Holbrook's Rick Ammirati Fighting Graffiti

Holbrook Chamber of Commerce president Rick Ammirati has been picked to serve on the Town of Islip's Graffiti and Litter Removal Task Force by Islip Town Councilman Gene Parrington.

According to a statement released by the town, the task force will address the town's graffiti problems by focusing on prevention and education, as well as considering new measures and programs to strengthen the town's approach to graffiti and litter removal.

 "I am proud to be able to assemble this talented group of community activists, all of whom care deeply about keeping our community clean and safe," Parrington said in the statement.  "When graffiti is allowed to exist, property values decrease, neighborhoods become hot spots for criminal activity, and the aesthetic qualities of our communities are destroyed.  This task force will be looking at this growing problem from every angle, and we welcome the input of other community members."

At a December 15, 2009 Town Board meeting an amendment was made to the town's "Graffiti Ordinance" imposing stricter fines and penalties on those who spread graffiti.  In addition, a graffiti removal program, the first of its kind on the East Coast, was established, based around the acquisition of a state-of-the-art graffiti removal truck being purchased through a New York State grant, according to the town.

Other members of the task force include Anthony Quintal, Brentwood Chamber of Commerce; Nancy Manfredonia, Central Islip Civic Council; Bob Draffin, Bayport Civic Association; Chamber of Commerce; Anthony Persico, Bohemia Civic Association; Mary Reid, resident; Joe DiPalma, West Islip Chamber of Commerce; Donna Periconi, Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce; and Councilman Parrington. 

The town said the task force will meet throughout the year and its duties shall include: assessing the scope and nature of the town's graffiti problems; discussing prevention and education; examining the effectiveness of existing provisions of laws aimed at curbing graffiti vandalism; and proposing amendments to strengthen the town's legislation.