Monday, September 21, 2009

Plywood, Fencing Appear Downtown For G-20

There's an increased police presence and concrete barriers are appearing.

"I don't know what to think. The town isn't what it used to be at all and I don't know what all of this is going to bring in with all of the protestors," Candy Jiles from Verona said. "I just want things to be peaceful."

Organizations are preparing for the worst, with plywood going up on street-level plate glass windows on some buildings.

"I think it looks really bad. I don't know why it has to be that extreme," Kathy Schrantz from Verona said.

At the federal building along Grant Street, workers were moving a heavy steel fence into position around the entire building, while at PNC Bank, jersey barriers will become a wall of protection.

Anna Marie Lozer understands the precautions but says it's a shame for the out of town visitors.

"It's upsetting that they can't see the city for what it is and it's kind of frightening to be honest," she said.
kdka.com/