Fight the Blight

[Ciommo, Mark]

Dear Neighbors,

 

I want to ask for your help in implementing a new program in my office to “Fight the Blight” in Allston-Brighton.

 

As your City Councilor, the most important part of my job is responding to your concerns.  Instead of waiting to hear about problems in the neighborhood, I have decided to take a more proactive approach. Over the next month and a half, members of my staff and I will be periodically canvassing Allston-Brighton, looking for:

 

-         Graffiti

-         Broken side walks

-         Damaged street furniture,

-         Missing signs,

-         Faded cross walks,

-         Overflowing trash barrels,

-         And anything else that looks out of place.

 

We will report these issues to the appropriate City Department and work with the Mayor's office to resolve them. We will begin by canvassing the main thoroughfares of Allston-Brighton and we will then canvass as many neighborhood streets as we can.

 

While I hope this effort will improve our neighborhood, we cannot do it alone. I am asking all of you to help us "Fight the Blight" by notifying our office of any blight in your neighborhood. Please send your requests to my e-mail address at Mark....@CityOfBoston.gov or by calling my office at 617-635-3113.

 

 

Regards,

 

 

Mark Ciommo

Boston City Council, District 9

Boston City Hall

One City Hall Plaza, 5th Floor

Boston, MA 02201

Phone:(617) 635-3113

Fax:  (617) 635-4203

Email: Mark....@cityofboston.gov

 

---

The substance of this message, including any attachments, may be confidential, legally privileged and/or exempt from disclosure pursuant to Massachusetts law. It is intended solely for the addressee. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer.

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[ROSIE HANLON]

 

Hi Mark,

 

Thanks for the email ... this is great

 

just want to let you know that there is a problem w/ drainage at the bottom of Academy Hill Road and Washington Street ... on corner of Esperia

Grill.... When the streets were done in 2000 the drains were improperly placed and whenever there is a substantial rain storm (as we have seen this ENTIRE summer) we have a pond ... Also ... during the thaw in spring .. same thing ... AND it is a safety issue when it freezes ... I have seen several wipeouts from elderly pedestrians ... I have reported this several times ... as a matter of fact ... McCourt ... the contractors who did this construction were called out when first discovered (2000)... they were responsible for the remedy and never did ...

 

another similar case is on the corners of Washington/Chestnut Hill Ave and Washington/Market ... An older woman was taken by ambulance to ER when she slipped and fell on the corner of Washington/Market ...due to Ice from poor drainage ... This happened this past winter.

 

I Have been trying to get this taken care of w/ minimal to no results ... perhaps we can get something going ...

 

Let me know ...

 

Hope you and family are having a GREAT summer!

 

~ r

 

 

 

Rosie Hanlon
Executive Director
Brighton Main Streets
358 Washington St.
Brighton, MA  02135
617-779-9200
"Its' Better in Brighton"

[Chris of Health adVentures]

A local artist who has connections with the local youth graffitti
community approached me with a request... he's got an idea for
reducing illegal graffitti in A-B... he'd like to create an "approved"
graffitti wall where local kids can practice their graffitti art in a
place where it's welcome, thereby reducing illegal and unwanted
graffitti in our community. He's already begun collecting wood panels
to act as "cavasses" that can be available for kids to practice their
graffitti without damaging any property.

This local artist asked for my assistance in finding a landlord or
other property owner who would be willing to host and be supportive of
this "approved and welcome" graffitti wall.

I agree that it's a good idea with lots of potential benefit to both
the graffitti artists and the A-B community.

If anyone is interested in becoming involved and/or providing a
space(s) where this artist can mount temporary "canvasses" upon which
local kids can legally practice their art of graffitti... please let
me know and I'll pass the message along... thanks!

