Vandalism strikes

MILLERTON — When Lisa Deleeuw saw the trail head sign about 100 feet back from Route 44 in the village, she decided enough was enough.

The sign, which cost $1,000, has been covered in red graffiti. Deleeuw, who is the administrative director for the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association, has gone to some length to remove the paint — including using special solvents from a hardware store — to no avail.

“Why ruin a really nice thing in their backyard?� she asked, looking at the sign. “We do the best we can to provide a nice park.�

This is one of many incidents of vandalism on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Deleeuw reported that spray paint has been found on portable toilets, benches and the trail itself. The toilets have been tipped over before, and commemorative plaques have been ripped off benches.

It’s easier to paint over the spray paint on the trail, she said, but this recent act has gone too far.

“It makes no sense,� she said, wondering why someone would want to vandalize a sign or a plaque honoring a deceased loved one.

“It’s discouraging to say the least,� remarked Dick Hermans, owner of Oblong Books & Music and a member of the Rail Trail board. “It’s nice to think that awareness of this might raise the level of youth concern in the community.�

A solvent was found that was able to remove the graffiti, according to Hermans, but in order to prevent further vandalism, a Plexiglas cover might be installed on the sign that would be easier to clean or replace. Deleeuw said she has contacted the police several times about vandalism on the trail, but has gotten no response.

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