Graffiti abatement mural project on Fletcher Drive: "Trains Shaping History"
This is an Atwater Village Neighborhood Council funded project; for more information about the AVNC please visit them at www.atwatervillage.org
Friends of Atwater Village (FAV), in collaboration with the "Take Back Fletcher Drive" campaign, is spearheading a mural / beautification project. The goal of this project is to abate graffiti and help beautify Fletcher Drive with a 60ft long and 16ft high (960 sq ft) mural. The mural will depict historical images of Fletcher Drive, Atwater Village and local railroad history (Union Pacific, Taylor Yards, etc…).
The mural concept would be a colorful mosaic of images depicting local railroad history; such as the Union Pacific trains, Glendale Metrolink Station, and Taylor Yards. Painted on the mural would also be the mural title, names of the collaborating community groups, artists, and funding source. Rafael Escamilla was selected as the artist due to his extensive experience and success in working on graffiti abatement murals. He has already done 4 murals in Atwater Village which includes the “Revisit the Red Car” mural just completed in October 2005.
Take Back Fletcher Drive - Background Information
Fletcher Drive is Atwater’s most southern business corridor that spans from the Los Angeles River / Fletcher Drive Bridge to Casitas Avenue / Railroad overpass just before San Fernando Road. Fletcher Drive is home to some residential housing (apartments and small duplexes) and about 30 family owned small businesses.
Fletcher Drive arguably endures more crime and “quality-of-life” problems than Atwater’s other business corridors; Los Feliz Blvd and Glendale Blvd. Crime on Fletcher Drive has noticeably increased in the past few years; narcotic activity, alcohol induced harassments against businesses and residents, prostitution and graffiti are a daily common place occurrence.
In February 2006 merchants and residents formed an informal volunteer group dedicated to improving Fletcher Drive. They are calling their improvement efforts the “Take Back Fletcher Drive” campaign and are currently working with local government and community groups to make Fletcher Drive a better place to live and do business.
Current “Take Back Fletcher Drive” efforts are focused in crime reduction, graffiti abatement and general beautification. The campaign has already coordinated improvement project with established community groups (Friends of Atwater Village and the Atwater Griffith Park Chamber of Commerce) and the City (CD13 and LAPD).
For questions or more information about this project or the Take Back Fletcher Drive Campaign please contact:
Luis Lopez
Project Coordinator
2751 Fletcher Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90039
323.665.0166
luis@lopezautomotive.com