So, why is the sidewalk closed and....

Last week when I didn’t have to dress up like Nanook of the North to come in town, I decided to scoot around a little.


I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, just wanting to see the sites, I guess.

Well, as I have written before, there are still a lot of code issues in our town.

Many have commented on previous posts concerning code issues in our town and it will never end until changes are made.

Columbia needs to have consistent code enforcement and not selective code enforcement. In other words, instead of sending a letter to a resident concerning a low hanging tree branch or a sidewalk out of kilter, why not go after the problem areas.

So, on my little trek through town, I noticed a nuisance bar, which changed it hours because of a probable citation from the LCB. One has to wonder with all of the alleged problems this establishment has had, why it hasn’t been closed a long time ago. Code issues within the building are the least of the problems.

How about the former Sprint building on North Third Street? The windows remain open, a side entrance on Third Street looks like its been pried open. There are also some vents on Third Street that are beyond repair.

And that’s probably the least of the buildings’ problems.

On Fourth Street, check out the former Keystone Fire Company. As of last week, the sidewalk was closed because the windows on the third floor were damaged and falling onto the sidewalk.

All three places should have been closed down a long time ago, but continue to be an eyesore for our town, as our code enforcement people continue to pick on the little people and ignore the big problems.

It’s time for the borough to step uo in this area, along with many others.