A neighborhood is still a key building block of a community. In crisis situations, neighbors tend to come together naturally. Sometimes, however, this natural process needs a little catalyst. The Neighborhood Watch Program, sponsored by the Police Department, has proven helpful in pulling together people who share a common interest in keeping their neighborhoods safe. After 15 years of operation, this program now involves 306 Bloomington neighborhoods.
Participants watch out for each others' homes and arrange neighborhood activities together.
Neighborhood Watch grew out of National Night Out, an annual summer event which took place this year on August 4. More than 7,000 neighbors in 192 neighborhoods got together for the occasion to become better acquainted. Other options Started six years ago, the Community Enhancement Program fosters neighborhood cohesion by improving neighborhood conditions, several blocks at a time. Neighborhoods can also throw block parties. Where appropriate, the City will provide barricades and the necessary permission to make such events possible.