Spray-painted graffiti tags adorn the Hill Street underpass in southeast Atlanta.
Arms; Steal; Paeday; Nope; Vomet, just to name a few.
Atlanta’s Graffiti Task Force wants them removed.
Saturday, members of the newly formed public-private partnership will be under the bridge, near Decatur Street, with brushes in hand, painting over the colorful markings covering the concrete walls.
The group includes city agencies, Atlanta Public Schools, CSX and the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Saturday's project coincides with a growing backlash against the city's graffiti and street art, which can be seen on buildings, fences, interstate highway signs and bridges. Atlanta Police Chief George Turner last week said the APD was taking a "no tolerance" stance against graffiti, warning taggers that they will face felony charges if they are caught.
Two Edgewood Avenue residents and a metal supply business in the Old Fourth Ward also have filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Atlanta graffiti artists and taggers.
While police plan to arrest violators, Turner said the city is trying to locate suitable spots for graffiti artists to follow their muse with appropriate renderings. Commissioned walls, such as those that were part of a grassroots conference on street art, Living Walls, will remain.
Atlanta police are asking anyone with questions about how this will be enforced to contact: atlantacops@atlantaga.gov or call 404-546-2605.
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