An age-old problem is once again rearing its ugly head.
Graffiti is visible on business buildings in downtown Honesdale and one resident wants to do something about it.
William Musgrove addressed the Honesdale Borough Council Monday night about his concerns regarding graffiti.
Most of the graffiti was painted on the backs and sides of buildings, such as on a mailbox on 10th and Church streets, the New York Life office building, he said.
Some of the graffiti has also made its way to the cemetery and the trains on Main Street.
“Graffiti brings something that goes to a different place, a different level,” Musgrove said. “It brings a certain type of thing along with it.”
“We’ve arrested several people for doing it, but it’s hard unless somebody sees it happening,” Honesdale Police Chief Mark Flynn said. Flynn did not provide any details regarding the arrests.
When the police department is called about graffiti, Flynn said pictures are taken and sent to the State Police gang crime unit in Dunmore for interpretation.
Graffiti is sometimes used by gangs to mark territory or to communicate with other members. Musgrove said he saw a symbol for the notorious “Latin Kings” gang, but could have been done by amateurs.
About two years ago, borough officials raised concerns about graffiti and late night loitering.
Flynn even reiterated his call of prior years for a youth curfew, citing the need to keep youths under 18 off the streets after a certain hour.
Another official agreed, noting 28 young people in Central Park, with skate boards; six kids were inside the fountain bowl. At the time, the DPW had been cleaning graffiti in the park on a weekly basis.
Back then, Honesdale police were investigating vandalism in Central Park near the Veterans Memorial monument where two park benches were written on with black marker and chalk. Some of the items written included some explicit and alarming vulgarities.
Musgrove was outspoken about graffiti at that time too.
These days, Musgrove said he goes around to local businesses and offered to clean the graffiti off, free of charge, but many business owners had a carefree attitude toward the graffiti.
“I don’t think they know what it means,” Musgrove said. “Don’t leave it there, take it off. When you leave it up, it says you accept it.”
Musgrove also offered his service to the borough to clean up the mess.
Although the Honesdale Borough Council appreciated his offer, councilwoman Janine Edwards suggested using the clean-up opportunity for court-ordered community service.
“I would like to go to the court system and ask if they have anybody who needs to perform community service,” Edwards said.
