From Runways to Revenue: Columbia Borough’s Bold Bet on the McGinness Innovation Park
By ColumbiaPa.Online | November 7, 2025
In a move that could redefine Columbia Borough’s economic future, local officials have transformed a long-abandoned airfield into a launchpad for innovation, jobs, and revitalization. The 58-acre McGinness Airport site, once a quiet patch of land near Route 462 and U.S. Route 30, is now the centerpiece of a multi-million-dollar redevelopment effort known as McGinness Innovation Park.
Why Columbia Bought the Land
In August 2021, Columbia Borough purchased the McGinness property for $1.5 million, marking the largest land acquisition in borough history. The decision was driven by a desire to control the future of the site, which had sat idle for years under private ownership.
“This gives us an opportunity to seize on something that no one else in our area is doing—and that is unmanned aircraft. That’s the future,” said Council President Heather Zink. [local21news.com]
Borough Manager at the time, Mark Stivers echoed the sentiment: “Our mission is to guide responsible and inclusive economic development that fosters greater opportunity for our community.” [cpbj.com]
The Vision: Innovation, Industry, and Recreation
The borough’s plan is ambitious. The site will host:
- A technology and innovation campus, with a focus on drone technology and STEM training.
- A business park subdivided into parcels for commercial and light industrial use.
- A nature preserve and hiking trails, preserving 14.5 acres for public recreation.
One anchor tenant already lined up is DR1 Group, a nonprofit focused on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) research and training. [columbia-edc.org]
Funding the Future
To make the vision a reality, Columbia secured over $8.4 million in state funding, including:
- A $3.3 million grant
- A $5 million low-interest loan from Pennsylvania’s Business in Our Sites program [columbia-edc.org]
These funds will cover environmental remediation, infrastructure, stormwater systems, and road construction.
Cleaning Up the Past
Before development can begin, the borough must address decades of buried debris and contaminated soil. Engineering reports revealed improperly compacted fill and traces of arsenic, lead, and petroleum. [columbiapa…ogspot.com]
The borough received a key EPA permit in January 2025, allowing soil stabilization to begin. Bids for Phase I remediation were opened in spring, with work expected to take 3–4 months. [ourcommunitynow.com]
Economic Impact
Once fully developed, McGinness Innovation Park is projected to generate $1.2 million annually in tax revenue. Borough officials hope the site will attract high-skill jobs, boost local businesses, and reduce reliance on residential property taxes. [citizenportal.ai]
“This is the last, biggest piece of undeveloped, developable land in Columbia,” said Stivers. “We’re confident developers will come once the site is ready.” [wgal.com]
Political Debate
Not everyone agrees with the borough’s approach. The McGinness purchase became a flashpoint in the 2025 council elections, with some candidates criticizing the cost and delays. A recent 25% property tax hike added fuel to the debate. [columbiapa…ogspot.com]
Still, supporters argue the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term costs.
What’s Next?
With soil work underway and subdivision plans in progress, Columbia Borough is preparing to market the site to developers. Whether sold as a whole or in parcels, the borough aims to create a flexible, shovel-ready campus that meets the needs of modern industry.
“This could be the beginning of Columbia’s renaissance,” said Bill Kloidt of the Columbia Economic Development Corporation. [cpbj.com]
