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Graffiti Action!!!
Graffiti Action Udate
Just to give an update, I called the anti-graffit hotline, and spoke with a very helpful woman named Bernadette in the public property department. She filled out an official request, to remove graffiti while we were on the phone (I just gave her my name/number/locations of the graffiti), so at least one request is officially in. I will also follow up with an email as well.
I asked how long it would take for it to be removed, she could not give me an estimate. She informed me they are very backed up right now with requests, since most of the public schools have suffered from graffiti attacks over the summer and that the schools are priority now because of school starting. She also said that you can get some removal chemicals from Home Depot (she didn't know the name of it, but said it is put out by Williams). She also sounded frustrated by the fact as soon as they remove it goes up again in most places. Which makes me wonder about how we can prevent it as well as remove it.
I don't know anything about how these things work, but I can only imagine how many requests there must be. I plan to call again and continue to check on the status as well as a follow up email. It might mean continually putting in new requests so that ours does not get buried, or perhaps just multiple requests from different people. Of course schools are important, and should be graffiti free, but graffiti that perpetuates a gang against gang message, or useless "tagging", is unnacceptable as well. It is just as important that the community these kids live in are also free from this type of graffiti and negative message.
On the other hand, I am not opposed to murals (as long as they are positive). I don't know anything about how to organize community mural making, but that might be interesting to think about. It's probably harder to defame a whole mural than it is a blank cement wall, but I don't know much about the subject either.
I was also thinking that the recent fight that broke out between east side and south side kids might also be a reason to put the removal of graffiti in these neighborhoods a priority as well (and would be of interest to the city). I mean, it's getting out of hand when you have kids breaking out into fights at the bus station over "what side of the city" you live on.
Well, I just wanted to pass these thoughts along to everyone, I hope it helps somehow.
Jessica Klein
Posted at September 13, 2005 09:01 PM
"these things work" by calling your city council person. City councilors get "priority" in all neighborhood requests, including graffiti removal. I will make a call today (even though I am pitiful...thanks John.) I suggest we all call Councilor Jackson and voice our displeasure at the graffiti (and countless other things.)
Posted by: nadezhda at September 14, 2005 05:58 AM
"You are so beautiful . . . to me; you're everything I hoped for, you're everything I need, You are so beaultiful . . . to me.
Posted by: John at September 13, 2005 11:25 PM