Historic Yorkshire Alliance (HYA) traces its beginning to 1994 when it was launched under the sponsorship of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP).  In Burlington City, the NPP was run by City officials, Frank Storm and Robin Snodgrass.  The purpose of the statewide program was to strengthen urban neighborhoods by supporting local initiatives.  Robin and Frank convened the first meetings of interested citizens from the Historic Yorkshire* neighborhood.  A handful of neighbors attended to hear from Robin and Frank about the merits of a neighborhood organization.  The group decided to organize.

 

There was no State funding to HYA but the State Department of Community Affairs provided training for individuals who were interested in participating.  The City provided technical assistance during the organizing period.  HYA elected officers, developed bylaws and incorporated as a NJ non-profit corporation. HYA applied for and was approved by the IRS as a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization.  Donations to HYA are deductible from income for federal tax purposes.

 

HYA is a community-based organization that was formed to build and maintain a strong neighborhood, foster a cohesive community and improve the community in the Historic Yorkshire neighborhood and the City as a whole.  HYA stepped up in January 2016 to help families affected by a four-home fire in the neighborhood by raising and donating funds to help the families in the crisis.  HYA was asked by the City to help coordinate volunteers and donations for the families. 

 

HYA publishes a newsletter, makes donations to worthy causes and sponsors community events.   Community events and individual donations are the chief sources of funds for HYA.  Some of the events include the Annual East Union Street Yard Sale in September and the Home and Garden Tour in the Spring.   Neighborhood meetings with speakers of topical interest are held eight times a year and coincide with publication of HYA News.  A volunteer Newsletter Editor writes the newsletter that is delivered throughout the neighborhood by a network of volunteer block captains.