Transforming Downtown San Jose
Vandalism, litter, and security concerns used to characterize the area surrounding downtown San Jose in the heart of Silicon Valley. In 1996, neighbors formed the University Neighborhood Coalition (UNC) and took actions aimed at revitalizing their multi-ethnic, economically diverse community, which borders the campus of San Jose State University. Since that time, through volunteer days and grassroots fundraising, the UNC continues their work, transforming the formerly vandalized neighborhood into a flourishing community where residents feel safe and proud to live.

Building on Success
Creating the area's first urban pocket parkout of what had been a dangerous abandoned lot, is the major focus of this grassroots organization. The UNC has won the support of local government agencies and businesses, and to date has raised more than $2 million dollars for capital improvements, including a $250,000 Neighborhood Block Grant. Plans are set to break ground on a state-of-the-art, solar-powered park, playground, and community garden in 2003. Ongoing efforts of the UNC include: neighborhood-wide holiday celebrations, the installation of new traffic signals, pedestrian corridors, and the "Midnight Beautification Teams" which quietly go out to remove graffiti, plant flowers, and commit other random acts of kindness.

Contact info:
Lisa Jensen
University Neighborhood Coalition
468 S. 9th Street
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 307-3026
uncpres@yahoo.com
www.university-neighbor.org

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