Council Member Robert Holden is marking another successful year of graffiti removal in his district, thanks to a collaborative effort with the Greater Ridgewood Restoration Corporation (GRRC).
In 2024 alone, GRRC cleaned 365 locations across the district, with 105 sites power-washed and 260 repainted, significantly improving the aesthetic and safety of the area.
For Holden, maintaining clean and safe streets is a top priority and he has long been an advocate for addressing smaller quality-of-life issues to prevent larger crimes from taking root. His partnership with GRRC has been instrumental in restoring vandalized properties, preserving the character of local neighborhoods, and creating a better environment for residents and businesses alike.
“I am a strong believer in the Broken Windows theory, meaning you start with the small stuff like graffiti and it prevents the big crime,” said Holden. “I thank Paul Kerzner and the GRRC for their great work in keeping our district clean and ensuring that vandalism doesn’t take hold in our communities.”
Paul Kerzner, President of GRRC, expressed his gratitude for the support from Council Member Holden, along with other local leaders. “Thanks to the funding of City Council Members Bob Holden and Jennifer Gutiérrez, local banks, civic associations, and individual donations, Greater Ridgewood Restoration Corporation had its most successful year removing graffiti,” Kerzner said. “We hope to continue our five-day-a-week program, improve quality of life, and promote business development and investment throughout the Greater Ridgewood community.”
The 30th Council District, which covers neighborhoods such as Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Glendale, has seen significant improvements in public spaces due to these efforts. The Council Member’s support of organizations like GRRC also extends to other quality-of-life projects, including street beautification and community clean-up initiatives that contribute to creating safer and more welcoming environments for local residents.
