Boone business leaders are taking steps to address a recent rise in vandalism downtown.
Lane Moody, with the Downtown Boone Development Association, says business owners have reported graffiti in alleyways and on some historic buildings. Repairing that damage can get expensive.
“We’re in a lull. Those costs are painful," she says. "Especially when we've got Howard Street construction that's already impacting downtown.”
Moody says the association is partnering with police to organize a community clean-up event later this year. But first, the group is mapping vandalism incidents across downtown.
The association is asking business owners to report all graffiti locations through an online survey.