Graffiti on Merrick Ave. angers residents

The repeated markings, between Mitchell Avenue and Kalda Lane, were first noticed by residents a few days before Christmas.

David Weingrad/Herald

The graffiti has created an eyesore on Merrick Avenue.

David Weingrad/Herald

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Extensive graffiti on fencing along residential property on Merrick Avenue has drawn the ire of residents who live nearby, who say they don’t expect such defacement to happen in the East Meadow community.

Black spray paint of what appears to be a signature can be seen on the street’s western side, between Kalda Lane and Mitchell Ave — a stone’s throw from Barnum Woods Elementary School — on fencing that borders multiple properties.

There is also a smaller amount of graffiti on fencing across the street. “It’s disturbing,” said Maryann Veltre, who lives on nearby Van Buren Avenue, adding she first noticed the markings a few days before Christmas. “It brings down the neighborhood.”

Reached on Monday morning, Nassau County Legislator Norma Gonsalves said she was “appalled” by the graffiti, and that she was on her way to meet with Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter and First Precinct Commanding Officer Daniel Flanagan to begin the process for its removal.

Since it’s on residential property, Gonsalves said it is the homeowners’ responsibility to clean it. “It’s an eyesore,“ Gonsalves said. “But we’ll get rid of it.”

Veltre said that the area has been a target for graffiti in the past. "You move out to Long Island,” she said, “you don’t expect to see that anymore.”