NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH SIGNS: THREAT OR MENACE? “I live in a subdivision (ex-urb) in the Greater Houston Area. My neighbors and I are thinking about organizing a Neighborhood Watch program for our subdivision. We are a newer subdivision, with many houses left to build and sell. We want to purchase and place Neighborhood Watch signs along some of the streets in our subdivision. Now here is our dilemma: will putting up these signs scare off new home buyers? Or will it give them confidence in our communities’ security by knowing we have an active NW program? We certainly don’t want to scare off new buyers with our signs, but at the same time, we want to send a message to the bad guys that our subdivision is on watch for them.” [Swamplot inbox]
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That’s a tough one. My thinking is that Neighborhood Watch signs indicated a community that is working together to keep their community great. Neighbors that are communicating with each other. Let’s see what the realtors have to say.
Can’t your HOA contract with a Pct Constable’s office for patrols in your neghborhood?
While I was a member of the East Sunset Heights Association, we voted to remove an old “this neighborhood patrolled by” sign. There was no indication that the sheriff was actually patrolling and the sign had been tagged.
I would not recommend a sign unless there is truly a Neighborhood Watch with active membership.
Jeromy…we miss you in ESH!
EMME- Is the East Sunset Heights Neighborhood Watch Group a group that watches all our your homes face demolition?
I think it would take much more than a Neighborhood Watch sign to convince a buyer that the neighborhood gas a security problem. I see Neighborhood Watch signs all the time, and I hardly even give them a second thought (aside from the fact that they are kind of ugly). Besides, you are the ones that actually live in the community–you should do whatever you think is best, rather than worry about people who may or may not end up living there.
We are moving back to the neighborhood, sorta. We’re about to start construction on Archer Street in Brookesmith.
Yes, Jeromy, building on Archer after filling in most of the big ravine that provided drainage, floodwater retention, coolness, green space and one of the few remains of natural features in the neighborhood. Why didn’t you use one of the many already-vacant lots in the area?
Miz Brooke Smith,
Feel free to email me to discuss, jmurphy@acico.com
Thanks.