Gazebo vandalism concerns officials

EAST MILLINOCKET – Chronic vandalism of the town gazebo had officials wondering Wednesday whether they should bother repairing the structure or just tear it down, town Administrative Assistant Shirley Tapley said.

“What’s sad is that it’s actually been used quite a bit this summer,” Tapley said Wednesday. “We’d like to continue with it, but there’s only so much money that we can put into repairing it.”

The latest vandal attack was discovered Monday morning. A handrail and light fixture were torn from their moorings, and graffiti was sprayed over much of the structure, according to minutes from the selectmen’s meeting that night.

The selectmen expressed anger at the attacks, saying that church groups and other residents use the gazebo.

Selectman David MacLeod was especially annoyed, saying that he and many other residents have worked hard to keep the structure looking good and that it might be time to give up, according to the minutes.

A 15-year-old town youth, whose name was not released, will be charged with criminal mischief because of the attack, police Chief Garold Cramp said Wednesday. Police found the boy on Tuesday and will refer him to juvenile court.

Tapley estimated that the damage could cost as much as $600 to repair.

Cramp had some sympathy for most of the youths who hang out in the gazebo, saying that they were benevolent and needed a place to go, but his good feelings were tempered by the damage done and the irresponsibility of other youths who saw the vandalism occur and didn’t stop or report it.

“Some kids just don’t take any ownership or responsibility for anything,” Cramp said.

Police will watch the gazebo more closely now, Cramp said, and the structure will be repaired.

Anyone who sees vandalism occur is asked to call police at 746-3555. All calls will be kept confidential.

“Anybody we see doing anything bad is going to get charged,” he said.