Graffiti Reappearing

All these pictures were taken on Tuesday, January 22, at about 5 p.m. They show new graffiti on the 300 block of Hicks on two buildings that belong to LICH. These buildings are just north of 385 Hicks, which had heretofore been the worst spot on the block. The new graffiti is not as conspicuous as the old, and the situation in not as bad as it had been. But all experts on graffiti warn that it must be removed immediately when spotted in order to discourage further vandalism.

As I have had occasion to say before on this blog, LICH needs to inspect its exterior surfaces daily. All self-respecting private homeowners, obviously, keep an eye on the appearance of their properties. Should requirements be lower for a not-for-profit hospital ?

The general neglect that LICH management has shown with regard to these buildings is also shown by the fact that neither of these two properties is properly marked with a street number. One door says "3", with the last two digits missing. The other building has no address signage at all. In an emergency -- say Fire or Police -- how could 911 be told where help is needed ?

Loose Lips from Licht, Tight Lips at LICH.

Readers will recall my report about LICH's strange inability -- or unwillingness -- to accept a modest financial contribution from me. Something funny about its IRS status.

Now more information about LICH's secretive financing has emerged in the media. Mike McLaughlin, a reporter for the Brooklyn Paper (largely quoting the Daily News), tells a story that LICH would prefer to keep quiet. It seems that Continuum Health Partners, which operates or owns LICH (I don't know which) favors Beth Israel Hospital, another of its holdings, over its little stepchild on Hicks Street. And apparently Dr. Arnold Licht, president of the LICH medical board, is unhappy; he wants more money for LICH programs. In fact, according to the Daily News story, LICH doctors have complained to Attorney General Cuomo. But LICH management will not talk to the media about this, according to McLaughlin.

Loose lips from Licht, tight lips at LICH.

Graffiti removed

The graffiti at 385 Hicks Street have now been removed.

The deplorable conditions in front of this building and on its walls have been a feature of LICH management for years. I began to report on this problem in August of last year. The tree pits were cleaned up fairly soon, and good new plantings were supplied. The ugly graffiti had to wait until now.

So far so good. But obviously, the underlying problem has been one of long-term neglect. The clean-up is welcome, but without constant attention and vigilance on the part of LICH, conditions can well slide back. As any conscientious property owner knows, to be a good neighbor requires daily inspection of your frontage.

2008 Starts Right for LICH !

Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, 11 a.m. Great ! The graffiti, or at least some oft them, seem to be in the process of removal. Was it pressure from the City ? Was it that good old LICH conscience kicking in ? No matter, it seems to be getting done. I do hope that they won't forget those ugly black doors ! Anyway, Happy New Year, LICH, Happy New Year, neighbor.