COLUMBIA LIBRARY UPDATE

This is the post that's hard to write.  Due to our construction, the library must CLOSE altogether between January 2 and May 19.  We will have Bookmobile service twice per month:  on the second Tuesday (11 AM to 1 PM) in front of St. John's Church and the fourth Saturday (9 AM to noon).  Lisa and Ed Miller will man the Bookmobile.  Computers will not be available but wi-fi is always available at McDonalds and Burger King.  We are looking for another source of public PCs and I'll let you know if one is available.  If you have specific questions regarding holds, etc. please PRIVATE MESSAGE me your email and I will send you detailed directions.  If the Bookmobile doesn't work for you, the closest libraries are Mount Joy and Mountville.  You may also stop by any time in December to get more info.  Please do not ask questions via Facebook; call 717-684-2255 or email me (my email is on our website)  I know this is a major inconvenience; but our payoff is a beautiful new library come June 2018!!

Columbia Borough Police Issue 38 Citations

DECEMBER 4, 2017

During the week of Thanksgiving, Officers with the Columbia Borough Police Department conducted multiple enforcement details in conjunction with the "Click It or Ticket" mobilization effort. The enforcement efforts resulted in Officers issuing 38 citations. Citations were written for the following violations: 16 Speeding violations, 10 Adult Seat Belt violations, 4 Suspended License violations, 1 Insurance coverage violation, 7 other violations.

Drivers are reminded that seat belt use is required under Pennsylvania law.

Source:

Columbia Borough Police Department

LINK

About Town

Recent pics around the town...

A property owner on North 9th is protesting the lack of a police dog on the force. The truth behind why we don't have one is different from the official version given at a recent public meeting. In fact, the truth behind other issues in town differs from the official versions.

 But right now, we're not about to stir up those hornet's nests, like this one on the 300 block of Walnut. Someone might get mad at the truth and call us negative.

 However, there's no denying the fact that we have a major drug problem in town, as evidenced by the recent spate of ODs, and discarded syringes - like this one near the bridge plaza.

 So, is Columbia rising from the ashes or fading into the dust? 

We'll leave those controversies for now and rise above it all, like this plane over River Park last week.

Speaking of River Park, here's a guy sealing the concrete at Columbia Crossing for about $8,000.

And here's an artist at work down along the tracks.

There's a lion on South 2nd attired for the upcoming winter weather.

Seen from the 200 block of Avenue I - a novel way to board up your windows.

There's a watcher on South 4th.

Speaking of watchers, surveillance cameras are keeping an eye on us.

(Sorry - we couldn't avoid controversy after all.)

At a recent meeting, the mayor said there are "exactly 50" such cameras in the borough. On our leisurely strolls through town, we spotted about 18 in plain sight. A former borough official believes there are about 20. So what about the other 30? Are they "covert"? Who monitors them? Or is this another case of the truth not agreeing with the "official version"?

But here's a positive: Work continues at 301 Locust.

The unseasonably warm weather has brought many folks out and about.

Is there a new business on the 300 block of Locust?

The new old bridge lights installed a few years ago are holding up nicely.

Near miss or near hit?

A castle of silver and gold? No, it's just that place on the hill across the river, reflecting in the afternoon sun.

Master butcher

A painting of the Grinch takes shape on South 4th.

But here's the real one in the window of Tacos To Go.

We understand the Grinch heartily supports the "tax reform" bill just passed by Republicans.

And here's Rudolph, whose nose will be turned off next year to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. Sorry, Rudolph!

Artist John Morrow crafted this mayfly-themed bike rack based on a winning drawing by third-grader Bella Gentile. The rack will eventually find its way in front of Columbia Crossing at Columbia River Park.

Winterish sky over Chestnut Street.

Temps are supposed to plunge by next weekend.

Atmospheric histrionics at sunset

The sun looks just like a ball of glowing gas, which, in fact, it is.

Rudeness at Rotary

These arrows at the top of the high school hill are now barely discernible.

And here's the result: downhill the wrong way

Tribute to a fallen vet at Laurel Hill Cemetery

Market House Update

Coleman, Alicia Amber - Retail Theft | Columbia Borough Police Department

On 12-02-17 at approx. 11:26AM the Columbia Police were called to the Dollar General store located at 960 Lancaster Ave. for a shoplifting complaint. Alicia Amber Coleman (39) of Columbia was arrested for attempting to steal a hooded sweatshirt from the store.

Case Number: 

1642-12-02-17

Arrest Date: 

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Charges:

• Retail Theft

Source: 

Columbia Borough Police Department

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/arrests/coleman-alicia-amber-retail-theft

Free books at Columbia Library through December

Columbia Burrow

                         "We got lots in stock!"

Columbia Library will close for 4 months; Bookmobile will visit twice a month

From the Columbia Public Library Newsletter – December 2017:

I’ll get right to the heart of the matter. December 31 brings us to a critical point in our construction. Due to our total remodel, our collection will be packed and stored. We will need to completely close the library for approximately four months. This is necessary for the safety of everyone.

