Dear Mr. Capsis:
On Saturday, July 15th, while removing one of the numerous ads defacing lamp posts at the four corners of 8th Avenue and 28th Street, I was approached by an individual claiming that I had no business preventing someone from advertising. This individual took my picture on his phone “to put it on Facebook,” insulted me, and wished me cancer for good measure.
I remember that you once mentioned in WestView the name and address of a City employee in charge of fighting this urban plague. I would be thankful if you could give me his/her contact information. I would send that employee some of my City finds.
—Michelle R.
Dear Michelle:
George Capsis forwarded me your letter in order to provide some insight on this topic.
The precise language of Title 10-119 of the NYC Sanitation Code spells out the rules in detail, as well as the fines levied when someone is caught posting illegal fliers. Occasionally, someone will approach me, and others, engaging in “flier ripping.” However, I simply explain that it is indeed illegal to post on public street furniture. In fact, I more often get accolades from others thanking me for being involved. Just yesterday (July 24th), I observed someone at the corner of 7th Avenue and West 14th Street removing the ‘Man With A Van’ fliers from the area. I approached him and we had a brief discussion of our common interest and volunteer efforts.
The previous NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner, John Doherty, wrote in his column in, I believe, September 2013: “Please help us remove all illegal postings. They create an unsightly mess. Such fliering renders the streetscape hideous and sends a message of chaos and lawlessness.”
The head of DSNY’s Enforcement Unit is Christopher Klingler. His mailing address is: 1824 Shore Parkway, Brooklyn NY, 11214; and his direct phone number is: (718) 714-2741.
You can also report illegal postings through 311, but the Illegal Postings Unit is grossly understaffed. It may take two to three weeks before they are able to act. Hence, I, and many others, will continue to rip the postings down.
—Ben Benson
