Vandals making their mark in Kingston

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

Recent and repeated incidents of vandalism are costing Kingston big bucks.

At the commission’s May 21 meeting, Commissioner David Lowe reported it will cost “in excess of $10,000 to make repairs to the village sewer treatment plant, following vandalism in early April.” Vandals heaved several large pieces of wood into the clarifying pond, which jammed and broke gears in the equipment. Original repair estimates were between $7,000 and $8,000, but Lowe says the amount “will climb beyond the $10,000 mark” when public works staff install a new shut-off system to prevent further, similar damage. Other items have been tossed into the pond since the April episode, prompting staff to recommend costly security upgrades to the system.

Lowe also reported on-going vandalism at Stronach Park. A new covered picnic table, purchased just last year by the commission, was recently dismantled and park benches are thrown into the duck pond each weekend.

On the heels of the latest vandalism, and upon learning there are gaps in 24-hour patrolling service by the local RCMP, village commissioners will meet with local RCMP and request enhanced patrols of the pond and sewer treatment plant.

“We need to find a solution to this problem sooner - rather than later,” said village chairman Steve Nickerson. “The cost of cleaning up after vandals is going to hit taxpayers right in their pockets.”