Jan. 3. By Dave Yohum. Bollards and other pedestrian safety measures for large-scale public events have been under consideration in Cornelius even before the New Year’s tragedy in New Orleans.

Large-scale events here take place either in parks, or downtown near the Cain Center for the Arts where Catawba Avenue can be closed to traffic.

Safety for all towns events is of “utmost concern,” said Mayor Woody Washam.

Mayor Washam

“As we finish design and implement the downtown festival street concept, the need to incorporate addition elements to keep everyone safe will be included,” he said.

Malfunctioning security bollards were removed from Bourbon Street before the terrorist attack which took 14 lives.

Cornelius Police use vehicles to block streets and access during large public gatherings.

Cornelius Police Chief David R. Baucom

Chief David Baucom said each event plan is carefully reviewed and if necessary additional resources are deployed to help ensure public safety.

“We have considered bollards as a more long-term solution,” Chief Baucom said.

Light Up Cornelius brought thousands of people to Catawba Avenue downtown