Chicago Public Radio reports on the fascist outburst in Chicago's most inbred neighborhood:
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's graffiti busters are seen all the time in the city painting over gang signs, or spraying them away. But this week they painted over a mural on private property. The artist says there was no mistaking the mural for graffiti and he thinks the local alderman just didn't like it.What did 11th Ward Alderman James Balcer have to say?:
What's the law here?:
BALCER: Yeah, I'm the alderman here. I was told about it and I okay'd it and I stand by it.
11th ward alderman James Balcer says he called in the graffiti blasters because the owner of the building never got a permit for the mural. He says he got 3 or 4 complaints from residents. He says he got some from police too and he says he agreed that the piece was distasteful.
A spokesman for Chicago's buildings department says section 13 25 50 of the City Code requires building owners to have a permit for painted signage or to alter or repair painted signage on a building. But a spokesperson for the city's law department says there's no permit necessary for a mural on the side of a private building as long as it's not an advertisement and as long as the property owner has given their permission.Remember this is a city where you can't own a handgun to defend yourself.But,Chicago police can.
