Neighborhood associations work together to benefit quality of life in Vancouver
by Leslee Jaquette
 Neighborhood Associations can have a significant impact on the quality of life of a residential community. To underscore the point, Judi Bailey, Neighborhoods Programs manager for the Office of Neighborhoods (OON) for the city of Vancouver, describes how the Arnada Neighborhood Association has turned lemons into lemonade.
Located on the west side of Vancouver, the older, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood had a problem street with lots of speeding traffic. After researching creative traffic calming options, the association picked an intersection on the road and developed it into a gathering place that naturally invites drivers to slow down. It features an event kiosk, a mural painted on the middle of the intersection and is soon to add a bench to further encourage neighborly exchanges.
The Arnada project is a good example of the value of neighborhood associations and how, when they tap into the city of Vancouver’s many resources, these associations can benefit their local area and greater Vancouver. As Bailey notes, “The Office of Neighborhoods works hand-in-hand with neighborhood associations to deliver a healthy, safe and vibrant Vancouver.”
A neighborhood is a section of the city with a common identity. Neighborhood associations are formed to meet the needs of the residents in these communities and serve as a forum for discussing mutual concerns and solutions. When the city started officially recognizing neighborhood associations in 1975, it initiated the Office of Neighborhoods to help promote communication between residents and city hall through programs and benefits. In 1990 there were 14 neighborhood associations and today there are 63.
For those thinking about forming a neighborhood association, the OON has information on its website (www.cityofvancouver.us/nhood_plans.asp?itemID=15208) that walks groups through the process of developing a Neighborhood Action Plan. Using the Neighborhood Action Planning Kit, the finished document helps a neighborhood develop a vision and define the steps to reach its goals.
“Neighborhood associations are a value to the community because they give residents an opportunity to have a voice in decisions that affect their neighborhood’s livability,” explains Bailey. “It’s important to be involved because it promotes personal pride and responsibility and creates a stronger sense of community.”
At neighborhood association meetings a host of issues are often discussed and solutions brainstormed. Residents typically look at ways to improve street lighting, bike paths, sidewalks, traffic calming devices, parks, zoning beautification projects and neighborhood clean-ups. Many associations host summer picnics, holiday parties and other fun events.
The Office of Neighborhoods helps neighborhood associations tackle many of these issues by publicizing a variety of grants as well as offering city support services. The weekly newsletter is a good place to scout opportunities such as grants and clean-up programs (www.newsletters@ci.vancouver.wa.us).
One recent newsletter, for example, announced the availability of the 2010 Neighborhood Association Sustain-ability grant for projects with long-term, direct benefits to the neighborhood or natural environment. The newsletter also invited the public to attend three, special “safe streets” clinics hosted by the Neighborhood Traffic Alliance (NTSA). These clinics are a good way for the public to learn about various neighborhood-initiated actions that relate to local speeding concerns on residential streets.
Schrader spearheads Northfield association
Spearheaded by community activist Esther Schrader, the Northfield Neigh-borhood Association was started four years ago. The current chair of the Vancouver Planning Commission, 75-year-old Schrader served as president of the association its first three years, secretary last year and treasurer in 2010.
The Northfield Association is a good example of how a community can increase communication among residents as well as work with the city to make changes. “Originally initiated by a condo association, the Northfield Neighborhood Association helped see a big project through to fruition,” says Schrader. “We were able to work with the Bennington and Fishers Landing neighborhood associations to obtain funding for about three miles of bike lanes, running between 164th and 192nd.”
She explains that at that time funds were available for grants awarded by the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Alliance. Not only did the project receive funding for the bike lanes, it funded interesting and unique treatments for traffic slowing devices in the neighborhood. As a result, a “meander” was built that naturally slows traffic and discourages truck traffic. Schrader notes, “Now the neighborhood is so much more pleasant, it has lowered traffic, decreased the noise and reduced accidents!”
The Northfield Neighborhood Association also hosts a number of community events, several of which partner with the city of Vancouver.
In June, the association holds an annual neighborhood yard sale as well as a clean-up day when locals can discard materials and the city hauls it away. In conjunction with “National Night Out,” the association plans its annual picnic in the Northfield Park with kids’ games, educational booths, fire trucks and police guests. In September the city of Vancouver brings its big chipper to the neighborhood, grinds up yard waste and hauls it away.
Senior volunteer opportunities
“Working on a neighborhood association is a wonderful opportunity for seniors because they have the time, energy, focus and ideas to donate to give back to the neighborhood,” observes Schrader. “They are always looking for new people to invest in the community and we’ve had great luck with seniors because they have the time and patience to work on projects.”
Bailey agrees and encourages seniors to consider volunteer work through their neighborhood associations. “Associations need help with all sorts of projects from organizing the annual picnic to delivering the local newsletter,” notes Bailey. “Seniors have an abundance of talent and wisdom that is often an association’s key to success.”
City of Vancouver Office of Neighborhoods: Judi Bailey, Neighborhoods Programs Manager, City Hall, 210 E. 13th St., Vancouver, WA 98668 360-487-8608; www.cityofvancouver.us/nhood; judi.bailey@ci.vancouver.wa.us
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