Hi LCI: I have reported other graffiti in my neighborhood (e.g., SCF #4349517) but it has not been “acknowledged” in the SCF system. I’m happy to do the graffiti removal myself if LCI can direct me on which cleaners/tools are appropriate to use for removing it. Would very much like to have people empowered in the various neighborhoods of new haven who can respond to remove graffiti when it is discovered. Can you advise?

Absolutely! Thank you for your question. It is a good one.

There is a product the City of New Haven buys from Sherwin Williams, on Whalley Avenue, and it is made to "erase" or "wipe off" graffiti from various surfaces without marring them. I believe the kit contains a spray formula, gloves, a scrub brush or sponge and some paper towels. This kit has been used by us to remove graffiti on surfaces that would otherwise mar if a different technique were used, i.e., power washing. The other technique we use is painting over the graffiti. This technique presents a problem, however, if you are not careful to match the paint to the wall's original color. If you don't match the original paint color of the wall you could end up with a "blotchy or patchy" looking wall. Before any graffiti is removed, pictures should be taken of the graffiti and a copy sent to Detective Orlando Crespo of the New Haven Police Department. No one should paint anything over until Detective Orlando gives the okay. Finally, straight up power washing is the other technique we use to remove graffiti, but, we are very careful where we use it because it could mar or etch the surface.

I don't know who your Neighborhood Specialist is but, call the LCI Department, 203-946-7090, and ask. Tell your Neighborhood Specialist that your interested in obliterating graffiti in your neighborhood.

Thank you for reporting and keep in touch.

Did this graffiti ever get removed?

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