The Office of Community and Civic Life is working with businesses to remove graffiti that some say threatens to overwhelm the neighborhood. The Oregon Department of Transportation on Tuesday said it’s hired an outside contractor to help remove graffiti that’s marred miles of freeway across the Portland area. “We’re really struggling with this effort,” Don Hamilton, an agency spokesman, told The Oregonian/OregonLive. “It’s gotten significantly worse.” The Coalition of Black Men has reached out to assist in this area but are they listening?
The contractor, River City Environmental, began dispatching work crews to clean sound walls, bridge pillars and other property along the three freeways on May 25, according to the state transportation agency. The company’s $300,000 contract lasts through June 30. The city says it plans to spend an additional $3.4 million for graffiti removal next year.
Driving around residents can see places where graffiti had been removed but then replaced with more along Interstates 5, 205 and 405.
Portland.Gov placed a PSA stating: “Graffiti Removal” “Please note that the City of Portland is currently experiencing a high volume of requests for graffiti removal. As a result of this high demand, our response time may be delayed. Thank you for your patience.”
The Graffiti Program works with community members to keep Portland beautiful by removing unauthorized graffiti. Also partnering with local groups to support and protect public art murals. The Graffiti Program offers no-cost or reduced-cost graffiti removal assistance to residents, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
