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The days of talking over the fence to our neighbors may be slipping away, but it's still just as important to know and communicate with those who live near us. There's a whole new way to stay in touch with our neighbors, and it's easier than ever!
Rob Corsaro is the Joslyn Castle Neighborhood Association President. "I felt it was important to find alternative ways to communicate with our neighborhood."
He's embarking on a new way to strengthen ties with neighbors through a social networking site called NextDoor.com. "I thought this is a perfect opportunity to bring community awareness to neighbors in our neighborhood, and nobody else."
Corsaro joined the website only two weeks ago. He's invited 102 neighbors, and already 40 have signed up for the site. "If you're a babysitter you can post 'Hey, I can babysit,' or if you need tips in gardening, or you need a fence built, or you have a recommendation for Indian cuisine."
Only those who live within the boundaries of the neighborhood are allowed. "You see people on facebook all the time, and they're always posting some really good stuff, so why not localize it to our neighborhood?" said Corsaro. "People can feel comfortable in sharing that information."
Users can also send out messages as "alerts" which will then text neighbors the message, in case of emergencies.
"It's an extension of not only the city, but the police department, being the eyes and the ears, because they can't be everywhere at once."
Best of all, it's free, and Corsaro says, easy to use. "It's simple enough that any person could go out there and set up their neighborhood."
NextDoor.com tells Channel Six News privacy is its number one priority for customers.
Currently there are five neighborhoods on the site, including Gifford Park Neighborhood.
If you'd like to find out if your neighborhood is on the site, or you'd like to start one up, click on NextDoor.com.
