Bayview Civic Association Combats Graffiti

By Eileen Brennan

Residents of the Bayview area of Manhasset have been increasingly aware of and annoyed by the graffiti that is appearing on stop signs and fences and utility boxes in the area. There was even one case where the graffiti contained symbols of satanic worship. The young and very active Bayview Civic Association decided to do something about it. In fact they did several things. They wrote letters to Manhasset Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maria Petraglia, Manhasset High School Principal Michael Keany and Manhasset Middle School Principal Thomas Gilroy calling their attention to the problem and asking that they discuss it with the students.

Although no accusations were made, the civic association notes that the graffiti "tends to radiate from the school grounds with possibly the school acting as its nucleus." The schools were prompt and supportive in their response. After meeting with members of the civic association, Mr. Gilroy wrote a letter saying: "This is to confirm that I am in full support of your initiatives to eliminate graffiti on neighborhood signs, mailboxes, fences, walls, etc., in the Bayview section of Manhasset. I have already started making announcements to the middle school students to raise their levels of understanding and awareness concerning the problems caused by graffiti. Mike Keany, the high school principal, is also in support of your initiatives."

James Zaccaria, secretary of the Bayview Civic Association, told the Manhasset Press that his organization also plans to meet with the St. Mary's principal.

The Bayview Civic Association then took its next step, cleaning up the existing graffiti. On Saturday, Nov. 15, members of the association spent the day with scrub brushes and detergents. With Jim and Lydia Zaccaria leading the charge, they attacked the areas of worst concern. They removed graffiti from the stockade fencing on Bayview Avenue, from the trestle near the high school and the wall on the side of the Manhasset Theater. At the end of their work they were rewarded by a clean and well kept neighborhood and the knowledge that consciousness has been raised in Manhasset through their efforts. They stress the fact that the making of graffiti is illegal and that their community will not tolerate it.