Anti-Vandal Steps Oked

Anti-Vandal Steps OKed

Whether the city should attempt to protect the skylights in Nickels Arcade from rock-throwing vandals in the city’s Maynard Street parking structure was discussed by City Council Monday.

At issue, according to Councilman John D. McCormick, was whether the city should try to protect private property.

“If I have a guest at my house and he throws rocks through my neighbor's window, do I go over and screen my neighbor's window?", McCormick asked.

Councilman Norris Thomas countered with the argument that it was the city's moral obligation to protect the skylights because the damage was being done by persons in the city parking structure.

The administration had recommended the city pay for placing screens over the skylights as protection at a cost of $2,306. The other alternative would have been to screen the south side of the Maynard parking structure at a cost of about $1,900 but with a large upkeep expense because of damage done to the screens.

The council eventually agreed to let the administration work out an agreement with the Wilson White Co. for installation of the screens over the skylights.