Chris Ditunno

On Aug 6, 10:16 am, "Ciommo, Mark" <Mark.Cio...@cityofboston.gov>
wrote:

> Dear Neighbors,
>
> I want to ask for your help in implementing a new program in my office
> to "Fight the Blight" in Allston-Brighton.
>
> As your City Councilor, the most important part of my job is responding
> to your concerns.  Instead of waiting to hear about problems in the
> neighborhood, I have decided to take a more proactive approach. Over the
> next month and a half, members of my staff and I will be periodically
> canvassing Allston-Brighton, looking for:
>
> -         Graffiti
>
> -         Broken side walks
>
> -         Damaged street furniture,
>
> -         Missing signs,
>
> -         Faded cross walks,
>
> -         Overflowing trash barrels,
>
> -         And anything else that looks out of place.
>
> We will report these issues to the appropriate City Department and work
> with the Mayor's office to resolve them. We will begin by canvassing the
> main thoroughfares of Allston-Brighton and we will then canvass as many
> neighborhood streets as we can.
>
> While I hope this effort will improve our neighborhood, we cannot do it
> alone. I am asking all of you to help us "Fight the Blight" by notifying
> our office of any blight in your neighborhood. Please send your requests

> to my e-mail address at Mark.Cio...@CityOfBoston.gov
> <mailto:Mark.Cio...@CityOfBoston.gov>  or by calling my office at

> 617-635-3113.
>
> Regards,
>
> Mark Ciommo
> Boston City Council, District 9
> Boston City Hall
> One City Hall Plaza, 5th Floor
> Boston, MA 02201
> Phone:(617) 635-3113
> Fax:  (617) 635-4203

> Email: Mark.Cio...@cityofboston.gov
>
> -----------------------------------------

[Joan Pasquale]

Hi Chris!
This is a conversation that I and that local artist have had many times, as we both feel that a Public Outlet would reduce Vandalism. I had even suggested the Electric Power Boxes as a Canvas for Grafitti Art which Councilor Ciommo's Office looked into for me. Unfortunately, it's not an easy process and one I've been working on for years, as it is also an issue in Ringer Park. The Large Boulders are a Natural Canvas which I would prefer to see Muraled versus Tagged as they are now. I would like to see a Community Canvas Contest sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Dept. where prototypes would be submitted to the Parks Dept. for approval and chosen as Murals to be painted on the Boulders, as well as Community Contests where Commercial and Residential Neighbors choose which Murals will be painted in their Business District. Murals enhance property values, and this was an issue that I pursued at the Boston Civic Summit and will continue to pursue with an interested Group. There are many talented artists in this community - perhaps with Walgreens being built with a large connected Parking Lot, Walgreens might be pursuaded to allow the wall that faces the Parking Lot to be Muraled, which would serve as an attraction to the new Walgreen's Store and the Neighborhood. It's a thought, and it's production might convince local landlords to allow the same.
 
Something to Think About!
Best,
Joan

> Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:57:23 -0700
> Subject: [AB2006] Re: Fight the Blight
> From: cdit...@gmail.com
> To: AllstonBr...@googlegroups.com
> CC: shred...@gmail.com

[Don Lubin]

I have no objection to a graffiti wall somewhere, if anyone wants that
done to their wall. But please don't paint the rocks at Ringer Park.
Allston has very little parkland; Ringer Park is most of it. The rocks
are in a relatively wild area of woods, a rare habitat here. The rocks
are part of a conical outcropping of igneous bedrock, and probably the
remnants of an ancient volcano. Please leave them in their natural state.
I agree that in general, murals look nicer than tagging, and sometimes
nicer than walls, but not nicer than rocks.

Don Lubin

[talkh...@aol.com]

Hi Joan,

Murals and graffiti "art" are two very different concepts ... lets not confuse the two .. I think that we have to look at where this has been done ... what were the results .. and did it in fact reduce the graffiti in communities ...

I am not one to look at graffiti as art ... I look at graffiti as destruction of public and private property and it is a crime.  I don't necessarily agree that giving some creative soul a place to practice their  passion of "art" will stop them from tagging anywhere else ... because after all, the whole fun of tagging is getting away with it until you get caught.

Murals, on the other hand, are great.  I do know that murals are on the most part respected by tagger's and we have had great results with the City of Boston's youth mural team ... any (or at least most of) the projects that they have completed are still intact ... we usually put them on walls that have been hit several times ... again, this has been done on walls ... as far as painting rocks in a park ... I feel that would really be unfortunate ...


