Monday, August 26, 2019

Note posted with permit claims HARB changes policy, urges HARB to help residents

Zoning permit, note and other information displayed at 401 Walnut Street

The photograph above shows a zoning permit with an accompanying note and other information that was posted recently in a window at 401 Walnut Street, a property in the borough's historic district. (Also posted is an Application for HARB Review.)  As the note states, the permit does not display a pink dot - indicating the proposed renovations were not reviewed by the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB). The note also states that the pink dot "has been eliminated" and will be replaced with a pink placard. However, no such changes were discussed at any recent HARB meeting. A pink placard is typically posted at a property to announce an upcoming HARB review.

Close-up showing the zoning permit and note at 401 Walnut Street

Example of a pink placard indicating changes to be reviewed by HARB


The note also suggests that HARB should lobby for grants to help residents defray the costs of HARB demanded repairs. However, Don Murphy, the name entered on the permit as the applicant, is not a Columbia resident.

At this point, it is unclear who wrote the note.

The additional information posted in the window is not required by the borough to be displayed.


Example of a zoning permit with a pink dot. The pink dot indicates that changes were reviewed by HARB.

Recently, several complaints have been aimed at HARB regarding inconsistent enforcement of ordinances related to properties in the historic district. Zoning and Planning Officer Jeff Helm is charged with enforcing these types of ordinances within the historic district. HARB is a recommending body and does not pass or enforce ordinances.

Entries being accepted for Columbia Mardi Gras Parade - Theme is "Animal Adventures"


Columbia Borough Meetings - Week of August 26, 2019


Sparrow Websites to host Open House Thursday, August 29, 4-8 p.m.

336 Locust Street

Sparrow Websites, a Columbia-based web design company, has moved offices and is now located in 336 Locust St., a former printing press and now the new Ignite building in downtown Columbia. To celebrate the move, Sparrow is hosting an open house on Thursday, August 29 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is designed to share the newly renovated Ignite building with the community, and anyone is welcome to attend. The open house includes building tours, refreshments, and a chance to meet the team at Sparrow.

Sparrow is not the only business operating out of Ignite. The building also offers affordable and flexible co-working spaces for local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Drop in anytime and meet the Sparrow team, check out their new web design studio, and enjoy some food and drinks. Catch the latest from Sparrow and get the inside scoop on the exciting opportunities coming to Columbia.

To RSVP for the event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ignite-building-grand-opening-tickets-69386628273 and reserve your free ticket. For any additional other questions, please contact hello@sparrowwebsites.com or call 717-537-1311 and view the website at www.sparrowwebsites.com and check out the new Ignite website at www.ignitecolumbia.com.


[Source: Press release]

Agenda - Columbia Borough Council Meeting - August 27, 2019



The council packet can be downloaded HERE.