§ 48-2. Findings and intent., Chapter 48. Graffiti and Defacement of Property, Code of Ordinances, Brookhaven

The Town Board hereby finds and declares that the increasing incidence of graffiti has become a serious problem in the Town of Brookhaven. The unabated proliferation of graffiti is a physical blight upon the landscape of the Town and is destroying the esthetic qualities of its communities. The Town Board further finds that graffiti is harmful to the general public, violative of the public health, peace, safety and welfare of the residents of the Town of Brookhaven and presents an image of a deteriorating community, a community that no longer cares about itself. The Town Board further finds that the cost associated with the repair and removal of graffiti is causing severe economic hardship to the taxpayers, merchants and property owners of the Town of Brookhaven. The Town Board further finds that such defacement of public and private property is most frequently committed by individuals under the age of 18 years using aerosol spray cans and other writing implements; that such writing implements are obtained from retail stores and by mail order through underground publications. The Town Board further finds that such individuals rarely have a legitimate need for such writing implements and that where such a need exists, such instruments may be furnished by a parent or guardian.