School board weighs move of borough offices and police to DAC building
According to two board directors, Kathleen Hohenadel and Charles Leader, the idea of a move was suggested at this month's Columbia Borough Community Development meeting. Hohenadel said the issue was announced at the meeting as if it was a "done deal." She said Borough Manager Greg Sahd stated that Tom Strickler, the district's director of operations, told him that the school board is in favor of the move. Strickler refuted that notion, however, and told the board that he never said that. He said he told Sahd that he needs to contact the school district and that the board may be open to have the discussion. He added that he told Sahd to email the school board president.
A joint feasibility study might be undertaken to determine pros and cons of the move. Hohenadel said the borough has put out a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) for borough properties including the Municipal Building (Borough Hall), the Market House, and the former Columbia No. 1 Fire Company building on Front Street. If all aspects of the plan fall into place - among them, the Municipal Building finding another use - borough offices theoretically could then move into the DAC. The borough would pay for use of the center, thereby helping the district, and in the process helping the borough and helping the downtown.
The idea of such a move is not completely new. Mayor Leo Lutz floated the idea at a previous school board meeting.
At discussion's end, Board President Keith Combs said he will contact Sahd to set up a meeting. He said he wants information from Luthercare and borough council before considering a feasibility study.
Comments
The taxpayers can speak out at meetings, but too often the projects move ahead regardless of their concerns. Voting could put an end to reckless spending habits.
The sewer plant feasibility study cost $76,000 or so. I'm fairly certain this study won't be a dime less.
The DAC Building would surely require significant construction to accommodate the police department and borough offices. That will run in the millions.
The borough offices are now being carpeted or having some type of flooring installed by Essis and Sons. They carry high end carpet and flooring. It's not Carpet Mart. When was that approved and what's that costing?
Leaving the downtown Locust Street area with no police department will be interesting, especially at night.
While the RFEI was presented during the May council meeting, Columbia news, views & reviews asked for a copy to publish, we were advised the RFEI had not passed through legal counsel.
We were promised a copy would be released to us for publication when it's been approved by legal counsel. We have not yet received the document.
Well if Tom said its a done deal then it is already a done deal. Tom is the best man in this town. He cares about all of us. LOL......Another Great thing for the town. Spend Spend Spend where is the benefit to the home owners. it certainly isn't cutting taxes. They go up every year.
That council members and his supporters better take a step back!
Their agendas screwed the taxpayers enough!
Why move to the DAC building? Oh that's right, make room for store fronts and high end condos at Borough Hall. As for market they could give a care. Don't even want to even make it work... If they want to move why not move down to the Columbia No.1. New building and has amples space and parking. Damn...
Fix up the center of town instead of playing around with this other business of fantasyland. ��
As for the RFEI. That won't happen for awhile since it was put out then pulled back to add then put out once again only to be pulled due to the fact they didn't check with solicitor on things and now wording needed to be corrected. I believe they sit there at meetings! WTH! Wasting money. Ass backwards town and Disneyland dreams! How's about walking your town and talking to all citizens so you can get a grip on your town you represent!