gospel Church, and Heat Exchanger Design, Inc. on Beecher Street. Also thanks to Foster Pilcher and Rob Uppencamp (VP of Bates Hendricks NA) for spearheading the IMAGINE grant momentum and playing a vital role in each cleanup. And of course to all the members of the New Street Block Club—Keep up the good work!