A neighborhood gathering…
How does one cope with a neighborhood or street where people are too busy to get to know their neighbors? Each household tends to go about its business with little or no interaction with others on the same street.
And so it was on Rene Drive. However, it started to change on the afternoon of October 4. By way of background, this transformation came about as a result of a neighborhood potluck. A permit was obtained from the City allowing the residents to block off a portion of the street on the afternoon of October 4.
Of the 16 occupied homes on our street, thirty-five people from 12 of the homes were able to attend…
For a description of the event as well as several full size photos that say more than words, click on A Neighborhood Story–Part II
Going forward, can this experience be replicated elsewhere in Petaluma? Every street and neighborhood is different. On the other hand, they are probably more similar than not once you get past perceptions and assumptions. The temporary use of a street for such family oriented neighborhood gatherings is the perfect neutral place for everyone to get together for a few hours if they care to join in.
Some initial groundwork is required to secure permission from the City to use part of a street. It will not be possible in all cases due to traffic flow requirements. On the other hand, there may be ways to work around this by getting permission to use part of the public sidewalks. Each case will be different. But the application of a little judgment and creative thinking will usually win the day.
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