West Ward Choice Neighborhood Plan
National Night Out Community Event
On August 3rd, communities across the nation took part in an array of celebrations as part of National Night Out - an event aimed at strengthening resident and police relations by bringing them together in a casual environment. The West Ward neighborhood in Easton, Pennsylvania decided to host a community block party. Residents of all ages and backgrounds came together outdoors to eat hot dogs and burgers, listen to music, dance-in and reclaim the streets.
“This is a great chance for members of our community to meet their neighbors, enjoy outdoor summer fun, and learn more about the organizations that provide support to the West Ward neighborhood,” said Amy Boccadoro, manager of Easton’s West Ward Community Initiative.
Nestled between a mobile skatepark and face-painting station, on the walls of Paxinosa Elementary School, colorful graphics and banners read, "Business and Housing; Equity and Inclusion; Arts, History, and Culture; Transportation and Open Space." Below the banners streamed a blank ribbon of white paper 20+ feet in length.
As day turned into night, streetlights flickered and cicadas sang, the blank canvas came alive with colorful post-its, visions, and ideas from local residents and event goers: more streetlights, police on foot, skateparks, bus stops, and block parties, more classes for first time home buyers, land lord accountability... jobs, training, and rent control.
"Unity through art," vocalized one resident as she strolled by, reading the comments and post-its of others. "Yes, art is a universal language -- we need more of that."
The culmination of ideas and colorful input grew to be 20+ feet in length as more and more residents stopped by to share. Teska Principal, Erin Cigliano was honored to serve as the graphic artist to interconnect and celebrate the community's visions. From heart to hand to paper, biggest of thanks to COLLABO Planning + Design and the Greater Easton Development Partnership for serving as Team leads and bringing Teska on board to help facilitate visual communication.
Level-up local, level-up home base!
