WHAT ARE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS AND WHAT CAN THEY OFFER?

A neighborhood association is an inclusive organization that builds bonds within the community, and allows issues and concerns to be addressed. Neighborhood associations are not religious or political organizations, nor are they homeowners’ associations (HOA) whose membership is limited to a specific development with membership fees.

 
Neighborhood associations offer many benefits to a community such as:

• Social events like neighborhood picnics, back to school drives, holiday celebrations
• Preservation of green spaces to improve walkability, community gardens, or provide areas for children to play
• Preservation and protection of wildlife and habitats
• A unified voice to advocate at city and county government
• Emergency preparedness plans
• Address infrastructure improvements such as roads, water and sewer lines
• Help with safety issues or organize neighborhood crime watch
• Provide community support and connections…neighbors helping neighbors

 
There are many neighborhood associations recognized by the City of Asheville, some of which have helped foster lasting and positive changes. For example, the Haw Creek neighborhood association was successful in advocating for the installation of sidewalks and the renovation of its public library. The Oakley neighborhood association succeeded in influencing the City to keep its neighborhood library open.  

As we work on putting together the initial framework for BVNA, we invite you to help spread the word and encourage your neighbors to join our mailing list so that they can receive updates and information, learn about upcoming meetings and ways to get involved. We plan to meet in person in a neighborhood-wide meeting this year and hope that you and your friends will participate.