Rollerbladers, skateboarders defacing Post Office, postmaster says
STAR-JOURNAL STAFF
According to the postmaster, some of Hillsboro's youngsters have been using government property as a rollerblading area, and he isn't pleased.
For the past several months, youths have been using their rollerblades and skateboards on the loading dock at the back of the Hillsboro Post Office, according to Postmaster Norman Bouwie.
Rollerbladers and skateboarders have been using the dock — and especially the railing — as a place to practice various tricks and maneuvers, Bouwie said. The wear and tear has been chipping off the paint.
Most of the activity has been taking place at night, although he has spotted youngsters skating down the ramp during the daytime, Bouwie said.
Bouwie is concerned about the property damage as well as potential liability if someone gets hurt.
"That is some dangerous stuff," he said.
Local police told the postmaster that they couldn't do anything until the Post Office posted "No Trespassing" signs. They posted those over the weekend of Aug. 10, Bouwie said.
Now it's up to the police to take care of the problem, he said. If they spot a rollerblader or skateboarder on the property, they have the right to ticket the youth.
Bouwie hopes that a fine would teach the youngsters a lesson: Don't deface government property.
