Columbia Borough to seek minimum bid of $6.2 million for former McGinness site

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY 

Columbia Borough Council is scheduled to present a Request for Proposals (RFP) for purchase of the former McGinness airport property, at the February 10, 2026 council meeting. The borough plans to issue the invitation to bid for the redevelopment of 41.388-acres at 1020 Manor Street.

The RFP, which will officially be released on March 30, 2026, seeks an experienced developer to purchase and transform the property into a development that will expand the borough's tax base and create jobs. Bids are due by May 15, 2026, with a requested minimum bid of $6.2 million.

Development Details
The property is zoned Light Business, allowing for various light business and industrial uses. According to the RFP, the borough is open to proposals for either one large building or multiple smaller structures.

Public water, sewer, and high-speed internet are available at the street. The site is accessible from Route 441 via a railroad bridge underpass and sits just three blocks from Route 462 and one mile from Route 30.

The borough has secured funding through the Pennsylvania Business In Our Sites (BIOS) program and may be able to transfer remaining grant funds to the selected buyer through the Economic Development Company of Lancaster County.

Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated on demonstrated track record, scope of work detail, financial readiness, community benefits, project timeline, and bid price. The borough is particularly interested in developments that align with community goals and provide employment opportunities.

Questions will be accepted up to seven days before the bid closing date. The winning bidder will be announced within 30 days of bid opening and must provide a 4% deposit within 10 days and execute a purchase contract within 45 days.

Environmental and geotechnical studies, along with concept plans, are available on the borough website. A pre-bid meeting and tour is scheduled for April 8, 2026 at 10 a.m.

[Source: Columbia Borough Council Meeting packet, dated February 10, 2026]

For more information, visit: 

www.columbiapa.net/departments/mcginness_redevelopment_plans