Graffiti plaguing Milwaukee's south side

MILWAUKEE (WITI)--- Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan said he is fed up with a continuing problem throughout his district, graffiti.

"I’m frustrated, very frustrated. So many of these businesses in my district have been hit up continuously with graffiti," Donovan said. "It’s frustrating to me. It’s frustrating to these businesses who have to routinely come out and try and remove this stuff."

According to Donovan graffiti has been a constant problem that is forcing businesses and residents out of the city for years.

"I got a call just 3 days ago from a constituent. 41 years, him and his wife have lived on 30th and Hays. 41 years," Donovan said.  "He said, 'Bob, you and I have won many battles. But we’re losing the war. I’m just letting you know my wife and I have moved out. We moved to Franklin. We’ve had it with Milwaukee.'"

Mark Dudenhoefer owns a business and lives in Donovan's south side district.

"I don’t want to leave my home. This is where I’m happy, but you know you start to wonder too, how much can you keep doing? How much you spend you know trying to take care of things and have a nice establishment that looks good  so you can show respect for your customers that are coming?" Dudenhoefer said.

His business on 32nd Street and Burnham has been tagged with graffiti three times since January 1, 2013.

"It gets to be expensive, depending on where it’s on and what it’s on. Removal, you’re subjecting yourself to chemicals and that to get it off. Sometimes you paint over it, depending on the surface. And depending on the surface, all the surfaces weren’t meant to be painted. But it’s too expensive to take off otherwise," Dudenhoefer said outside of his business.

On 35th Street and Becher, Donovan walks along side Rinderle Tires, which displays large graffiti on its wall.

"This poor guy has had to put up with this. I have been out here myself personally painting out this stuff ‘cause I feel sorry for the poor guy," Donovan said. "Rinderle Tire is an institution in this neighborhood. They’ve been here 30 or 40 years. They want out. They can’t sell the place. It’s been for sale for 2 years."

Donovan says the problem is bigger than just his district. He said he believes this is a problem that is costing the city.

"Until and unless we start addressing issues like this, we’re not going to be able to turn this city around," Donovan added. "We need to create a city where people want to come in to live here. Not to have to put up with this."