As you can imagine, this was a very hard decision for our Board of Directors to make. But it is the safest, most expeditious way to get our new library up and running by next summer.

The Office of Commonwealth Libraries has granted us a closure period from January 2 through May 19. If construction personnel are permitted unrestricted access during this time period, our new building should be ready to go by summer!

Thank you for your understanding during this period. We will indeed reap the rewards of our beautiful new library (with expanded children’s wing, children’s computers, and a reading terrace) when this is all behind us!

Of course, we want to provide as much library service as possible during this time period. Here are the logistics:

The Bookmobile will be visiting twice a month beginning January 9. It will be staffed by Miss Lisa and Mr. Ed. The Bookmobile will be parked in front of St. John’s Church on Sixth Street on Tuesday, January 9. Hours are 11 AM to 1 PM. These hours allow us to also visit Head Start and St. Anne’s.

On Saturday, January 27, the Bookmobile will be in front of the Columbia Public Library from 9 AM until noon. I’ll be working as needed from an office at the Library System of Lancaster County, processing new items as they come in and providing some (not all!) bestsellers via the Bookmobile Stops twice a month.

Bookmobile Hours: Second Tuesday of Each Month, 11 AM to 1 PM

Fourth Saturday of each month from 9 AM to noon.

No Bookmobile visits in inclement weather.

Other options if the Bookmobile doesn’t work out for you:

Visit Mountville Library (717-285-3231) or Milanof-Schock Library in Mount Joy (717-653-1510).

Circulations here at CPL Building

Last day for checkouts from this building will be December 15.

Last day NEW books will be delivered to this building will be December 10.

I will be able to provide a limited number of new bestsellers on both monthly Bookmobile stops.

What’s going to happen to the books?

They will be packed and put into a new storage unit until construction is complete.


Where will the computers go?

They will be stored at the LSLC System offices.


What about the Book Drop?

It will be checked regularly. Anything in it will be taken to the Mountville Library for check in. After check in, it will be sent back to the owning library. Columbia items will be sent to me at LSLC to be stored.


How do I place holds?

Remember, Columbia items will be in storage. Lisa will transfer as many as possible to other libraries. Please do NOT choose “Columbia” as your pick-up location! You may either choose another library nearby OR pick them up from the Bookmobile. Please remember, the Bookmobile is only here second Tuesday over lunch hour and fourth Saturday morning. You may need to wait a bit longer to get your item. We appreciate your patience. During my hours at LSLC, I’ll be calling or emailing those who have placed holds regarding where to pick them up.


Are there computers on the Bookmobile?

No.


Will your wi-fi be running?

No. Remember, Burger King and McDonalds provide free wi-fi.


What about Summer Reading 2018?

It is ON!! I’ll be working on planning programming for the summer, and distribution of reading logs happens AFTER we re-open.

We truly appreciate your patience in all of this. The payoff will be a beautiful improved library this summer!

I am sure that many other questions will arise. Please let me know of them and I will do my best to find the answer.

But we still have the month of December!

Columbia Library Calendar of Events for December 2017

Restaurant, brewery coming to old Columbia firehouse on North 4th

Officials from real estate company Bennett Williams announced that the first floor of the old Columbia firehouse, located at North 4th Street, would become a restaurant and brewery as early as February 2018.

MORE:

http://www.ydr.com/story/news/2017/12/01/restaurant-brewery-bring-life-old-firehouse-just-across-susquehanna/908442001/

Bennett Williams's profile of the property is HERE.

"An Old-Fashioned Christmas" set for December 10, includes home tours, trolley rides, tree lighting, and more

"An Old-Fashioned Christmas," set for Sunday, December 10, will have plenty of great things to do:

A book reading by Lisa Greybill from the Columbia Public Library at Geltz Gotz Goodies 4PM Free books for kids!

Carriage rides around lower Columbia at Perfect Settings

Christmas Tree lighting at 5th & Locust Street at 5 PM

Columbia Market House vendors to purchase Christmas Gifts

Hinkle's Restaurant with a good home cooked meal

Home Tour of some of the most beautiful Mansions in Columbia (Ticket required)

Gingerbread Man decorating at Perfect Settings

Lancaster Fencibles Civil War Soldiers on the lawn at the Columbia Historic Preservation Society

Model Trains displays at the Columbia Historic Preservation Society

Santa Claus & his workshop at the Columbia Historic Preservation Society


Home Tour tickets are will be available at the following locations:

Columbia Historic Preservation Society Saturday & Sunday 1-4 PM

Columbia Market House

Garth Cafe

Geltz Gotz Goodies

The Mayfly

Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce

Tickets: $12 per person ( if purchased prior to Sunday, December 10, 2017)

$15 per person (Sunday, December 10, 2017)

Time: 11 AM - 5 PM

Small Works Show at SCCA Sunday, December 10

"Small Works Show" will open Sunday, December 10, 1-4 p.m.

