Photo: QueensPost
March 3, 2011 By Christian Murray
Carole Vance, a Sunnyside resident, spent most of her Saturday afternoon tearing down illegal signs that had been attached to neighborhood lampposts.
Vance and her husband, Larry, took down 11 signs that directed people to call Acapulco Rentals, a Jackson Heights agency that offers apartments for rent. At least 30 signs were erected by Acapulco Rentals late last week.
“They are annoying, visual pollution,” Vance said on Saturday.
Vance notified Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer’s office about the problem.
On Tuesday, Van Bramer’s office told Vance that he had called the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to have enforcement officers come and remove the illegal signs. Furthermore, Van Bramer, in an e-mail to this publication, said that he had directed the DSNY to issue summonses to the responsible party.
As a result, 13 signs were taken down and 13 summonses were issued to Acapulco Rentals. Each summons carried a fine of $75, which resulted in a total penalty of $975, according to Van Bramer’s office. His office asked the public to call 718-383-9566 if they see other illegal signs.
“What great news!” Vance said. “And what prompt action by Councilman Van Bramer and the Dept. of Sanitation. It’s great that 13 more signs were taken down and the company got a big fine.”
“I hope this encourages other people to take down these illegal signs or call to complain about them,” Vance said.
Meanwhile, a manager at Acapulco Rentals seemed to be unfazed as to the signs being taken down. “I guess that’s their [DSNY] job.” He said he was not aware of the fine.
