Achievements: What have you done for me lately?
The Blackford NAC – Neighborhood Action Coalition -- is in the process of implementing its Neighborhood Improvement Plan Amendment which was approved by the San Jose City Council on December, 2006.
The NAC is a volunteer organization comprised of residents, businesses, faith based groups, home owner associations, rental property owner associations, schools, and the City to plan and facilitate needed improvements. The following is a sample of the things that have been accomplished and/or are still pending to improve our West San Jose neighborhood.
- The construction of the Starbird Youth Center at Starbird Park was completed and is operated by the San Jose Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department
- A City purchased and remodeled a building at the corner of Boynton and Williams Avenues which now houses the West San Jose Community Center and the San Jose Police Department’s Community Policing Center.
- The Boynton West-Underwood Apartment complexes are also recipients of matching funds program with the City’s Housing Department Rehabilitation program whereby roofing, exterior painting, and installation of double pane windows.
- The neighborhood parking overflow problem with the “hope of” a pilot program solution is moving forward through the Building, Planning and Code Enforcement Department in conjunction with the Housing Department.
- The Colonial Gardens Apartment complex was the recipient of the City’s Housing Department Rehabilitation program that brought significant improvements i.e. exterior painting, double pane windows, and new roofing.
- The “Tot Lot - children’s play area” fence has been replaced and the area upgraded and is located within the shared Colonial Gardens complex.
- Extensive tree removal and replanting has been accomplished and is also continuing through out the neighborhood.
- Storm drains have been installed in three neighborhood streets (Teale, Freed & Rosalia) with more to come.
- Extensive surveys of curb and gutter problems have been completed and implementation is pending.
- Handicap curb cuts throughout the neighborhoods have been installed.
- Multiple community health and safety fairs have been held in the Starbird Park area.
- At least three community cleanup/dumpster days have been held in the SNI area.
- Multiple “Neighborhood Watch” trainings have been organized and held in different neighborhoods to promote public safety and awareness.
- The San Tomas Creek between Williams and Hamilton has been adopted and cleaned annually by volunteers.
- Traffic calming studies have resulted in increased police patrols throughout the neighborhood.
- Renovation of the grass in Starbird Park has been completed.
- The Williams Road strip mall façade and park strip landscaping have also been upgraded
- A new solar lighted bus shelter is planned for the Williams – Boynton intersection.