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Anti- Graffiti Program
Graffiti has become an unwelcome addition to the blighting influences that cities must contend with, especially in older urban areas where a combination of poverty and other social pathologies results in a variety of behavioral problems. The presence of graffiti sends a signal that an area or neighborhood is unsafe or unstable. It can accelerate urban decay and constitutes visual pollution in and of itself. Graffiti often appears on public structures such as bridge piers, elevated highway columns, and public buildings. As a result, public works agencies should be prepared to address this problem proactively. In recognition of this, the City of Albany started its anti graffiti program in 1997 to rid the City of graffiti. The program consists of three components, as follows:
- Education- It is important to educate your citizenry to the fact that graffiti is not okay, and that they don't have to tolerate it. The "Help Keep Albany Graffiti Free" brochure has been widely distributed through neighborhood associations, schools, and other community groups.
- Removal- After evaluating the programs and anti graffiti materials used by other Government agencies, the City of Albany retrofitted a van with a power washer, water tank, paint and other related supplies. This "graffiti busters" van is equipped to deal with all sorts of graffiti, on all types of materials, on both public and private property. The brochure referenced above also provides do it yourself graffiti removal information for residents and property owners. An ordinance adopted by the Albany Common Council provides the Department of General Services with authority to access private property, and remove graffiti, if the property owners, following due notice; have not removed it themselves within the prescribed time period. This is particularly useful when dealing with vacant buildings, or uncooperative absentee owners. Albany chose not to charge for graffiti removal from private property since the owners arc often victims of a graffiti vandal, and the blighting presence of graffiti is through no fault of their own. Enforcement- It is important to let people know that graffiti is also a crime that should be reported to police. Close cooperation with the Albany Police Department has resulted in the arrest of several graffiti vandals who had been leaving their "tags" all over the City.
The City of Albany anti graffiti program has been warmly welcomed by residents and neighborhood groups. It has helped to maintain confidence in the stability of City neighborhoods, and maintain the visual quality of these neighborhoods. It also involves public works officials in a popular and highly visible proactive program to deal with an urban problem, as opposed to routine maintenance functions
How the Service Is Obtained
Graffiti removal is provided on a seasonal basis from mid May through the end of October weather permitting. Individuals who find graffiti on their property must first try and remove it themselves using an informative brochure, provided on request by DGS, to guide them on what chemicals should be used to remove graffiti on certain services. If that fails the city will return to the site and remove it for them. Any individual who wishes to report graffiti removal from a structure may call the Department of General Services at 434-CITY(2489). Anyone who witnesses graffiti in progress please call the Albany Police Department at 438-4000 immediately.
Fees
There are no fees associated with this service
Complaints, Problems or Questions
Individuals with concerns about graffiti removal may call the Department of General Services at 434-CITY(2489), Monday through Friday, between 9:00am and 5:00pm.
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