The city of Cedar Rapids is taking legal action against the owners of a strange, bright structure. Exactly what is this item that shines brightly at night? I'm not sure the owners even know.

KCRG reports that the odd-looking tower sits on the old Safari Daycare playground on Prairie Drive Northeast, and it stretches nearly 20 feet into the air. When KCRG talked with the tower's owner, he called it some sort of power generator and a solution for sustainable energy around the world. But at night, its bright lights are confusing and angering some neighbors.


KCRG reports that Ulrich Ndilira Rotam built the tower. He stated that his structure is "far away from neighbors" and that he has had no complaints. He also said that "We violate zero code", meaning city codes. Things got a bit strange when KCRG asked him and his business owner why they simply didn't get the proper permits from the city.

An official with SECE Energy told KCRG that they didn't need a permit because the tower is a "new invention." Rotam told KCRG that they worked with the city of Cedar Rapids and that the project "doesn't require a permit." But, according to the city, the tower does need a permit. It has sent multiple notices and has done several inspections at the site since April.

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Cedar Rapids city officials stated that they had told Rotam to move the structure, but KCRG reports that he kept pushing back the date and refusing to move the tower. Rotam claims the city is lying. Either way, the city has filed a final notice is contacting the city attorney.

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