Month: September 2017

Columbia teen convicted of trying to kill police officer, found not guilty of trying to kill 2 other officers

Marquell R. Rentas, 18, of 244 Walnut St., Columbia, was convicted of one count each of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and aggravated assault of an officer. He also was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder of a law enforcement officer and reckless endangerment charges.
He was found not guilty of two charges each of  attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and aggravated assault of an officer.
MORE:

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/columbia-teen-convicted-of-trying-to-kill-police-officer-found/article_2bd7307c-9892-11e7-857f-7f1a6dcd0692.html

Two new Columbia Borough police officers introduced

Columbia Police Chief Jack Brommer introduced two new Columbia Borough police officers at Monday’s borough council meeting. Pictured above, they are Justin Barrell (left) and Andrew Snyder. They are flanked by Brommer and Mayor Leo Lutz.
Barrell grew up in Berks County and graduated from the Reading Police Academy with an associate degree in Criminal Justice. He is also a Marine Corps veteran, having served six years and attaining the rank of sergeant.
Snyder is a Lancaster County native. He graduated from Manheim Township High School and received an associate degree in Criminal Justice from York Technical Institute. He also attended HACC Police Academy and has training in martial arts and firearms.

The addition of the two new officers brings the total to 18 full- and part-timers on the force.

Citizens meet to voice concerns about borough issues

Meeting organizer Rick Fisher and Officer Amy Dittman discuss citizens’ concerns.

Over two dozen concerned citizens met at the gazebo in Locust Street Park Monday to voice concerns about crime and violence in the borough. Columbia resident Rick Fisher set up the meeting and was joined by Officer Amy Dittman of the Columbia Borough Police Department.

Fisher said last week’s wolfpack beating of a Columbia man was the tipping point for him to get involved. He stressed, however, that the meeting was not about vigilantism but rather a means to seek solutions. 

Several citizens talked about drug dealing in the borough and told Officer Dittmann that the intersection of 6th & Walnut Streets is a hub of such activity. Citizens also discussed last week’s melee involving about 40 middle and high school students at 7th & Walnut, among other issues.

Officer Dittmann advised calling 911 County Dispatch to report an incident and said officers are often en route as soon as calls are received. She noted that Columbia will not have its own dispatcher in the near future due to the position being eliminated. Part of the local dispatcher’s duties involved watching borough camera feed.

Many in the group said they want the meetings to continue. Fisher said he would like to invite Police Chief Jack Brommer to a future meeting. Citizens also suggested taking concerns to borough council.

Afterward, at Monday night’s borough council meeting, Mayor Leo Lutz said he would have met with the group if he had not been at another meeting. He said he is willing to meet with them in the future.

Over two dozen residents met at the Locust Street Park gazebo.

UPDATED: Council OKs demo to make way for construction of new apartment building on Locust Street

Columbia might be getting a new 33-unit apartment building in the downtown. Way downtown – at the corner of Locust Street and Bank Avenue.
Borough Council approved an application from Brian & Benjamin Myers Monday night for demolition at 128-132 Locust Street and 45 Bank Avenue to allow for new construction of a new four-story mixed-use apartment building at the site. The Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) initially green-lighted the project at its August 16 meeting by approving “Certificates of Appropriateness” for demolition and new construction. 
The building will include ground-level retail spaces, enclosed parking, brick veneer and metal siding wall treatment, and storefront awnings and upper-level balconies, according to the submitted architectural plans and materials.
The issue must now go before the planning commission at its meeting next Monday.

This existing building at Locust Street and Bank Avenue is slated for demolition.

The building contains several units, at least one of which is currently occupied.

Mobile home on Bank Avenue to be moved, currently occupied
Aerial view of 128-132 Locust Street and 45 Bank Avenue

Old design and revised design

Bank Avenue

Locust Street side

 Corner of Locust Street and Bank Avenue

Bank Avenue and rear of building