VC-GAP Graffiti Eradication Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Annie Flettrich
504.309.1423
annie@FQBA.org     

WHAT: VC-GAP Graffiti Eradication Campaign

WHEN: November 15th - 19th

WHERE: Jackson Square and the French Quarter

October 27, 2011

New Orleans, LA- As many are aware, the French Quarter Business Association (FQBA), along with other prominent French Quarter groups, implemented an effort in 2010 dubbed Vieux Carre Graffiti Abatement Program or VC-GAP . Our effort is solely a community action plan to eradicate graffiti from the Vieux Carre. This is a multifaceted program hoping to help property owners that have been wrongfully "tagged" as well as punish those defacing the property.

Tuesday, November 15th VC-GAP will host a press event in Jackson Square at 10:00 AM. We are asking the city administration, the police department, and the district attorney to "crack down" on the crime of graffiti in the French Quarter with the aid of the recent state law authored by Juan LaFonta which makes defacing a historic district building a felony offense punishable by up to 2 years at hard labor and up to $1,000.00 fine. (La. R.S. 14.56.5) Property owners are also accountable to remove graffiti within 30 days, which will also be enforced by 8th District's NOPD officers. Among those expected to speak are State Representative Juan LaFonta, Superintendent Ronal Serpas, and Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer. Each will speak to how their office is playing an active role in this community movement to rid the Quarter of illegal graffiti.

Following the press conference, the group plans to spend the week spreading the word about the campaign and signing up volunteers for a Saturday, November 19th community-wide graffiti cleanup.

Volunteers are being called to action. All those passionate about making the French Quarter graffiti-free should sign up and be a part of a fun and worthwhile event. This neighborhood beautification effort is just one of the commitments VC-GAP is making the community. There are opportunities as group leaders as well as hands-on workers to participate. Volunteers receive a work t-shirt (while supplies last) and all cleaning products and tools for the cleanup. With the tools and instructions in hand, volunteers spread out through the quarter and remove as many marks as possible.

With this campaign, VC-GAP hopes to eradicate the structures in the French Quarter of the illegal graffiti. The graffiti problem is not as insurmountable as once presumed and VC-GAP is working to help those victimized by offering information and solutions. The group is also working to with law enforcement agencies to prosecute those defacing our historic landmark buildings with the full penalties of the law, which is punishable as a felony.

It is a real community issue that businesses, activists, residents, and volunteers are willing to face head on. Please join VC-GAP the week of November 15th - 19th in the fight against illegal graffiti and the eradication campaign!

To volunteer or donate contact the FQBA office at 504.309.1423 or email graffiti@fqba.org

For more information, please visit our website  http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=xlmbgpcab&et=1108352730164&s=0&e=001SKgeCk6tk0jWOFlBuec-UzY3m-mM1fVGi5gAFffvNxjO6GKenzqwiuyx0j2FYLmlSZWyZNz_E3qNJBl6xLUkgJ1xrAxD6UKGtEYDOhOv3R7Zay_5h2mYLqy9Kc9iavNMD0X9Um3QPsw=. Donations to the effort are also graciously appreciated. Everyone can help!  

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The French Quarter Business Association is an organization of business owners and associates located in and around the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. Our purpose is to assist in the development and success of business in the Vieux Carre while protecting the integrity of this historic and cultural district.