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The Definition of Art...

Steve Goode

March 10, 2010

....may be more precisely determined soon by a proposed new city ordinance addressing the issue of graffiti. The city council's Quality of Life and Public Safety Commitee has called for an ordinance that will define the urban artwork and prohibit its unsanctioned application or possession of tools of the trade in public parks and facilities and within 50 feet of public infrastructure.

That means bridge abutments, underpasses and pretty much everywhere you see the stuff when you're driving through Hartford. The ordinance also applies to private structures where the work is done without the owner's consent.

The ordinance would require the person - or underaged artiste and his family - who applied the graffiti to said public or private property to remove it within 5 days....if they get caught in the act.

But here's where it gets a little dicey for property owners. If they don't nab the guy with the Sharpie or can of outdoor furniture paint, the onus goes on them. If it's still there in a week the city can start the clock on fines of $100 a day and if the city ends up doing the job it can slap a lien on the property for the cost or take the owner to court.

Now if they could just get started on making all the failed and successful city council and mayoral candidates in the last 10 years remove their campaign bumper stickers from traffic signs, utility poles and honor boxes all over the city.