The city of Toledo is inviting homeowners, business owners, and garden groups to demonstrate community pride by participating in a neighborhood beautification contest.
Launched in 2021 to inspire residents to enhance their property exteriors, the contest is back, the city announced last week.
The contest encourages participants to improve the facades of their homes, businesses, and gardens. The focus is on “community involvement and keeping Toledo the beautiful place it is,” said Amy Voigt, city spokesman.
Participants are required to provide a maximum of 10 “after” photos of the property; the “before” photos are encouraged but not required. The deadline for entering the contest is July 22.
To be considered for the contest, property enhancements must “focus on community beautification” and include improvements to the front yard, fencing, and the exterior of the home or building, event organizers said. The condition of the streets and sidewalks will not be taken into account.
The contest is open to all Toledo residents, businesses, and community gardens within Toledo whose properties “showcase exterior improvements enhancing curb appeal without outstanding code violations,” according to event organizers.
The winning properties will be chosen by a committee to include city council members, a neighborhood navigator, an environmental specialist, a code compliance investigator, and a 2021 beautification contest winner.
The committee will assess the following criteria:
- Landscape enhancement of the neighborhood.
- Appropriateness of plant selection for the site and climate.
- Clear and inviting footpath to the property.
- Cleanliness and condition of the front porch.
- Crispness of paint and cleanliness of the front door.
- Greenness of the front yard lawn and how well it is trimmed.
- Condition of fencing and exterior paint.
- Absence of litter in the yard.
The 2021 contest had a “phenomenal” response, Ms. Voigt said
After evaluating “countless” submissions, two small businesses, two blocks, and three individual houses were recognized “for their exceptional street-facing landscaping, facade improvements, and overall curb appeal,” Ms. Voigt said.
Contest organizers expect an even greater participation this year, she said.
The contest is sponsored by the city’s Housing and Community Development Department and the Building Inspection and Code Compliance Department.
Winners — three homes, two businesses, and a community garden — will be recognized during the Aug. 7 Wednesdays with Wade public meeting, the location of which has yet to be announced.
To submit an entry, go to toledo.oh.gov/beautification-contest .
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