ADA access? That's just plain crazy!

The ADA access to nowhere that we reported on previously HERE has recently become even more absurd.  A small section of fence has been added to prevent pedestrians from exiting onto Norfolk Southern property and walking near the railroad tracks. 

 And yet, the rear egress opens to an area a few feet from the tracks. So what's the point of the fence?

The placement of this ADA makes no sense. Pedestrians crossing from the Eastern Drillers building to this ADA will either exit "out the back" onto Norfolk Southern property next to the tracks - or go forward and then right onto Front Street (into traffic), then make another right onto the crossing to Columbia River Park. 

And what use is the pedestrian push button shown above?

Here's another view of the rear egress. (Part of the new fence can be seen on the right.) 

Although this structure is probably compliant with regulations governing ADA at traffic lights, it doesn't adhere to common sense. In fact, unless some sort of modifications are made, it will remain downright absurd. 

Cigarette believed to be cause of fire

An unattended cigarette was believed to be the cause of a small fire on the balcony at the rear of 216 Perry Street this afternoon.  A quick-thinking neighbor used a garden hose to extinguish the fire. Fire crews arrived and applied more water to ensure that the fire was out.

Downtown Columbia Holiday Events December 13th

Event 1: The Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce presents their Christmas Historic Home Tour, Mittens and Mufflers, on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 11 am -5 p.m. - rain or shine! The Mittens and Mufflers tour is a self-guided historic home tour featuring several homes on the very first established street of Columbia as well as 2 beautiful cottage homes! Beginning on November 19th advance tickets will be available at the Susquehanna Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau as well as several participating locations. Come enjoy the breathtaking, historic homes open for viewing as well as voting for the most beautifully decorated front door.

House Tour tickets: 

• Advance Tickets - $12 (price includes tax) 
• Day of Tour - $15 (price includes tax) 
• Well-mannered children under 12 - Free

Event 2: Be sure to maximize your River Town experience by visiting our Historic downtown during the day-long Old Fashioned Christmas. This special event promises a hearty dose of holiday cheer featuring special offers and complimentary refreshments at participating shops and restaurants. Old St. Nick promises to make an appearance in his workshop. There will also be performances by our area school’s children’s choir, strolling adult carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, gingerbread men decorating, cookie decorating, street vendors of hot cocoa, cider and roasted nuts, the Historic Market House and its vendors, The Columbia Historic Preservation Society’s Train Display, a historic guided tour and a variety of other fun-filled activities for children and adults. Downtown merchants will be open Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm for great holiday shopping. 5 pm is the magical time when we add a holiday glow to the Streets with luminaries and light up the downtown streetscape for the season. You’ll walk away with the nostalgia of Christmases gone by. Bundle up and wear your mittens and mufflers. 

For More Information, Contact: SVCC 717-684-5249

Leaf pickup back on schedule

Leaf collection will be back on schedule this week. Pickup fell behind due to paving and a day off on Election Day. Two collectors are now scheduled to be in operation.

Council buys replacement police car

Columbia Borough Council approved the purchase of a 2015 Ford Police Interceptor for $25,251 to replace Unit #4 that was totaled in a collision last month. Insurance will pay $20,435, with the balance coming from the 2015 Columbia Borough Budget. The equipment from the original vehicle was not damaged and will be transferred.

Shown above is the police vehicle that was totaled in a collision on October 13 while an officer was responding to a call.

Doug's Tree Service to cut River Park trees

After considering several bids, Columbia Borough Council approved the hiring of Doug's Tree Service to cut dead and dying trees at Columbia River Park at a price not to exceed $14,000. The trees slated for removal have been spray-painted with orange dots and will be cut in the near future. New trees are scheduled to be planted in the spring.

ADA to nowhere?

At tonight's council meeting, a citizen mentioned this ADA sidewalk access leading to . . . railroad tracks? The structure is located at a pedestrian crossing at Front and Walnut and is part of the Route 441 bypass project.