CC Minutes - 07/26/99 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Misha Seymour, 1313 Lincoln Street, urged the City Council to give people something to care about. He added that the City should get rid of the "big giant" advertisements on the sides of busses as part of its graffiti abatement efforts. Madronna Holden, 3470 Potter Street, commented that "just saying graffiti is not art won't make a difference to graffiti artists." She opined that graffiti artists would still be as active as ever. She also called for the creation of a free wall for graffiti artists. Matt Watkins, 966 West 8th Avenue, urged the council to try to understand graffiti art before making any decisions on the ordinance. He spoke in support of giving kids a creative outlet by creating a free wall for graffiti artists. Trilce Navarrete, 708 West 26th Avenue, spoke of the complexity of the graffiti issue. She stressed that graffiti was art. She called for creation of a free wall for graffiti artists. She said a free wall would teach youth to solve their issues in a positive manner. Hector Hernandez, 300 North 22nd Street, stressed that graffiti is art. He called for the creation of a free wall. Richard Crawford, 405 Lincoln Street, stressed that graffiti was art. He suggested the City become partners with graffiti artists. Jim Evangelista, 34460 Meyer Road, spoke as a public artist. He stressed that graffiti was an art form. He urged councilors to channel the creative outlets of the City's youth in a positive way. Heide Banner, 2910 Madison Street, said graffiti was beautiful artwork. She urged the council to provide an outlet for creative energy by the creation of a free wall for graffiti artists. She also urged the council to not make art a crime. Mayor Torrey closed the public hearing and called for comments and questions from the councilors. Mr. Farr supported the free wall idea. He asked for a work session on creating free walls for graffiti artists. Mr. Lee wondered if free walls would help the graffiti situation. He said that he was open to the idea of a free wall but stressed the idea of expressing oneself with the consent of the property owner. Mr. Meisner raised concerns over possible "not in my back yard" (NIMBY) attitudes from citizens regarding a free wall. He clarified with City Manager Johnson that any property owner could open a free wall on his/her building. Mr. Rayor provided context on the graffiti issue. He supported the idea of the City providing a free wall for graffiti artists downtown. MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 26, 1999 Page 5 7:30 p.m.