From the grapevine & elsewhere

Recent tidbits you might not hear about elsewhere. Some could be expanded later...

Shakim McIlwain

On Friday, Shakim McIlwain was sentenced to 4-10 years for his part in last year’s wolfpack attack on a 61-year-old Columbia man. Judge Donald R. Totaro repeatedly called him “a danger to society.” (From the grapevine)

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137 Locust Street

The building at 137 Locust Street, formerly the “Lazy K,” is reportedly in the process of being sold to a party affiliated with the apartment project across the street. The building had been up for sale for two days when an offer of $400,000 was accepted by the seller, who had been asking $475,000. (From the grapevine)

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A joint meeting of borough and school district officials will be held this coming Thursday, May 24, at 7 p.m. at the District Administration Center, 200 North 5th Street. Officials at this public meeting will discuss options and costs for moving the municipal offices from the current location at 308 Locust Street, possibly to the DAC. As of this posting, no notification of the meeting appears on the borough’s website or the school district website. (Public Works/Property, 5/15/18)

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West Hempfield Township is proposing an urban growth area boundary expansion. Development is typically promoted in such areas by the Lancaster County Planning Commission. Areas under consideration are adjacent to residential areas in Columbia, possibly along Malleable Road or Ironville Pike and could include mixed-use, high-density residential, and light business. The issue will be discussed at the May 22 Planning Commission meeting. (Safety Committee, 5/9/18)

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Despite Facebook reports to the contrary, the borough does NOT own a drone, according to several officials. (Community Development, 5/17/18)

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The borough’s trolley broke down during the last rental but was fixed immediately. Officials said they don’t know where it broke down. Currently, there are no provisions in place to accommodate passengers in the event of a breakdown. Policies are being examined. For rentals, the trolley must stay within a 20-mile radius from Columbia. (Community Development, 5/17/18)

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This might affect Columbia: A Category 4 casino is planned for Hellam Township or another nearby location. A site will be chosen next month. (From the grapevine)

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