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Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
Borough official admits "oversight"
At the September 22 Columbia Borough Council Committee of the Whole meeting, the approval of construction of an outbuilding on the 600 block of 13th Street was characterized as an "oversight" by a borough official. The official used the term in response to a question from a resident as to why the building was approved for construction in a residential neighborhood. The structure has been a source of concern for neighbors due its appearance, size, proposed use, and potential impact on neighborhood property values. Currently, a "stop work" order is in effect to halt further construction.
More details to follow.
Two views of the structure in question
Committee of the Whole meeting tonight
The Columbia Borough Council Committee of the Whole meeting will be held tonight at 6 o'clock at Borough Hall, 308 Locust Street.
The meeting is open to the public.
The meeting is open to the public.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
End of a project, start of an era
The recently installed lantern-style fixtures replaced the previous cobra-head lights that once overlooked Route 462 from atop their perches lining the Veterans Memorial Bridge. Monies from federal, state, and local organizations, and private donors, funded the project. Currently, the new lights are operating on a temporary feed until PPL runs a permanent electric line.
Friday's ribbon-cutting at the bridge marked the end of a 12-year saga and the realization of a dream for supporters of the project. The $2.3 million beautification project was originally proposed by Claire Storm of Columbia, who pushed for funding and convinced local and state officials and organizations to support the endeavor. Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz, Rivertownes PA, State Rep. Dave Hickernell, and State Senator Mike Brubaker were among those who got on board, in a joint effort involving Columbia, Wrightsville, and West Hempfield.
The date of the ceremony was chosen to conform closely with that of the original bridge opening in 1930. Friday was also National POW/MIA Recognition Day, a fitting coincidence since the bridge is dedicated to veterans. The ceremony included a motorcade of 20 1930s-era cars, many of which would have looked at home on the bridge 84 years ago.
Mistress of Ceremonies Meredith Jorgensen opened the event with remarks on the history of the bridge and its importance to Columbia and the surrounding areas.
Claire Storm's son Albert, 1st Sergeant US Army Retired, spoke of the sacrifices of local veterans and poignantly remembered Columbian Bill Elliott, who was killed in the 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing. Storm called the bridge a “unifying work of art.”
Local groups rounding out the observance were the Catholic War Veterans Post 1306 Color Guard and the Columbia High School Band.
Following remarks by local officials, Mrs. Storm, aided by her son, cut the ribbon on the Columbia side, marking both the conclusion of the project and the beginning of a new era for the historic bridge.
Ribbon-cutting
Ribbon-cutting (another view)
Motorcade
Motorcade (another view)
Friday's ribbon-cutting at the bridge marked the end of a 12-year saga and the realization of a dream for supporters of the project. The $2.3 million beautification project was originally proposed by Claire Storm of Columbia, who pushed for funding and convinced local and state officials and organizations to support the endeavor. Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz, Rivertownes PA, State Rep. Dave Hickernell, and State Senator Mike Brubaker were among those who got on board, in a joint effort involving Columbia, Wrightsville, and West Hempfield.
The date of the ceremony was chosen to conform closely with that of the original bridge opening in 1930. Friday was also National POW/MIA Recognition Day, a fitting coincidence since the bridge is dedicated to veterans. The ceremony included a motorcade of 20 1930s-era cars, many of which would have looked at home on the bridge 84 years ago.
Mistress of Ceremonies Meredith Jorgensen opened the event with remarks on the history of the bridge and its importance to Columbia and the surrounding areas.
Claire Storm's son Albert, 1st Sergeant US Army Retired, spoke of the sacrifices of local veterans and poignantly remembered Columbian Bill Elliott, who was killed in the 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing. Storm called the bridge a “unifying work of art.”
Local groups rounding out the observance were the Catholic War Veterans Post 1306 Color Guard and the Columbia High School Band.
Following remarks by local officials, Mrs. Storm, aided by her son, cut the ribbon on the Columbia side, marking both the conclusion of the project and the beginning of a new era for the historic bridge.
Vintage cars lining the plaza on the Columbia side
A driver in period attire
A member of the color guard
Representatives of Catholic War Veterans Post 1306 Color Guard
The crowd filtering in
The ribbon, awaiting the scissors
Mistress of Ceremonies Meredith Jorgensen
Ms. Jorgensen addressing the audience, with ribbon and bridge in the background
Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz
Members of the Columbia High School Band
Pastor Mark Kopp of St. James Lutheran Church
Albert C. Storm, Jr.
Vietnam War vets
State Senator Mike Brubaker
State Representative Dave Hickernell
Claire Storm
Claire and Albert Storm
The procession (with bridge lights in view) driving into history
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