Just say no

Here is Cheryl Stansbury's story from Monday's council meeting in Columbia.

It might be three strikes and no place to go for former State Representative Tom Armstrong, who is looking for a halfway house to house sex offenders.
In May, Armstrong of Marietta, was forced to move the offenders from an building in Conestoga Township, after residents complained.
So he moved the offenders into his house in Marietta. Last week, Marietta Borough Council was forced to deal with the issue after a number of residents complained.
Armstrong’s ultimate location is Columbia. Monday night, it was Columbia’s turn to hear from residents, who don’t want the sex offenders moving into Columbia. The home on South Fifth Street is within two blocks of the Park Elementary School and Our Lady of the Angels School.
At its meeting, council said it is taking steps to prevent Armstrong from moving the men to Columbia.
Most of those in attendance at Monday’s council meeting, wanted to address the Armstrong situation. After one of the residents spoke, Mayor Leo Lutz stepped in and explained how the borough was attacking the issue.
Biddy Helton of Mountville sparked the discussion when she asked council if there would be a spot for the house in Columbia.
“I read in the newspaper that the location in Marietta was only a temporary residence for the three sex offenders until the Columbia property was ready,” said Helton. “So, will there be a spot for them in Columbia?”
“The borough is doing everything it physically possibly can and will use every legal means necessary to protect the residents and their children,” said Borough Manager Norm Meiskey. “No stone has been unturned.”
Councilwoman Mary Wickenheiser assured the public that council has been on top of things.
“From the time that the house failed in Conestoga, we were on it. We don’t want it in Columbia and we will do everything we can to prevent it,” said Wickenheiser.
According to resident Louise Birk, living beside an Armstrong property is unpleasant. She lived next door to a property that Armstrong owned and she said the police were every other night.
“He sold the property, and the police haven’t had to come around at all,” said Birk. “Do all you can do, please. You have a good community.”
Mayor Lutz told the public where council stood on the issue.
“We don’t want these folks in Columbia. We have been working really hard to revitalize the community and something like this would not work with what we are trying to do. So we don’t want it,” said Lutz.
Helton also questioned council on whether federal funding was involved and council was unaware of the funding for the house.
“If someone is getting federal dollars to run a program as this, then people have a right to say whether they want it or not, because they are paying for it,” said Lutz.
Currently, there are no laws in Lancaster County restricting where sex offenders can live. Megan’s Law simply requires them to report where they are living and
Lutz said that the Adam Walsh Bill doesn’t affect Pennsylvania. According to Lutz, House Bill 164 does it all. It restricts where they not only live, but where they can go. It assigns penalties according to the seriousness of crime. With this bill, some offenders, depending on the seriousness, will not be permitted within 200 feet of a school, playground, or day care center. Some offenders may even have to wear an ankle bracelet, so authorities know where the are at all times.
Resident Donald Haines thanked council for a job well done. Haines moved to Columbia about two years ago and he said he’s noticed much change in that two year time period.
“There is such tremendous pride in this community, and it’s important that we are bringing the right people in,” said Haines. “Something like this will discourage family people from moving in and those are he kinds of people we want. I would like to commend council and say thank you for the hard work you’ve done in preventing this blemish.”
Helton also commended council on doing such a good job.
“I went to Marietta’s meeting and they wouldn’t really discuss anything,” said Helton. “I commend Columbia Borough Council for updating the public on what’s going on and for caring and working so hard to stop it.”
Resident Connie Beury agreed. “I just wanted to say ditto,” said Beury. “I think council is doing a great job.”
The public can help stop it too. According to Council President Sandy Duncan, the more concerns that are expressed publicly, the more help it is. Duncan asked the public to keep this a hot button item in their conversations, because community input is important.
Another way to help is to help get the House Bill 164 passed. Lutz asks that the residents contact local legislators and ask them to pass it through.