East 156th Street Block Watch grows and plans future Denise Lorek

On Wednesday March 16th,  the East 156th St. Block Watch had the biggest attendance yet at their meeting. With over 50 people in attendance, Gregory Soltis from Neighborhood Progress Inc asked the group what they would like to see happen in their neighborhood with federal stimulus money that is headed their way. Greg commented, “I was really impressed with the turnout at the meeting! It is great to see that so many people are invested in the health of Collinwood. On top of so many people being there, it was just great to get people's input about what they want their neighborhood to be. After all, they are the ones that live there and know it intimately.”  Some of the ideas the group would like to see implemented are Free WiFi on Waterloo, a changeable sign to announce events and meetings, a Farmers Market, more gardens (indoor and outdoor), an Interactive Art Park and a playground around the East 140th corridor.

Over the past few months, Greg has been able to experience Collinwood on a deeper level and has discovered so many terrific things about it. “Besides the Lake, there are the beautiful homes on quaint streets, great places to grab a bite, and places like the Beachland Ballroom where music is an experience. I've been most impressed with the people,” Greg continued.  “After all, when it comes down to it, people are what make a neighborhood vibrant, and the built environment is an expression of the people who went before them and made lives there. All that said, I think Collinwood is definitely looking up!” Greg would like to thank Anthony Becham from B&M Barbecue for letting us use his space! "Great BBQ!”

If you would like to become a member of the East 156th St. Block Watch and have a say about what goes on in your neighborhood, all you have to do is come to a meeting. The meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month at 6:00 pm at B&M Barbecue, 15116 Lakeshore Blvd. (Additional parking is available at St. Jerome's). Membership is free so please come join us. Councilman Polensek is at every meeting as well as a member of the Fifth District Police to take your questions and address your concerns.

If you would like more information about Block Watches in North Shore Collinwood call Denise Lorek at Northeast Shores 216-481-7660.

Denise Lorek is the Community Organizer at Northeast Shores.