KANDO (Kaul Avenue Neighborhood Development Organization)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON GRAFFITI

Sharon Blando joined KANDO as the guest speaker in November

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERT OF THE RECAP FROM THE NOVEMBER KANDO MEETING (November 8, 2005)


Our guest speaker for the evening was Sharon Blando, Anti-Graffiti Enforcement Inspector for the City of Milwaukee. Sharon let us know that there are two different types of graffiti, one which is called taggers and the words are in a bubble form and interlock together. The other type is gang graffiti and with this type you will see stick letters (example: LK for Latin King) and pictures (pitch fork, stars, crowns). Gang graffiti is done so that the rival gangs can read the graffiti and see that they have marked their territory, therefore the markings are easily readable.

This side of town has seen more graffiti done by taggers. The police have found that taggers are usually UWM students and generally in their mid 20’s and usually are males. There is a subculture among the taggers. The will spend the month tagging as many places as possible and then come together to vote on who the winner is. The winner then gets the name Festick and they are king for the month. You will then see them tag buildings with the name Festick and their initials after it.

Sharon explained the social and economical impact that graffiti has on a neighborhood. If a business is targeted, the employees become fearful and encourage the business to relocate. You will then have a business leave a community, taking the tax base and jobs. In many cases leaving a building empty for long periods of time and allowing more graffiti to occur. Sharon also explained how graffiti frightens our elderly; if their property is targeted they feel their safety is threatened. Sharon has found in far to many cases the elderly become fearful to leave their home, they don’t want visitors because they are ashamed, or they are even afraid to turn on their lights in the evening. All of this is unacceptable.

The city has found that if a property is tagged and the graffiti is removed within 24 hours the chances of it coming back is not very strong. Taggers like their work to be on longer this. They have found that properties that have graffiti removed after a week are perfect “bill boards” for the tagger. This gives the tagger a new slate to show off his work.

If you see graffiti, you are encouraged to contact the Anti-Graffiti Hotline at #286-8715 and report it. If you see someone in the act of defacing property call 911.

If you are a victim of graffiti you can contact the same number and the City of Milwaukee will assist you in removing the graffiti. The will pay half to remove the graffiti, the cost can be anywhere from $50.00 to $100.00.

If you or any block watches are interested in volunteering to remove graffiti in your area, the City of Milwaukee will supply the materials to do so.
Sharon also spoke to the importance of our Judges getting the message that we want these criminals to face jail time. Unless the Judges hear from the community they will continue to give the minimal sentence. Therefore, it is very important that Impact Statements are sent to the Judges prior to the criminals being sentenced for the graffiti they have done. KANDO has asked that when Sharon knows of a criminal coming up on their sentencing, to please contact us and we will be happy to do Impact Statements.

Sharon passed out a number of flyers explaining different cleaning products that can be used on our properties.

KANDO was very happy to have Sharon Blando as our guest speaker.