On Sunday, July 7, 2024, 20 ASEZ volunteers from Syracuse University, joined by the Syracuse Police Department, removed graffiti on the 300 block of W. Jefferson Street in downtown Syracuse. This was part of the ASEZ Reduce Crime Together (RCT) movement. Research shows that visible signs of disorder, such as graffiti or litter, can lead to more serious crimes if ignored. Projects like graffiti removals help address these minor issues quickly, preventing bigger problems in the future.
Transforming a Graffiti-Covered Wall
The targeted graffiti was located downtown, near the main offices of businesses, restaurants, hospitals, and Syracuse University. The wall, approximately 10 feet tall and originally brown, served as a fence adjacent to a train track. To get the job done, the Syracuse Police Department provided all the necessary supplies for the project. They gave the volunteers four buckets of light grey paint, paint brushes, and paint rollers. Throughout the morning, volunteers worked hard to paint over the graffiti from top to bottom. Using rollers for the main areas and brushes for the crevices, they transformed the wall from a dull, graffiti-covered surface to a clean, bright grey wall.
Police Captain Jim Milana and Lieutenant Brad Giarrusso joined the volunteers for the event. Captain Milana emphasized the importance of their joint mission. He stated, “Volunteer organizations such as yours are vital to our mission in beautifying areas and curbing crime.”
Tyree Perez, an ASEZ volunteer, said, “This is a ripple effect, and we are starting a big change so that other people can see it and be inspired to take part in it.” Another volunteer, Uchenna Chukwu, added, “Wherever we clean or beautify a park, remove graffiti from a wall, or clear trash from a street, crime significantly reduces in that area.” These efforts transofrm our neighborhoods and encourage ASEZ volunteers to take pride in civic duty.
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