How to start your own block (or tenant) association in NYC

Have you ever wanted to tackle a problem on your block or in your building but didn't know where to start?

One option is forming your own block or building association where you work with your neighbors to collectively solve issues that affect you all. The group could be as small as just a few members or grow into a larger organization.

Block associations have been part of New York City life for more than 100 years. They work by organizing neighbors to rally around causes like street safety, cracking down on loud nightlife, trash cleanup and block beautification. In an apartment building, tenants can unite to advocate for updates and repairs or even to organize meal trains for sick neighbors or new parents.

Here’s more on what goes into organizing a neighborhood association.

Get to know your neighbors

The obvious first step is to really get to know your neighbors — more than a passing nod on the sidewalk.

Kathryn Donaldson, president of the Bedford Barrow Commerce Block Association in Manhattan, suggested posting up outside your building and talking to anyone who walks by. “You might just have a sign: 'Are you interested in forming a block association?'” she said.

Fliers are a good option, too. “Put up a flier at each major building,” said Greg Jackson, a board member of the Morton Street Block Association in Manhattan. Jackson said it’s important to include contact information and the time and place for a meeting. “Whether it's the lobby of a building or it's the apartment of a homeowner, you need to have that meeting place set up," he added.

Lara Birnback, executive director of the Brooklyn Heights Association, recommended digital fliers. “Use some of the social media platforms like nextdoor.com,” she said. “Create a post on there suggesting that anyone who's interested meet at a park or at a local cafe or restaurant.”

If you’re more extroverted and want to immediately get to know and connect with your neighbors, door knocking is an option. “Two or three people should go door-to-door and try to speak to individual people and create an [email] list,” said Howard Kolins, president of Boerum Hill Association.

Find out what’s important to your neighbors

While you’re getting to know your neighbors, look out for common themes. Are they concerned about trash? Do they wish the block was greener?

“It's important to find an issue or issues that everybody feels really excited about,” said Birnback. “If nobody is personally excited or moved to take action, it's less likely that something gets accomplished.”

During the initial process of connecting with your neighbors, Birnback recommends keeping these questions in mind: “Where do you feel like things are going well? Can we build on those things? Where do you feel like things are maybe falling short?”

Figure out if you’ll need funding and if your neighbors can pitch in

The need for funds will depend on what you’re trying to accomplish. Most block or neighborhood associations fundraise by holding community events and by charging an annual membership fee typically ranging from $15 to $25, These funds can then be used toward solutions that impact all neighbors.

“It's not a kind of cost that would prevent anyone from participating,” Birnback said. “We've planted trees throughout the neighborhood. We raise money in order to provide a dedicated gardener for the park in our neighborhood.”

She added that organizing events and activities, like block parties, is a great way to engage your neighbors while fundraising. “We organize specific events or activities that are designed to raise money for the organization,” she said.

Not all block association activities require money. You could round up neighbors with a free Saturday afternoon and clean up the sidewalks on your street or in a local park. A Bed-Stuy group called Friends of Herbert Von King Dog Run holds monthly volunteer events where dog parents help clean up the dog run.

Figure out the best format and cadence for communication

Given that most group members are volunteers, it's important to avoid scheduling consecutive meetings to maintain their enthusiasm. “Most of the local block associations nowadays just meet quarterly,” said Jackson from the Morton Street Block Association. “That's where you discuss all the problems that may be arising.”

For regular communication, a WhatsApp group chat or emails will suffice. “We reach out to the community and say can you show up on this date at this time and help us or participate in this block cleanup,” said the Brooklyn Heights Association's Birnback.

Newsletters could also be sent out monthly or weekly to keep neighbors in the know. Some block associations even add in tidbits of neighborhood trivia.

“We have a monthly newsletter [to keep us] connected,” said Donaldson of the Bedford Barrow Commerce Block Association. “[It’s about] what's going on in the neighborhood and a little history of some of our buildings.”

Some groups also share the content of their newsletters to Instagram and Facebook to catch neighbors’ eyes as they scroll through their feeds. “We have Facebook and Instagram and email newsletters that we send out to our members and [non-members],” Donaldson said. “We use it to announce upcoming events [or] very small-scale things, like holidays coming up and [the] sanitation [department] not collecting on their regular schedule.”

Associations don't have to register themselves with the local community board or NYPD precinct community affairs unit, but it's encouraged. The community board office will compile a list of registered associations, making them more visible and accessible to residents.

All you have to do is call the local office and provide them with the name, contact information and address of the president (and vice president or secretary, if the association has them). You can also visit their website to access a form to fill out and return.