All Eyes on the Block.

All Eyes on the Block!

Jane Jacobs introduced the concept of "eyes on the street," which highlights the importance of natural awareness in maintaining community public safety. She argued that bustling streets, with a mix of residential and commercial activities, inherently promote safety because there are always people around to observe and deter potential criminal activity.

This idea contrasted sharply with the dominant planning approach that favors high-rise buildings.

I can relate to the concept of all eyes on the streets. I lived on East 92nd Street in Manhattan in the late 70s and 80s. 

Our children could play in front of the apartment buildings. Mothers could look out the window and observe what was going on. Someone was always sitting on their window sill watching the sights and sounds of the Block.  We knew each other. 

We sat outside on our stoops and learned from one another. Our children knew their neighbors and got a variety of influences.

All Eyes on the Block: The Power of Community Awareness.  

In an era marked by increasing urbanization and isolation, the concept of "all eyes on the street," popularized by urbanist Jane Jacobs, has taken on new significance. 

This notion promotes safety through informal social awareness.  

Essentially, it's about creating a community where everyone looks out for one another. When neighbors know each other, they're more likely to notice something amiss. A stranger lurking in a doorway, a broken window, or an unattended package might raise eyebrows and prompt a call to authorities. 

This informal awareness  'All Eyes on the Block fosters a sense of shared community, responsibility, and belonging.