Contractors stopped from making unapproved changes on historic buildings

Earlier this week, a contractor tried to remove a dormer from atop 147-149 Locust Street.  Said contractor did not have a permit to perform any such work within the historic district, of which this address is a part. A code enforcement officer stopped the procedure and posted a STOP WORK notice on the property.  The notice is shown below.

 A contractor attempted to remove the dormer shown above.

 The work was halted, and a STOP WORK notice was posted by Code Enforcement Officer George Weis.

The very next day, a contractor began work - again, without a permit  - at 212-214 Locust Street, another property in the historic district, this one owned by Samuel Bigler. The work was halted, and a STOP WORK sign was posted on this property as well. Any such work in the historic district must first be reviewed by the Historic Architectural Review Board to maintain the integrity of structures with historic value in the borough.

The STOP WORK notice at 212-214 Locust that no longer appears on the property.

The Columbia Borough Historic District

Clown threat to Columbia schools found to be bogus

Shown below is a notice from Columbia Borough School District regarding a supposed "clown threat" to Columbia schools. The district also notified residents via an automated phone call. The threat was found to be bogus. 

Bridge Bust postponed until Oct. 15 | Local News | lancasteronline.com

The 28th annual Bridge Bust, scheduled for Saturday Oct. 1, has been postponed until Saturday Oct. 15, due to the weather forecast for showers.
MORE:
http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/bridge-bust-postponed-until-oct/article_6eec404e-8747-11e6-9ad0-a343a34b1b0b.html

Columbia Borough Blighted Properties Report

The following Columbia Borough properties are determined to be in various stages of blight. Owners and stages of blight are shown below: 

Doolittle property at 10-12 N. 2nd to be auctioned

A public auction for the property at 10-12 North Second Street will be held on December 6, 2016.  The auction notice describes the structure as a "3-story Historic Warehouse." Terms are $10,000 down on the day of sale with settlement within 45 days.  The property was recently listed for sale for $350,000. The building was formerly home to Becker's Potato Chip Factory and is currently owned by David and Suzanne Doolittle.

Bridge Bust postponed until October 15

Family First Health to hold open house and ribbon cutting October 6

Join Family First Health on Thursday, Oct. 6 for an open house and ribbon cutting at its new Columbia Center.

Get a tour and meet the staff from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ribbon cutting will be at 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided at that time.

Coloring sheets and a photo booth will be available for kids (and kids at heart). 

Family First Health - Columbia Center
369 Locust St., Columbia
717-342-2577
FamilyFirstHealth.org


Hours of operation startingMonday, Oct. 10:
Monday: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Black Olive to have ribbon cutting, 20% discount

Black Olive Family Diner, 1506 Lancaster Avenue, will have a ribbon cutting next Tuesday, October 4, at 9 a.m.

20% of your entire bill 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Family First pre-registration Thursday and Friday

Family First Health at 369 Locust Street will hold pre-registration Thursday and Friday, September 29 & 30. There will be a ribbon-cutting on Thursday, October 6.

Recent citations from Columbia Borough Police

Police arrest man for taking light fixture cover from Veterans Memorial Bridge

SEPTEMBER 26, 2016

JOSE ANGEL PEREZ, AGE 51, FROM COLUMBIA, WAS CHARGED WITH THEFT BY UNLAWFUL TAKING OR DISPOSITION, M-2 AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF-DAMAGE PROPERTY-SUMMARY CASE, FOR AN INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED 07/21/2016.  LOPEZ UNLAWFULLY TOOK OR EXERCISED UNLAWFUL CONTROL OVER A MOVABLE BRASS PLATE, (LIGHT FIXTURE COVERING), FROM ONE OF THE LIGHTS ON THE ROUTE 462, VETERAN'S MEMORIAL BRIDGE.  THE BRASS COVER IS VALUED AT APPROX. $200.00. CHARGES WERE FILED 09/19/2016.

