Lexington, KY - As an active member and past officer in the Aylesford Neighborhood Association for over 15 years, Lisa Johnson takes a lot of pride in the immediate community she calls home. Recently, she started a Graffiti Task Force to help curb this growing problem for business and homeowners in the area.
Anybody interested in becoming involved with the task force, or another part of the association can contact Lisa at (859) 252-5209 or by e-mail at lexjlisa@hotmail.com.
Tell us about the Graffiti Task Force - what prompted the organization and how is it going to work?
The Graffiti Task Force is an organization to clean up our community. Everywhere you go, you can see homes, businesses, street signs, even garbage cans that have been tagged. I've put up signs for rewards, handed out flyers with my number, and worked side by side with the Lexington Police Department to get the word out. These buildings are historic, many more than a century old, and the people who do these things obviously have no respect for that, or the community. What bothers me the most is that a large percent that have been caught aren't kids, they are adults. Everyone involved is going to work hard to make this a better place to live.
 
Have incidents of graffiti been on the rise lately in the area?
For a while, things began to slow down, but all of the sudden, we got hit again, hard. Graffiti is increasing, and it's time we all step in to stop it.
 
What do you like about the Aylesford Neighborhood?
Alyesford and the surrounding neighborhoods are wonderful in so many different ways. These streets are filled with history, and are alive with Wildcat fans. Unfortunately, these neighborhoods are going downhill quickly.  
What other issues does the neighborhood face?
Living here for such a long time, I have been able to step back and see the direction the neighborhoods are going. At first, there wasn't so much trash, and gravel parking lots. Now, landlords have found loopholes to gravel the lots, and be untouchable by Code Enforcement and H-1. They aren't doing the necessary upkeep on their properties, and allowing the neighborhoods to look bad. Parking is another issue, as fraternities and sororities move in, and UK continues to grow, there is no student parking, or parking for residents.
 
In your opinion, how can neighborhood associations get more residents involved in their immediate community?
Call me! I would love to direct anyone willing to help to the right committee. As a neighborhood association, discuss what you can do to fix these issues. Speak up. Together, our voice is much louder.
 
What do you, personally, get out of being so involved with your neighborhood and community?
I've watched my daughter grow up in this neighborhood. I've watched generations of children grow up here. I'm afraid that if we don't improve this community, families won't want to live here. Personally, I feel better that I'm improving my life in my community, as well as the lives of everyone who lives here. Taking pride in where you live should be important, and it is to me.