February Events at the Columbia Public Library

Will new code requirements backfire?

Letter from Columbia Borough explaining procedure for obtaining Certificate of Occupancy

Columbia Spy spoke with a Lancaster County businessman late today, who voiced an opinion about a recent ordinance (Ordinance 875-2016) regarding home inspections and certificates of occupancy. He requested that his name be withheld.

He believes the ordinance will lead to increased vacant and blighted properties. Owners will walk away from properties due to heavy-handed inspections and repair requirements, he said, leading to an increase in crime and a situation like that of Harrisburg, which he calls "the capital of blighted."

Citing one such home inspection lasting three-and-a-half hours and resulting in a 13-page repair list, he said that such scrutiny requires too many repairs for homes valued at only $30,000.

He surmises that every borough property decreased in value when the ordinance was passed, adding that it "borders on illegal." He said Columbia is in the shape it's in because it is mismanaged.

About Town

Monday, Monday . . .

In the morning, three-car accident on Route 30, near Laurel Hill Road . . .

In the afternoon, fender-bender at North Fifth and Chestnut . . .

Flag-raising at the Columbia Water Company . . .

On Locust Street -   Mr. Liberty . . .   Mr.? . . . Things sure have changed in Trump's America.

On 18th Street - another bank robbery at Union Community Bank. Two suspects were apprehended. The story is HERE.

 On Avenue G - Ready for demo. The backstory is HERE.

Monday, Monday

UPDATE- HHS situation resolved | East Hempfield Police Department

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/easthempfieldpd/14203/post/update-hhs-situation-resolved

Update Hempfield High School ongoing situation | East Hempfield Police Department

Ammunition found; K9s brought in.

MORE:

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/easthempfieldpd/14203/post/update-hempfield-high-school-ongoing-situation

Notice to parents from Hempfield School District

Meetings this week, January 30 - February 3

Columbia Borough Council will interview for a vacant council seat this coming Thursday, February 2, at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 308 Locust Street.

The same night and at the same time, the Columbia Borough School Board will hold its Committee of the Whole meeting at the District Administration Center, 200 North Fifth Street.

Both meetings are open to the public.

Read to Spencer at the library this Tuesday January 31 at 6 p.m.