CHARGES WERE FILED, 9/19/2016, ON ARIES A. DRUMM, AGE 20, OF LEOLA, FOR THEFT OF CASH FROM KEAGY'S PRODUCE, ON OR ABOUT 16 SEPT. 2016.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF TO AUTOMOBILES WAS REPORTED BY A MOUNTVILLE RESIDENT, WHILE SHE WAS TRAVELING ON WEST ON THE IRONVILLE PIKE, ON THE 20TH. OF SEPTEMBER 2016, WHEN SHE HEARD A NOISE AND THEN FOUND HER REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WAS DAMAGED.   POLICE ALSO RECEIVED A REPORT OF CRIMINAL MISCHIEF TO A VEHICLE IN THE 200 BLOCK OF SOUTH 5TH. STREET, 25 SEPTEMBER 2016, WHEN THE OWNER FOUND DAMAGE TO HIS WINDSHILED.  THERE WERE ALSO FRAGMENTS OF BLUE PAINT & SMALL SPLINTERS OF WOOD  FOUND NEAR THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.  ANYONE WITH ANY INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CONTACT THE COLUMBIA BOROUGH POLICE DEPT., AT (717)684-7735.

BRIAN A. NAPOLI, AGE 36, OF PHILADELPHIA, WAS CITED FOR MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS, ON ROUTE 30 & ROUTE 441, 25 SEPTEMBER 2016.

WILLIAM VAUGHN MORANT, AGE 25, OF LANCASTER, WAS CITED FOR DRIVING WHILE OPERATING PRIVILEGE IS SUSPENDED OR REVOKED AND FOR CARELESS DRIVING, IN THE 100 BLOCK OF MILL STREET, 21 SEPTEMBER 2016.

GREGORY ALAN BOWLING, AGE 62, LAST KNOWN ADDRESS, DAYTON, OHIO, WAS CITED FOR PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS, IN THE 400 BLOCK OF CHERRY ST., 24 SEPTEMBER 2016. 

Source: 

Columbia Borough Police Department

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ARE CLOWNS TERRORIZING THE TOWN?

The following article is about clowns in Lebanon County, but they're running around Columbia too:

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/police-in-lebanon-county-neighborhood-to-increase-patrols-after-clown/article_fefdbdd4-83ff-11e6-a599-3b268755404e.html#comments

Individuals dressed as clowns are running around Columbia tonight, trying to scare residents, according to social media reports. Police and others are said to be chasing them down.

New recycling bins available to residents

FOR SALE: BIGLER PROPERTY AT 208-210 LOCUST - $74,900

For more information, go HERE.

The following notice appeared on Lancaster Online at the beginning of this year. It's not clear what steps, if any, were taken to correct the blighting conditions.

In the summer of 2015, the building was determined to be in danger of collapse.

What changes do you want to see in Columbia?

Bring your ideas on Wednesday.

Pre-School Pals at library today

3 meetings in store for Monday, Sept. 26

5 p.m. A Special Meeting of the Columbia Borough Council will be held for candidate interviews for Market House Manager.

6 p.m. Special Borough Council Meeting / Joint Meeting of Columbia Borough Council and Columbia Borough School Board regarding the Land Bank.

7 p.m. Meeting of the Finance Committee.

The meetings will be held at Borough Hall, 308 Locust Street.

About Town

Some shots about town this weekend . . .

At some point on Friday or Saturday, a vehicle took out a NO PARKING sign along Front Street, near Locust:

The Bigler property at 208-210 Locust is up for sale:

There's another sign down (near the River Park entrance):

On Saturday, the river was about three feet below normal:

Market manager candidate offers proposal for position

At 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon, September 26, Columbia Borough Council will hold a special meeting to interview three candidates for the position of market house manager for the Columbia Historic Market House. A proposal by Christopher Vera, a candidate for the position, is presented HERE.

Kat Oliver reception at SCCA on 4th Friday

4th Friday offers a wealth of activities

This evening is Fourth Friday. Visit one of the participating galleries or venues between 5 and 9 pm. Enjoy the exhibits and artist receptions planned at the galleries.

