Willow Glen Resident

News

San Jose grant help spruce up Greater Gardner neighborhood

By Mayra Flores De Marcotte

The Greater Gardner communities will be able to give their neighborhoods a facelift as part of a new grant program.

The housing renovation program was put together by the Greater Gardner Coalition, which is made up of Gardner, North Willow Glen and Gregory Plaza neighborhoods. The program is in collaboration with the San Jose Housing department.

"I almost feel that the program is too good to be true," said Gardner resident Dolores Herrera.

Herrera is hoping to replace her home's windows and add central air conditioning and heating, along with a new coat of paint on the outside.

The program includes two grants designed to assist homeowners with health and safety concerns and aesthetic repairs to beautify the neighborhood.

"There's $130,000 available for this community, and it needs to be spent." said Gardner Advisory Council president Rudy Martinez.

In the past, the coalition has tried to initiate these types of programs, but residents were afraid of code enforcement concerns so the programs never took hold, Martinez said.

"I know some of you have had an uncomfortableness in working with the city in the past," Martinez told residents at the July 30 community meeting, "but now is the time to leave that aside. We're here to get this money spent and get your repairs done."

The program is aimed at low-income owner-occupied homes in the Greater Gardner communities. Two grants are offered through the program--a $15,000 grant for health and safety repairs inside the home and a $25,000 grant for home façade improvements.

The housing department will also offer a zero-interest loan up to $60,000 for projects that cost more than is covered by the grants.

"This program is on a first-come, first-served basis," said Liz Ortiz, San Jose Strong Neighborhoods Initiative community activity worker. "We close each application as we get them because we won't be able to service all that we receive."

Only five homeowners will receive the $25,000 grant.

At the meeting, residents asked about code enforcement response, ramifications of illegal garage conversions and whether homeowners have a say in the color they paint their home.

"If we give you a grant, you will need to first get a permit and bring your conversion up to code," said San Jose housing department program coordinator Steve Pendleton.

Pendleton told residents the program is not designed to report anyone for code violations.

"I don't see myself as a law enforcer," he said. "I'm a program provider."

As for the color selection, homeowners are given a palate to choose from, with the understanding that the grant is to improve the look of their home.

"We have standard colors, and you're allowed to chose two, maybe three with the door," Pendleton said.

Pendleton told the group that hiring the right contractor is key to the project's success.

"You pick a contractor from the city, sign the grant application, and city pays the bills," he said. "This neighborhood is giving the money and forming the partnerships. They are showing they have the ability to maintain and beautify their neighborhood."

For more information about the housing renovation program, contact San Jose housing department program coordinator Steve Pendleton at 408.975.4479 or Steve.W. Pendleton@sanjoseca.gov.