The Neighborhood News Online

Creating a Connected Community

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Category: Community News

Published on Friday, 20 September 2013 16:42

Written by Renee Montgomery

One of the most sought after experiences nowadays is “community” --  finding that small town feeling amidst a sprawling urban metropolis.  With the concept of “place-making” now being formally studied like a science, a generation of new books are exploring the key factors essential to creating a sense of neighborhood.  “The Great Neighborhood Book” by Jay Walljasper shows that it doesn’t  take a lot of money or ingenuity to transform your impersonal community into a cozy village -- just steady commitment.  

Following are the author’s key suggestions: 

First, clearly define your community, making sure it has a distinct name and a place marker.  Walljasper says ideally communities shouldn’t exceed 300 yards across and consist of no more than 300-400 people to be most workable.  One reason Pittsburgh appears on so many top 10 most liveable city lists, Walljasper posits, is because the city’s hills and ravines naturally divide it into several intimate enclaves. 

Plant flowers on a prominent strip-- a seemingly minor first step but one sending a strong message that someone cares about the neighborhood and a revitalization effort is underway.  Such action can also begin to deflate the inevitable naysayers who claim change isn’t possible. 

Establish a community walking habit.  Walljasper writes about the “vitamin T” deficiency in our society -- our 21st century alienation and innate yearning to connect with people and satisfy our basic ‘tribal’ instinct.  Another benefit of neighbors strolling is bad guys will avoid vital spaces where everyone seems to know one another.

Create a congregating space like a pocket, dog or skateboard park, farmers market or community garden.  Or, just drag out some benches into a central area.  The L.A. Times recently reported on the Little Free Library initiative where residents place a stand of books in their front yard for free or loan.  A Sherman Oaks homeowner described how his little library has turned his sidewalk into a mini-town square of lively conversation.

So-called  “third places” where everybody goes, like a local cafe, ice cream parlor or bowling alley are important. When local shops are patronized, with a lively street life, property values increase.

Organize neighborhood activities.  Old-fashioned ideas like a welcome wagon, pot lucks, ball games or holiday caroling may sound trite but they work.   It’s about the public gathering, not the elaborateness of the event, Walljasper reminds.  Never under-estimate the power of a meal, and neighbors having plain old fun, he says.  Many TNN readers may be familiar with Wilshire-Vista’s simple wooden bulletin board announcing community activities, erected on a central street corner.

Finally, involve as many residents as possible in the community-building effort.  Walljasper stresses it’s the process that creates cohesion, as much as the end product.  And, neighbors know best what their community needs, not city hall.  Finally, don’t forget -- place-making is about taking steps to foster sociability, not necessarily about physical urban design.

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