Overview

The Better Block Committee is a volunteer-led group designed to engage local residents, business owners, and stakeholders in revitalizing and reimagining the downtown area of the Village of South Amherst. While our village is small and resources are limited, the potential for meaningful, positive change is significant. Through creativity, collaboration, and hard work, we believe we can breathe new life into our community core.

Purpose and Vision

• Identify opportunities for improving the downtown area.
• Organize temporary or low-cost enhancements to test revitalization concepts. Engage residents in the process of shaping a more vibrant, walkable, and welcoming community space.
• Lay the foundation for long-term improvement projects by showcasing what’s possible.

Committee Structure Membership:

• Open to residents, business owners, and civic-minded individuals.
• Ideally 5–9 members to ensure manageable coordination while including diverse perspectives.
• One Council liaison to provide updates and ensure alignment with village goals.

Meetings:

• Bi-monthly or monthly meetings depending on project load. Open to the public for transparency and input.
• Notes and progress reports submitted to Village Council quarterly.

Guidelines for Committee Members

• Respectful Collaboration: All members must commit to a team-first mindset, open communication, and respectful discussion.
• Creativity within Means: Projects should be achievable with limited budgets, using donated, recycled, or low-cost materials where possible.
• Community Focus:  All  initiatives  should  reflect  the  needs  and  desires  of  South Amherst residents.
• Volunteer-Driven: While  the  committee  may  seek  grants  or  donations,  labor  and leadership will rely heavily on volunteers.
• Pilot & Evaluate: Before permanent changes, the committee should use “pop-up” or temporary installations to test ideas and gather feedback.

Initial Goals & Ideals

Beautification Efforts

• Planters, flowers, painted crosswalks, benches.
• Murals or public art from local artists.

Community Engagement

• Host a “Better Block Day” to temporarily redesign the downtown with vendors, art, andmusic.
• Survey residents about what improvements they’d like to see.

Low cost infrastructure enhancements,

• Signage improvements (welcome signs, historical markers).
• Cleaning or painting neglected areas or structures.

Long-term Visioning

• Identify properties with potential for community use or small business development.
• Explore grant opportunities or partnerships for future phases.

Next Steps

• Volunteer call 440-986-2222 ext. 5 or email [email protected]
• First Meeting: set expectations, establish leadership (chair, secretary) and brainstorm project priorities.
• Initial Project Selection: choose a small, visible, and achievable goal to build momentum.

South Amherst may be small, but we are strong in spirit. The Better Block Committee is an opportunity to bring people together, spark creativity, and make tangible improvements to our shared spaces. With your support, we can make our village more vibrant and inviting – one block at a time.