Volunteers Set to Take Back the Wall

Graffiti Cleanup Day This Saturday 

Amarillo, TX – An anti-graffiti ordinance recently approved by Amarillo City Commissioners went into effect today, and tomorrow, approximately 70 volunteers spanning multiple generations will disperse throughout the City with pressure washers, paint and other tools necessary to help clean up graffiti as part of the City’s “Take Back the Wall” campaign.

“We’ve received more than 50 waivers from property owners asking for assistance in cleaning up graffiti,” says Blair Harris, management analyst for the City of Amarillo and Take Back the Wall coordinator. “If your property has been the target of graffiti, the City is here to help. This new ordinance puts in place a process where property owners can authorize the City of Amarillo onto their property for graffiti removal purposes. Even so, I would encourage everyone to get involved in the citywide cleanup effort on Saturday.”

Volunteers will report to City Hall at 9 a.m. Saturday to receive their assignments and will reach as many properties as possible through 3 that afternoon.

“Because of the magnitude of the project, we may not be able to cover all the properties in this one day event,” says Amarillo Mayor Paul Harpole. “This will be an ongoing effort on the City’s part to ensure taggers learn their vandalism is not welcomed here.”

Harris adds that staff from Amarillo’s Parks and Recreation Department as well as Amarillo police officers will be keeping a close eye on the properties cleaned following tomorrow’s Take Back the Wall event to help curtail violators from striking again.

The ordinance, designed to encourage property owners to take action when their property has been defaced, defines graffiti as markings – including inscriptions, slogans, drawings, stenciling, symbols, letters, numerals, and paintings – made on a person’s property without permission – with paint, an indelible marker, or an etching or engraving device.  Research has shown that the faster graffiti is removed, the quicker a tagger becomes discouraged.

For more information on Amarillo’s anti-graffiti efforts, visit www.TakeBackTheWall.com or to report graffiti, call Building Safety at 378-3041.