Thankfully, the vast majority of property owners in Middle Village & Maspeth take pride in the appearance and well-being of our neighborhood. But a few property owners have a total disregard for the condition of their property. So we induct these properties into this month’s Hall of Shame.

If you see properties in disarray, call 311. And please send them to us for possible inclusion in our neighborhood hall of shame. Graffiti images on this page have been altered to not give vandals notoriety. Send to: info@junipercivic.com or mail to: Juniper Berry Eyesores, PO Box 275 Middle Village, NY 11379

Something’s “fishy”
This fence, along Nurge Ave at the corner of Metropolitan Ave in Maspeth, is covered in various forms of graffiti. The lot is advertised as being for sale, so you’d think the owner and/or realtor would make it a priority to keep it clean. There was a plan for housing on this site at one point, but now they’re looking to flip it instead. This eyesore has been reported several times with no resulting action.

Wall of shame
Property owners and businesses are responsible for cleaning graffiti present on the walls of their buildings. Along with snacks, ice cream and soda, this one may want to keep a supply of paint handy. The City does provide assistance in cleanups. A good power wash or paint job will go a long way in freshening up this spot on 60 Ave just west of Fresh Pond Road in Maspeth. Call 311 or (718) 366-3900 to report graffiti locations for cleanup.

Back to the drawing board
The CityBench program was supposed to provide rest to people waiting outside public buildings and at bus stops, but their poor design has rendered many of them as eyesores. These examples on Metropolitan Ave just east of Fresh Pond Road in Middle Village feature peeling paint, and as they are in the blazing hot sun, sitting on them on a warm day is quite unpleasant and bus riders avoid them.