How a Strong Neighborhood Association Supports Your Value

This article is the second of a four-part series about buying and owning a home in the Near South Neighborhood by longtime NSNA Board Member Greg McCown. To read part one, “Who Buys Old Homes, and Why,” click here.

“If you believe, it’ll happen.”  “What you think about comes about.” “Only you can control your destiny!”

These (somewhat cliché) words of inspiration have been brought to you by the Near South Neighborhood Association.

 Wouldn’t be nice if it were truly that easy? I’m thinking about a new Porsche…poof…  A new car!  My basement foundation sucks…poof…  What? A new poured basement!? I wish my kids would stay off their phones…poof… It’s 1990. 

Nope, our reality is not quite that simple, and that’s ok. We find that goals most toiled over tend to be the ones with the most meaning. I’ve been procrastinating in writing this for our Near South Neighborhood Association Newsletter, delaying, knowing it was just one more thing on my already crowded buffet plate. And then, inspiration! Tell ‘em about the literal decades of volunteer service that have occured since our founding in 1972. That how over those years our association has held at its core the desire to create a vibrant community while preserving and celebrating historic homes in our city’s heart. Explain how these goals were worked for, toiled over and have meaning.

That’s all well and good, but what has it meant to the folks living here? What tangible difference have our efforts brought about as a product of many late-night board meetings? In our over 50 years the NSNA has championed many causes, addressed issues, and created an environment that keeps our historic home stock relevant and beautiful. And sometimes the best changes ensure nothing changes.

We’ve worked with the city throughout the years to create protections like re-zoning whole areas of our neighborhood to promote original use and intent for our homes while dissuading uses that negatively affect our value. We’ve developed design standards that require new structures be built to match the flavor of the surrounding streetscape. Historic districts were established that highlight our homes and stand as a guard against wanton destruction of our neighborhood. We enrich our little corner of the world with neighborhood improvements like creating parks, planting trees, streetlights and sidewalks. Our social structure is strengthened through our ice-cream socials, sponsored block parties and of course our popular Tour of Homes.

I wrote in the last newsletter about the value of our homes. That subjective word has many objective realities, one being the obvious increase in dollars garnered from our old residences. The persistent actions from our association have, over the years, provided an environment where homeowners can confidently invest and improve their homes, resulting in a value has been not only maintained but enhanced.

We are a strong association, but always need new blood and fresh perspectives. Time given is rewarded on so many levels and we’d love to include your voice and energy to our efforts! So, yes, what you think about you bring about…let us offer you a few great things to ponder, and Poof! Our neighborhood will be one of dreams!