Res. No. 1136 Title Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to grant real property tax exemptions to owners of property for the cost of removing graffiti. Body By Council Members Vallone Jr, Monserrate, Addabbo, Comrie, Felder, Gerson, Katz, McMahon, Nelson, Recchia, Rivera and Liu Whereas, Graffiti is a public nuisance, one that degrades the quality of life in neighborhoods and communities across the City; and Whereas, Graffiti creates an atmosphere of neglect, inviting criminal activity and contributing to a feeling of disorderliness and fear; and Whereas, Although the City has made great strides in recent years in combating the problem of graffiti, much more needs to be done, particularly in the removal of graffiti from private buildings; and Whereas, Many property owners feel powerless in the attempt to deal with graffiti, yet constant vigilance in removing graffiti will decrease its prevalence, and contribute to a safe and clean environment for families and businesses to flourish; and Whereas, To reward property owners who remove graffiti from their premises, the New York State Legislature should grant an exemption from real property taxes for the cost of removal of such graffiti; and Whereas, Currently pending in the State Legislature, A1075 and S3532 would amend the real property tax law to allow each municipality to adopt a local law to provide for such an exemption from taxation to the extent that owners of real property incur costs in removing graffiti from the property placed on the property by a third person; and Whereas, As the State currently allows certain tax exemptions and abatements for such worthwhile endeavors as improving multiple dwellings to eliminate fire and health hazards (Real Property Tax Law §489) and rehabilitating certain class B multiple dwellings and class A multiple dwellings (Real Property Tax Law §488-a), so too should the state encourage the removal of graffiti from private property by allowing for this real property tax exemption; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to grant real property tax exemptions to owners of property for the cost of removing graffiti.