| Author |
Message |
    
joeltfk
Citizen
Username: Joeltfk
Post Number: 10
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 5:57 pm: |     |
A message to my community and community leaders:
Few things are more frustrating and deplorable than the graffiti that stains the murals in the tunnels that bookend the train station. No matter how often it gets repainted, some punk defaces it -- and gets away with it. It's time to discuss solutions that involve deterrence, not just clean up. Perhaps this has already been discussed, but here's an idea that I'd be more than happy to help fund (and I think many others would as well):
Nowadays, many schoolbuses have installed videocameras in boxes at the front of the bus for both disciplinary and safety reasons. The camera isn't always on -- it may not even always be in the box at all -- but the kids don't know when it is working and when it is not. I say we install such "videoboxes" in these tunnels. They don't have to be on or checked all the time, because the object is deterrence. A big sign (like the useless NO LOITERING one) next to these cameras should say:
"Defacement of public property is a criminal offense. Video cameras have been installed to protect this area. Anyone caught defacing the walls, entrances, signs, or any other part of this tunnel with any markers, paints, signs or other instruments will be subject to punishment and fine. Please respect our community."
What do you think? I certainly don't consider this an infringement on anyone's first ammendment rights! I can be reached at joel_schwartzberg@timeinc.com |
luv2cruise
Citizen
Username: Luv2cruise
Post Number: 79
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 17, 2003 - 9:16 pm: | |
I'm all for it! It's an embarrassment to bring friends from out of town through those tunnels. It's beginning to look like the "hood".
There's nothing like being on the ocean! |
us2innj
Citizen
Username: Us2innj
Post Number: 782
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 18, 2003 - 6:09 am: | |
A few years ago, I noticed there was graffiti on the wall at the station house for NJT at Ricalton Square. I posted my dismay about how bad it looks when the local train station is defaced. I was admonished here on MOL for not being more proactive and going there and painting over it myself. (Good responses eh?)
After dozens of calls to NJT they finally came out and threw a coat of mismatched beige paint over the offending words.
Graffiti is the most noticeable image our town can portray. Cameras sound like a great idea, although I believe they were recommended before. I would love to glue the fingers of the offenders to their foreheads! |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1594
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 18, 2003 - 11:33 am: | |
Joel... you posted the same comment in the Official Maplewood section. I responded there, but this important subject matter probably would be best covered in the Soapbox section. Dave? |
joeltfk
Citizen
Username: Joeltfk
Post Number: 11
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 18, 2003 - 12:46 pm: | |
I'm not sure how to contact leaders or make a request to the town council or whatever, but if anyone does, I would love to officially put this idea forth to the people who can get it done. I agree that if we can fund a skate park, we can do this and I'm sure residents will be more than generous to support it financially. |
Joan
Citizen
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 1773
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, July 20, 2003 - 3:31 pm: | |
This matter was discussed here at length several years ago. If the attic is at all searchable these days, check there for the earlier thread.
Among the suggestions which were acted upon:
Re-paint the murals. This has been done several times, usually by volunteers, often involving kids at the local schools as well as local artists. I believe Marie ran the last effort. Try private lining her for details.
Work with local law enforcement officials - MPD and NJT to apprehend the persons putting the graffitti on NJT property and other structures throughout town. The MPD scheduled meetings with a number of the local neighborhood organizations and other interested citizens to discuss things the public could do.
The camera idea came up too but someone suggested that this was unconstitutional, if you can believe that! I believe the idea was dropped.
Assuming the camera idea is do-able, I would suggest contacting NJT to have them set it up. There is no reason why such cameras should have to be funded privately since they would be part of NJT's security system. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1599
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, July 20, 2003 - 11:11 pm: | |
Joan, I would also like to see the camera's on SA and Maplewood Avenue, and anywhere crime is an issue... |
Joan
Citizen
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 1776
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 4:40 pm: | |
Art:
Agreed.
