This storefront on 93rd street was vandalized by graffiti. Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) worked to get $25,000 budgeted for graffiti removal.
Photo Courtesy of Councilman Eric Ulrich’s Office
Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and the Queens Economic Development Corporation this week touted the success of their joint graffiti removal initiative implemented this past October.
For FY2015, Ulrich allotted $25,000 in discretionary funds to QEDC to eliminate graffiti at six major corridors: Woodhaven Boulevard, Jamaica Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, 101st Avenue, Liberty Avenue, and Rockaway Boulevard.
According the NYPD, graffiti complaints are on the rise in New York City. There have already been over 4,000 complaints this year, up about five percent from last.
The storefront was cleaned up by the Queens Economic Development Corporation in partnership with Magic Touch Cleaning of Ridgewood. Photo Courtesy of Councilman Eric Ulrich’s Office
Via its Neighborhood Development Division, which promotes economic growth by supporting community businesses, QEDC has been working with Magic Touch Cleaning of Ridgewood to carry out the anti-vandalism mandate. To date, Magic Touch has removed graffiti from 60 locations throughout the 32nd Council District, and this work will continue into 2015.
“Graffiti is a crime and something that lowers property values and diminishes our quality of life,” said Councilman Ulrich. “This initiative takes a proactive stand to nip this problem in the bud and revitalize our small business corridors. We do not need these eyesores in our community. My constituents deserve better.”
“Graffiti is a scourge that negatively impacts residents, businesses and entire neighborhoods, so it is our pleasure to help clean it up,” said QEDC Executive Director Seth Bornstein. “We enjoy working with Council Member Eric Ulrich and Magic Touch to be proactive in our fight against vandalism that discourages shoppers, encourages lawlessness, and destroys community spirit.”
By Forum Staff
