Nashville Business Owners Unite Against Recurring Graffiti Crisis in East Nashville

Nashville Residents Face Grafitti Challenges in East Nashville

If you’ve strolled through the vibrant streets of East Nashville, you might have noticed the eye-catching murals that bring life to the community. However, underneath that beauty lurks a persistent problem: graffiti. Local business owners are feeling the strain as they attempt to combat this issue, which seems to only return no matter how many times they try to wipe the slate clean.

Landlords in a Tight Spot

Take Don Kendall, for instance. He’s the landlord of a building located on Dickerson Pike. Ever since he acquired the property, he’s been battling with graffiti taggers. According to Kendall, he’s had to repaint his building at least three times, with costs stacking up to more than $2,000. “It’s a struggle for them every day to make rent and pay us,” Kendall relayed, speaking about the tenants like Drkmttr, a business operating within his building. He expressed genuine concern about how this recurring vandalism affects the bottom line.

Impact on Businesses

It’s not just Kendall feeling the pinch. Other local businesses, like the Tower Market and Deli, have also found themselves on the receiving end of vandalism. Kendall pointed out, “What they’re doing to that owner is they are just taking money off the bottom line that they don’t have to spare.” This type of financial strain could potentially lead to some beloved establishments closing their doors for good. Imagine walking through the neighborhood and discovering that your favorite deli or shop has vanished simply due to the relentless cycle of graffiti.

Searching for Solutions

Business owners are stepping up and looking for ways to tackle the issue. “We’d like to commission a mural,” Kendall shared, with a glimmer of hope in his voice. He believes that if a well-crafted mural graces the side of his building, it might deter taggers from spray-painting over it. The idea is to create a lovely piece of art that not only beautifies the area but also sends a message to would-be vandals that the community values its visual integrity.

A Community Effort

The challenges posed by graffiti aren’t just about aesthetics; they impact the financial health of local businesses and the vibrancy of the entire neighborhood. Many owners are looking to the city for support, hoping that local government can implement lasting measures that not only discourage vandalism but also help beautify the East Nashville landscape.

In the meantime, Kendall and his fellow landlords are doing everything they can to keep their buildings and businesses thriving. They know that a series of unfortunate graffiti attacks can lead to significant revenue losses—and the thought of having to close up shop is unthinkable.

Community Resilience

The spirit of East Nashville is resilient, and the local business community is determined to fight back against graffiti. They believe that by banding together and pursuing creative avenues, like commissioning murals, they can enhance the aesthetic of their beloved neighborhood and protect it against further vandalism.

As the community continues to navigate this issue, residents are hopeful that their colorful, vibrant streets can be restored to their former glory, without the constant worry of seeing their walls defaced by graffiti. After all, East Nashville has always been a place of creativity and expression, and it deserves to reflect that without unnecessary vandalism spoiling the scenery.