Downtown LH merchants fear cutback in city police coverage

LOCK HAVEN, PA – Lock Haven government has proposed a change in shift length for its police department officers, one that would leave the city without force coverage for four hours a day, and more than a few downtown merchants are not happy about the proposal.

The city is seeking through binding arbitration with its Lock Haven Police Officers Association to revise force member shifts from eight to 10 hours, resulting in the four-hour coverage gap. Kira Rosamilia, head of Downtown Lock Haven Inc. and E. Main Street business owner Paula Neyhart addressed City Council at its Monday night meeting and expressed their concerns.

Rosamilia told council she had made contact with some 18 to 20 businesses and “I do have some comments from numerous businesses who do not want that.” She said one business might face increased insurance rates because of the products it sells. “They would have to adjust the entrance, add codes and have even considered hiring guards,” she said.

The Downtown manager said she has received a petition with 40 signatures from city residents and those who work in town, all of whom oppose the proposal.

Neyhart, owner of the Bus Stops Here, said her primary concern is the potential for trouble at night without around-the-clock police coverage. Fearing the loss of “our lovely Lock Haven,” Neyhart said, “I’m hopeful that you’ll take that seriously and that you will consider letting the city police do their jobs.”

City Manager Greg Wilson and members of council offered no comment after the visitors’ presentations. A binding arbitration session was held in City Hall on Friday and the arbitrator’s decision is not expected for up to two months. The previous contract with the city expired on Dec. 31 of last year.

It would be expected that state police would be available for overnight coverage in the absence of any city officers.