UPDATED: Council OKs demo to make way for construction of new apartment building on Locust Street
Columbia might be getting a new 33-unit apartment building in the downtown. Way downtown - at the corner of Locust Street and Bank Avenue.
Borough Council approved an application from Brian & Benjamin Myers Monday night for demolition at 128-132 Locust Street and 45 Bank Avenue to allow for new construction of a new four-story mixed-use apartment building at the site. The Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) initially green-lighted the project at its August 16 meeting by approving "Certificates of Appropriateness" for demolition and new construction.
The building will include ground-level retail spaces, enclosed parking, brick veneer and metal siding wall treatment, and storefront awnings and upper-level balconies, according to the submitted architectural plans and materials.
The issue must now go before the planning commission at its meeting next Monday.
Borough Council approved an application from Brian & Benjamin Myers Monday night for demolition at 128-132 Locust Street and 45 Bank Avenue to allow for new construction of a new four-story mixed-use apartment building at the site. The Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) initially green-lighted the project at its August 16 meeting by approving "Certificates of Appropriateness" for demolition and new construction.
The building will include ground-level retail spaces, enclosed parking, brick veneer and metal siding wall treatment, and storefront awnings and upper-level balconies, according to the submitted architectural plans and materials.
The issue must now go before the planning commission at its meeting next Monday.
This existing building at Locust Street and Bank Avenue is slated for demolition.
The building contains several units, at least one of which is currently occupied.
Mobile home on Bank Avenue to be moved, currently occupied
Aerial view of 128-132 Locust Street and 45 Bank Avenue
Old design and revised design
Bank Avenue
Locust Street side
Corner of Locust Street and Bank Avenue
Bank Avenue and rear of building
Comments
At this time there are no vouchers available in Lancaster County.
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At a recent zoning meeting a borough resident that was selling a two unit building had to comply with off street parking requirements. She already has two off street spaces, but the board wanted to see two more off street spaces made available.
There's an apartment house in my block with at least four units and PLENTY of room for off street parking yet they provide none. Renters and their guests take spaces on the street. This rental house has a very large flat yard that is easily accessible from the back alley. The yard is never used for any reason.
No wonder residents get angry about the code department. Nothing is dealt out evenly.
1. This is not Section #8. The apartments will be targeted to young professionals and will be available for rent to professionals, etc. This is NOT public housing.
2. The existing buildings were purchased privately by the company, which is building the apartment building. NO borough funds were utilized.
3. The company has made arrangements to provide its own parking. They will be renting some spots in the borough lot for a substantial fee, which is PAID TO the borough. The owner WILL PAY the borough. There will be remaining ample parking.
4. This building is part of the downtown revitalization to bring in younger professionals and others to settle in Columbia.
5. There will be good security.
6. There will be retail space on the first floor. On the upper floors, there will be one bedroom and one bedroom and a den apartments.
The commenters need to go to Borough meetings as opposed to relying on rumors and assumptions. This apartment building will be an asset to Columbia. All residents wants to improve downtown Columbia. Let's unite to make it happen!
I hope they are affordable and maintained.
Best wishes.
I asked Chris Vera who owned this property in the 1800's and he told me the Barber family.
They should have to do an analysis on this home.
I get it, you are promoting this thing - but let's be realistic. We're not all idiots here.