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The hate symbol could be seen hanging from a tree branch in front of a row of apartment buildings in Howard Beach.

The tree is located across the street from the Walter Ward School.

Some residents tell NY1 that despite the neighborhood's history of racial tension, things have been getting better. Others, though, say it doesn't make the image any less disturbing.

"It means that I'm not safe. I mean anyone can come and do the same thing to me," said one Howard Beach resident.

"Yeah it bothers me. In front of a school or anywhere," said another.

"That's disgusting. I see it. It's a lynchman, a hangman's noose. I would never think that would happen in this neighborhood," said a third.

School officials could not say if there was a noose and that no one at the school saw anything. According to the Department of Education, when the principal heard about it, she went to the location, but there was nothing there. She said no student was outdoors due to the inclement weather so no one from the school saw it.

The investigation is ongoing.