Racist Remark Found Etched In Sidewalk Outside Flushing Apartment Building
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A City Council member in Queens is outraged after anti-Asian graffiti was found scribbled into sidewalk cement in Flushing.
City Councilman Peter Koo said his office was made aware of the vandalism after photos were posted to Facebook over the weekend.
The remark, which includes a racial slur, was carved into wet cement on the sidewalk outside of the Cherry Manor Condos at 141-18 Cherry Ave.
Koo's office said a community center, a daycare, three after-school programs, a church and multiple residences all reside within a half-block of the location.
"It is critical that the community take an immediate stand against this kind of hate speech wherever and whenever it surfaces. We embrace our diversity here in Flushing as a strength that should be celebrated and nurtured, and we will stand vigilant against racism in all forms," Koo said in a statement.
The councilman said as soon as he was made aware of the hateful remark he contacted the city's Department of Transportation and the building's owner, who agreed to fix the sidewalk as soon as possible.
A DOT crew buffed out the sidewalk Tuesday morning, completely removing the vandalism.
"I would like to thank the NYC Department of Transportation and First Property Investment, LLC for acting swiftly to eliminate this hate speech. I would also like to thank the many vigilant community members who spoke up and contacted my office when they learned of this vandalism, and I strongly encourage everyone in our community to speak out to proper authorities when confronted with hate speech of any kind," Koo added.
The NYPD's 109th Precinct is investigating the vandalism.