Lawmaker Vows Tougher Legislation on Vandals
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
Graffiti in the city’s parks increased three-fold between 2005 and 2006, prompting a City Council member who sponsored laws cracking down on graffiti vandals to promise even tougher legislation.
The council member, Peter Vallone, Jr., said he thinks a court injunction preventing an anti-graffiti law from being enforced has contributed to the spike. The law would make it illegal for individuals between ages 18 and 20 to buy or carry spray paint or broad-tipped markers on city property. A group of artists sued the city last year, saying the law hindered their ability to work.
The Parks and Recreation Commissioner, Adrian Benepe, told the council’s Parks Committee yesterday that the rise of graffiti is demoralizing for the public. He called on the council to continue its efforts to legislate against vandals.
