Vandals painted egregious graffiti on Port Royal tower. Next time, it could be recorded
Port Royal is installing at least one camera at the popular observation tower at Sands Beach in light of a spate of vandalism that cost the town thousands of dollars to remove. Other steps to curb graffiti and damage on the tower, as well as the mile-long boardwalk — which are not new problems — also are being discussed.
In at least two separate incidents, vandals spray-painted vulgarities on the four-story observation tower, which offers views of miles around.
More cameras and lights and a gate are possibilities now as Port Royal tries to figure out ways to curb graffiti and vandalism.
The town paid $7,000 to power wash the tower to get rid of the most recent graffiti, Town Manager Van Willis said.
“The culprits,” Willis added, were recently identified and are facing charges in juvenile court. They were not responsible for all of the graffiti but were linked to the most egregious vandalism, Willis said.
To keep a closer eye on the tower, a camera will be installed, Willis said. A fire also broke out on the tower recently, but that was caused by an improperly discarded cigarette that smoldered, said Maj. Ron Wekenmann of the Port Royal Police Department.
Part of the issue with policing the boardwalk and tower is that it is very dark in the area at night and difficult to see people, Wekenmann said. The town is discussing adding additional lights and cameras, he said, but no decisions have been made.
“We’re kicking around all kinds of ideas,” Wekenmann said.
Councilman Jerry Ashmore mentioned the possibility of erecting a gate. “I’m just throwing it out there,” he said.
It’s gotten so bad, he noted, that people are setting the tower on fire. “It’s ridiculous,” Ashmore said.
Willis said he would not want a gate along the entire boardwalk, which has similar problems with graffiti. “We’ve had some particularly nasty things done at the boardwalk, as well,” he said.
Providing better light is another possibility, Wekenmann said. But Mayor Joe DeVito said light pollution must be considered, but that low lighting could be a possibility.
For now, signs are going up reminding people that fines of more than $1,000 are possible, along with an arrest for vandalism. “If you see it,” DeVito said, “report it.”
