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Resident urges action after two armed robberies, says grandchildren are no longer allowed to visit
Summary
At the June 10 Columbia Borough Council meeting, resident Barb Greer described recent armed robberies and rising youth‑related disorder, said she feels unsafe and that family members have stopped allowing her grandchildren to visit, and urged the borough to address crime and staffing concerns.
Barb Greer, a Columbia resident of nearly 22 years, told the council on June 10 that recent armed robberies and youth disorder have left her feeling unsafe and worried for her grandchildren.
“I have 2 grandchildren. 1 is 7 and 1 is 6... my children do not want my grandchildren to visit me. They do not want my grandchildren to sleep at my house anymore because they don't feel like I'm safe, and they don't feel like my grandchildren are safe here,” Greer said.
Greer recounted two recent armed robberies and said police stopped her neighbor on Avenue H during an incident and advised her neighbor to get home and lock doors. She said the incidents involved two men on foot and that officers did not catch suspects in at least one instance.
Greer also raised concerns about teenagers using "Orbeez" and firearms, and said she recognizes the police are short‑staffed but wants more action. “I know that we're short staffed as far as police officers, and I applaud them and appreciate everything they do,” she said, adding she wants to partner with the borough on neighborhood safety and has taken part in neighborhood watch efforts in the past.
No council motion or staff response proposing a specific new enforcement or staffing action was recorded during her remarks; the council proceeded to other citizen comments after Greer's statement.