~ rosie hanlon

---

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[Joan Pasquale]

Hi Rosie:
Chris and I are refering to Grafitti Art which is not Tagging. If you are unfamiliar with the venue then there is confusion between the two. Tagging is Vandalism and Destruction of Property. Grafitti Art is what you might recognize as Modern Abstract Art. There is Grafitti Art that was consigned for the side of Lee's Market at the corner of Allston St. and Commonwealth Ave. What is on those Boulders is Tagging over Tagging over Tagging and is a Horrible Mess and an Eyesore for the many residents who's windows face that area of the Park. The Wooded Area of Ringer Park is not in the Main Stream Pedestrian Area, it is isolated to the backside and abutts the Commonwealth Avenue Apartment Buildings. The Parks Dept. paints them Grey to cover the Tagging when they can, but within hours it is Tagged again, because a clean canvas has been provided. To utilize that Targeted Area of Boulders and consign Grafitti Murals, Landscape Murals, anything Artistic versus continual Tagging would enhance that area of the Park, and keep those Boulders from being Tagged again. Not to mention the Pleasant View that it would provide for abutting Neighborhood Residents. Have you ever been in the Wooded Trail Area of Ringer Park? If not, I'll be happy to give you a Tour, and you can see for yourself what I am refering to. I would never be a party to any destruction of or misuse of property.
Joan

---

To: jpasqu...@hotmail.com; cdit...@gmail.com; allstonbr...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [AB2006] Re: Fight the Blight
Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:49:03 -0400
From: talkh...@aol.com
CC: shred...@gmail.com

---

Be the filmmaker you always wanted to be—learn how to burn a DVD with Windows®. Make your smash hit

[talkh...@aol.com]

Hi Joan,

You are absolutely right ... after the rocks are painted gray ... then they are a brand new canvas  ... If the rocks are already destroyed ... and since they have been hit and covered with gray paint already .. then they are destroyed ... perhaps the answer is to wrap with art ...

 

I just abhor graffiti ... it just makes me so angry that anyone would destroy property  ... and I find it senseless ... I will not refer to graffiti as art ... abstract or not ... abstract art is just that ... I have great respect for abstract art/artists and I have seen some beautiful work throughout the city  ... via murals ... in all applications ... abstract ..  conventional etc ...

I feel that referring to graffiti as art ... just gives the taggers more direction to continue their destruction ..and we need to be careful to not promote that.

Be the filmmaker you always wanted to beearn how to burn a DVD with Windows. Make your smash hit =

[trenchesf...@riseup.net]

Hey everyone,
I agree with Joan on this. Graffiti is a type of art, a style, and does
not mean the use of other people's property as a canvas, though this is
sometimes the case. Tagging is just a bunch of kids writing their
names, "getting up," pretty much so they can say "that's me there" and
etc. Its like squares and rectangles (one is not necessarily the
other).
While I think taggers will eventually tag over public art, (it seems
just about any easy public space will eventually be hit by tags) art,
including graffiti art is nicer to look at than rocks painted over
gray, and will probably be respected by taggers for longer.
-Jake Carman

> Hi Joan,
>
>
> You are absolutely right ... after the rocks are painted gray ... then

> they are a brand new canvas? ... If the rocks are already destroyed ...

> and since they have been hit and covered with gray paint already .. then
> they are destroyed ... perhaps the answer is to wrap with art ...
>

> ?

>
> I just abhor graffiti ... it just makes me so angry that anyone would

> destroy property? ... and I find it senseless ... I will not refer to

> graffiti as art ... abstract or not ... abstract art is just that ... I
> have great respect for abstract art/artists and I have seen some beautiful

> work throughout the city? ... via murals ... in all applications ...
> abstract ..? conventional etc ...

> would never be a party to any destruction of?or misuse of property.
> Joan

>
>
>
> To: jpasqu...@hotmail.com; cdit...@gmail.com;
> allstonbr...@googlegroups.com
> Subject: Re: [AB2006] Re: Fight the Blight
> Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:49:03 -0400
> From: talkh...@aol.com
> CC: shred...@gmail.com
>
> Hi Joan,
>
> Murals and graffiti "art" are two very different concepts ... lets not
> confuse the two .. I think that we have to look at where this has been
> done ... what were the results .. and did it in fact reduce the graffiti
> in communities ...
>
> I am not one to look at graffiti as art ... I look at graffiti as

> destruction of public and private property and it is a crime.? I don't

> necessarily agree that giving some creative soul a place to practice

> their? passion of "art" will stop them from tagging anywhere else ...

> because after all, the whole fun of tagging is getting away with it until
> you get caught.
>

> Murals, on the other hand, are great.? I do know that murals are on the

> ?

