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CSX, ACTrees commemorate Star-Spangled 200 completion
I agree with most of what you are saying Mr, Haycock.
However, how many times have we heard of “crack downs” on pedestrians, joggers and now most recently those using the railroad for portrait backdrops? Apparently the resources are there to protect and secure right-of-way, yards, and facilities from these instances.
The rub here is I can’t recall anything ever being implemented to discourage the graffiti trespasser. These misfits apparently have an unspoken pass to wide open and unchallenged nationwide rail access.
I think the problem exists because NOTHING has yet to be tried to curtail graffiti. I would be curious to learn of just one failed attempt somewhere…anywhere!
Quote:
“CSX is deeply committed to improving the environment and making every community we reach on our network a cleaner and greener place to live,” says Tori Kaplan, assistant vice president of corporate social responsibility at CSX."
Reader adds:
The hypocrisy here is staggering. CSX is doing nothing to make every community it serves free of graffiti. Nobody sees a “CSX tree” but do see unkempt, derelict graffiti laden CSX boxcars everywhere.
And then top it off with a position titled “Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility?” Come on!..
The scourge of graffiti is everywhere .Very unsightly!
Jim, what do you propose they do about it? If there was a realistic solution, don’t you think the rail companies would be on it…? Do you seriously believe that anyone at CSX thinks graffiti is not a problem?
They cannot possibly secure (and thereafter maintain) their right-of-way, yards, and facilities. Cannot be done at realistic cost. (PTC, anyone?)
And even if fencing and surveillance were in place for all railroad property nationwide, you also must have bodies on the ground to arrest them. Further, graffiti is a minor property crime, perpetuated largely by juveniles or young adults who are found by the courts to be incapable of significant restitution.
No one likes the sight of graffiti. But it is not as simple a solution as you make it seem. or they would be implemented already.
The graffiti “artist” usually go out at night or weekends when there are less people around or it’s harder to see them. The other trespasser do everything in broad daylight. The other problem is lack of no trespassing signs. Some police departments won’t do anything if there are no signs up.