Regular readers might remember the crusade I took against street graffiti left behind from construction projects and the subsequent Portland Press Herald article. Now I need Moogazers help to make a decision.
With the July passage of Portland’s new anti-graffiti ordinance, citizens are encouraged to report graffiti within 24-48 hours. Violators can be fined or ordered community service. The very clear stated goal was to clean up the blight caused by graffiti which has been proven to lead to increases in other crimes.
The Portland Police Department has now set up a website where you can report the graffiti. http://police.portlandmaine.gov/graffitireport.asp In the page, they state, “If the graffiti is on your property, it’s your responsibility to clean it up. Property owners not cooperating in keeping their property graffiti-free will be referred to the Department of Code Enforcement and may be subjected to penalties and fines.”
But isn’t the City the property owner of the sidewalks and pavement? Aren’t they responsible for cleaning up markings that are in some cases 2-3 years old (see pictures)? Markings that are not just on old pavement, but also sidewalks, curbs, and cobblestones? I think it’s funny that on the page they lecture parents on how to teach their kids responsibility when they’re taking none of their own:
Teach community pride
Parents, teachers, and community leaders should help discourage graffiti. The greater the stake a teen has in his or her community, the less likely he or she will vandalize it
So what to do? Do I fill out this form for all the graffiti I see? Or let it ride? Would you fill it out? Please vote below and comment.