>> On Aug 6, 10:16?am, "Ciommo, Mark" <Mark.Cio...@cityofboston.gov>

>> wrote:
>> > Dear Neighbors,
>> >
>> > I want to ask for your help in implementing a new program in my office
>> > to "Fight the Blight" in Allston-Brighton.
>> >
>> > As your City Councilor, the most important part of my job is
>> responding

>> > to your concerns. ?Instead of waiting to hear about problems in the

>> > neighborhood, I have decided to take a more proactive approach. Over
>> the
>> > next month and a half, members of my staff and I will be periodically
>> > canvassing Allston-Brighton, looking for:
>> >

>> > - ? ? ? ? Graffiti
>> >
>> > - ? ? ? ? Broken side walks
>> >
>> > - ? ? ? ? Damaged street furniture,
>> >
>> > - ? ? ? ? Missing signs,
>> >
>> > - ? ? ? ? Faded cross walks,
>> >
>> > - ? ? ? ? Overflowing trash barrels,
>> >
>> > - ? ? ? ? And anything else that looks out of place.

>> >
>> > We will report these issues to the appropriate City Department and
>> work
>> > with the Mayor's office to resolve them. We will begin by canvassing
>> the
>> > main thoroughfares of Allston-Brighton and we will then canvass as
>> many
>> > neighborhood streets as we can.
>> >
>> > While I hope this effort will improve our neighborhood, we cannot do
>> it
>> > alone. I am asking all of you to help us "Fight the Blight" by
>> notifying
>> > our office of any blight in your neighborhood. Please send your
>> requests
>> > to my e-mail address at Mark.Cio...@CityOfBoston.gov

>> > <mailto:Mark.Cio...@CityOfBoston.gov>; ?or by calling my office at

>> > 617-635-3113.
>> >
>> > Regards,
>> >
>> > Mark Ciommo
>> > Boston City Council, District 9
>> > Boston City Hall
>> > One City Hall Plaza, 5th Floor
>> > Boston, MA 02201
>> > Phone:(617) 635-3113

>> > Fax: ?(617) 635-4203

>> > Email: Mark.Cio...@cityofboston.gov
>> >
>> > -----------------------------------------
>> > The substance of this message, including any attachments, may be
>> > confidential, legally privileged and/or exempt from disclosure
>> > pursuant to Massachusetts law. It is intended
>> > solely for the addressee. If you received this in error, please
>> > contact the sender and delete the material from any computer.
>>
>
>
>

> Get the MapQuest Toolbar. Directions, Traffic, Gas Prices & More!
>

[Joan Pasquale]

Hi Rosie:
I agree and do not support vandalism, and am bothered by the Tagging.
 
There is a Generational Issue here that most people aren't familiar with - Tagging used to be called Graffiti. Graffiti has moved up a notch, with the change in generations to Self-Expressionism through Unconventional Abstract Art. For someone who is aware of this - No explanation is needed. I am amazed at the Artistic Talent of these Artists. They make Picasso look like a beginer.
 
Re:Ringer Park. You have to experience the visual of the Vandalized Boulders to understand what an unpleasant view it is to deal with on a daily basis. What a difference it would be to look out the window and see Art on those massive Boulders instead. Not to mention how much it would enhance the Trail Area of the Park. If it looked better back there, perhaps people would use it more. The Trail Pathway leads from the Allston St. to Gordon St. entrance of Ringer Park.
 
I'm happy to walk you through it anytime.

Joan

---

To: jpasqu...@hotmail.com; cdit...@gmail.com; allstonbr...@googlegroups.com

Subject: [AB2006] Re: Fight the Blight
Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:19:59 -0400

[joh...@comcast.net]

Joan, What do you mean by generational? How has graffiti moved up a
notch? Does Self-Expressionism make it legal to destroy private
property? Did Picasso paint on private property? if I remember
correctly he painted on canvas.
If these people are so talented why not have them paint on canvas and
sell it like every other artist? Please educate us.
John thompson
Brighton

