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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2003
PR- 010-03
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION REGULATING
THE SALE OF ETCHING ACID

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The next bill before me is Introductory Number 243-A sponsored by Council Members Brewer, Addabbo, Avella, Comrie, Felder, Fidler, Gennaro, Gerson, Gioia, Jackson, Lopez, McMahon, Moskowitz, Provenzano, Recchia, Reed, Reyna, Stewart, Vallone, Quinn, Koppell, Yassky, Oddo and Golden.

"In New York City, it is illegal to deface any property by writing, painting or drawing any inscription of any type without permission of the property owner. It is also illegal to carry an aerosol spray can or broad tipped indelible marker into a public building with the intent to scribble graffiti. There are also specific laws that apply to the sale and display of aerosol spray paint and broad tipped indelible markers.

"Intro. 243-A adds etching acid to the existing restrictions applicable to aerosol spray paint and broad tipped markers. Etching Acid is sold in art supply stores as well as hardware stores and no doubt has valid artistic and commercial uses. However, now that it has emerged as a tool for vandalizing property, its sale and display must be regulated. Etching acid permanently destroys the chemical integrity of the glass or metal surface it touches. The damage it creates cannot be cleaned, repaired or painted over the same way as spray paint or marker ink. The result is that property owners are forced to repair the damaged panes of glass or sheets of metal.

"Not only does etching acid destroy glass and metal, but because of its caustic nature, it presents a danger to those who come in physical contact with it. This includes unwary members of the public, who may be exposed to the chemical, which remains on the surface until it is cleaned, as well as the person who, unaware of its dangers, uses this material to scribble graffiti.

"On July 10th, 2002, I announced a multi-agency Citywide graffiti clean up, led by the Mayor's Anti-Graffiti Task Force. The Community Assistance Unit, working with the Department of Sanitation, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Economic Development Corporation as well as a number of community groups Citywide, coordinates the clean up. In 2002, over 1,100 separate clean ups occurred throughout the City. The NYPD, the District Attorneys and the Mayor's Criminal Justice Coordinator will continue to work together to make sure that graffiti violations are vigorously prosecuted in order to ensure that the quality of life the residents of this City have become accustomed to will not change."


 

www.nyc.gov

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