War on graffiti heats up in Ozone Park/Howard Beach

It’s war.
At a press conference late last week, City Councilmember Eric Ulrich, along with members of the NYPD and civic leaders, announced a “zero tolerance” policy on graffiti.
They informed residents and merchants that three target areas – 101st Avenue from 75th Street to 111th Street; Rockaway Boulevard from 75th Street to 111th Street, and Cross Bay/Woodhaven Boulevards from Atlantic Avenue to the Joseph P. Addabbo Bridge – will be the first to be rid of the blight.
“Graffiti vandalism is a direct assault on our quality of life,” said Ulrich, who secured $30,000 in funding for this yearlong initiative, as part of the 2010 budget. “It is a symbol of urban blight that tarnishes civic pride and lowers property values. I will not stand idly by while graffiti vandals continue to destroy our neighborhood. That is why I funded this program so that we may tackle this issue once and for all.”
In partnership with the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation, the program will allow constituents to call a dedicated hotline – 718-738-1429 – to report graffiti and request free clean-up services.
Additionally, monthly maintenance will be performed to keep the three target areas clean.
Bruce Pinkley, head of City Solve, a graffiti clean-up company, has agreed to remove the vandalism, at no cost to residents.
“Our community is very stable and beautiful place to live, work and raise a family,” said Maria Thomson, Executive Director of the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation. “Through this program, we now have a powerful tool to keep it that way by keeping our business and residential districts graffiti-free.”