DOWNEY - Nominations are now open for Keep Downey Beautiful's Spring Beautification Awards program, which honors homes and businesses featuring beautiful landscaping and curb appeal.Nomination forms are available online at downeyca.org or by calling (562) 904-7117. Persons submitting a nomination form must include a color photograph of the property and state, in 50 words or less, why the property deserves to be recognized. Anyone can nominate a property but nominees cannot have any active code enforcement issues. "Studies have shown that property upkeep and beautification efforts by caring, committed residents keep crime rates low and property values healthy, thereby benefiting everyone in a city," city officials said in a statement. "Keep Downey Beautiful is looking for Downey properties that show a sincere commitment to property maintenance and neighborhood beautification."

********** Published: January 12, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 39