Rooftop shenanigans costly
A city doesn’t want to take chances with liability regarding unsafe situations – just as a business or resident would also want to protect themselves from the threat of a lawsuit. So it’s understandable that the Columbus Redevelopment Commission would take seriously reports of mischief occurring on the rooftop of the city-owned Second Street Garage and adjacent Cole Apartments rooftop.
Trespassers have been leaping from the roof of the garage to the roof of the apartment building. Such activity is foolish and dangerous. According to the city’s redevelopment director, several juveniles were caught on the roof and released, with no plans to press charges.
The city wants to prevent further incidents has decided to proceed with the least-costly option, paying $10,770 to install gates to block rooftop access by vehicles after hours. Other steps considered include upgrading security cameras, $40,000; and installing fencing, $50,000.
Having the city potentially investing about $100,000 or more to thwart trespassers doesn’t seem like a good investment of taxpayer monies, however. That raises the question: How much are taxpayers willing to absorb to protect the health and welfare of foolhardy individuals?
Good selections
Columbus East’s latest additions to its Wall of Fame are good selections for a couple reasons. Barry Nelson, the school’s 1975 valedictorian, is a distinguished engineering professor at the college level, currently at Northwestern University. He is an example of academic achievement.
Jeremy McQueary, a 2002 graduate, served in the Marine Corp and reached the rank of sergeant, but died in Afghanistan in 2010 while conducting searches for improvised explosive devices. He is an example of honor and duty.
Their selections offer positive legacies from which current and future East students can learn.
Increasing popularity
Annual attendance at kidscommons, the children’s museum of Columbus, set another record in 2016 of 50,643 – not including 8,500 children connected with school groups paying partial admission prices. Attendance also has increased each of the past 11 years.
Both marks are indicators that those who run the museum are doing a good job having worthwhile attractions and promoting them, and a sign that residents find the museum a great place to spend time. The attendance figures continue to show how much of a gem this children’s museum is. It’s something in which the community can take great pride.
