By Madina Toure
City Councilman Peter Koo (D-Flushing) condemned anti-Asian hate speech vandalism carved into the sidewalk in front of the Cherry Manor Condos in Flushing.
The phrase “All you c—k go back to China!!!” was written into the wet cement in front of the condos’ building at 141-18 Cherry Ave. during construction, leaving the phrase behind.
John Choe, executive director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, posted a picture of the vandalism in the “You know you’re from Flushing if” Facebook group over the weekend.
An individual took a photo of it and sent it to Koo’s office, which then reached out to the city Department of Transportation, who repaired it immediately, and the building’s owner.
“It is critical that the community take an immediate stand against this kind of hate speech wherever and whenever it surfaces,” Koo said in a statement. “We embrace our diversity here in Flushing as a strength that should be celebrated and nurtured, and we will stand vigilant against racism in all forms.”
The building’s owner said the last time work had been done on the vandalized portion of the sidewalk was two years ago.
“It’s hard to believe that that’s been sitting there for two years and nobody said anything or nobody’s seen it,” Scott Sieber, Koo’s director of communications, said. “The 109 is looking into it. Maybe that’s where they stored their garbage or maybe there was a dumpster there or maybe it was covered up. If you look at the picture, obviously it’s a little worn.”
As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, a DOT crew from the agency’s Sidewalks and Inspection Management Division had buffed out the sidewalk, removing the markings.
A community center, a daycare center, three after-school programs, a church and multiple residences are all within a half block of the location.
Koo said the 109th Precinct was investigating the incident.
Reach reporter Madina Toure by e-mail at mtour
