This morning representatives from the Office of Council Member Annabel Palma joined CitySolve, the Bronx Business Alliance and local merchants to host a press conference highlighting the beginning of a new graffiti removal campaign along Castle Hill Avenue.
The press conference, held at Mason Pharmacy on the corners of Castle Hill Avenue and Newbold Avenue, is part of a continuing campaign to beautify the Castle Hill Avenue commercial corridor.
“Graffiti is a plague on this community and I’m proud to have partnered with CitySolve and the Bronx Business Alliance to help remove it from the Castle Hill Avenue business strip,” said Council Member Palma. “The work won’t stop here, but this is an important first step in cleaning up our community and letting everyone know that these acts of vandalism will not be tolerated.”
“By making and keeping Castle Hill Avenue graffiti-free, the quality of life will be greatly improved through a much better appearance, lower store vacancy rates, a strengthened retail environment and a stronger tax base,” said City Solve Program President Bruce Pienkny.
CitySolve has already conducted surveys around the community and, starting with the kick-off event, will begin to remove graffiti from store fronts, gates, and brick walls along Castle Hill Avenue. Additionally, CitySolve will follow-up on each location where graffiti was removed to ensure there is no return of the eyesores. The program was made possible by a grant from Council Member Palma.
Residents and merchants can report the existence of graffiti for removal by calling Council Member Palma’s office at 718-792-1140, or via e-mail at apalma@council.nyc.gov.