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NEW ORLEANS — Today, the New Orleans City Council unanimously passed legislation authored by District 'D' Councilman Eugene Green to increase the fines for graffiti violations. The amended ordinance strengthens the City’s ability to address ongoing property damage and urban blight across neighborhoods.
“This Ordinance gives our Judges the tools they need to take graffiti seriously and helps us send a clear message that this kind of vandalism is not acceptable in our city,” said Councilman Green. “It’s about deterrence, accountability, and restoring pride in our neighborhoods.”
The newly passed Ordinance amendment raises the minimum fine for graffiti offenses from $100 to $500 and the maximum fine from $500 to $1,000, reflecting the seriousness of graffiti as a form of criminal property damage. The increased penalties aim to reduce repeat offenses and empower the City to take stronger enforcement action.
While the City is taking a tougher stance on illegal graffiti, Councilman Green also reaffirms also reaffirms support for positive, creative outlets for expression. Councilman Green emphasized that there are many programs that offer youth and adults alike with opportunities to create public art legally and constructively—from community murals to mentorships in the arts.
“Graffiti may seem minor to some, but it contributes to blight, lowers property values, and burdens both the City and private owners with costly cleanups,” Green added. “Writing or drawing on the property of another with the permission of the owner is simply wrong.”
Lee Lafleur, the owner of Mike's Hardware & Supply on Elysian Fields Avenue made comments about the ordinance at today's meeting and is offering to help any volunteer groups or others that may need assistance with products to cover or clean graffiti in Gentilly and surrounding areas.
"As a business owner in New Orleans, as well as a resident, I applaud Councilman Green's efforts to fight the graffiti problem in our city, " Lee Lafleur said. "It's affected several businesses near us and is always an eyesore. Plus, it's illegal! We at Mike's Hardware & Supply are offering to help any volunteer groups with graffiti cleanup. They can reach out, and we'll donate what we can. We're looking forward to working with Councilman Green and any others driven to mitigate the problem that has plagued our city for too long."
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