EXPLOSIVE CLASH OVER RIGHT-TO-KNOW REQUESTS ENDS WITH PERSONAL JABS AT BOROUGH MEETING
Jesse Sweigart | The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, PA – What began as a discussion about…
EXPLOSIVE CLASH OVER RIGHT-TO-KNOW REQUESTS ENDS WITH PERSONAL JABS AT BOROUGH MEETING
Jesse Sweigart | The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, PA – What began as a discussion about Right-to-Know requests and legal expenses quickly turned into one of the most heated exchanges of the night Monday as resident Robert Thompson, Mayor Leo Lutz, Borough Manager Jack Brommer, and borough solicitor officials sparred over transparency, government accountability, and the…
Columbia’s Police Pension Fund Nears Full Funding
COLUMBIA, PA – Columbia officials announced significant progress in the financial health of the borough’s police pension fund. During the meeting, council members noted that the pension plan is now approximately 95 percent funded, representing a dramatic improvement from previous years when funding levels were substantially lower. Officials recalled that the pension system once faced…
New Members Appointed to Columbia Planning Commission
COLUMBIA, PA – Columbia Borough Council approved two appointments to the borough’s Planning Commission during Monday’s meeting. Colette Shaw was appointed to serve on the Planning Commission through December 31, 2027, while Todd Alshouse was appointed as an alternate member with a term running through December 31, 2030. The Planning Commission plays an important role…
Police Recruitment Efforts Showing Positive Results
Kimberly Robinson | The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, PA – Columbia officials reported encouraging news regarding police recruitment efforts during Monday night’s council meeting. Mayor Leo Lutz said the borough recently tested five applicants for open police positions and has already seen strong interest in an upcoming testing cycle scheduled for October. According to officials, the…
Borough Seeks Additional Grants for Columbia Crossing Rehabilitation Project
Kimberly Robinson | The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, PA – Columbia Borough is pursuing additional funding to support a major rehabilitation project at the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center. Council approved a resolution authorizing the submission of a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant application that would help finance needed repairs and improvements to the popular riverfront…
Borough Advances Sale of Ridge Avenue Development Property
Kimberly Robinson | The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, PA – Columbia Borough Council has approved the next step in the sale of a five-acre development parcel located at 1110 Ridge Avenue. Council authorized borough officials to negotiate an agreement with the Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), which would market the property and seek a qualified buyer….
Columbia Unveils New Safe Streets Initiative to Improve Pedestrian Safety
Jesse Sweigart | The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, PA – Columbia officials outlined a series of pedestrian safety improvements Monday night as borough leaders continue efforts to make local streets safer for residents and school children. The initiative comes as community members continue to discuss traffic safety following August’s tragic pedestrian crash that claimed two lives…
Columbia Borough Manager Jack Brommer Announces Resignation
Jesse Sweigart | The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, PA – Columbia Borough Council formally acknowledged the resignation of Borough Manager Jack Brommer during Monday night’s council meeting, marking a significant leadership transition for the borough. Brommer’s resignation will take effect on November 13, 2026. Council President Eric Kauffman described the news as unexpected, noting that borough…
Former Club Building Nearer to Transformation into Community Resource Center
A notable redevelopment project in Columbia’s historic district is moving closer to reality. Council will consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for renovations at 425 Union Street, where Align Life Ministries plans to operate a pregnancy resource center. The project involves extensive renovations to the building’s exterior. Historic preservation officials recommended approval with conditions designed to…
Outdoor Recreation Weekend Planned for Columbia River Trail
Outdoor enthusiasts may soon have an exciting event to mark on their calendars. Council is scheduled to consider approval of the Keystone Hiking and Outdoor Weekend, planned for October 23-25, 2026. The event would feature hikes, bicycle rides, walks, boat tours, and other outdoor recreation activities designed to showcase the Susquehanna Riverlands region and Northwest…
Borough Considers Sale of Ridge Avenue Property for Economic Development
A major economic development proposal is headed before Borough Council as officials consider authorizing negotiations to sell the eastern parcel of the former airport property at 1110 Ridge Avenue to the Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). Documents included in the agenda outline a proposed purchase price of $800,000 for the parcel. The agreement would provide…
Columbia Crossings Building Could Receive $250,000 Grant for Major Improvements
Columbia Borough Council is set to consider applying for a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant to fund critical improvements at the Columbia Crossings facility. The grant would help support structural repairs and facility upgrades at one of Columbia’s most visible tourism and recreation assets. According to borough documents, officials recently learned they were awarded a…
Columbia at a Crossroads: Resignations, Redevelopment, and the Future of the Borough
By The Columbia Chronicle This week may prove to be one of the most consequential periods Columbia has faced in recent years. As borough officials prepare for tonight’s regular council meeting and Thursday’s special meeting on data center regulations, residents are watching a series of major developments unfold that could shape the community’s future for…
Columbia Chronicle Weekly Roundup
Resignation Shakes Borough Hall, McGinness Redevelopment Stalls, and Community Events Draw Crowds Week Ending September 20, 2026 It was a week filled with major developments in Columbia, ranging from an unexpected resignation at Borough Hall to questions surrounding the future of the former McGinness Airport property. Meanwhile, residents gathered downtown for one of the community’s…
Lancaster County Library Tax Heads to November Ballot: Questions Remain for Columbia Taxpayers
By The Columbia Chronicle Lancaster County voters will be asked this November whether they support a new dedicated property tax to fund public libraries throughout the county. The referendum would establish a library tax of 0.55 mills on taxable real estate, which supporters say would provide a stable and predictable source of funding for local…
Weekend Preview: Food, Fun, and Community Events Coming to Columbia
By The Columbia Chronicle Looking for something to do this weekend? Columbia residents and visitors will have several opportunities to get out, enjoy the community, and support local businesses as the borough heads into another busy September weekend. From food festivals to family activities, there’s something for everyone on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s Main Event:…
Columbia Prepares for Defining Debate on Data Centers as Borough Council Schedules Special Meeting
By The Columbia Chronicle On September 24, Columbia Borough Council will gather for what may become one of the most significant planning discussions the community has faced in years. The topic is not a specific development application, nor is it a vote to approve a data center. Instead, council will review and discuss a sweeping…