Help us celebrate the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at Rebellious Rose Wax Company (408 Locust St, Columbia). The ribbon cutting will be held at 5:30 pm but the festivities will extend beyond that.  Help SVCC greet this new business.

Make an evening of it! Stop by Locust Street Park and the 500 block of Locust St in Columbia between 5 and 7:30 pmto take part in the third annual Feet in the Street Art Show.  

Enjoy a variety of fare from participating food trucks, then linger to enjoy the magic of Daniel Clemente by the gazebo.  Bring the whole family to enjoy the art activities including an art display by CHS students.  Leave your footprint or handprint, create a chalk drawing in the street, participate in a string art creation, decorate a mask or bookmark, help with a mural, or take advantage of the face painting. Food trucks will linger until 8 pm. 

Feet in the Street Art Show is made possible through the sponsorships of Paul W Zimmerman Foundries, St John's Herr Estate, and Covanta.

Feet in the Street at 4th Friday Celebration

Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce invites the public to participate in the Feet in the Street Art Show, a free community event coordinated by SVCC. Hands-on art activities for all ages, magic, and food trucks will be located in the 500 Block of Locust Street and in Locust Street Park. The event will be held on Friday, September 23, from 5-7:30 p.m., with the food trucks staying until 8 p.m.

 

Hands-on activities such as chalk drawing in the street, make and take crafts, and giant string art may be enjoyed by the young and young at heart.  Our guests may meander to the Feet in the Street foot painting area to leave their footprint in paint. Willing attendees may dip one or both feet in various buckets containing different colors of paint to leave a personal imprint on the newsprint provided.

At 6:30, attendees are invited to join in the wonder of The Magic of Daniel Clemente.  The interactive magic show for all ages will take place by the gazebo in the park from approximately 6:30-7:30 p.m.  Throughout the evening, the public is invited to enjoy art displays from Columbia High School which will be found in Locust Street Park.

We also encourage the public to venture out to the Fourth Friday participating galleries and shops. Fabshop (26 N Fourth St) will be celebrating their last night at their current location with a moving sale and their "Trilogy of Artists" exhibit, Prudhomme's Lost Cajun Kitchen (50 Lancaster Ave) is offering live music and specials in honor of their upcoming retirement and Susquehanna Center for the Creative Arts (224 Locust St) will host "Kat Oliver's Fine Art Photography.  Visitors can find a complete listing of locations at our website, http://parivertowns.com/m/events/view/Fourth-Friday.

Our food truck vendors include the following: Rt 30 W Seafood (crab cakes, shrimp, clam strips), Crave (burgers, pulled pork, grilled Panini), Rocky's BBQ (brisket, pulled pork, ribs, mac & cheese), Scoops Ice Cream & Grille (cheese steak, chicken tenders, french fries, hand dipped ice cream, milkshakes), Sven's Café (pork tacos, shrimp tacos, Cuban food), and Half Nuts Popcorn (flavored popcorn and caramel corn).

This year's event is sponsored by Paul W Zimmerman Foundries, Covanta Lancaster, and by St. John's Herr Estate, a Luthercare Community. Money raised benefits the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, which coordinates Fourth Friday.

Garth Gallery to host two artists on 4th Friday

500 block of Locust to be closed 4-9 pm Friday, Sept. 23

Mayor Lutz honors Columbia general at hall of fame ceremony

Annville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs today inducted two new members into its Hall of Fame, recognizing their exceptional service to the department, the Pennsylvania National Guard and Pennsylvania veterans. 

Honored today were the late Maj. Gen. Edward C. Shannon, who served in the Pennsylvania National Guard and as Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania from 1930 to 1935; and The Honorable Jessica L. Garfola Wright, who retired as an Under Secretary with the Department of Defense and served as Pennsylvanias 50th adjutant general.

"Whether you call them Pennsylvania patriots, citizen soldiers or public servants, they both have one thing in common. They have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania National Guard and the United States with military and public service careers that have spanned decades, said Brig. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania adjutant general. So today, we honor their legacy of service as they take their rightful place in the DMVA Hall of Fame. 

