McGinness Property Development: Supporting the Future of Columbia?

The following information is from Columbia Borough's "Vision of Economic Impact for Columbia Borough" which can be downloaded HERE. The presentation was shown at last Tuesday's borough council work session and was presumably created by Gavin, a York County advertising agency that the borough recently employed. The information is presented here without comment:

Columbia Borough is in the process of pursuing acquisition of the last remaining large tract of land known as the McGinness Property, a former airport, that will play a significant role in the long-range Economic Development Plans for the Borough. 

This land has the potential to be commercially developed in a way that will spur redevelopment, foster job creation, and drive long-term tax revenue into Columbia. Long-term revitalization of this site is forecasted to offer revenue-producing uses, which the Borough is exploring to complement the broader economic vision for the community.

Project Team

• Columbia Borough
• Economic Development Company of Lancaster
• Columbia Economic Development Corporation
• Lancaster County Housing & Redevelopment Authorities

Due Diligence

• Geo-Technical Evaluation
• Environmental Evaluation
• Site Feasibility Study
• Site Access – Traffic Impact Analysis
• Site Survey
• Title Work

Project Timeline

August 25, 2020 - Authorization to Negotiate the Purchase

• September & October 2020 – Borough & Trustees review proposed sales agreement
• October 13, 2020 – Approval of Contract with GAVIN
• February 23, 2021 – Approval to contract with ELA & ECS for Due Diligence preparation
• May 2021 – Complete Due Diligence process
• June 2021 – Final Determination to purchase property
• July 2021 – If approved, purchase land and begin development process
• 
  

Development Potential

The property is zoned Light Business

The anticipated uses for the site include:

• Technology & Innovation Park
• Light Industrial
• Commercial
• Business
• Open Space and Recreation