Graffiti in parks? Blame Albany's bail reform, Councilman Christopher Carini says

Late last month, graffiti containing hate messages was found at Estella Park in Seaford. Police identified it as a criminal mischief incident — but no one has been charged yet.

This kind of incident has an unfortunate recent history in the area. In September, swastikas were found etched into a bathroom stall at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford. In July, swastikas were found at Forest City Park Pond in Wantagh. Earlier in 2022, flyers had been distributed all around western Nassau — Rockville Centre, Oceanside, and Long Beach — alleging an antisemitic conspiracy concerning the number of Jewish members in Biden’s administration. The culprits in the case of the flyers were suspected to be the neo-Nazi group “Goyim Defense League.”

Leaders have, of course, repeatedly decried these acts. Religious leaders have spoken out from a social standpoint, with Rev. Wasyl Hrynkiw of Uniondale’s St. Vladimir’s calling such acts “anti-humanity.” Rabbi Shimon Kramer of the Merrick Chabad Center stressed the need to meet these acts of hate with acts of love.

Political leaders, however, have approached it from a policy standpoint. And in the eyes of Councilman Christopher Carini, who represents the fifth councilmanic district in the Town of Hempstead, the reason such acts have been on the rise is clear.

“Hate crimes and graffiti will not be tolerated in the Town of Hempstead,” Carini said. “I have no doubt that the Nassau County Police Department will find those responsible. Our local parks, neighborhoods, and train stations have seen an increase in graffiti due to the soft on crime approach in Albany passing legislation such as cashless bail and ‘raise the age.’ Criminals feel emboldened and have no fear of punishment. In the Town of Hempstead, we take this seriously. Albany leadership needs to hold criminals accountable.”

Currently, it is unknown who was responsible for the recent act in Estella Park.