Your Opinion Matters on the Mural Ordinance by Marie Haigh https://padlet.com/knittedgems/s03e37txcwud Made with Determination en-us 2017-10-07 18:37:17 UTC 2017-10-07 18:48:55 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Balance.png Tell the Borough Council what you think of the proposed Mural Ordinance. On Tuesday, October 10th at 7pm, the Borough Council will hear comments from local artists and residents with regards to the Mural Ordinance. The Pottstown Community Arts has argued against the Ordinance these past several months. The Ordinance and accompanying Maintenance Agreement have blockaded a proposed Welcome to Pottstown design despite being approved by the Borough Council on February 13th. This Welcome design would have greatly improved one of the main entrances into Pottstown at the corner of Manatawny and King Streets. There are 3 key components on the ordinance that we disagree with and have tried through negotiation to have removed/altered but to no avail. Key #1 = maintenance agreement. This agreement requires that the property owner be legally liable for the lifetime of the mural. There are several reasons this is unnecessary: (a) good murals do not require maintenance; if done right, one will last up to 30 years; (b) it is a disincentive; we want to encourage property owners to allow murals on their buildings/homes - not discourage them with a bunch of red tape and legalities; (c) the buildings we want to improve are the blighted properties - properties that are currently not being maintained. It would be difficult to obtain a maintenance agreement from such a property owner. However, any artwork painted on these blighted properties will improve the building, the neighborhood, and our town. The small cost of painting over the mural in 30 years will be a drop in the bucket compared to the increased property values and increased town pride. Additionally, such maintenance is organized directly between the Mural Arts program and the property owner in Philadelphia. We have suggested the same idea here, but Administration insists that they need access to the private property and ability to lien the property as seen fit. Key #2 = 600 yards rule. The mural ordinance has written a rule that states no mural may be within 600 yards of another mural. Which means that if your next door neighbor has a mural drawn on the side of his house, you may not have a mural drawn on your house or fence. Why not paint an entire neighborhood with murals? I don't see the harm with that. The more people involved in beautifying our town through art or otherwise is a good thing. Key #3 = 50% rule. A mural may only take up 50% of a wall. The mural at the MOSAIC garden on 423 Chestnut Street as well as the Farmers’s Market mural at the corner of Charlotte and High streets takes up the entire wall. They are both beautiful and in excellent condition. Why block artwork that can beautify an entire neighborhood? The Borough is looking at these murals with a "worst case scenario mentality" rather than "How can I help my town?" So, I am asking for your help. Please write us your opinion. You may also come down to the Borough Hall at 7pm on October 10th to voice your opinion. It would also be helpful to call your local councilperson. A list of council members can be found here. http://www.pottstown.org/index.aspx?nid=208 . The main number is 610-970-6511. Thank you. Truly. knittedgems https://padlet.com/knittedgems/s03e37txcwud/wish/194933467 2017-10-07 18:38:54 UTC https://padlet.com/knittedgems/s03e37txcwud/wish/194933467 Your Comments: knittedgems https://padlet.com/knittedgems/s03e37txcwud/wish/194933665 2017-10-07 18:42:18 UTC https://padlet.com/knittedgems/s03e37txcwud/wish/194933665