The 400 block of Avenue K is closed; here's why

Shortly before 3 p.m. today (7/10/23), Columbia Borough issued a notice that Avenue K is closed and to avoid the area. Here's why:

Two houses, 154 and 156 South 5th Street (at the corner of Avenue K), were demolished today. The properties were severely damaged in a July 22, 2022 fire.

Only the upper part of the 400 block of Avenue K, from Pleasant Avenue to 5th Street, is closed.

Debris from today's demolition at 154 and 156 South 5th Street, as seen from the 400 block of Avenue K

The Lancaster County Land Bank Authority plans to have four new rental units built on the site, according to LNP HERE. The Authority will use $500,000 of $2.2 million for Lancaster County from the state’s Housing Trust Fund.

The houses as they appeared two days after the fire