Year: 2016

Susquehanna Gateway funding problems?

As much as $2.25 million is stuck in Pennsylvania’s ongoing budget stalemate; one of the agencies that would be getting funded from that pool of money is the Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area, a 15-year-old effort to bolster river towns and increase tourism.

The heritage area was involved in getting the art deco lights for the Route 462 bridge in Columbia, the turnover of more than 3,400 acres of PPL land along the Susquehanna, and in developing several popular trails in the region.

Beginning in March, the heritage area will begin operating the new Columbia Crossing River Trails Center in Columbia that will serve as the popular pathway’s trailhead. (Funding for operating the visitors center is not jeopardized.)
MORE HERE

Do not stop on tracks

When vehicles exit Columbia River Park, the traffic signal at Front and Walnut occasionally changes to red while vehicles are still crossing the railroad tracks. But the sign on the right says: DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS. So, the options become: either stop between sets of tracks until the light changes, or proceed through the red, breaking the law and possibly driving into cross traffic. In the latter case – who is liable?

Of course, the most desirable solution to the problem is to properly adjust traffic signals so that the problem doesn’t occur.

DÉJÀ . . . POO!

Recently, piles of chicken manure were delivered once again to McGinness Field, this time near the intersection of Twelfth and Franklin.  A source has told Columbia Spy that the manure was delivered on February 12. Two years ago, manure piled in this same field was believed to be the cause of a massive fly infestation in the area.  Nearby residents had also complained of a pungent odor emanating from the manure. WGAL’s report on the previous issue is HERE.
Since manure is a breeding ground for flies, another infestation could occur in a few months.

Salmonella is another concern associated with poultry feces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

“Live poultry may have Salmonella germs in their droppings and on their bodies (including feathers, feet, and beaks) even when they appear healthy and clean. The germs can also get on cages, coops, hay, plants, and soil in the area where the birds live and roam. Additionally, the germs can be found on the hands, shoes, and clothing of those who handle the birds or work or play where they live and roam. Raising chickens in your backyard can be fun and rewarding, but please be careful doing so.

Salmonella can make people sick with diarrhea and fever, often with vomiting and abdominal cramps. Sometimes, people can become so sick from a Salmonella infection that they have to go to the hospital.”

Columbia River Park to get new trees

Columbia Borough has begun the process for selecting and planting new trees at Columbia River Park to replace those recently removed due to safety concerns. Final selection depends on availability, but several species have been tentatively chosen due to their ability to thrive in wet areas and along riparian buffers. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has suggested the following as acceptable species for grant opportunities:

Common Baldcypress
Swamp White Oak
Dawn Redwood
Heritage River Birch
American Linden
Thornless Honeylocust
London Plane-tree

The borough would also like to plant evergreens, magnolias, and shrubs to complement the various heights and widths of the plantings.

According to Public Works Director Ron Miller, the project will be funded through a grant opportunity from DCNR’s TreeVitalize, which has a value of $15,000, with a 50% match required from the borough. TreeVitalize is a public-private partnership to help restore tree cover. Planting will begin this spring, with the entire park riverfront to be planted by fall.

The project originated several years ago with an ongoing evaluation of existing River Park trees, many of which were found to be in serious decline. Public Works crews continually cleaned up large branches after storms and high winds. Some branches had nearly hit visitors, and others had damaged benches, light poles, and picnic tables.

Crews tried pruning trees and dead branches over the years, but trees were found to be dying from the top down. Foliage was completely absent from the top third of many trees, and dead branches showed considerable damage from insect infestations.

Trees were also dying due to unsuitability to the wet environment. Black locust, Norway maples, mulberry and other species had girdled roots, and several failed completely and fell over.

In light of continuing damage, the borough decided to remove failing trees and replace them with new species better suited to the riverfront.

Borough gets new recycling bins for residents

The Borough has received a grant for new recycle bins for its residents. These newer bins are heavier and  taller than the previous bins and will allow you to put more recycling into them. Not only is it mandatory to recycle but the Borough receives state funds for recycling.   PLEASE   RECYCLE!

You may pick up a bin at the Borough Office front desk Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 3:00 pm.

You must bring identification with you to show you are a  homeowner living in the  Borough.   A drivers license with your address, a utility bill or trash bill are examples of identification for residing in the Borough.

To help with the distribution of the bins   for those residents that cannot come to the Borough office during working hours, the Borough is making the following dates available to pick up your free  recycling bin.

Saturday, March 12, 2016 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Borough Office 308 Locust St.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016   4:30 pm to 7:30pm at Borough Office 308 Locust St.

Once all residents have received bins, we will allow anyone to purchase additional bins for a cost of $15.00.

Rental properties must go through your landlord to obtain bins.

Borough Offices: 308 Locust Street, Columbia PA 17512 | Phone: 717-684-2467

SCCA Winter Workshop spaces available

From SCCA:
We have spaces available in our Winter Workshops at the Susquehanna Center for the Creative Arts. The workshops include instruction in ceramics, painting and printmaking.

If interested go to:  http://www.eventbrite.com/o/susquehanna-center-for-the-creative-arts-8528419952, or go to the SCCA website and look under classes:www.sccaartstore.com.

Thanks,

SCCA
224 Locust Street
Columbia, PA 17512

Phone: 717-576-9628 or 717- 580-9031