The Willow Glen Resident

Council Watch

SJ Beautiful awards to honor most improved local homes

Nominations will open next month

By Puneet Jain

Does your home look better than it used to? Have your neighbors re-landscaped their yard? Has your business had a face lift? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you can nominate yourself or a neighbor for the fifth annual San Jose Beautiful Home Improvement Awards.

The Home Improvement Awards program was established in 1994 to recognize those residents of San Jose who have not only shown an interest in how the city looks, but have done something to improve it by enhancing the view from the street. There is no cost to enter.

All applicants are recognized by the mayor at a San Jose City Council meeting. The top three winners in each category receive a plaque to display on their property.

There are six categories. The first is "Landscape Improvement," which focuses on front yards.

"Structural Improvement" zeroes in on "fixer-uppers," where significant but necessary major structural improvements have been made.

"Historic Structure Improvement" is for those who have appropriately restored, renovated or retained the original architectural character and style of their homes, which must be at least 50 years old.

The "Commercial Improvement" category includes all businesses, apartment complexes and income properties that have improved the overall look of the front of their property--either the structure or the landscaping.

There is a "Neighborhood Improvement" category aimed at groups who have worked to improve an entire neighborhood's looks, not just one residence or business.

A "Nominate Your Neighbor" category is inclusive of both businesses and residences that have improved their appearance.

A judging committee that includes prominent community leaders, media representatives and experts in architecture and landscaping choose the winners. The criteria have been designed to ensure applicants are competitive regardless of the building's age, neighborhood or resale value or cost of the improvements.

San Jose Beautiful was created in 1986 by the mayor and City Council to help instill a sense of community pride in residents, achieved through volunteer efforts. Contest applications are available at the San Jose Beautiful booth at the 18th Annual South Bay Home and Garden Show Sept. 11-13 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Show hours are Friday, noon-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, and free for children under 14. Registration deadline is Oct. 30.

For more information contact Christopher Knight at 925/254-5772 or Charlie Coane at 415/434-8300.

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