Being a community-minded citizen starts at home. Even though we can battle with the people we share space with over garbage pickup and parking spaces, engaging with our neighbors gives us a better sense of how to take care of our communities holistically. A neighbor – even one you don’t particularly like – can remind you about an accessibility issue, like how a stair railing helps the elderly exit their homes, or a pocket patch of grass is enjoyable for a dog. 

Knowing your neighbors is proven to reduce fear by turning unknown people into known demographic communities.  One way to engage with those neighbors is to work together to host a block party. In Philly, there are a few documents you need to prepare in advance, and some logistics to make the event a success.

Ideally you’re starting to plan in April for a June or July block party. Signatures, vendors, city paperwork all take time. The Streets Department requires online applications submitted 45 days in advance, with signed consent from “75% of households” on the block. There will undoubtedly be a neighbor who doesn’t feel included and needs some time to agree. 

Start by securing signatures of consent of street closure from up to 75% of block households. Remember, streets still need to be accessible to emergency vehicles, delivery trucks doing business on that street, and home owners, but it will be closed for through-traffic. You can find that document here. 

You’ll want to reach out with a handful of pre-selected dates and have neighbors choose from those. Maybe a beloved neighbor has a birthday, or there’s a local holiday where neighbors will be home and ready to party. At least 21 days prior to the event (45 is recommended to be safe!) apply via the Philadelphia Streets Department website or call (215) 686-5500 with questions. The price for a permit starts at $25, but can reach $60 if you file with fewer than 21 days notice, and your block can apply for up to five parties per year (and I hope you do!)

If you’re planning on announcing that you’re serving alcohol… no you’re not. Because public alcohol distribution requires extra insurance. 

Working out the details between neighbors builds comradery through problem solving. Here are tasks that can get people involved and motivated: 

• Who’s your block captain? Have they filed for this permit before and have any personal tips to share with everyone?
• If you will ask people to move their cars, do you have an alley or driveways that can be utilized? 
• What kind of vendors do you want? Figure out if anyone on the block has a business that can participate. A mobile food cart or a chef? A DJ? Games? 
• Which neighbor knows CPR, Heimlich Maneuver or is a street medic or EMS that can assist in an emergency?
• Who will organize the potluck? An ingredient card at each dish can help stay clear of allergy issues. 
• Who will organize the setup? Someone needs to break out tables and chairs, meet the vendors, and set the street closure barricades. 
• Who will organize the cleanup? The folks who don’t mind staying up late can be useful for clearing trash after the event. 
• Pick someone to be in charge of music, and get everyone involved by creating a shared playlist. 
• Have a poll for what kind of games or events you want out on the street. 
• Have small kids? Dogs? Mini pools are a tiny refuge in the hot sun – different pools for the dogs and the kids, of course. A sprinkler can cool down adults. 

Getting everyone involved in a community event creates a bond and gives you insight into the people you share space with, so above all, decision-making can be a collaborative event.