Sometime in April, Susquehanna Glass, which has a Columbia factory where it does custom glass etching for wholesale customers, plans to open a small retail shop in town.
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Susquehanna Glass to open retail shop in Columbia
Month: February 2017
Columbia launches home improvement & purchasing assistance program
Columbia Borough has announced a new home improvement and home purchasing assistance program, in partnership with the Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership (LHOP) (the main partner) and Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities. The program aims to improve the quality of housing stock and living conditions in the borough and to encourage home ownership and revitalize the North Third Street corridor.
At Monday’s Borough council meeting, Borough Consultant Rebecca Denlinger said officials from the borough (elected and staff) were also involved with the project, including the Columbia Revitalization Commission, an internal staff group, which will help oversee the program. Columbia Life Network is also a critical partner in the program, according to Denlinger. The Columbia Housing Steering Committee helped to “get the ball rolling,”she said.
Mayor Leo Lutz said the North Third Street corridor was chosen due to deterioration from vibration from heavy trucks traveling through the area. “This area was picked by the housing steering committee,” he said.
Fern Dannis, LHOP’s chief operating/lending officer
Fern Dannis, LHOP’s chief operating/lending officer, said the initial area also includes Second Street and Cedar Street – with a couple of small streets in between – and Walnut Street. She said the program is for single-family primary residences. Accessory buildings such as garages and sheds do not qualify. Dannis added that it is aimed primarily at repairs for code compliance. The interest rate is 1.5% with a seven-year repayment term that includes incentives for paying early and on time.
Borough Manager Greg Sahd emphasized the interest rate, which he termed as attractive. “Prime interest rate is 3.75%. That’s the rate that banks lend to their best, highest credit-worthy customers. This is less than half of that,” he said.
The undertaking, which partners LHOP with a specific municipality for loans is a first of its kind. The Lancaster County Community Foundation provided grant funding for the project, aimed at building or rehabilitating decent, affordable housing within the borough.
In a press release issued by the borough, Council President Kelly Murphy said, “We know we have a great community in Columbia. With this program, we want to enable homebuyers and homeowners to invest in their residences. This will have a ripple effect within the area – sprucing up a well-traveled corridor at the entry to our city, spurring neighbors and business owners to update their properties and building pride throughout Columbia.”
During the first year, which begins March 1, the borough and LHOP will each provide $150,000 in funding. $200,000 will be designated for home rehabilitation improvements and the other $100,000 directly for home purchasing costs.
Home Improvement Loans ranging from $500 to $15,000 will be available through an application process for single-family homes either currently occupied as a primary residence or that will be inhabited as a primary residence once renovations are completed. Following LHOP’s existing First Time Homebuyers Program, Homeownership Loans up to $10,000 will be available via an application process for first-time homebuyers who have not owned a home within the last three years. For both programs, eligibility is income specific, based on area median income as determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Ray D’Agostino, LHOP’s executive director
“LHOP is excited to partner with Columbia Borough to offer a program enhancing housing conditions and increasing home ownership opportunities,” said Ray D’Agostino, executive director of the nonprofit, in a press release. “In a real sense, the program will improve living conditions and make home ownership more attainable and affordable in Columbia. LHOP and Columbia are grateful to the Lancaster County Community Foundation for seed funding LHOP’s housing improvement initiative, which has made this collaboration possible.”
Since 2014, LHOP has worked with eight homebuyers in Columbia to achieve home ownership, three of which are still in the works. With this new program, additional residents will be able to overcome obstacles to purchasing their own houses.
Columbia will be considering applications for houses in the 200-500 blocks of North Third Street and the surrounding neighborhood, including North Second. Renovations can be for the main home, but not for sheds or garages, and can include exterior façade updates or internal improvements. Staff will be available at the Columbia Life Network, 336 Locust Street, twice a month to answer questions and help prepare applications.
LHOP is a nonprofit organization, certified as a U.S. Treasury Department-approved Community Development Financial Institution, able to underwrite and administer loans. Part of the program’s coordination will be through the Lancaster Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, to tap the federally funded Home Repair Program.
The initiative’s partners intend to create a revolving fund process, wherein repayment of the borrowed funds will be used to institute new housing improvement and home ownership opportunities within the borough.
