Agenda - Columbia Borough Council Work Session - September 3, 2019

Download the council packet HERE.

In "opportunity zones," profits on investments are tax-free for years

The tax benefit allows people to delay paying taxes on profits from stocks or other investments for years. To qualify, they have to direct their untaxed gains into federally certified regions known as opportunity zones. Profits on those investments are then tax-free.

While some money is flowing to poor communities, the most visible impact so far has been to set off a feeding frenzy among the wealthiest Americans. They are poised to reap billions in untaxed profits on high-end apartment buildings and hotels in trendy neighborhoods, storage facilities that employ only a handful of workers or student housing in bustling college towns.

MORE:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/31/business/the-trump-associates-benefiting-from-a-tax-break-for-poor-communities.html

UGI sets 2% rate cut for residential customers

The new rate keeps the average monthly bill for home-heating customers in the $60 range, where it's been since June 2018. But the months ahead could change that.

MORE:

https://lancasteronline.com/business/local_business/ugi-sets-rate-cut-for-residential-customers-beginning-sunday/article_f415bcaa-cb32-11e9-9244-6b3da7e53f82.html

Measles case confirmed in central Pennsylvania; here's how to find out if you might have been exposed

The Department of Health issued a list of locations where the patient had visited to alert those who may have been exposed: 

• Fuddruckers, 2300 E. Market St., York, on Aug. 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Hershey Theater, 15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey, on Aug. 23 from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• WellSpan Stony Brook Health Center, 4222 E. Market St., Lincoln Hwy. York, on Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• WellSpan York Hospital, 1001 S. George St., York, on Aug. 26
• • in the proximity of the Lab from 1:30 to 3:45 p.m.
  • in the proximity of the Imaging Department from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. 
  • in the proximity of the Emergency Department from 6:15 to 1:45 a.m.
  • in the proximity of the Imaging Department from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.
• WellSpan Stony Brook Health Center, 4222 E. Market St., Lincoln Highway, York, on Aug. 28 from 10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• WellSpan Stony Brook Health Center, 4222 E. Market St., Lincoln Highway, York, on Aug. 29 from 9:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• WellSpan York Hospital, 1001 S. George St., York, on Aug. 29 in the proximity of the emergency room at 11:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m

MORE:

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/measles-case-confirmed-in-central-pennsylvania-here-s-how-to/article_b3b40836-cc3d-11e9-892e-ab25158adf37.html

Albatwitch Day is coming to Columbia October 12

Join us on October 12, 2019 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM for Albatwitch Day, Pennsylvania's little Bigfoot at Columbia Crossing in Columbia, PA. Music, Lectures, Vendors, Food, Ghost Tour, Trolley Tour and more. Lectures on crypto creatures with Jenn Mitchell, John G Sabol Jr. Timothy Renner, and Rick Fisher with Special Guest Jack Hubley, "Creatures Beyond the Back Door". Live music by Doomwatch 13, Fever & The Thrill, Hot Mess, Pain!, Offensive, Stone Blood Creeps and The Swamp Thumpers. Variety of music for the whole family from easy listening to Punk. Games for the kids, food provided Roses Deli N More. Lectures and music are free. Vendor space is still available.

Tee-shirts: $15.00 (available at Albatwitch Registration Table

Chiques Haunted Trail Tour tickets available by calling (717)572-7149, www.eventbrite.com or at Albatwitch Day Registration table. 90 tickets available at $10.00 per person/ 30 visitors per tour

Time(s): 6:00PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM (Meet 15 min. prior to tour)

Albatwitch Trolley Tours $5.00 per person 30-40 minute tour, tickets available at the Albatwitch Registration table from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Please follow the trolley signs for boarding

Thanks again for your support,
Christopher A. Vera

Director/ Columbia Historic Preservation Society.
PO Box 578
Columbia, Pennsylvania 17512
(717)572-7149 (C)
(717)684-2894 (M)

Columbia Borough Council accepts grant to be used toward Market House

Council voted unanimously to accept a $1.75 million state grant to be used toward renovations to the Columbia Market House and parking improvements in the downtown area. The borough is also hoping to secure a $1.2 million federal grant to help fund streetscape improvements on Locust and Walnut streets, between the Columbia Riverfront Park and the area near the market.

MORE:

https://lancasteronline.com/news/regional/columbia-borough-council-accepts-grant-to-be-used-toward-market/article_f0501932-ca59-11e9-9c53-73c4bbf85faa.html

Columbia Borough Seeks to Spur Private Investment in Downtown by Building on Existing Assets | ULI Philadelphia

ULI Philadelphia released its Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) Report, summarizing recommendations to effectively spur private investment within Columbia Borough's central business district, provide adequate parking options to support commercial activity, and enhance urban connectivity through placemaking and public space enhancements. The report concludes a study comprised of a two-day convening of real estate professionals, urban planners and other experts, as well as interviews with key stakeholders.

MORE:

https://philadelphia.uli.org/columbia-borough-seeks-to-spur-private-investment-in-downtown-by-building-on-existing-assets/

Download the full report HERE.