Monday, June 30th is the last day the Town of Blacksburg will accept Civic Beautification Awards Nominations. The Civic Beautification Awards, sponsored by the Townscape Committee, are given annually to recognize landscapes and/or architectural improvements that enhance the appearance of the Town of Blacksburg. This year marks the 26th anniversary of the awards and the debut of a new sustainable environment award. Businesses, individuals, and organizations are encouraged to submit nominations. The award categories are:

(a) Historic Preservation Category for preservation efforts that lead to historically accurate maintenance or restoration and additions to historic structures. (i.e. houses, businesses, gardens, trees, municipal structures, and other contributing structures).

(b) Neighborhood or Block Enhancement Award for special efforts (i.e. building improvements, rejuvenated or new landscapes, etc.) made to enhance the appearance of a neighborhood or block in support of Blacksburg’s Neighborhood Services Program.

(c) Classic Category for a front walk and entrance, an herb garden, a flower garden, an orchard, a lawn, a vegetable garden, a shrub garden, an heritage tree, a parking area, an unique area of town or any combination, such as a vegetable and flower garden or a shrub and flower garden or a lawn and heritage tree(s).

(d) Sustainable Environment Category recognizes new development or improvements to an existing property that contribute to a more sustainable environment. Nominees may include, but are not limited to: sustainable energy generation, energy conservation, sustainable landscapes, product recycling, rain gardens, and other water quality and bio-conservation measures.

Commercial and industrial businesses, single and multi-family residences, institutions, parking areas, and so forth are all eligible for an award Nominations are now being accepted, with judging occurring in July. Awards are presented at the Civic Beautification awards ceremony to which the public is invited on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the Roger E. Hedgepeth Chambers on the second floor of the Blacksburg Municipal Building.

Nominations will be accepted until June 30 at the Blacksburg Planning & Building Department, 300 South Main Street, PO Box 90003, Blacksburg, VA 24062- 90003, or send via email to kdrake@blacksburg.gov.. 

If you have any questions, please call (540) 961-1126.