Nifty way to report neighborhood problems

The Jefferson Park Hub joined with SeeClickFix, an advocacy Web site, to encourage community members to report troublesome neighborhood issues directly from our site.

SeeClickFix allows anyone to report and track non-emergency issues in Jefferson Park via the Internet. It empowers allows all of us improve the neighborhood. It is only as good as people using it, so we encourage people to use the program. To find it, look on the right column on this site.

The software was recently promoted in the New York Time. Read about how neighborhoods are using it here.

SeeClickFix users post a complaint about problems that occur within a set of boundaries on a Google Map, like graffiti at a bus stop or potholes on a busy street, and the site communicates the problem to the appropriate government agency and marks the problem on the map.

 This is another step toward JP Hub 2.0. First was a new Web address and in the future, The JP Hub will have a new layout.

JP Hub 2.0

Readers will see changes in the weeks ahead as the Jefferson Park blog evolves.

First up will be a URL change. If all goes well, the new url will simply be JeffersonParkHub.com. The change will be make it easier to get the word out and improve its branding.

The blog now is a single column format. I am kicking around different themes to adopt from Word Press. The new format should continue to be reader friendly and showcase  photos, a calendar and other additions.

I am also looking into starting a conversation using Google Wave. The idea is that one day a week, for 15 minutes or so, a new Wave could be focused on Jefferson Park. Are there Google Wavers among Hub readers?

Survey results. 

Eight people took the time to respond to the Survey Monkey poll. Tip of the hat. (Except for the jokester who wrote in response to the question: "What would make The JP Hub more helpful to the neighborhood?" "Everyone loves stunts."  Very funny.)

Marketing/Awareness

Seven of you heard about it from me.  One from Google. Booyaaah. 

If you like this blog, please tell your neighbors and others.

Type of stories.

Three types of stories tied with the most votes: In Person, the people profiles; events happening around town; photos.

One person suggested a 'vent' section. I am looking into something like that.

I am keen on developing the In Person features. If you know of someone who you think would be interesting to others, let me know. On photos, there is a Jefferson Park Hub group on Flickr, so send in pictures.

Social media.

The vote was evenly split with a Facebook page. And six people said no to Twitter.

I will be posting at the Jefferson Park Facebook page instead. But if there are Twitter folks out there, find JPHub and follow.