Blackford Neighborhood Action Coalition (NAC) “Vision is not seeing things as they are, but how they can be”
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.
The installation of a safe left turn lane for the Boynton and Moorpark intersection is in process.
Renovation of the grass in Starbird Park has been completed.
Maple Leaf shopping center signage has been improved.
The Williams Road strip mall façade and park strip landscaping have also been upgraded.
A tenant neighborhood association (Lideres de Blackford) has been organized; members are primarily Spanish speaking and interacting with the Blackford NAC.
A new solar lighted bus shelter is planned for the Williams – Boynton intersection.
Additional actions are being contemplated or planned in cooperation with the City and other agencies.
