By KELSEY AINSWORTH
Northeast News
August 8, 2012 

The city of Kansas City and Gateway Crimes Task Force have announced a new program designed to remove and prevent graffiti in Kansas City.

Called the the Neighborhood Graffiti Abatement Program, the program will connect Kansas City neighborhoods to free graffiti abatement resources, equipment and tips for decreasing the number of graffiti incidences.

Ten power washing machines will be used in Kansas City and the Gateway Crimes Task Force will partner with local artists to paint murals in place of graffiti.

“Graffiti has been an issue in traditional neighborhoods for a while now,” Kansas City City Council member Scott Wagner said. “Northeast is probably the greatest issue when it comes to graffiti.”

As well as marking the city, graffiti can lead to more violent and destructive crimes, Wagner said.

“These crimes can mean something bigger,” said Wagner. “They can be a gateway for more
violent crimes.”

Graffiti Abatement Program Resources

The Neighborhood Graffiti Abatement Program will provide a number of resources to neighborhoods, including:

•Swap Shop – provides free paint to residents and neighborhood associations with a letter from the neighborhood president. Located at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 4707 Deramus Ave., the Swap Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

•Graffiti removal equipment and chemicals – available to neighborhood groups by calling the city’s Public Works Department, (816) 513-9841.

•Training opportunities – Kansas City Police Department and the city’s Public Works Department will coordinate training opportunities for residents and neighborhoods regarding the removal of graffiti. For more information or to schedule a training session, visit www.kcmo.org/CKCMO/Depts/PublicWorks/StreetandTrafficDivision. 

•Informational brochures – available through the city’s Neighborhoods and Housing Services Department. Additional information is also available at www.kcmo.org/gateway.

“Neighborhoods that ignore graffiti send a message of intimidation,” Wagner said. “We want to help reverse this and provide neighborhoods with the tools and equipment needed to remove graffiti, along with skills to discourage future graffiti.

“We hope to help empower neighborhoods to take a collective stand against graffiti in their community.”