Columbia, PA (May 26, 2026) — In one of the most intense and widely attended meetings in recent memory, Columbia Borough Council rejected a $6.35 million bid for the old airport property Tuesday night, following hours of passionate public comment from residents.

The proposal, submitted by New York-based Sadia Holdings LLC, had raised concerns that the site could be developed into an AI data center—sparking widespread opposition throughout the community.

Standing Room Only Crowd

The meeting drew hundreds of residents, filling the fire hall beyond capacity and forcing additional attendees to gather outside. Emotions ran high throughout the evening, with speakers urging council to prioritize the long-term health of Columbia over short-term financial relief.

At one point, the meeting was briefly disrupted due to an emergency in the building, adding to an already tense atmosphere.

Community Voices Drive Decision

During extended public comment, dozens of residents spoke out against the sale, citing concerns about:

• Environmental impact on the Susquehanna River
• Increased energy and water consumption
• Constant industrial noise
• Minimal job creation
• Loss of green space and community character

A petition opposing a data center reportedly gathered over 1,400 signatures.

“This town deserves a lasting ecosystem and a serene community,” one speaker said, echoing a recurring theme of the evening.

Others emphasized Columbia’s growing identity as a recreation-focused river town, arguing the property could be better used for tourism, housing, or community development.

Financial Pressures Still Loom

Despite the overwhelming opposition, council members acknowledged the borough’s ongoing financial challenges.

Officials noted the town faces a significant structural deficit and limited opportunities for revenue growth due to its size and land constraints. The property, originally purchased in 2021, has yet to generate income.

Supporters of the sale argued the bid represented a rare opportunity to bring immediate funding and future tax revenue into the borough.

However, those arguments ultimately fell short against public resistance.

Zoning and Transparency Concerns

A major point of frustration for residents was the lack of clarity surrounding the buyer’s plans, largely due to the sealed bid process required under Pennsylvania law.

Complicating matters further, data centers are already permitted by right in certain borough zones following prior zoning changes—meaning development could proceed without additional public hearings.

Council also confirmed that a proposed ordinance to regulate data centers is still in draft form and was tabled for further review, leaving many questions unanswered.

Decision: Bid Rejected

After lengthy discussion, council moved to reject the bid, opting not to proceed with the sale at this time.

The decision was met with visible relief and applause from many in attendance.

What Comes Next?

With the bid rejected, the future of the McKinnis property remains uncertain.

Council may choose to:

• Reopen the bidding process
• Explore alternative development opportunities
• Partner with organizations for community-focused use
• Revisit zoning and regulatory frameworks

Residents made it clear they intend to stay engaged moving forward.

A Defining Moment for Columbia

Tuesday night’s meeting marked a pivotal moment for Columbia—highlighting both the borough’s financial realities and the strong voice of its community.

For many, the outcome reinforced a simple message:

The future of Columbia should be shaped by the people who call it home.