Historic Review Board Advances Signage, Porch, and Church Fence Projects in Columbia
The Columbia Borough Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) held its January meeting on January 14, approving several property improvement projects across the borough’s historic district. The meeting focused on proposed storefront signage, storm‑damage reconstruction, and fencing intended to support a local school’s outdoor space.
After opening with the Pledge of Allegiance, the board adjusted its agenda to address multiple applications, all of which ultimately received unanimous recommendations for approval and will now advance to Columbia Borough Council for final consideration.
New Signage Approved for Nibbles Corner at 459 Cherry Street
The board began with an application for 459 Cherry Street, submitted by property owner Kurt Edmund for a neighborhood business known as Nibbles Corner. The proposal called for vinyl signage applied directly to the storefront windows, featuring the store’s logo and descriptive text such as “groceries” and “snacks.”
Edmund explained that all artwork specifications, measurements, and professional installation quotes had been included with the application. Board members reviewed photos and mockups showing the signage on windows facing both Cherry Street and South Fifth Street.
Board members spoke favorably about the design, noting that it was modest, appropriate for a mixed residential‑commercial area, and fully reversible.
“It’s not glaring or overpowering,” one member commented, adding that it fit well within the surrounding neighborhood and would not damage the historic building.
The board voted unanimously to recommend a Certificate of Appropriateness for the signage, allowing the proposal to move forward for Borough Council approval.
Porch Reconstruction Approved Following Vehicle Damage at 546 North Third Street
The board next reviewed a reconstruction project at 546 North Third Street, where a vehicle had collided with the home’s front porch, causing significant structural damage. Sean Davis, co‑owner of Better Choice Solutions, presented the project on behalf of the homeowner, Justice Strickler, and Travelers Insurance.
The proposed work includes rebuilding the porch using composite railings, architectural shingles, and wrapped support posts, as well as screening in the porch area. Davis explained that while the original porch had featured a small stone railing detail, efforts to locate or replicate the stone were unsuccessful, and the stone had already been removed prior to the contractor’s involvement.
Board members discussed whether the stone detail was a significant historic feature and determined that it was not original to the home’s structure. They also noted that similar porch styles had previously been approved in the borough, including a comparable project on North Linden Street.
“The proposed porch is cleaner and fits the neighborhood better,” one member remarked during discussion.
Finding the design consistent with surrounding properties and appropriate for the historic district, the board unanimously recommended approval.
Holy Trinity Church Fence Extension Approved to Support School Use
The final major application involved Holy Trinity Church at 409 Cherry Street, represented by Mike Hellway, a member of the church’s building and grounds committee. The church sought approval to extend its existing fence along Fourth Street, enclosing additional lawn space near the church.
Hellway explained the fence extension was intended to prevent dogs from entering the lawn, which the church hopes to use as an outdoor play area for its grade school students. According to the application, the new fence would match the existing design but be slightly shorter, standing at 48 inches instead of 54.
Board discussion touched on whether the request technically fell under zoning regulations rather than historic review, but members ultimately agreed the fence was reversible, visually unobtrusive, and would not detract from the historic character of the church or district.
“I don’t think it impacts the historical presence of the building at all,” one member stated.
The board unanimously approved the motion to recommend the fence extension.
Administrative Approvals and Next Steps
During administrative updates, the board noted that North Fourth Street had received administrative approval for interior structural support work, which did not require HARB review. At 401 Locust Street, updated satellite equipment was approved after staff confirmed it remains fully enclosed and not visible from the street.
With no additional public comment, the board adjourned the meeting. All projects approved during the session will now be forwarded to Columbia Borough Council, which holds final authority. Applicants will be notified of the upcoming council meeting date, where official approval and permits may be issued.
The next Historic Architectural Review Board meeting is scheduled for February 11, 2026, at 6:30 p.m
