Graffiti, panhandling, crime and vandalism may not be the first things that come to mind when you think of Portland, but instances of such are on the rise in our great city. For instance, citywide, graffiti removal requests are on track to more than double in 2015. Requests hit 137 for the entire April-to-November season in 2014 – but, already this year, a little over halfway through the graffiti removal season, there have been more than 169 requests.

This is especially troubling when considered alongside U.S. Department of Justice statistics, which indicate that graffiti “contributes to lost revenue associated with reduced ridership on transit systems, reduced retail sales and declines in property value. In addition, graffiti generates the perception of blight and heightens fear of gang activity.”

When developers and business owners come to Portland to buy property – such as the landmark transactions earlier this year at Portland Square and 100 Middle St. – they hire contractors and invest in property improvements. Those economic benefits ripple throughout our city.

Graffiti detracts from these investments, devalues our city and leaves a terrible impression on residents and visitors. In fact, national real estate experts have found that graffiti, when left to fester and multiply, can make neighborhoods look rundown and eventually lead to a reduction in property values for an entire area.

But there is hope. Rapid removal of graffiti is an effective prevention tool, and data show that removal within 24 to 48 hours results in a significantly reduced rate of recurrence.

I appreciate the public walls and graffiti-style art that have emerged in this great city – everything from the NoshBow Street Festival, the iconic scene on the back wall of the Asylum on Free Street and the Maine Center for Creativity piece on the Sprague oil storage tanks just across Casco Bay.

Advertisement

Individual property owners are taking creative steps to address the issue on their own properties. Jamie Wright, owner of Gorham Bike and Ski, recruited local artist Vivian Daniel to paint a fantastic mural along the side of his building at 693 Congress St.

This vibrant scene depicts skiers and bikers, and gives the previously “tagged” wall new life, while discouraging any new vandalism on the wall – graffiti artists have respect for one another and generally don’t paint over legitimate art that showcases their chosen medium.

Not all graffiti is art, however, and it is both illegal and inappropriate to “tag” property that belongs to someone else without permission.

Portland businesses and residents have so much to be proud of in their community.

During the past year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Portland’s metro area increased by a higher percentage than almost every other New England region (the Boston area was the only one to make a greater gain).

Public schools within city limits are being named to the state’s best lists.

Advertisement

Hotels are hitting their highest occupancy rates in at least a decade, and even more of our restaurants are gaining the attention of the James Beard Foundation’s annual awards.

This is a great city. But let’s not rest on our laurels.

Renovated buildings, new concert venues and increased walkability, among other improvements, mean that life really is good here. But with success and newfound urbanization also come some great challenges.

Let us tackle this challenge head on by being realistic about vandalism. Let’s not confuse it with art. Let’s call the police when we see the act in progress. Let’s eradicate it as soon as we can. And let’s ensure that the current success of Portland – the great livability, the dependable property values and the appeal to tourists and business owners alike – is not jeopardized by graffiti and other forms of vandalism.

Demographic reporter Joel Kotkin wrote in Forbes in 2014 that small cities like Portland “have enjoyed a 13.6 percent population growth rate, more than twice that of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, and roughly 10 percent faster than the national growth rate” since 2001. Our city is likely to see even more success, growth and vibrancy. I, for one, hope that graffiti is not part of that equation.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.