Blighted property creates safety hazard on North Fifth
Part of the sidewalk along North Fifth Street was blocked off with caution tape this afternoon due to a loose dormer window in imminent danger of falling. The property in question is at 119 North Fifth and is considered to be blighted. It has been vacant for months. Until the situation is resolved, pedestrians will be forced to walk onto the highway to get around the property.
The borough has recently taken steps to reduce the number of such properties under several new programs which Columbia Spy will review in the near future.
Caution tape blocks the sidewalk at 119 N. 5th
The house is one of many blighted properties in the borough.
A loose window, precariously perched, creates a safety hazard.
Local organizations recognized by Columbia Borough
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Mayor Leo Lutz presented certificates of appreciation from the Borough of Columbia to two local organizations for their donations to the Columbia Borough Police Department, at Monday night’s borough council meeting.
A certificate was presented to American Legion Post 372 for its donation of $6,000. A second certificate was presented to the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge for its donation of $1,800. The funds were used by the police department to purchase body armor and tactical helmets for officers.
Chief Jack Brommer holds a body armor vest alongside Mayor Leo Lutz and officers of American Legion Post 372.
Mayor Lutz and Chief Brommer with representatives of The Loyal Order of Moose Lodge.
"Rose Under Fire" discussion at Library Wednesday night
Meetings for the Week of February 13, 2017
Borough:
Municipal Building, 308 Locust Street
School Board:
District Administration Building, 200 N. 5th Street
PRE-SCHOOL PALS at Columbia Library Monday morning
PAGAN-RIVERA, JOSE ANGEL – VIOLATION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ACT (POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DELIVER HEROIN) AND 1 ADDITIONAL CHARGE
Jose Angel Pagan-Rivera
On February 11, 2017 at approximately 3:00 pm Officers from the Columbia Borough Police Department responded to the 400 Blk of Ave I for a report of an assault in progress. Officers located a dark colored Audi sedan blocking the alley and a Hispanic male and a white female standing outside. The female victim, a 39 year old Columbia woman had visible minor facial injuries. Officers learned from witnesses in the area that the male had struck her in the face. As a result, Jose Angel Pagan-Rivera was arrested for simple assault domestic violence. Officers recovered 14 packets of heroin and a large sum of cash from Pagan-Rivera consistent with drug sales.
Jose Angel Pagan-Rivera was charged with one felony count of possession with intent to deliver heroin and one misdemeanor count of simple assault domestic violence. He was taken to Central Booking located at the Lancaster County Prison for arraignment. He was arraigned and committed to Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $75,000.00 bail and a State Parole violation.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case Number:
12256-02-11-17
Arrest Date:
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Charges:
Source:
Learn to paint like Cezanne and Van Gogh at SCCA this month
Dear Friends of the SCCA,
Master Artist, Ange Bentivegna is offering painting classes (parties) in February and March at the Susquehanna Center for the Creative Arts, Columbia.
February is the month of the color Red.
We are recreating the vibrance and boldness of the Master Artists from the Past. Through the guidance of your art instructor you will be taught how to see a painting in a new way.
Ange will simplify the creative process to give you the confidence to paint like a master artist.
Join in on the most creative fun-filled evening, where you can socialize with your friends and learn to paint a masterpiece. No prior art training needed.
Cezanne, “Tulips” – February 21, 6-8 p.m.
Van Gogh, “Poppies in white Vase” – February 25, 6-8 p.m.
Susuqehanna Center for the Creative Arts
224Locust Street
Columbia, PA 17512
Free eye exams for Columbia children at Family First on April 1
Family First Health is partnering with Envolve to bring the Vision Van to Columbia on Saturday, April 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Vision Van offers FREE eye exams and FREE prescription glasses (if needed) to children 5 years and older who may not otherwise be able to afford these services.
The Vision Van will be parked on Locust St. directly in front of Family First Health on April 1. The screenings are first come, first served and parents will need to sign a consent form. Family First Health will open its doors so that we can have our guests wait in our lobby and have access to restrooms until it is time for them to be screened. If children need an extensive eye screening, they will hop on the van and be evaluated by an eye doctor. Those needing glasses will be able to select theirs from a wide selection of different colors/styles and the glasses are shipped directly to their home.
To make the event run smoothly, consent forms should be filled out prior to coming to the event. Download and print the consent form shown below:
Columbia Spy 