City Tells Businesses To Clean Up Graffiti




Wednesday, March 7, 2007; Posted: 4:35 p.m. (CDT)

Shawnee, Okla. -- Citizens in Shawnee say gang graffiti on the walls of businesses has become a problem. The city sent a letter to businesses last month stating they had ten days to cover the graffiti themselves. Much of it has been removed, but some business owners say the method was too harsh.

Jon Rainbolt, General Manger of Newton Wall, says graffiti is a growing problem. Some of their buildings are getting hit at least once a month. He says it's so bad they now keep white paint on hand to cover the symbols. He says it's usually a matter of days before they're hit again.

"It's very frustrating," says Rainbolt. "Because we've had to go out and buy extra paint just to handle that problem and we're trying our best to not let it stay on the building."

The city sent the letter telling businesses to remove the problem. It states the cost "shall be paid by you." It also states if not paid within 30 days a lien will be filed with Pottawatomie County.

One business owner says he agrees with the idea, but thinks the words are harsh.

The final paragraph states if more graffiti occurs in the next six months the business owner will be responsible for removing it or a lien will be imposed on the property.

Rainbolt says he's not sure that's the answer. He's rather officials stake out the targeted buildings and find out who has been creating the symbols.

"It's really bad, we painted it and then we got hit again two or three days later so it was so close. It's like, oh, we just did it and we had to do it again, so that was a little bit frustrating," says Rainbolt.

Shawnee city officials say the letter wasn't appropriate for this situation, but they say all code violations receive the same letter. Officials also say they would be open to other suggestions.

Police are working to correct the problem. They've filed 30 cases of graffiti charges against individuals in the last two months.