Getting to know your neighbors helps to protect your property values
by Miriam Ortiz Rush

(Plain Press, March 2008) In years past neighbors knew each other. They were aware of each other’s lives. They knew the neighborhood children by name and were not afraid to admonish them if they misbehaved. There was a time when if something bad happened to a family, the entire neighborhood shared in the grief, just as they did when something good happened: everyone shared in the celebration.

Times have changed and often we do not know who is living next to us. Owners may have moved and turned homes into rental properties. Now, more than ever, we need to reconnect with our neighbors. Our mutual interest depends upon it.

Establishing relationships is not always easy but it can be done. One way to get to know your neighbors is to attend your block club meeting. If you don’t have a block club, maybe you can help organize one. The neighborhood community development organization can be a tremendous resource.

A community safety watch will help protect your property and your community and will result in a safer neighborhood. Getting to know your neighbors will also make you aware when strangers are on your street. You can find out when a neighbor will be on vacation and watch the neighbor’s property for anything out of the ordinary.

A neighborhood phone tree is also a good tool in crime prevention – neighbors can notify each other of unusual situations. If you have elderly neighbor who lives alone, you can call regularly to make sure they are okay.  Being a good neighbor benefits everyone.      

In the spring a community beautification program can be initiated where a neighborhood clean can take place and flowers can be purchased at bulk rates. Also, community development corporations, churches and other nonprofit organizations sponsor plant sales and are likely to provide assistance to neighborhood organizations.  A street that looks well cared for sends the message that people care. Homes are our biggest investments. By getting together with our neighbors, we can protect our property values and community.

Neighbors can also provide testimony in Housing Court regarding problem properties on their street. Testimony can be heard in cases in which there is a plea of no contest. Neighbors can call the Housing Court at 664-4989 to find out the status of a pending case.  

We can save our neighborhoods by working together.

Editor’s note: Miriam Ortiz Rush, is the Personal Bailiff to Judge Pianka, Cleveland Municipal Housing Court.

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