On Aug 26, 6:36 pm, Joan Pasquale <jpasquale...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Rosie:
> I agree and do not support vandalism, and am bothered by the Tagging.
>
> There is a Generational Issue here that most people aren't familiar with - Tagging used to be called Graffiti. Graffiti has moved up a notch, with the change in generations to Self-Expressionism through Unconventional Abstract Art. For someone who is aware of this - No explanation is needed. I am amazed at the Artistic Talent of these Artists. They make Picasso look like a beginer.
>
> Re:Ringer Park. You have to experience the visual of the Vandalized Boulders to understand what an unpleasant view it is to deal with on a daily basis. What a difference it would be to look out the window and see Art on those massive Boulders instead. Not to mention how much it would enhance the Trail Area of the Park. If it looked better back there, perhaps people would use it more. The Trail Pathway leads from the Allston St. to Gordon St. entrance of Ringer Park.
>
> I'm happy to walk you through it anytime.
> Joan
>

> To: jpasquale...@hotmail.com; cditu...@gmail.com; allstonbrighton2...@googlegroups.comSubject: [AB2006] Re: Fight the BlightDate: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:19:59 -0400From: talkhan...@aol.comCC: shredbe...@gmail.comHi Joan,

> You are absolutely right ... after the rocks are painted gray ... then they are a brand new canvas  ... If the rocks are already destroyed ... and since they have been hit and covered with gray paint already .. then they are destroyed ... perhaps the answer is to wrap with art ...
>
>
>

> I just abhor graffiti ... it just makes me so angry that anyone would destroy property  ... and I find it senseless ... I will not refer to graffiti as art ... abstract or not ... abstract art is just that ... I have great respect for abstract art/artists and I have seen some beautiful work throughout the city  ... via murals ... in all applications ... abstract ..  conventional etc ... I feel that referring to graffiti as art ... just gives the taggers more direction to continue their destruction ..and we need to be careful to not promote that.-----Original Message-----From: Joan Pasquale <jpasquale...@hotmail.com>To: talkhan...@aol.com; cditu...@gmail.com; allstonbrighton2...@googlegroups.comCc: shredbe...@gmail.comSent: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 1:28 pmSubject: RE: [AB2006] Re: Fight the Blight

>
> Hi Rosie:Chris and I are refering to Grafitti Art which is not Tagging. If you are unfamiliar with the venue then there is confusion between the two. Tagging is Vandalism and Destruction of Property. Grafitti Art is what you might recognize as Modern Abstract Art. There is Grafitti Art that was consigned for the side of Lee's Market at the corner of Allston St. and Commonwealth Ave. What is on those Boulders is Tagging over Tagging over Tagging and is a Horrible Mess and an Eyesore for the many residents who's windows face that area of the Park. The Wooded Area of Ringer Park is not in the Main Stream Pedestrian Area, it is isolated to the backside and abutts the Commonwealth Avenue Apartment Buildings. The Parks Dept. paints them Grey to cover the Tagging when they can, but within hours it is Tagged again, because a clean canvas has been provided. To utilize that Targeted Area of Boulders and consign Grafitti Murals, Landscape Murals, anything Artistic versus continual Tagging would enhance that area of the Park, and keep those Boulders from being Tagged again. Not to mention the Pleasant View that it would provide for abutting Neighborhood Residents. Have you ever been in the Wooded Trail Area of Ringer Park? If not, I'll be happy to give you a Tour, and you can see for yourself what I am refering to. I would never be a party to any destruction of or misuse of property.Joan
>

