Council advances motion to remove data centers from light business zoning, affecting former McGinness property

Councilman Ethan Byers introduced a motion to remove data centers from the list of permitted uses under light business zoning.

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY 

At Tuesday night's council meeting, Councilman Ethan Byers introduced a motion to remove data centers from the list of permitted uses under light business zoning. The change could potentially prevent a data center from being built on the former McGinness Airfield property. The motion received a second from Councilman Tom Ziegler before the 4 to 3 vote in favor of the motion. 

The proposal sparked discussion among council members, including some pointed exchanges. Councilman Kelly Murphy raised concerns that the motion hadn't gone through the proper legislative process. Byers pushed back, arguing that as a councilman, he himself represents part of that legislative process, and that crafting legislation isn't the sole responsibility of any one council member.

While the motion is being viewed as an early win for residents opposed to a data center at the site, the issue is far from settled. The proposal must still move through planning review at the municipal and county levels before returning to council for a final vote.

MORE DETAILS WILL FOLLOW 

Eli Krouse sworn In as Columbia Borough's newest police officer

Eli Krouse was sworn in as a Columbia Borough police officer by District Justice Miles Bixler during the July 14 borough council meeting.

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY 

Eli Krouse was sworn in as a Columbia Borough police officer by District Justice Miles Bixler during the July 14 borough council meeting. 

The swearing-in follows Krouse's graduation from the Reading Police Academy on June 26. The Columbia Borough Police Department announced he completed the program's demanding 919 hours of training over six months to earn his certification.

Krouse's path to law enforcement includes both military and academic credentials. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, having served from 2018 to 2024. He also graduated from Antietam High School before going on to earn a bachelor's degree in emergency management from Millersville University.

Agenda— Columbia Borough Council Meeting — July 14, 2026

The meeting packet is HERE.

Deeds Recorded — Columbia Borough — July 13, 2026

Carolyn A. Kauffman conveyed 1140 Chestnut St. to Justin Misal for $345,000.

Awad Raouf R, Awad Janis B. conveyed property on a public road to Jiddos Garden LLC for $500,000.

Spring Valley Partners LLC conveyed 465 Locust St. to Nabilco Management LLC for $175,000.

Spring Valley Partners LLC conveyed 469 Locust St. to Nabilco Management LLC for $285,000.

One Stop Properties LLC conveyed property on South Third Street to PDC3 LLC for $515,000.

Esbenshade Dean A, Esbenshade Tracey L. conveyed 375 Kinderhook Road to Redding Ryan B, Noll Alyssa for $289,900.

River Side Real Estate LLC conveyed 232 Locust St. to JBS Homes LLC for $270,000.

About Town — July 12, 2026

This week's photos of Columbia 

Click on photos to see larger, sharper images. 

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY 

In memory of Anthony Stoy-Velazquez

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Chicory flower in a field of chicory

A few artifacts at Tollbooth Antiques . . .

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A little off-kilter

Progress at Von Hess . . .

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Three modes of transportation 

Possible toothache 

Either that, or she doesn't know what to do with these two bad kids.

Columbia could be a contender for title of "Weed City USA." 

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Patriotic Flagapalooza

Sometimes two heads are better than one.

Facades

ORCA was in town. 

750 South 9th Street 

The fountain's running, thanks to Michael and Nora.

Aftermath of fire and demolition on South 4th 

Saturday morning bike ride!

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Columbia Borough postpones data center ordinance discussion, will hold special meeting later

According to a July 10, 2026 LNP/LancasterOnline article, Columbia Borough Council is postponing debate on its proposed data center ordinance until a special meeting sometime in the next month, at a location still to be determined, due to anticipated high public turnout.

A council workshop meeting scheduled for July 7 was canceled because expected attendance would have exceeded the council chambers' capacity. Rather than finding a larger venue for next Tuesday's regular meeting, the borough opted to hold a separate special meeting later, according to borough manager Jack Brommer.

Council Vice President Heather Zink, who helped draft the data center ordinance, noted that some changes suggested by Saadia Holdings LLC had been incorporated into the draft. Saadia is the developer interested in buying the 41-acre former McGinness property for a possible data center.

Pennsylvania Fans Have Chosen Their High School Baseball Player of the Year

https://www.si.com/high-school/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-fans-have-chosen-their-high-school-baseball-player-of-the-year-01kww814c27y?fbclid=Iwb21leAS8yQRjbGNrBLzJAmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHmbwdRH6fz0tCSufpxdVzuwq7wzpf306SfRygS11W44u6lmXKwtdbrU0GXCW_aem_SNvFIgcATkbxRbOPabfpQQ