There is no angle.

Last week someone wrote in asking whether this block association is meant to be the “cops of the block,” and essentially imploring us not to go that route. I think I understand the sentiment, given that I’ve heard of block associations and community forums in well-to-do NYC neighborhoods essentially turning into “neighborhood watches” where you putting on a hoodie at 2am and walking furtively over to that bodega on 30th and 11th might just add up to probable cause.

The answer is no, but let me go a step further. On Thursday I wrote to the building/community managers at 507 West Chelsea, AvalonBay Communities (which owns AVA High Line and Avalon West Chelsea), and Related Companies (which owns 529 West 29th Street, Abington House, One Hudson Yards, and the Zaha Hadid building) asking if they would be willing to inform their residents about this block association via email. The answer is probably going to be no, but it’s fine. In those emails, I told them the same thing I’ll say again here: There is no angle. I’m not trying to sell you anything, I’m not collecting dues, I’m not trying to run for anything, and I’m not trying to organize around any special interest or friction or complaint. My “vision” is ambitious only to the extent that expanding your social circle outside of work and kids when you’re older than 30 is ambitious, and it very well may be, but regardless that has nothing to do with cops.

We will have an introductory Zoom meeting next Saturday or Sunday. Maybe it will be the start of something. Looking forward to seeing you there.