Tough clean-up in Manorhaven after disability ramps vandalized

MANORHAVEN, N.Y. (WABC) -- At least five different handicap ramps at intersections along the same street have been vandalized in Manorhaven.

"I'm upset because it's a pretty town. We've lived here forever and ever, and it shouldn't be. So I hope they clean it up," said Jennifer Tsiolis, a Manorhaven resident.

But that's easier said than done. The village has tried everything to get the graffiti off but nothing seems to be working.

"At this point we really don't have an answer on how to remove it," said Deputy Mayor Lucretia Steele.

No seems to know who is responsible for the vandalism and why they would deface the ramps.

The words, "live breathe futbol" makes people think it may be young fans of a popular soccer clothing line of the same name.

The line creator, Ebun Olaloye, said by phone Wednesday that his company in no way supports or approves of acts of vandalism like this.

The village spent $60,000 a few years ago building the new handicap ramps. Now they're trying to figure out how to get them back to their pristine condition.

"Everyone here is very community minded," said Steele. "Everyone here is very proud of our area so this is terrible for all of Manorhaven, actually."

There is a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of whomever is responsible for the graffiti. Call the Port Washington Police Department at (516) 883-0500. In addition, the village asks anyone with expertise in removing graffiti to call 516-883-7000.