Printer Friendly Format
View Press Conference
56k  or  300k



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2003
PR- 012-03
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION
STRENGTHENING LAWS FOR GRAFFITI VANDALS

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The next bill before me today is Introductory Number 286-A, sponsored by Council Members Vallone, Gioia, Reed, Addabbo, Diaz, Felder, Fidler, Gerson, Katz, Koppell, Liu, Nelson, Quinn, Sanders, Sears, Serrano, Weprin, Gallagher, Oddo, Yassky, Moskowitz and Golden.

"This bill creates repeat offender violations for recidivist graffiti vandals. Currently, any person convicted of violating New York City's Anti-Graffiti laws is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment of not more than three months, or both. In addition to the criminal penalties imposed, a person who violates the Anti-Graffiti laws is also liable for a civil penalty of not more than $500 for each violation, which may be recovered in a proceeding before the Environmental Control Board.

"Intro. 286-A increases the criminal penalty allowed for a person convicted of a subsequent violation of the City's Anti-Graffiti laws to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both. In addition to the enhanced criminal penalties, any person who has been previously convicted of a graffiti violation is now liable for a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation, which may be recovered in a proceeding before the Environmental Control Board.

"The presence or absence of signs of disorder in a community can contribute to whether or not other more serious crime occurs. Graffiti vandalism is one of the most visible offenses against the City's quality of life and that is why it is so important to target its reduction. No neighborhood in the City should have to tolerate graffiti.

"The increased penalties and adding etching acid to the list of closely regulated materials, coupled with the work done by the multi-agency Anti-Graffiti Taskforce and our City's enforcement agencies, re-affirms this Administration's commitment to maintaining the quality of life that New York City residents expect."


 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz 
(212) 788-2958