81st Street Block Club Vermont Knolls

History of 81st Block Club Vermont Knolls

81st Street Block Club was founded in 2000 by resident Lawrence D. Koonce, Sr.  At that time cars speeding through 81st Street was of great concern as it endangered the lives of our very young and elderly residents. 

Lawrence decided to do something.  He thought a block club would be a great way to bring neighbors together to resolve this issue.  In early 1999, Lawrence began collecting the needed signatures to qualify for street humps (aka “The Hump Project”).  While collecting signatures, he gauged his neighbors interest in forming a block club and everyone responded positively. 

“The Hump Project” became the rallying point needed to form the81st Street Block Club.  In early 2000, the residents of81st Street saw the installation of street humps and held the first 81st Street Block Club meeting.

At the beginning only residents between Budlong Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue were eligible to become members.  Members wanted to start out small in order to better manage the initial stages of the club since many had no prior experience.

In 2001, we celebrated our first anniversary with a successful block club party. The entire Vermont Knolls community and surrounding areas were encouraged and welcomed to participate. We could not have predicted the community support and turn out.  Our local police captain and several officers attended.  Community Coalition, Community Build, Social Services Department and others all set up informational booths and Congresswoman Maxine Waters spent time meeting and greeting residents.

In October 2001 all residents of 81st Street from Normandie Avenue and Vermont Avenue have been invited to join us and become active members.

Our Mission, Our Purpose

• To unite our neighborhood.
• To make our community safe for all residents.
• To have a grass root power base in order to acquire needed city, county, state and federal services.
• To exert political pressure where needed for the good of our neighborhood.
• To improve ethics.
• To assist our seniors.
• To be charitable.

It's true, there is power in numbers - as one voice we CAN make a difference!