Next to a graffiti-ridden building on Smith Street, Councilman Terrence M. Hassett (Ward 12) today announced an innovative public/private partnership to remove graffiti in the Mount Pleasant and Smith Hill neighborhoods. The program, called “Erasing the Defacing,” is a joint effort among the Smith Hill Community Development Corporation, Mt. Pleasant Hardware, and Pittsburgh Paints, with support from Councilman Terrence M. Hassett and Mayor David N. Cicilline.
The program will supply a limited quantity of free paint to homeowners, renters, and small business owners for use in the repainting and maintenance of areas on their property that have been tagged with graffiti. To participate in the program, paint recipients must agree to monitor the problem spots and immediately repaint if graffiti reappears.
“The Erasing the Defacing program takes a proactive approach to addressing graffiti-vandalized properties,” Councilman Hassett stated. “One of the best ways to deter future graffiti acts is to remove the graffiti as quickly as possible. The longer it remains on a property, the greater the likelihood more tags will follow, and spread to neighboring properties.”
The councilman noted that, with the number of foreclosed and abandoned properties proliferating, it has become even more challenging for residents and business owners to maintain their properties. “When your property is the target of repeated vandalism, the cost of constant repairs becomes burdensome. This program will provide relief for Mount Pleasant and Smith Hill residents, and will help them keep their properties clean.”
Graffiti has been a long-time focus for Councilman Hassett. Last year, he sponsored the approved ordinance amendment that strengthened the City’s ability to more aggressively collect evidence of graffiti writings, and allow a financial reward to anyone who has information leading to an arrest.
Francis H. Smith, Executive Director of the Smith Hill Community Development Corporation, the organization that will be administering the program, said, “Positive change within a community starts with empowered individuals. We believe that the potential for change is enhanced when public and private entities work together to support individual empowerment. The Erasing the Defacing initiative’s unique public/private partnership exemplifies how a larger community, working together, can impact that positive change.”
Highlighting the important role local businesses play in their communities, Marc Gilson, owner of Mt. Pleasant Hardware, said, “Mt. Pleasant Hardware is a ‘small’ business in Providence trying to make a big difference.”
Under the Erasing the Defacing program, qualified individuals will receive a coupon to claim a quart of Pittsburgh Paints, which Mt. Pleasant Hardware will match to the color of the affected surface. To qualify, individuals must contact Smith Hill Community Development Corporation and, upon successful review, receive a coupon which can be claimed at Mt. Pleasant Hardware, located at 249 Academy Avenue.
In order to apply for a free quart of paint, individuals may call Smith Hill Community Development Corporation at 521-0159 or email info@smithhillcdc.org and indicate their street address and the nature of the graffiti problem.
