Besides being ugly, the new water tank the city is finishing
constructing at the intersection of Santa Teresa Boulevard and
Miller Avenue is a huge, gray canvas and, as such, has already
become a target for graffiti vandals.
Besides being ugly, the new water tank the city is finishing constructing at the intersection of Santa Teresa Boulevard and Miller Avenue is a huge, gray canvas and, as such, has already become a target for graffiti vandals.
This visible water tank perched near a busy street is a natural attraction for taggers seeking renown for their work. We urge the city to take immediate steps to remove temptation.
Our first idea is to plant trees and vines on and around the water tank so that any tags are not visible to the vast Santa Teresa commuting audience. This is the method used with success on highway sound walls.
Our second thought takes a lot more work, but could yield greater rewards – turn the water tank into a large canvas for a city-sponsored mural that is consistent with the public art policy.
Maybe the city and the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association could sponsor a contest seeking designs for a garlic-themed mural, given the tank’s proximity to the annual stinking rose celebration’s locale.
Or, perhaps the city and the Gilroy Unified School District could work together on a mural celebrating Ascencion Solorsano, the namesake of Gilroy’s newest school under construction – and nearing completion – nearby. Because the city and school district have partnered to build the school’s gymnasium, a city-school district partnership on a Solorsano-themed mural seems appropriate.
Whether they use landscaping or public art, we urge city leaders to find a way to ensure the water tank is not an eyesore for Gilroy citizens.
