Published: July 04, 2008 11:56 pm      

Camera system aimed at deterring vandalism

Just a few years ago, there wasn’t much need for security or surveillance at Johnstown’s dilapidated and unused Roxbury Bandshell.

But times have changed.

An Adams Township company has donated a video surveillance system to monitor the bandshell – the latest contribution to the ongoing and highly successful effort to resurrect the Johnstown landmark.

And more upgrades are on the way, said Mike Hruska, chief executive officer of Intelligent Security Technologies.

“It’s just the beginning of a package that we’re going to be developing for the bandshell,” Hruska said.

The 69-year-old stone bowl was set for demolition in 2005, and city officials had gone so far as to award a bid to a Northern Cambria company. The intent was to provide more space for vehicles at often-busy Roxbury Park.

But a public outcry and a legal battle eventually led city officials to sign an 18-month lease with the Roxbury Bandshell Preservation Alliance in March 2006.

The initial volunteer-led, community-supported renovation exceeded expectations.

The alliance now has a 20-year lease with the city, and the venue regularly hosts concerts and other events.

There have been no reports of significant vandalism at the bandshell. Preservationists say the camera system will help keep it that way.

“We are actually protecting the community’s investment,” said Mary Borkow, preservation alliance president.

Hruska expects to contribute other devices to further beef up protection at the landmark.

“That will secure the perimeter and the inside of the building,” he said, adding that additional technology eventually could also allow bandshell events to be viewed online.

Meanwhile, bandshell renovations are continuing. And so are fundraisers.

The alliance, through the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority, earlier this year received an $85,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

But the locals must raise matching cash to access that grant.

“We’re probably a quarter of the way there,” Borkow said.

She added that the alliance’s Sunday concert series at the bandshell has been a “huge success” so far this year.

“We’ve just had the biggest crowds we’ve ever had,” Borkow said.

More information is available at roxburybandshell.com.