I’ve been at 57 College now for almost 5 years. Wow, how the time fly’s by. When I bought Jack’s home I never imagined what I had gotten myself into. I remember how, on several occasions during our negotiations, he mentioned the “Block Club” thing and I thought to myself, “Whoop dee Doo”. As a first time home buyer I was overwhelmed by the prospect of spending so much money that I didn’t pay much attention to the “Block Club” thing.

When I grew up we had what I thought was a Block Club but I came to find out that my perception of what I thought was a Block Club would be turned upside down. Originally, my intent was to buy the house and live where Jack does and then rent out the upstairs apartment. My primary focus in buying a home was proximity to work in a nice and safe neighborhood.

After much negotiating Jack and I finally agreed on a purchase price and I became the proud new owner of my first home. I had agreed with Jack to allow him to remain in his apartment for a couple of months until he could move. Initially I didn’t know Jack or what his plans/motive for moving were, but I agreed to let him rent during his transition. My plan was to live in the upstairs apartment and then once Jack moved out I would rent the upstairs and live in the downstairs unit.

The Jack Factor:

Well, after several evenings after work and multitudes of Gin and Tonics I was brainwashed by Hoppus to make me let him live in the house rent free for the rest of his life. No, kidding aside, what really happened was probably the best decision I have ever made. I got to know Jack and the Block Club and at some point he told me the story about his history at the home and the beginnings of the Block Club. My heart couldn’t allow a guy who had lived in his home for nearly 30 years, and started a Block Club, to move down the street and rent an apartment that wasn’t his home. I was moved by this and saw a great opportunity that would benefit both of us. While it was not my intent to live in the upstairs apartment, I found it quite adequate and had acclimated very well.

So, I thought that if I let Jack stay in his own home that he would be the perfect tenant because he would treat it like his own place. Boy was I right! He worry’s more about the damn place than I do. It’s kind of ironic. Anyhow, I told Jack that he will remain at 57 College for as long as I own the home.

The Block Club Factor:

I didn’t know what impact my decision would make but it turns out that I had instantly reached celebrity status on the Block Club. So many people personally thanked me for what I had done and I hadn’t even realized it. It was then that I had started to realize how so many people really cared so much. I have been overwhelmed by the hospitality, friendliness, generosity, and awesomeness (if that’s a word) of all of the people that I have met on this said “Block Club” thing. The Block Club is really a family and I never imagined that when I bought the house that such a huge thing would have occurred. I am very thankful to have become a part of such a great thing.