Protesters tell borough council they want changes in police budget for affordable housing

Carlos Jimenez, Jr., activist and vice president of civil rights group Green Dreamz

About 30 protesters demanding social change marched to Columbia Borough Hall from Locust Street Park Tuesday night. Two participants from the group spoke at that evening's borough council meeting on the police budget and affordable housing.

Carlos Jimenez, Jr., vice president of civil rights group Green Dreamz and organizer of the protest, told council he wanted part of the police budget to be re-allocated to affordable housing and also asked that the current school resource officer be removed from his position with the school district.

Columbia School Board Director Robert Misciagna offered facts and figures on affordable housing and rents in the current economy.

Both speakers can be heard at the archived version of the meeting on the borough's Facebook page HERE - Jimenez at 21:39 and Misciagna at 24:05.

A counter-protestor shared his feelings.

Protesters were almost denied the right to speak at Tuesday night's Columbia Borough Council meeting. The main entrance door to borough hall  was kept locked until shortly after 7 p.m., when about a dozen people were allowed in. By the time others got to the door, it was locked again. (Usually, the door is unlocked by 6:45 p.m.) A few minutes later, the borough manager opened the door again, but the meeting, which was 8 minutes late in starting, was already in progress, and the council president refused to allow participants access to the sign-up sheet for citizens' comments. After a brief discussion, two from the group were allowed to speak.

 Six to eight Columbia Borough officers were visible during the protest, in Locust Street Park and downtown. A few days before the protest, Green Dreamz was reportedly threatened with arrest for trespassing if participants entered the park. However, a 2014 lease agreement between Columbia Borough and the Old Columbia Public Grounds Company (the owner) makes the park a "borough property" (i.e., public), according to the former borough solicitor and former borough manager. The term of the lease is 25 years. [Source: November 10, 2014 Columbia Borough Council meeting minutes]

The ever present drones that borough officials continually deny any knowledge of hovered overhead. (A command center had reportedly been set up in the Holy Trinity School parking lot.)

Agenda - Columbia Borough Council Work Session - September 1, 2020

Download the 58-page council packet HERE.

Scenes from a protest - Green Dreamz marches on borough hall to raise awareness of social justice and racial inequality

Green Dreamz members and others marched from Locust Street Park to Columbia Borough Hall Tuesday evening to raise awareness and force change on issues such as social justice, racial inequality, and police brutality, among others. According to its website, the organization is:

"A Civil Rights Organization rooted in Lancaster. We are founded off of love and fighting against injustice and inequality. We are set to uplift, inspire, and rebuild communities for people of color through education and support! With physical demonstrations, including protests, marches, as well as events for and with the community. The funds donated to Green Dreamz will be used for supplying the community with food and resources, as-well as any necessities we will need for this revolution. This is just the beginning of the fight for change. The mission of Green Dreamz is to plant the seed of hope in a system built to destroy those of color.

"The black man needs the white man to free him from his fears. The white man needs the black man to free him from his guilt." -D.R. Martin Luther king Jr."

The Green Dreamz gathering begins at Locust Street park.

Participants march towards borough hall.

A counter-protester walks behind.

Green Dreamz at borough hall.

Green Dreamz at borough hall (3rd Street side).

 Some ask why they are protesting in Columbia.  Here's one reason:

The comment above was posted on facebook recently by a Columbia resident 
and appears to be in reaction to 
recent protests in town. 
The comment pleads for us all to stand together, yet there are still 
whites-only clubs in Columbia - as evidenced by comments from other Columbians. 
The above comment also urges us to say WE ARE....COLUMBIA!!!!!!
But who is WE?
How can there be a "WE" when Columbia is still not inclusive in all respects?


As the following comments show, Columbia still has work to do:

Some of Columbia's "ruling elite" belong to these clubs and yet say nothing.
"Silence is Compliance."

Green Dreamz brings another peaceful protest to Columbia to raise awareness about social concerns

As it has done several times over the past few months, civil rights organization Green Dreamz brought protest to Columbia Tuesday afternoon. The organization wants to raise awareness and force change on issues such as social justice, racial inequality, and police brutality, among others. Under the watchful eye of borough police and overhead drones, the group of about 30 participants gathered at Locust Street Park before marching to the municipal building for an hour of loud and forceful demonstration.

TO BE CONTINUED . . .

CANCELED: August 26, 2020 Zoning Hearing Board Meeting

Get your bingo card at the library to play Book Bingo for Grownups

Book Bingo for Grownups begins September 1st! Stop by the library for your Bingo card. Read five books in a row - BINGO! You'll be entered for some great prizes from local merchants!!

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