Will County Gazette

The City of Joliet has announced the winners of this year's Neighborhood Hero Award, a program that honors properties with exemplary yards, including well-maintained lawns, vibrant flowers, healthy shrubs, thriving trees, and creative hardscaping. Established by Project Acclaim in 2015, the awards recognize residents who exhibit civic pride and positively impact their neighborhoods and local community. Initially managed by Project Acclaim members from City Hall and local Police and Fire Departments, the program is now overseen by the City of Joliet’s Neighborhood Services Department.

The nomination period began in May with announcements in both English and Spanish. A total of 38 properties were nominated by neighbors, friends, council representatives, self-nominations, and Neighborhood Services Property Maintenance Coordinators (PMC) to ensure district representation. A committee of six Neighborhood Services representatives visited each nominated property and scored them individually. The top 12 properties with the highest scores were selected for awards.

Jacqueline Lozada, Joliet’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Manager who oversees the project, emphasized the city's commitment to the program. “This initiative not only enhances the city’s image but also celebrates those who have made a difference in their communities,” said Lozada. “We hope these Neighborhood Heroes will inspire others to take pride in their own properties.”

The winners will receive a special yard sign and will be formally recognized at the Joliet City Council meeting on September 17th. This year’s winners are:

- 1106 N 129th Infantry Dr

- 1205 Schriber Ave

- 617 N Broadway St

- 420 Elwood St

- 409 Summit St

- 2507 Inwood Dr

- 418 Henderson Ave

- 624 Clement St

- 1217 California Ave

- 1154 Glenwood Ave

- 1316 Ada St

- 226 Rowell Ave

Mayor Terry D’Arcy noted the impact of such programs: “Joliet residents take great pride in their city. The Neighborhood Hero Program fosters a spirit of friendly competition that benefits everyone,” D’Arcy stated. “We appreciate all who participated and eagerly anticipate celebrating our winners in September.”

To learn more about the Neighborhood Hero Award Program, contact CDBG Program Manager Jacqueline Lozada at (815) 724-4096 or by email at jlozada@joliet.gov.

About the City of Joliet:

The City of Joliet is located in Will and Kendall counties in Illinois, southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County and had a population of 150,362 as per the 2020 census.

Media Contact: Rosemaria DiBenedetto, Media Engagement and Communications Director at rdibenedetto@joliet.gov or cell: (847) 269-5556.

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