Studies have shown that removal of graffiti within one to two days is a key to prevention and reoccurrance. If Gig Harbor does not already have strict penalties for graffiti vandalism, they need to adopt them immediately. Once adopted we all have to work together (mayor, city council, local police, business owners and residents) towards the following: (1) Providing a tip/hot line where graffiti can be reported as soon as possible; (2) Working with local police to make sure that tips through the hot line are responded to immediately; (3) Providing the resources so that graffiti can be removed within 24 hours and; (4) ensuring accountability with regards to strict enforcement of the laws and penalties associated with this type of vandalism.
On their website, The Gig Harbor Waterfront Association provides us with the Four Points (Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Development) of the Main Street Approach they are committed to implementing in their efforts to provide a revitalization strategy for our waterfront district. Organization will be key in addressing this issue because it will involve, "getting everyone working toward the same goal and assembling the appropriate human and financial resources to implement," a solution. Without a solution we will not have the, "inviting atmosphere," and "positive visual message" mentioned in the Design Point; we loose the, "positive image of the commercial district [that] encourages consumers and investors to live, work, shop, play, and invest in the Main Street district" needed for Promotion and; it would undermine our ability to keep existing, and "recruit compatible new businesses."
Am I over-reacting here? I don't think so. Having grown up in Southern California I have had the unfortunate experience of seeing a number of our local neighborhoods and economies decline and deteriorate. Graffiti is a presence that you do not want in this community. It will give both citizens and visitors a feeling that we are neglecting the city, it will lower property values, it will make it difficult to lease or sell vacant stores, it will drive both businesses and customers out of town. I remember calling Gig Harbor, "a slice of heaven," on the day my wife and I decided to purchase a vacation home here--away from a Southern California that has changed dramatically for the worse. Please encourage your fellow neighbors, city council, members of the Gig Harbor Waterfront Association, local police, and others to work together in attacking this issue head-on.
Dwight S. Wilson is an aerospace engineer, freelance writer, and part-time Gig Harbor resident.