Desná will reward the most beautiful as well as the saddest houses in the city

Desná (Jablonecko) - The town of Desná has announced a competition aimed at motivating people to better care for their homes. Awards and financial rewards will be given for the most beautiful appearance of a house as well as for the saddest view of a property in Desná. The mayor of the town, Marek Pieter, told ČTK today that the competition does not concern municipal properties.
    "Neglected houses are not a good calling card for the town; the view is not pleasant for locals or tourists," he noted.
    While the owners of well-maintained houses generally enter the competition on their own, ugly properties are pointed out by people from their surroundings. With a population of 3,500, Desná has announced the competition for the fifth time this year, with around 15 houses typically participating in each category. The results will be announced by the town in mid-April.
    The owner of the most beautiful property will receive a reward of three thousand crowns from the town, but must add another three thousand of their own and then invest the money into the property. The owner of the saddest building is also entitled to three thousand crowns; however, to receive them, they must add 57,000 crowns from their own funds and also invest the money into the property. According to Pieter, people are not hurrying with the repairs of dilapidated buildings. There are, however, exceptions. For example, the Desná outdoor school, which proudly held the title of the saddest property, is now set to undergo reconstruction. A Dutch company that purchased the building last year will take care of it.