Shannon, of Columbia, Lancaster County, was born in 1870. He began his military career in 1889, when he enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard. He advanced through the noncommissioned officer ranks and obtained a commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1893. During World War I, he earned the nickname "Two Yard" because of the reputation he developed for leading his men from the front ("two yards" ahead) during their attacks on German positions. After WW I, Shannon was promoted to Brigadier General. From 1930 to 1935, he served as Lieutenant Governor and from 1933 to 1939, he served as Major General and commander of the 28th Infantry Division. Shannon died in Columbia, Pennsylvania, on May 20, 1946, and is buried at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens in Lancaster County.  

The Borough of Columbia has been the home to many brave men and women who have served their country, some who have paid the supreme sacrifice and some who have distinguished themselves in service to their country, said Leo Lutz, Columbia Borough mayor. The citizens of the Borough of Columbia are honored to have Major General Edward Caswell Shannon as one of its distinguished generals and greatly appreciate the honor you have bestowed on him today." 

[Source: Fox43]

Columbia's Edward C.Shannon named to military hall of fame

GO HERE:

http://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/09/pa_department_of_military_and.html

Today is the first day of Fall - Thursday, September 22, 2016

Keep your feet off the wall!

Seen at Stover's today . . . 

Resident speaks out about lack of discipline at CHS

Columbia resident Joni Albright Groom spoke out about the lack of discipline and follow-through by administrators for bullying incidents at Columbia High School.  Groom spoke to the Columbia School Board at its September 15 meeting, with about 100 residents in attendance:

"I was born and raised here. I'm a true Columbian. I love our town immensely. It is part of who I am. The reason why I'm addressing you this evening is because of the ongoing problems at our schools with lack of suspensions. I watched the video that has been circulated widely this past week of the altercation in the classroom. It is very shocking to me, to say the least, and very disturbing to me that even before the physical altercation took place just how out of control that classroom appeared to me. Example: Students walking around, cellphones out, sitting on desks. In plain words, they were basically doing whatever they felt like. That's what it appeared to me.

"I witnessed firsthand, as I was employed at CHS for 21 years in the kitchen, prior to my retirement this school year. I've seen students throwing food at each other, teachers, co-workers, janitors, me, etc. I've seen students purposely make messes, be destructive, using foul and inappropriate language to myself, teachers, etc. Most of the time they were reported and written up, but the problem is most of the time they were never disciplined. In one such incident, I was personally threatened by a student, serving lunch I was, she said to me, 'I'll come back over that counter after you and I'll beat your m-f-ing a-s-s.' Guess what, this student was never written up or punished for this incident. Never. She was right back in there. In fact, she was never even taken out of the cafeteria that day. Never. I'm not so sure our teachers get the full support from the administration for handling these ongoing discipline problems.

"Mr. Strickler, I read where you said that the reason they had their cellphones out was because they were turning them off before class. Well, I plead Dr. Hollister and yourself to take a trip up to the high school and see how many cellphones are being used other than in the cafeteria. I've seen it firsthand.

"I really don't know what the solution is to these problems, but I hope we can all work as a community to make this a safe place for our students who want to learn and get a good education. In closing, there is an African proverb that says, 'It takes a village to raise a child.' Well, I guess that's what it takes."

Borough properties - some for sale, some blighted

The County Sheriff's Sale List for Wednesday, September 28, 2016,  includes properties that have been cancelled, postponed as well as those that remain active.

Currently, there are nine Columbia Borough properties on this list.

There are about 64 properties for sale in the borough at this time - three in one block alone. 
 
At the borough's September 14 Safety Committee meeting, Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Helm said there are now 25 properties in Columbia on a "blighted" list. 

There will be an "information only" meeting regarding the "Land Bank" on September 26, at 6 p.m.

This meeting immediately follows the public meeting for interviews for market manager at 5 p.m.

