Local Man Cleans Up MidTown Graffiti; Sets Example For City Leaders
In recent months, the MidTown community has seen an uptick in wannabe criminals misplacing their ‘artwork’ on private storefronts and public infrastructure. When the city wouldn’t keep up, local Chris Harman decided to grab his pressure washer and take care of his community himself. Explore the full story to see how Harman set the example for others to step up and reclaim their neighborhood.
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An artistic expression of Columbus, Georgia resident Chris Harman, superimposed on a colorized image of Harman voluntarily cleaning graffiti off a local bridge in MidTown. Harman’s actions set the example for others in the community to step up to the plate and reclaim their neighborhood.
Image Credit:
Muscogee Muckraker
By
Muscogee Muckraker
Published
August 15, 2023
Updated
January 8, 2024 2:54 PM
ET

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COLUMBUS, Ga. — A local man stepped up to the plate to take care of his community after an uptick in graffiti throughout the MidTown area left a bridge covered in the misplaced artwork of local wannabe criminal thugs.

Graffiti near the intersection of Garrard Street and Cherokee Avenue in MidTown Columbus, Georgia. The criminal markings have been redacted from the photo.  Image source: Muscogee Muckraker via MidTown Columbus.

When the city couldn’t seem to keep up and deal with the problem fast enough, MidTown resident Chris Harman decided to break out his pressure washer and deal with the problem himself.

No committee had to be formed. No community meeting was required. No resolution from city council needed to be painstakingly drafted.

Harman simply saw a problem in his neighborhood and fixed it. 

(1/2) Local resident Chris Harman cleaning graffiti from a bridge in Midtown Columbus, Georgia. Image source: Muscogee Muckraker via MidTown Columbus.

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(2/2) Local resident Chris Harman set the example for others to reclaim their neighborhood by cleaning graffiti from a bridge in MidTown Columbus, Georgia  Image source: Muscogee Muckraker via MidTown Columbus.

We could all learn a lot from Harman’s initiative, care, and sense of responsibility for his community. His actions serve as a reminder that no one has to give you permission to reclaim your neighborhood from blight and crime.

The graffiti, which was deposited on the bridge near the intersection of Garrard Street and Cherokee Avenue, bore the same markings as many others seen throughout the area in recent weeks — though the city hasn’t exactly been quick to help residents alleviate the problem.

Several MidTown businesses have been repeat victims of the gang-related graffiti, with some having large tags left on the front and sides of their shops. After reporting the incidents to 311, the city ironically told owners they must ‘cover up’ the markings or face a $500 fine.

Despite the city’s civil stupidity of mandating victims to either deal with it themselves or face a citation, law enforcement appears to be taking a different approach by exploiting the stupidity of criminals instead.

Thankfully, the bozos who decided to destroy their own neighborhood were dumb enough to stand in front of security cameras as they took photos of their masterpieces to post on social media. 

We’re sure CPD is patiently following these geniuses around to gather intelligence on whatever other illegal things they might be involved with before making the arrests, if they haven’t happened already.

Facts are stubborn things — and we’ll keep publishing them, whether city officials like them or not.

-30-

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There has never been a better time to be a Columbus Police Officer! The Columbus Police Department is a state and nationally accredited law enforcement agency dedicated to protecting and serving the citizens of Columbus, Georgia. Become part of a highly trained law enforcement team focused on building and maintaining strong community partnerships that improve the safety and quality of life for every citizen. Join today and protect the promise of a better tomorrow.ProtectColumbus.ColumbusGa.gov

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