When a neighborhood becomes the target of graffiti, residents often suffer in a variety of ways. Whether the graffiti is caused by boredom, defiance or is gang related, it has a negative impact on the entire community. One problem is that graffiti can send the message that nobody really cares about the neighborhood. This can cause teens and young adults to also have a lackadaisical attitude toward their own community. After all, if the adults don’t care enough to do something about the graffiti, how much pride will young people have for the area in which they live?Of course, with the increase in graffiti, Santa Cruz County homes often lose value. This can affect families on several levels. First, it can make it impossible to sell, especially if the homeowner owes more on their property than its current resale value; however, it can also mean that there are few qualified buyers willing to purchase real estate in the neighborhood. Not only will homeowners suffer in the purchase price of their home, but they might be waiting a long time to find a buyer. This can mean that people moving for a job opportunity, those who want to upgrade to a larger home for a growing family or seniors trying to downsize will all suffer.
One of the best ways to take back a neighborhood is to get rid of graffiti as quickly as possible. It’s hard for area residents to take pride in their neighborhood if it seems like nobody else cares. Of course, it’s not just area homeowners who suffer, but so will residents who rent properties as well as businesses in the area. Businesses in areas that are riddled with graffiti can lose customers. Many people see graffiti and automatically assume that other crimes are also taking place. Fast abatement of graffiti can help both the aesthetic appeal of a neighborhood as well as improve the economy.
When Santa Cruz County homes are well kept, it can have a positive impact on the entire neighborhood. Everyone begins to take pride in their home as well as the surrounding area. Simple things, such as trimming bushes, fixing broken fences, picking up litter, and removing trash from yards can all help to give a neighborhood a welcome face lift.
While it is important to remove graffiti promptly, it’s also important to keep in mind that this is going to be an ongoing process. It can be disheartening and discouraging to wake up and find that your freshly painted fence has once again been targeted with unwanted graffiti; however, when you remain vigilant and you don’t give up, you’ll eventually win the battle. After all, young people vandalizing a property are going to move on to easier targets if they find that their graffiti is immediately removed.
If you notice graffiti on public property, Graffiti Protective Coatings, Inc., offers fast, professional removal and abatement in unincorporated Santa Cruz County. You can report graffiti by calling (800) 526-1185. Additionally, the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz can help to organize volunteers for community paint outs as well as beautification efforts, such as murals to help eliminate graffiti. Of course, getting young people involved in these projects is a great way to help them to take pride in their neighborhood.There can be many reasons why a property is targeted for graffiti, but with persistence, it is possible to take back your neighborhood. The best way to prevent having your neighborhood devalued by this type of vandalism is to work together as a community. When everyone works together to provide a safe, clean neighborhood, it is possible to reclaim your community and create a place that is thriving and welcoming to newcomers.
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