Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association (HNIA) Committees & Block Clubs

Please note: HNIA is currently in the process of re-evaluating and restructuring committees listed below. Please let us know if there is a topic area that interests you. Currently the Household Hazardous Waste/Garbage Transfer Site Proposal Task Force is being organized. We are also seeking members for a new Neighborhood Revitalization Program Phase II Steering Committee.

Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association (HNIA) utilizes committees to discuss and plan projects within major focus areas. They provide a forum for in-depth attention and an avenue for volunteers to get directly involved in these important subject areas.

Environment – Residents meet the first Tuesday to plan and implement projects that enhance the natural environment in Holland. Activities have focused on enhancing and creating greenspace in the neighborhood, increasing outdoor recreational amenities, and other health and pollution areas of concern. Specific projects have included creation of bikepaths, Jackson Square redesign, community garden development, pollution cleanup on 2101 Washington, and the 27th Avenue greenspace improvement and totlot.

Business & Corridor (B & C) – Residents and business owners meet the fourth Monday of the month to discuss the development of our major roadways and commercial areas. The committee makes recommendations for streetscape improvements and commercial building use. The emphasis for involvement has been on Central Avenue improvements and working to support the city-approved Central Avenue Plan. An example of a successful project with committee involvement was participation in the design of 1900 Central VOA building.

Housing – Residents interested in housing-related issues in Holland have met the first Monday of the month to give direction to the HNIA home improvement loan projects, review proposals and gave design recommendations for new construction housing developments, and address other issues such as zoning variances within the neighborhood. Currently, the committee is developing a guidebook to give property owners useful information about remodeling and to provide guidelines for rehabilitation based on historic preservation principles. Specific emphasis will be on the housing styles that are typical of Holland and solutions to challenges of the modern homeowner.

Block Clubs – Block clubs primarily deal with crime, safety and other livability issues at the block level. Block leaders often work independently but with support from the HNIA office and Community Crime Prevention (CCP/Safe) through the Police Department. They distribute information about what is going on in the community, gather opinions about issues facing their area for neighborhood association use, and hold meetings for neighbors to get to know each other and have in depth discussion about their block. Though crime and safety are usually the prime focus, block clubs can be started by neighborhood leaders with a specific area of interest, such as gardens, art, or housing. CCP/Safe offers block leader training for set up and ongoing work. Block clubs are a way for neighbors to have direct involvement with “backyard issues”.