> To: jpasquale...@hotmail.com; cditu...@gmail.com; allstonbrighton2...@googlegroups.comSubject: Re: [AB2006] Re: Fight the BlightDate: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:49:03 -0400From: talkhan...@aol.comCC: shredbe...@gmail.comHi Joan,Murals and graffiti "art" are two very different concepts ... lets not confuse the two .. I think that we have to look at where this has been done ... what were the results .. and did it in fact reduce the graffiti in communities ... I am not one to look at graffiti as art ... I look at graffiti as destruction of public and private property and it is a crime.  I don't necessarily agree that giving some creative soul a place to practice their  passion of "art" will stop them from tagging anywhere else ... because after all, the whole fun of tagging is getting away with it until you get caught.Murals, on the other hand, are great.  I do know that murals are on the most part respected by tagger's and we have had great results with the City of Boston's youth mural team ... any (or at least most of) the projects that they have completed are still intact ... we usually put them on walls that have been hit several times ... again, this has been done on walls ... as far as painting rocks in a park ... I feel that would really be unfortunate ... ~ rosie hanlon-----Original Message-----From: Joan Pasquale <jpasquale...@hotmail.com>To: Chris of Health adVentures <cditu...@gmail.com>; AllstonBrighton2006 <allstonbr...@googlegroups.com>Cc: shredbe...@gmail.comSent: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:45 pmSubject: [AB2006] Re: Fight the Blight
>
> Hi Chris!This is a conversation that I and that local artist have had many times, as we both feel that a Public Outlet would reduce Vandalism. I had even suggested the Electric Power Boxes as a Canvas for Grafitti Art which Councilor Ciommo's Office looked into for me. Unfortunately, it's not an easy process and one I've been working on for years, as it is also an issue in Ringer Park. The Large Boulders are a Natural Canvas which I would prefer to see Muraled versus Tagged as they are now. I would like to see a Community Canvas Contest sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Dept. where prototypes would be submitted to the Parks Dept. for approval and chosen as Murals to be painted on the Boulders, as well as Community Contests where Commercial and Residential Neighbors choose which Murals will be painted in their Business District. Murals enhance property values, and this was an issue that I pursued at the Boston Civic Summit and will continue to pursue with an interested Group. There are many talented artists in this community - perhaps with Walgreens being built with a large connected Parking Lot, Walgreens might be pursuaded to allow the wall that faces the Parking Lot to be Muraled, which would serve as an attraction to the new Walgreen's Store and the Neighborhood. It's a thought, and it's production might convince local landlords to allow the same. Something to Think About!Best,Joan> Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:57:23 -0700> Subject: [AB2006] Re: Fight the Blight> From: cditu...@gmail.com> To: AllstonBr...@googlegroups.com> CC: shredbe...@gmail.com> > > A local artist who has connections with the local youth graffitti> community approached me with a request... he's got an idea for> reducing illegal graffitti in A-B... he'd like to create an "approved"> graffitti wall where local kids can practice their graffitti art in a> place where it's welcome, thereby reducing illegal and unwanted> graffitti in our community. He's already begun collecting wood panels> to act as "cavasses" that can be available for kids to practice their> graffitti without damaging any property.> > This local artist asked for my assistance in finding a landlord or> other property owner who would be willing to host and be supportive of> this "approved and welcome" graffitti wall.> > I agree that it's a good idea with lots of potential benefit to both> the graffitti artists and the A-B community.> > If anyone is interested in becoming involved and/or providing a> space(s) where this artist can mount temporary "canvasses" upon which> local kids can legally practice their art of graffitti... please let> me know and I'll pass the message along... thanks!> > Chris Ditunno> > On Aug 6, 10:16 am, "Ciommo, Mark" <Mark.Cio...@cityofboston.gov>> wrote:> > Dear Neighbors,> >> > I want to ask for your help in implementing a new program in my office> > to "Fight the Blight" in Allston-Brighton.> >> > As your City Councilor, the most important part of my job is responding> > to your concerns.  Instead of waiting to hear about problems in the> > neighborhood, I have decided to take a more proactive approach. Over the> > next month and a half, members of my staff and I will be periodically> > canvassing Allston-Brighton, looking for:> >> > -         Graffiti> >> > -         Broken side walks> >> > -         Damaged street furniture,> >> > -         Missing signs,> >> > -         Faded cross walks,> >> > -         Overflowing trash barrels,> >> > -         And anything else that looks out of place.> >> > We will report these issues to the appropriate City Department and work> > with the Mayor's office to resolve them. We will begin by canvassing the> > main thoroughfares of Allston-Brighton and we will then canvass as many> > neighborhood streets as we can.> >> > While I hope this effort will improve our neighborhood, we cannot do it> > alone. I am asking all of you to help us "Fight the Blight" by notifying> > our office of any blight in your neighborhood. Please send your requests> > to my e-mail address at Mark.Cio...@CityOfBoston.gov> > <mailto:Mark.Cio...@CityOfBoston.gov>;  or by calling my office at> > 617-635-3113.> >> > Regards,> >> > Mark Ciommo> > Boston City Council, District 9> > Boston City Hall> > One City Hall Plaza, 5th Floor> > Boston, MA 02201> > Phone:(617) 635-3113> > Fax:  (617) 635-4203> > Email: Mark.Cio...@cityofboston.gov> >> > -----------------------------------------> > The substance of this message, including any attachments, may be> > confidential, legally privileged and/or exempt from disclosure> > pursuant to Massachusetts law. It is intended> > solely for the addressee. If you received this in error, please> > contact the sender
>
> ...
>
> read more »- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Chris Ditunno]

