New Orleans councilman proposes higher fines for graffiti

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A New Orleans city councilman is proposing higher fines for graffiti.

Councilman Eugene Green proposed legislation that would raise the fines for graffiti to between $500 and $1,000.

Green said that graffiti constitutes vandalism. He said it can diminish the city’s aesthetic appeal, reduce the sense of safety and lower property values. He said the owners of many businesses invest a significant amount of money into removing graffiti.

“The cost of graffiti removal places a financial burden on private property owners, government and community resources that could otherwise be used for essential services and or community improvements,” Green said.

A local property owner, Eldridge Stephens, who’s had to deal with graffiti, said it does nothing but degrade the property and the neighborhood. He said often after painting over it, people will replace it with more graffiti, so he supports Green’s legislation.

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