Parking garage security cameras OK’d

The Columbus Redevelopment Commission has approved spending slightly more than $10,000 for four cameras to be placed on the Second Street garage rooftop.

The commission approved a bid Monday evening for $10,319 from Staublin Technology Service Inc., of Columbus, for four high-resolution cameras. The step was taken to deter people from gathering on the roof after hours and leaping across to the Cole apartment complex rooftop.

Commission member Al Roszczyk said the cameras are the best option for the city in efforts to stop activity occurring on the garage roof.

“We’re most concerned with someone getting up there and falling from the roof,” Roszczyk said.

City Councilman Frank Jerome, who serves as a liaison to the commission, questioned the benefit of the spending. The city previously said several juveniles have been found on the roof by Columbus police, but officials at the Cole have declined to press charges, releasing them to their parents instead.

“How much money do we have to spend for them not to cooperate?” Jerome said. “If we’re going to do this, they’re going to have to do their part.”

The cameras will be installed within four weeks, said Heather Pope, redevelopment director for the city.

Meanwhile, the commission also approved the hiring of architect Louis Joyner for lighting improvements in the tunnel of the Jackson Street parking garage. The $5,750 fee paid to Joyner will allow him to design the proposed improvements, said Jayne Farber, consultant to the commission.

The design will include improved lighting, a fence and storage area enclosure, bike racks and color, according to Joyner’s proposal. Two design proposals will be presented to the Columbus Redevelopment Commission at a later date, Farber said.