Site updated: 9/23/11                                                           

2011 City Beautiful

GREEN Home Improvements

Applications Available!! 

Why the name "City Beautiful"?

The City Beautiful Movement was a reform philosophy concerning North American architecture and urban planning that flourished during the 1980s and 1900s with the intent of using beautification and monumental grandeur in cities. The philosophy, which was originally associated  mainly in Chicago, Detroit, and Washington D.C. allegedly promoted beauty not for its own sake, but rather to create moral and civic virtue among urban populations. Advocates of the philosophy believed that such beautification could thus promote a harmonious social order that would increase the quality of life.

Green Contractor Information:

We are seeking MHIC/GREEN contractors who use Environmentally Sustainable Practices   ( i.e. eco-friendly building materials & RRR principles).

1. Contractor Scope of Work & Program Guidelines
   
2. Contractor Qualifications
3. Contractor Q & A for residents
4. Guide To Finding a MD Licensed Contractor - Ask to place your company on this list

Resources to help you during Renovation

1. Field Guide to Sustainable Construction Summary (for the full report click here)
2. MWCOG Building Recycling Guide (Note: This brochure might be outdated. please verify information obtained in it. Some information might be useful)
3. Sustainable Design Guide used by staff to evaluate the contractors' Waste Management Plan, project scope of work, building materials recycling plan (only use content in this document, as it applies to your specific project)
   
4. Waste Management Resources
5. 1. Example waste management guide/plan
   2. Search for Green building specs/products CLICK HERE

Frequently asked Questions and Answers (Q & A) about Building Materials Recycling CLICK HERE

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   SOLICITATIONS NOW CLOSED!!
   

3. Inspector Information:
   

We are also looking to secure an on-call "Lead-paint, mold and asbestos" Inspector.

1. Solicitation for Professional Services description CLICK HERE
   
2. HUD  Lead paint inspections guidelines
   
3. Asbestos Survey Guidance- Example

Picture: Typical home in the City

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Homeowner Information

Start looking for a contractor today!

1. Download the "Guide to Finding a Licensed MD Contractor

Important: due to several calls, please do not use the online search engine contractors in the Guide above. Due to difficulties expressed in finding a qualified contractor on the US Green Building Council website. The city is trying to provide you with the tools to make the contractor selection process as easy as possible.  Please use the Contractor lists below (specific to your home improvement needs). If you are having difficulties finding a contractor please contact 301-336-1402, at your earliest convenience.

2. Select 2 home performance contractors from the Various types of contractors below and give them a copy of the City Beautiful Program Guidelines, Contractor Q &A and Contractor Qualification Checklist:

GREEN HOME IMPROVEMENT

• To find a Local Licensed Green Home Improvement Companies Listing CLICK HERE - Preferred Listing
  
• State approved Home Performance contractors' list by CLICKING HERE or you can go directly to the website CLICK HERE and search by County: Prince George's County and look for contractors to provide "Comprehensive Remodeling"  home improvement work.

CERTIFIED TREE EXPERTS

• Looking for a Certified Tree Expert? CLICK HERE or go online to MD Department of Natural Resource Certified Tree Expert Listing CLICK HERE. Search by type: Prince George's.

FENCING

• For Fencing, CLICK HERE local Fencing Companies (i.e. Long Fence, Inc., Clinton Fence Inc.) and give them a copy of the City Beautiful Program Guidelines.

HARDSCAPES

• Driveways, pavement/walkways, new steps/porches. Here are some local Hardscaping companies CLICK HERE. Please call and make and appointment. Give them a copy of the City Beautiful Program Guidelines too.

PAINTING SERVICES

• For a list of certified companies who provide painting Services CLICK HERE.

ELECTRICAL PANEL UPGRADES

• To Search for a Maryland Master Electrician go to MD Licensed Master Electrician search page.

If you have any questions about performing the search or the results you receive, you may contact the Maryland Board of Master Electricians, Mon-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, at the following telephone numbers: 1-888-218-5925 (toll free) or 410-230-6231 (Baltimore area). Please also direct questions about the Board of Master Electricians to electric@dllr.state.md.us.

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Attend our information session on March 25, 2011, 10 am

Location: 2000 Marbury Dr. District Heights, MD 20747.

RSVP by emailing citybeautiful@districtheights.org, subject: CB Contractor RSVP

Eligible Uses of Funding:

• Driveway pavement/walkways (private property only)
• New Steps/porch/Awning/Gutters
• Railings
• New Windows/Flower boxes
• Exterior Paint
• Front Door/Screen Door
• Fence
• Exterior Lighting (i.e. light fixture)
• Roof repairs (i.e. leaks, holes, shingles)
• Wall siding
• Tree/Stump Removal*
  
• Landscaping (i.e. shrubs, flowers)
• Ramps and other accessibility devices to help elderly and disabled
• Electrical Panel Upgrades**

*See Tree/Stump Removal guidelines in Application packet

**The only allowed indoor/outdoor improvement that will be covered by program; subject to funding availability

Who can apply?

 Low-income homeowner:

50 years or older,

or disabled, 

or have disabled family members

• 50/50 Matching homeowner (funding limited; must present need)
• • Homeowners with total household income above progam low income limits (see income table in application packet)
    

Program requirements:

• Must own and reside in home;
• Homes 2 years and older;
• Pre- and Post-home inspections performed;
• There must be a need for the work;
• MHIC & GREEN Contractor required to perform improvements;
• Provide proof of financial need (most recent or 1040);
• Must provide proof of disability;
• Homes must not be rented, for-sale, and/or in foreclosure
• REQUIRE NO MONEY OUT OF THE HOMEOWNER'S POCKET!
• Grant Awards are paid directly to the contractor!
• Work must be completed within 45-days from award notification;
• Exterior home improvements only!
• Selection Preference will be performed in the following order:
• 1. Current DHEEP applicants
  2. 2009 City Beautiful Applicants on the waiting list
  3. New applicants
  4. Past City Beautiful Applicants/WAP/Green Program Applicants
     

Program Incentives:

All recipients will be entered into a contest. 1^st and 2^nd place recognition will be given. 1^st place winner home will showcased on City Website, City Newsletter and TV channel. 1st place winner will be the City Beautiful Model Home for 2011. GOOD LUCK!! 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact citybeautiful@districtheights.org, 301-336-1402; subject "CB Grant 2011." Applications can also be downloaded from the City Website: www.districtheights.org                                                                                                                             

 Click here for 2011 City Beautiful Grant Application

Note: The Grant Application has been revised to reflect the changes made to the program guidelines. If you downloaded a application from the website prior to 3/2011, please discard and use the new application, by clicking on the link above.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Attend the next Information Session for Residents

Contact citybeautiful@districtheights.org subject CBGrant 2011, 301-336-1402; or visit the General Government office at 2000 Marbury Dr District Heights, MD 20747