After being frozen for the winter, the local war on graffiti is about to heat up.
Continuing their efforts to keep Ridgewood, Glendale, Maspeth and Middle Village looking pristine and free from graffiti, the Greater Ridgewood Restoration Corporation (GRRC) will resume its anti-graffiti program beginning on April 1.
The graffiti-cleaning program, which is in its 25th year, has serviced over 5,600 locations since its inception in 1992. Their cleaning crews use a hot water pressure washer and paint remover to clean graffiti on washable surfaces like brick, while non-washable surfaces are painted over, all free of charge since the program is funded by grants and donations.
“It’s hard to believe after all these years, many property owners are still unaware of our services and how we operate,” said Paul Kerzner, president of GRRC. “We need to get the word out.”
The GRRC has started surveying the neighborhoods of Community Board 5 (CB 5) for graffiti locations.
“We are eager to get out there and start power washing,” said Christa Walls, community liaison specialist for GRRC. “Graffiti surges when the weather gets warmer and there has been a marked increase in graffiti vandalism the last few weeks.”
Any property owner in the CB 5 area with graffiti on their building that would like it removed can call GRRC to sign up for the free cleaning program.
For more information on the program, contact GRRC at 718-336-8721, write to them at 68-56 Forest Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385 or visit their website.
