Right now, the city does not have the authority and ability to remove
graffiti from private property and public right of ways. How do we draft an
ordinance that is fair and clear and get it passed? How would it work, and
what would it cost? There is some political and financial heavy lifting in
drafting such an ordinance. In the long term reducing the $4,000,000 dollar
a year cost of damage to property in the city would be a net gain in revenue.
Reducing the amount of graffiti would save us money. In the short term, the
cost of a removal strategy can be a charge for removal for those property
owners were not removing graffiti. Right now, the city does Paint overs for
free and free removal on sensitive services ( brick,stucco,concrete,etc.) in
exchange for a per foot charge of an anti graffiti coating product.
So the financial burden on individual property owners would be mitigated. In
addition, there would be an appeal process that could address financial
hardships and seasonal problems and considerations. We should also do
everything we can to have the graffiti vandals and their parents, if they are
juveniles, pay restitution for their damage.
It would be a great service to the city if this forum could help shed light
on this discussion and get this important piece in place.
In a previous post, it was suggested that we draw a distinction between
graffiti artists and vandals. What is that distinction?
It is my experience, that graffiti is by definition and practice not real
unless there's some connection to criminal activity. When the Walker Art
Center sponsors someone like Shepherd Fairey, AKA Giant, and brings him into
Minneapolis, my neighborhood gets vandalized. Thank you Scott
Vreeland in Seward -ward 2