Artists in show: Rebecca Ast, Dan Burns, Elizabeth Burns, Scott Cantrell, Jeremy Friedly, Milt Friedly, Kristina Funk, James Fuhrman, Carol Galligan, Claire Giblin, Meghan Kreider, Frank Morgan, Lisa Pauciello-Rowe, Lily Rowe, Richard (Dick) Ressel, Brant Schuller, Carol Shane, Scott Spangler and David Wright.

Santa's coming to the Columbia Library on Saturday, December 9

Did Heritage Drive become a $40,000 gift to cottage owners?

River cottage owners will be the main beneficiaries of the latest phase of the ongoing Heritage Drive project that aims to extend and expand improvements at Columbia River Park.  Cottages within the riverfront tract will become even more of a cloistered community when all upgrades are complete.

A security fence was recently installed on the boundary between Heritage Drive and the private tract that contains 33 individual properties.  In addition, new trees are being planted behind the fence - on private property - for privacy and beautification. The cost: $40,000 and change. Although the project is being funded by a municipal bond, it will be up to borough taxpayers to foot the bill when it comes due.

Shown above: recently installed security fence along Heritage Drive.  The cottage owners' tract is shown behind the fence.

At the November public works committee meeting, officials said the improvements were needed for privacy and aesthetics, and to resolve trespassing issues. Public Works Director Ron Miller said cottage owners told him that, due to the increased number of visitors to Columbia River Park, people are entering Riverfront Drive, a private road that runs through the tract. He said the new fence was a way to make a boundary. Mayor Leo Lutz added that the fence will also prevent encroachment on Heritage Drive by the cottage owners. “By putting the fence there, that's stopping that encroachment,” he said.

“They [cottage owners] thought they needed a fence for some privacy or some delineation between the property and the park,” Miller said. A slightly more expensive fence was preferred over a plain chain link fence for consistency. “I thought it would be pretty ugly to put a chain link fence along there, so we matched up what we had at the parking lot [at the bottom of Locust Street]," Miller said. "It's the same exact fence.” Miller said he decided on the security fence due to the minimal cost difference. The borough paid about $32,000 for the fence, according to Miller. The borough will be responsible for maintaining the fence.

Miller said the original plan for a fence on the boundary between Heritage Drive and the railroad tracks was nixed because Norfolk Southern, which owns the railroad, didn't want a fence that was only 25 feet from the center line of the tracks. Consequently, the fence was moved to other side of the road, toward the cottages. “I talked with the homeowners down there and the people - they thought it would be great to put it on that side,” Miller said. He added that Norfolk Southern plans to put "riprap" along the bank on the railroad side of Heritage Drive. (Riprap consists of rocks and chunks of concrete used to stabilize sloped areas and prevent erosion.) Officials are pleased that the borough and the railroad have been able to reach common ground on several projects, including this one. “Norfolk Southern is happy with the relationship we now are developing,” Lutz said.

Some of the 52 trees ordered for the project.

The borough also ordered 52 trees for the project - at a cost of $8,200. The trees, intended to increase privacy at the tract, are being planted "behind" the security fence, on private property, to replace old trees that were removed during roadway construction. “It's part of what we tore up," Miller said. "It's part of taking the old trees down and opening that roadway up.” Miller said restoration on private property can include trees. Many of the old trees that were removed were on public property where cottage owners had encroached. (Some of the new trees are also being planted elsewhere around the borough.)

A few trees planted on private property

Initial talks for the project began about a year ago, according to Miller. He said he held three night meetings with cottage owners at borough hall prior to starting the project. “We've been in constant communication since day one,” he said.

Final details for Heritage Drive include signage and "fairly extensive" rain gardens near the parking area between Locust and Walnut Streets. Miller said environmental agencies DEP and DCNR give points for such projects. “We tried to do as much as we could with the money we had in the budget. We're still under budget for that project, because we did 99% of it ourselves,” Miller said.

In 2010, cottage owners banded together to form the Columbia Heritage River Cottage Association, Inc., whose profile is HERE.  Riverfront Drive is a privately owned and maintained "common area" of the Association.

As shown above, the tract owned by the Columbia Heritage Cottage Owners Association is bounded by Heritage Drive (in green), Locust Street extended (yellow), Union Street (orange), and the Susquehanna River.  Railroad tracks are shown in purple.


Although the cottage owners' private tract claims a portion of shoreline, everyone can still access the river in that area via Union Street on the south side of the tract, and Locust Street extended on the north. There is also a public boat ramp at the bottom of Union. Even though a fence was erected on Locust Street extended, the property is owned by the borough and is considered public. “We didn't want to open that street up the whole way," Miller said. "It's no need to.” He said borough workers keep the property as a stormwater right-of-way and use it to do storm drain outfall cleanouts. “I see no reason to open it unless council directs me to,” Miller said. “It is ours if we so choose to open it and pave it.”

Happening at the Library Wednesday November 29

Toy/Gift Card Bingo at CBFD Friday, December 1