So... I guess I feel the need to weigh in since I started this earlier today. I'd like to suggest that we not spend time getting hung up on labels and semantics. I THINK everyone involved in this particular conversation is in agreement that we are not trying to promote nor support vandalism and painting of any kind in a way that destroys or damages property... we are talking about permitting painting that is AGREED to by the owner(s) (whether it be a local property owner, the City, etc.). I think it's fair to say that the legitimacy of art can be in the eye of the beholder(s)... not everyone finds every style of art aesthetically pleasing or valid... but I'm not sure we have to reach philosophical consensus on whether or not "graffitti" is "art" or not...

I think we can all agree that we are trying to prevent illegal and destructive painting behavior... ideally in a way that promotes self expression among youth and provides them with an incentive to express themselves in a legal way that does not damage others. Unless they're painting things that are so morally offensive or promote violence to the point of damaging others... do we really need to get into a discussion of what consitutes art or not? While it's an interesting debate, I'm not sure it's necessary in order to consider the proposal I put forth for consideration (at the request of a local artist).

Ciommo's staff and others on this thread have raised the question of whether providing such space(s) actually reduces illegal "art/tagging" behavior... I think our energy is likely better spent trying to learn more about what information is available and what it may suggest about the likehood of success for reducing unwanted painting in our community.

The issue of what, if anything, gets painted on the boulders in Ringer Park is somewhat distinct... to the extent folks agree that a "blank slate" is not going to work, then there DOES need to be a discussion about what kind of artwork everyone can agree upon. But I believe that doesn't necessarily need to be resolved in order to consider whether to provide a "free expression painting area" for youth as a possible approach to reducing illegal and unwanted painting.

Just tossing in my two cents since I apparently started this most recent online string of debate on the topic!

Chris D.

--
Chris Ditunno
Health adVentures
cdit...@gmail.com
617-230-4144

[Joan Pasquale]

Hi John:
The next time that you're in Allston, stop into Herrells Cafe and you will see some of their Art exhibited. 
 
Now, I'm going to take a risk here and assume that you are not in your 20's. To a 50yr old, what we see as Tagging Now, was considered Graffiti then. As we reach changes in generations - 20's, 40's, 60's generational changes in language, slange, music, art, happens - nothing stays the same.
I believe that slang was once refered to as Pig Latin. As Art, Music and the Evolution of Language changes, certain words get kicked up a notch and have a different meaning. Taggers are Vandals. Grafitti Artists are Artists who do not destroy property. They are Artists that do paint on Canvas, and if consigned will paint on walls, and they do sell their works of Art, just as every other Artist does, bearing their signature on the bottom.
 
Being of a different age group, does not give us license to be judgemental, or discourteous to another Culture. Did Picasso paint on private property? I have no idea. Luckily, I am not that old.
Did you grow up with him? Because if you didn't, then you don't know either. Who's to say that Picasso wasn't a Tagger at one point in his life. What I do know is that if Picasso were alive today, that some of his unusual artwork might be considered as Abstract Graffiti Art.
 
I hope that this explanation has eliminated your stated confusion. Now the anger part of it, is something that you're going to have to do something about. The world around us is changing on a daily basis, please don't get angry with me, because I am able to go with the flow - and please don't assume that because I have taken the time to understand where the younger generation is coming from, that I would ever be complacent with Vandalism, Disrespect or Crime. The fact that I am older than most of the people that I know, does not give me license to be disrespectful to what I might not immediately understand. It only give me a purposeful reason to educate myself and to be more considerate of my neighbors. You've got to give respect to get it. If you take the time to view Graffiti Art, you will clearly see that it is Not Tagging.  Taggers are only expressing their entitlement issues - of doing what they want, when and  where they want, irregardless of the outcome, or who's property is involved.  Graffiti Art and Tagging is Not the same thing.
 
Joan

> Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:26:08 -0700

> Subject: [AB2006] Re: Fight the Blight

> From: joh...@comcast.net
> To: AllstonBr...@googlegroups.com