Anti-graffiti campaign is slated for Manassas

By Bennie Scarton Jr.

Published: September 5, 2008

Two organizations will gather Sunday morning to wipe out an eyesore in Manassas.

Prince William Clean Community Council—an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful Inc.—and the Blue Knights will join at 9 a.m. to remove graffiti from the former Altmed Building.

The vacant building, at 7320 Sudley Road, has been covered with graffiti for several months.

Recently, the council was asked by county representatives to take the lead in clearing the county of graffiti. As a non-profit volunteer-based organization, the council relies on community volunteers to assist with eliminating graf-fiti from neighborhoods.

During fiscal 2007, 95 graffiti incidents were reported to the council. More than 500 incidents were reported during fiscal 2008, an increase of 300

percent.

"With the assistance of volunteers and the community at large, 75 percent of the graffiti was abated in FY 2008," said Brenda Evans, executive director of the council. "We are now working on the other 25 percent, along with the more than 140 cases reported since July 2008. We have several local community groups who have partnered with us to clear their neighborhoods of graffiti and look forward to more citizens, groups and busi-nesses joining our effort to wipe out graffiti in the county."

The Blue Knights, a non-profit fraternal organization consisting of active and retired law enforcement men and women, will work with the council at the building.

"The decision to partner with the council was an easy decision to make. It is who we are, it is what we do. We are eager and excited to meet you in your community and to help with the graffiti removal project," said Bill Pearson, president.

Members of the Blue Knights will prep and power-wash the building. The council will provide the supplies and materials needed for the job. Home Depot of Woodbridge is donating the power washers for the clean-up, which had been planned for today but was moved to Sunday because of the threatening weather.

Anyone interested in joining the Community Council's Graffiti Removal Program can call 703-792-6272.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.