For close to 40 years, our block has come together on the first Saturday in August to celebrate our annual block party.

This cherished tradition is more than just a day of food and music—it is a vital cornerstone of our neighborhood. For decades, this event has strengthened community bonds, supported local families, provided a safe space for our children to play, and fostered deep, positive relationships across generations.

Our block association has an impeccable, 40-year track record of compliance. We have always opened and cleaned our street on time, maintained a peaceful environment, and worked hand-in-hand with local leadership.

Now, this beautiful community tradition is in jeopardy.

Without any official advance notice, policy change publication, or fair warning, our permit for Saturday, August 1st, 2026, was abruptly denied. Our Block Association leadership was informed by the 81st Precinct Community Affairs office that a new, unannounced rule was implemented, capping approvals at just the first five blocks to apply.

When we pushed for answers, we were told that verbal warnings about "applying early" were allegedly given at the end of last year's parties. But our organizers received no such warning. We wrapped up last year's event independently and responsibly, just as we always do.

It is entirely unfair to dismantle a 40-year-old neighborhood institution overnight due to an unannounced, arbitrary procedural shift.

We are calling on Council Member Darlene Mealy and the 81st Precinct to intervene immediately, reconsider this decision, and restore our block party permit for August 1st.

An abrupt policy shift shouldn't silence decades of community joy. Please sign this petition to show the 81st Precinct and our local leaders how much this block party means to our community. Let’s keep our tradition alive!