Slur found written in snow outside Clinton Hill co-op

According to police, the slur was found on the outside terrace of the property around 8 a.m. on Jan. 21.

Rob Flaks

Jan 25, 2025, 3:52 AM

Updated yesterday

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A slur against African Americans was found written in the snow outside of 309 Lafayette Ave. in Clinton Hill this week, sparking outrage from the residents inside.
According to police, the slur was found on the outside terrace of the property around 8 a.m. on Jan. 21.
Resident Lawrence Peterson tells News 12 he saw the slur as he was walking out of the building with his young son, adding that he was shocked to see this kind of hate in his community.
"This is an excellent neighborhood, has been for 20 years we have seen some changes but good changes, so to see this is disturbing because my kids are at the age where they know they understand things like this," he said.
Peterson says that he also feels for the seniors in the building who were able to see the writing from their windows.
"These are people who came up in civil rights, in the 60s and 70s, who know that meaning of this word, who had it used against them, and so to work hard to come home to this is not right," he said.
"I hope those behind it are caught, and they are chastised and talked to because, it could be young kids they don't even understand the impact this has on people," said resident Patricia Wilcox. "We are supposed to be loving people and living together in 2025."
In a joint statement, Council Members Crystal Hudson and Lincoln Restler said:
"We're deeply concerned about reports of racist slurs written in the snow and are pushing for a full investigation. We will not tolerate hate in our community. This is further evidence of bridges we need to continue building between communities to strengthen empathy and connections among neighbors."