Block Captain Guide

Improving our Neighborhoods… One block at a time!    

Block Captain Resources

New Number - Dial 211 for Non-Emergency Police Issues

Block captains are the “first among equals” on their block.  They are the “go-to” person to pull together city and neighborhood resources to address neighborhood issues. The Block Captains gain the respect of their neighbors and make their block a better place for all to live through the following suggested activities – use your creativity and best judgment in implementing these guidelines on your block.

1. Lead by Example

• Take ownership to address issues such as cleaning up litter and others identified below

• Encourage your neighbors to take ownership for your block

• Nominate your block for a Cleanup/Party - or the “Block of the Month” award to celebrate your successes!

2. As Needed (at least weekly)

Keep an eye out in the neighborhood and report problems.  Call, send letters, or submit an online request at and forward Service Request acknowledgement e-mails to Block Captain Central.

• Graffiti

  Dept. of Public Services (cleanup within 30 days)….......…Online Request…............591-6000

   

• Litter, high weeds & grass (more than 10 inches high), overflowing garbage cans

          Litter Control Office (private property)……….….................Online Request..............591-6000

          Department of Public Services (public right-of-way)..........Online Request..............591-6000

          Borrow weed sprayers and other supplies.....................................CHIA@CliftonHeights.org

• Rats, roaches, and other litter-related health violations

          Health Department………………......………….......…............Online Request….............564-1750

• Abandoned cars

          Police Department – public streets…….......………….......…Online Request................765-1212

          Health Department – private property……….....……..........Online Request….............564-1780

• Unusual traffic patterns or suspicious activity (for example, large numbers of strangers visiting)

          Street Corner Unit (VICE)..................................….........Online Request…............352-3719

          Gang Activity…………………………………………....................Online Request…............721-GANG

          Prostitution ..................................………………...............Online Request…............352-2555

• UC Student issues – Student Code of Conduct violations or other inappropriate behavior

          BearCAT Ambassadors....................................................bearcatambassadors@gmail.com

          UC Office of Judicial Affairs………...........cumminds@ucmail.uc.edu…......................556-6814

3. Monthly

Block Captains should take a walk up and down your block and look for:

• Section 8 Housing Issues

          Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority...........http://www.cintimha.com..............421-8190

• Vacant Buildings

          Buildings & Inspections….................edward.cunningham@cincinnati-oh.gov............352-3275

• Building and Property maintenance issues and fire code violations

          Buildings & Inspections….................cheryl.taggart@cincinnati-oh.gov.....................352-3275

• Street maintenance issues (broken curbs, sink holes, dead animals)

          Department of Public Services……………….......…..…….....Online Request…...............591-6000

• Street lighting issues

          Duke Energy (shoes on power lines, tree trimming, streetlights)...............................651-4182

          Dept. of Transportation & Engineering – Streetlights - ................…..........................352-3737

City Street Light Procedure (.pdf)

          Light up the Neighborhood………………….......................…………..........…CHIA Lighting Initiative

4. CUF Neighborhood Officers/UC Public Safety

District 5's Phone Number is 569-8500. Contact your neighborhood officers with any safety concerns:

 

Additional Resources Vacant Building Maintenance License - vacant buildings must be licensed and inspected by the City.  The list of vacant and condemned buildings is available here (searchable .pdf file).  Report vacant buildings and issues to Edward Cunningham (or call 352-3275). CMHA (Section 8 listings & issues) - list of current Section 8 housing (and property owners!) is here (searchable .pdf file).  CMHA is now the central contact for all Section 8 owner/resident issues (421-8190). ezTrack (Building Permits and Code Enforcement) - see the permit history and track building code enforcement actions on a property. Cincinnati Municipal Codes - searchable reference for city building codes, ordinances on dog barking, litter codes, etc. County Auditor (Property Records) - find out who owns that problem property - searchable by street and address. City Housing Programs List - includes the Home Improvement Program of below-market loans, and the Tax Abatement Program for renovation and new construction.