Cedar Rapids takes legal action over strange, bright structure

The city of Cedar Rapids is taking legal action against the owners of a strange, brightly colored structure. What exactly is this object that shines brightly at night? I’m not sure the owners even know.

KCRG reports that the odd-looking tower sits atop the old Safari Daycare playground on Prairie Drive Northeast, towering nearly 20 feet into the air. When KCRG spoke with the tower’s owner, he called it a kind of power generator and a solution for sustainable energy around the world. But at night, the bright lights are confusing and have angered some neighbors.

KCRG reports that Ulrich Ndilira Rotam built the tower. He stated that his construction is “far from the neighbors” and that he has not received any complaints. He also said that “we are in zero code violation,” which means city codes. Things got a little weird when KCRG asked him and his business owner why they simply had not obtained the proper permits from the city.

An official with SECE Energy told KCRG that they did not need a permit because the tower is a “new invention.” Rotam told KCRG that they have been working with the city of Cedar Rapids and that the project “does not require a permit.” However, the city says the tower does require a permit. The city has sent multiple notices and conducted multiple inspections at the site since April.

Cedar Rapids city officials said they told Rotam to move the structure, but KCRG reports he kept pushing back the date and refused to move the tower. Rotam claims the city is lying. Regardless, the city has filed a final notice and is contacting the city attorney.