New Social Network Links Belmont Neighbors

Whether you're wondering about an incident on your block, need to find a babysitter, or just want to borrow a ladder, a new social network specifically for neighbor-to-neighbor communication is gaining traction in Belmont.

Nextdoor (www.nextdoor.com), a free social media website, enables residents to communicate privately online with users in their own neighborhood. The City of Belmont has partnered with Nextdoor, which is currently available in five of the city's ten neighborhoods.

Each Belmont neighborhood that subscribes to Nextdoor (MacDougal, Cipriani, Central, Belmont Heights and Homeview) has its own private Nextdoor website, accessible only to residents of that neighborhood.

According to the company's website, residents can use Nextdoor to get to know their neighbors, ask questions, exchange local advice and recommendations, local events, school activities and more. 

Belmont city departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, Community Development and Park & Recreation are also able to post information to Nextdoor sites within the city, but will not be able to access the residents’ websites, contact information, or content.

“We believe more engaged neighborhoods can create a stronger city,” said City Manager Greg Scoles. 

“Nextdoor is one way to help create a stronger and safer community for those that live and work here,” Scoles added.

“Nextdoor is yet another tool for us to effectively share crime prevention and safety information, such as alerts of property crimes in their area or suspicious activity,” said Belmont Police Chief Don Mattei.

For more information, go to www.nextdoor.com.