"The first of seven bills before me today is Introductory Number 1042-A, sponsored in conjunction with the Administration by Speaker Quinn and Council Members Brewer, Vallone, Comrie, Fidler, Gennaro, Gentile, James, Koppell, Nelson, Palma, Sears, Weprin, Avella, Recchia, Crowley, Oddo, White, Jackson, Vacca, Garodnick, Mitchell, Reyna and Ulrich.  Introductory Number 1042-A makes several key amendments to the original graffiti abatement law which will make the program more efficient and cost-effective.

"Currently, in order for residential and commercial buildings to receive free graffiti removal services from Graffiti Free NYC, the building owner must affirmatively 'opt in' to the Program by signing a waiver granting the City permission to clean the building. 

"Introductory Number 1042-A improves the original Graffiti law by making it easier for a property owner to have their graffiti cleaned.  Under the new law, once graffiti is reported on a property, the City will first notify the property owner of the planned removal and then clean the property within thirty-five days.  The property owner is no longer required to have to file any paperwork with the City.  However, a property owner may 'opt out' of the Program and keep graffiti on their building, or clean it themselves, by simply calling 311 within the designated thirty five days (with a 15-day extender). 

"I would like to thank Mayor's Office of Operations Director of Agency Services Carole Post, Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty, Community Affairs Commissioner Nazli Parvizi, Economic Development Corporation President Seth Pinsky and their staff for their work on this bill.  I would also like to thank the Council for approving this legislation."