Doesn't the Concierge Office already have security monitors which show views of locations outside the train station? |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1602
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 21, 2003 - 9:47 pm: | |
No, just four camera's inside the station. But, good suggestion Joan, I guess we can check to see if the system will expand outside to monitor the tunnel... |
newjerz
Citizen
Username: Newjerz
Post Number: 25
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 3:20 pm: | |
Just wait until people start making arguments that if we crack down on grafitti, we will be preventing these teenagers from expressing themselves.
There might also be arguments made that your distaste for grafitti shows a lack of cultural understanding. If some kid took the time to paint a landscape in the style of our great Asher B. Durand, no one would fuss, but when its the artistic expression of suburban teens in the 00's, it becomes a crime warranting surveilance cameras.
Obviously both are absurd arguments, but I suspect that they will be coming.
Also, luv2cruise while you might be embarrased about it, you should face the fact that there is a real "hood" element to Maplewood, despite the fact that there are not the type of economic conditions in the town to warant a "hood" atmosphere. |
Joan
Citizen
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 1777
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 5:02 pm: | |
newjerz:
Hopefully those pushing for a reduction in /elimination of graffiti in our town won't be accused of potential racial profiling as the bicycle helmet advocates were. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1603
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 6:48 pm: | |
Hey, all we want to do is identify them on camera, and then maybe we can honor these artistic teenagers at the next "Art in the Park Festival".
Lets try and make their parents proud…. |
tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 1058
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2003 - 7:35 pm: | |
I don't think anyone buys those "cultural" arguments for graffit anymore. The NYC subway system experience totally belies them.
They're soooo '70s! |
Steven Brent
Citizen
Username: Sbrent
Post Number: 214
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 9:52 am: | |
If anybody wants to help raise money for graffiti cleanup and anti-graffitti coating (and possibly cameras as well, though I don't really know how to go about that), I was thinking about setting up a website for donations (via PayPal). Please send me a private message if this seems like a good idea to you. Thanks :-) SB
Please pardon our appearance while we renovate. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1607
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 4:17 pm: | |
First plan the work, and then work the plan...
It is a good idea, but why not try and get a committe together before you start collecting money? I'm sure besides myself, others will be willing to work with you.
|
Steven Brent
Citizen
Username: Sbrent
Post Number: 215
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 5:16 pm: | |
What I know about forming a committee could be written on the head of a pin with room to spare....
Art, can you help me with this? I don't really have people skills, just dog and cat skills...
thanks!
Please pardon our appearance while we renovate. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1608
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 10:37 pm: | |
Sure, I'll be glad to help out, however, getting people to put in their two cents is one thing, but finding people willing to get involved is much harder...
I agree graffiti is a problem, and I would also like to see a close circuit camera system monitored in police headquarters. So, lets start off by inviting suggestions from any other Molers who may be interested in getting involved...
First, if anyone is interested in serving on the fund raising committee, please sign on to the thread and share your ideas.
Next lets make sure what we want to raise money for.
1. Graffiti cleanup.
2. Anti-graffiti coating.
3. A close circuit camera system.
Now we need to figure how much money to raise, who do we want to give it to, and what are we going to do to raise the money?
OK Steve, now lets give it some time and see who else wants to make something happen here... |
marie
Citizen
Username: Marie
Post Number: 668
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 10:44 am: | |
Stevenbrent,
Since the last grafitti clean up two years ago, I can tell you that it took approximately $0 to buy supplies - local businesses happily donated everything we needed. Local artists were happy to donate their time as well.
I have been in contact with NJT about organizing another cleanup in Sept and will post all pertinent info when I have it.
Grafitti needs to be photographed and catalogued with the MPD before it is removed so as to keep track of the tags and to identify the
taggers.
As far as cameras go, the best place to start a petition is probably at the train station - get riders to sign if they are willing and then present the petition along with a proposal to the TC at the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
|
Steven Brent
Citizen
Username: Sbrent
Post Number: 217
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 12:42 pm: | |
Thanks for the update and suggestions, Marie.
When is the next TC meeting? Mid - August?
I still think some kind of non-stick coating would help alot.... I would personally wipe off one whole wall every day on my way home from work if necessary!
Please pardon our appearance while we renovate. |
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