The Greenburgh Police Department is actively investigating the criminal mischief of a newly installed Black Lives Matter sign in the 1150 Knollwood Road area.

Police reported that during the night of May 13, the sign reading “All Lives Cannot Count Until Black Lives Count” was uprooted from the ground, just hours after being affixed to the sign. “Welcome to Greenburgh”.

Police have characterized the incident as a possible bias / hate incident and are working with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office to identify who was responsible for the crime.

“The City of Greenburgh and this department strongly condemns all acts of hatred and bias,” said Police Chief Chris McNerney. “We have a history of promoting diversity, unity and inclusion.”

The Greenburgh human rights group also condemned the act, saying: “Who are we? We all need to show our support for our black neighbors! Now and forever! All lives won’t matter as long as Black Lives Matter!

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins ​​also weighed in on the incident.

“The reality is that racism still exists. This incident, however, does not reflect our community, ”she said. “I have been to Black Lives Matter gatherings in my district and have seen people I never thought would embrace this rallying cry. I’ve seen people of different races and backgrounds come together and say that Black Lives Matter gives me hope. I will continue to tackle police and criminal justice reforms and speak out against these acts of intolerance. “

The newly repaired signs are just the first part of a multi-level project that Greenburgh City Council has undertaken to support the Black Lives Matter movement. The signs, which will be placed under various “Welcome to Greenburgh” signs, are the first phase of the project.

The second phase is a banner project. The idea is to have five different banners hung on five designated buildings across the city, with students from local school districts creating the posters. The Arts and Culture Committee will also sponsor an essay competition that students can enter while they create the banners.

The essay will ask students to answer a specific question related to the Black Lives Matter movement. Officials said the current options are asking students to explain the meaning of why the company is using the phrase. Black lives matter.

The final phase of the project is a mural that would appear on both sides of the overpass where I-287 spans Manhattan Avenue. The mural will illustrate Black history from 1619 to today, with the mural also showcasing the residents of Greenburgh and their accomplishments.

In addition, the rocks leading up to the mural are said to be painted red, black and green, with some labeled with the names of black individuals killed by police officers. Some rocks would be intentionally left blank in case other fatal incidents occurred.

A QR code, which is a barcode your phone can scan, would also be listed on the mural which will lead to a website with historical information and a description of certain images depicted in the painting. No project has currently been submitted to the city for review.

The city will also work with the Central School District of Greenburgh, the youth of Theodore D. Young Community Center and the Housing Authority to create the project. Local artist Madison Hood was asked to design the mural.

Digital editor Anna Young contributed to this report.