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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 275-07
August 2, 2007

MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION SEVERELY LIMITING SALE AND POSSESSION OF GRAFFITI INSTRUMENTS

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The final bill before me today is Introductory Number 576-A, sponsored by Council Members Vallone Jr., Fidler, James, McMahon, Nelson, Recchia, Sears, Weprin, Gennaro, Jackson, Liu, Gallagher and Oddo.  Introductory Number 576-A amends Local Law 124 of 2005, which severely limits the sale and possession of graffiti instruments.

"Nationwide, graffiti is a serious problem and a crime most often committed by young people. Graffiti is a symbol of urban blight that can instantly and unfairly cast a community as neglected and dangerous.  Local Law 124 severely limited the possession and sale of graffiti instruments, especially to those under 21.  Now, working in collaboration with the Council, we have tailored the legislation more narrowly to address the concerns raised by the courts, while still providing an effective tool against this destructive crime.

"Introductory Number 576-A prohibits the possession of an aerosol spray paint can, broad-tipped indelible marker or etching acid with the intent to create graffiti; it prohibits the sale of graffiti instruments to anyone under the age of 21; and it prohibits the possession of graffiti instruments on someone else's property.  Introductory Number 576-A also includes several exceptions to the general restriction on the possession of graffiti instruments by individuals under the age of 21, in order to satisfy concerns raised by the courts.

"I would like to thank Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Community Assistance Unit Commissioner Nazli Parvizi, and their staffs for working with the Council on this bill, which will provide us with the tools necessary to combat the graffiti problem and improve our quality of life."







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser/Matthew Kelly   (212) 788-2958




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