Committee looks at Marketplace Revitalization Project

A "Columbia Marketplace Revitalization Project" was presented during the  borough's September 20 Public Property Committee meeting.

A group of four presenters, led by Cullen Farrell and Robert Irwin, gave a 45-minute presentation about an Aquaponic Booth to be housed inside the Columbia Market House near the entrance to the dungeon.

An Aquaponic system combines conventional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment.

According to the presenters, the system would provide education as a micro-farm for children.  Re-branding Columbia, economic stimulation, tourism, were among other purported advantages of having an Aquaponic Booth.

The presenters reassured the committee that if the booth is built, they will stay with the project in Columbia.  One presenter said he plans to relocate to Columbia and wouldn't just be here on weekends.

Adding a greenhouse at the borough farm was also proposed.  Borough Manager Greg Sahd asked if it would provide crops year-round. "Yes, 10-12 harvests per year," a presenter said.

Committee Chair Pam Williams asked if foods grown this way taste the same as foods grown in the ground and was told it will be an individual taste decision. Fish would also be sold at the Aquaponics Booth.

Presenters said that they have already discussed the proposal with Council President Kelly Murphy, Ron Miller, market vendors, and some "other folks." Murphy said "We have to try something different here."  Roche FitzGerald said, "It's a really cool thing, and it's all the rage on the west coast."  

Mayor Lutz said, "I'm 100% for it, but we need to move fast."  Lutz advised the group to look into grants but added that one cannot start a project and then apply for grant money to be reimbursed. The grant application must be done prior to the project. 

The group plans to offer three styles for the Aquaponic Booth, and open the selection process to the public.  Choices would be on display at the market so that patrons can offer comments and participate in the decision. The style displayed during the meeting looked like a small red barn -  almost a "Playskool" style.  

Also on the agenda under "Old Business..."

Kevin Lehman was at the meeting to share details of a concept already presented to the River Park Advisory Committee.  According to the agenda, Lehman was slated to go first, but the Aquaponics presentation was permitted to go first.  Lehman left during that presentation and did not return. 

Family fun night at library Sept. 21

Family Fun Night happens on Wednesday, September 21 at 6 PM.  This program will feature some special guests from our community.  The children will be making care packages.  Children do not need to bring any supplies or items. 

There is a limit of 20 children and registration is required.  Age range is 5-12 and children MUST be accompanied by a caregiver.  Sorry, NO walk-ins.

Borough seeks code enforcement manager

The Borough of Columbia is accepting applications for a Full-time Manager of Code Enforcement and Storm Water. Job requirements include: Associates Degree in engineering, environmental science, management or related equivalent experience.

Applications and complete job description including a list of additional required knowledge, skills and abilities is available at the Borough Office located at 308 Locust Street, Columbia, PA 17512 or on our website at . EOE.

Applications will be accepted at the Borough Office until close of business on Friday, September 30, 2016. Category: Protective Service , Keywords: Code Enforcement Officer

Malleable Road Bridge to be closed for construction starting October 3

According to Kinsley Construction, Inc., Malleable Road Bridge over US 30 is expected to be closed on October 3 for bridge preservation work. The bridge will be closed for 50 consecutive calendar days. Detour signage will be in place for the general public to follow.

Here are the specifics:

County: Lancaster
Location: State Route 4061, Section 001, in Lancster County, West Hempfield Township and Columbia Borough
Est. Low Value:
$1,000,000    Est. High Value:
$2,500,000

Scope: The proposed deck work includes the preparation for and placement of a latex-modified concrete wearing surface, excavation, scarification & hydrodemolition, scupper adjustments, strip seal glands, superstructure painting, minor structural steel repairs, waterproofing behind abutments, guiderail updates, and other miscellaneous construction. 816 SY bituminous tack coat, seeding, erosion control, signage, pavement marking, 114 LF 6" structure foundation drain, 568 SF concrete bridge deck repair, 4 CF substructure concrete repair, 23 LF 6" Dia PVC pipe, painting existing structure steel.

Notes: This project has a "prevailing wage" requirement.