Community pride home improvement contest

Sean Harkins

The City of Alpena is again accepting applications for its Community Pride Program, which rewards residents who improve their homes.

Residents will have a chance to win money for improvements they make to the exterior of their home. Applicants submit a form that describes the improvements they have made, and include up to two before and after photos of their home.

The photos are judged by a panel and cash prizes are awarded to the top three finishers during a February or March Alpena Municipal Council meeting.

The first place winner will receive $500, second place will get $175, and the third place finisher will be given $75.

"The goal of council was to reward those people who take pride in the exterior of their homes," City Building Official Don Gilmet said.

Judges consider the magnitude of the changes and the manner in which improvements strengthen architectural and historical features of the property. Improvements to the neighborhood will also be considered, such as whether the improvements significantly change the general appearance and character of the neighborhood.

Application forms can be picked up at the building official's office, located downstairs in city hall. There is no cost to apply, but entries are limited to city residents.

"Typically we'll get anywhere from 15 to 21 entries so it's pretty good odds of getting (prize money)," Gilmet said. He said last year there were 13 entries.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 31, but Gilmet said the earlier the better, especially because pictures of the home without snow are usually preferred.

He said homes don't have to undergo extremely costly changes to do well in the contest. He said paint and landscaping can sometimes go a long way.

Since most home projects are either done or finishing up, homeowners planning on projects in 2009 should also remember to take photos before their work begins for next year's contest.

Gilmet said the ultimate goal of the program is to build community pride, and the hope is once one house receives improvements, neighbors will get involved and the whole neighborhood will look nicer.

Sean Harkins can be reached via e-mail at sharkins@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.