BALDWIN BOROUGH, Pa. — A Baldwin Borough man who put a giant illuminated cross outside his home says he will not take the structure down.
Carl Behr addressed Baldwin borough council Tuesday night, after the borough told him he had five days to take down a 24-foot cross he built at his property along Robbins Street.
The crosses aren’t coming down, they’re staying where they’re at,” said Behr. “Somebody has to make a stand against these people and I’m here to make it.”
Council listened quietly to Behr, but then chose not to respond to his speech.
Borough Manager John Barrett said Behr can apply for a permit for the cross, but it won’t likely be granted. He says the cross won’t meet several size and placement requirements.
“We’ll continue to issue citations and then ultimately it will be heard by a magistrate and then by a judge,” said Barrett.
Behr said the giant cross is an act of faith, but one neighbor claims it’s an act of revenge.
Next-door neighbor Lisa Fera said she contacted police and the borough because she felt Behr purposely built the large cross facing her home.
“I’m not looking to be a bad neighbor,” said Fera. “I believe in God. I believe in being Christian. But if you are truly Christian, then you would be supporting and respecting your neighborhood.”
