We were told that the building was maintaince free,$7000 sealing steps,$20,000 slab,$32,000 fence,$8,200 trees,WHAT NEXT,DON'T MAKE MORE PARK TO DRAIN TAX PAYERS MONEY! X council man Jim Smith said there is no maintaince free building,he is right,this council should step back and THINK of the tax payers,if this keeps going it is going to make it imposible for people to stay in COLUMBIA BECAUSE OF THE TAXES.
The riverfront is one of the only assets this borough has that sets it apart from every other has-been industrial town. Brewpubs and antique stores are found everywhere. The river and the trail system should have been developed years ago. No it won't directly make money, but it isn't a pure money pit like the trolley bus-thing. It will (and does) bring visitors to town. Anyone that doesn't agree with that has obviously never been there when the weather is halfway decent.
There is a lot of people love this town,but are getting pretty fet up with the council and mayor throwing tax payers money away and not having anything to show for it,giving money to new comers for closing and shafting people who paid taxes for years,and keeping it hus hus,thank you Cole and Sharon for keeping citizens informed,as far as going to meetings they are a big joke,they know how there are going to vote before coming into the chamber, so why waste our time?
It doesnt matter what it cost! Somebody filled there personal agenda, so they can say they built it, look at the tree grates in town they dont lay flat, the one side becomes a trip hazard when you get out of your car,a trip hazard turns into a Liability, more money gone, does anyone on council use there head?? Maybe they should do a credit check on people that run for council, its time to replace everyone from council to mayor, and find someone that really gas the time to fire people and save money
I understand what is being said about taxpayers money be misused, but the park does and will keep bringing people from out of town to Columbia. In turn, they spend money at any number of restaurants and other establishments. If this didn't happen, this town would go down the crapper. That is a fact, painful yes, but still a fact.
There's a lot more that needs done in Columbia than putting my tax money into the river park. What about some of the people who don't go there? Put our money to better use. That trolley is stupid too. How can we get stores similar to the 5 & 10's for people who can't get out of town. Wake up Borough Officers. There's a lot of elderly people in this town.
If 5 and 10s could succeed, there would BE 5 and 10s. But people stopped shopping at them. People DO go to river park, even if you personally don't. See how that works?
I have to differ from your statement. If you took a poll of riverfront visitors that frequent businesses in Columbia it would be in a 5-10% range. First, there is a focus on the trails, not the establishments. Secondly, rarely do you see bicyclists or walkers from the river going through town. When I am on the trail I want convenience, not two blocks up Walnut Street and take a right. Focus should be on business development along the river the way it once was in Columbia. Lastly, our image in the county must change to a place of distinction.
I respect your response, but I personally believe that the riverfront visitors that frequent businesses in Columbia is higher. I work in an establishment in Columbia and see this first hand. I agree with your last sentence, but that will be a long, hard road. Columbia has always been Lancaster County's “wrong side of the tracks.” Once again, thank you for the civil response.
THIS IS RIGHT ON ,THE THINGS GOING ON HERE MAKES US THE LAUGHING STOCK,STARTING WITH THE MAYORS COMMENTS ABOUT PEOPLE WITH COLUMBIA ADDRESSES BUT NOT IN THE BOROUGH,TO JUNK SHOPS ON EVERY CORNER.
How much money do people spend at the park? IT COST TAX PAYERS TO HAVE PEOPLE COME AND USE THE TRAIL,USE THE REST ROOMS AND LEAVE,EXPANDING WILL JUST COST MORE TAX PAYER MONEY,MORE TRASH,NEED FOR MORE POLICE,MORE TO MANAGE IT,GIVE THE PEOPLE OF COLUMBIA A BREAK ON TAXES,NOT BURRY THEM MORE. ONE MORE THOUGH A WALKING BRIDGE,REALY, LIABILTY COMMON SENSE!
We're wasting our time arguing with some of these people here. The only recreation they ever do is sit on their asses in front of this website, apparently. Of course they will never see the value in a park or trail.
Some how my guess is you don't own a home and pay property tax and school tax. we have a 2 million dollar park,and look at the wall along the trail maybe you could paint over the (nice) words painted there.
TREES THEY PLANT THEM, THE HOME OWNER IS RESPONCABLE TO TRIM THEM( WITH A PERMIT) IT BREAKS UP THE SIDE WALK AND THE HOME OWNER IS RESPONCIBLE TO REPLACE THE WALK AND THE WHOLE TIME THE HOME OWNER'S INSURANCE IS RESPONCIBLE , THEN THEY DIE AND THE HOME OWNER HAS TO PAY TO CUT IT DOWN (WITH THE OK OF THE SHADE TREE COM.AND A PERMIT) DOESN'T SOUND QUITE RIGHT DOES IT???
Actually, I do live in Columbia. I do own my home. I do pay property taxes. I do pay school taxes. I do know that the taxes are too high and I agree that there is very little accountability for what our tax money is utilized for. However, complaining with no action does nothing. Apparently, complaining at the city council meetings does little. Try going above that. Way above that. It is in every citizens power. Do I think we need the park? Yes, I honestly do. Not every citizen uses it, but it is one of the few nice things around here anymore. Also, instead of telling someone else to paint over graffiti, maybe you should take charge and do it yourself instead of complaining about it.
we need something for the kids. how about playground equipment? we need B & B's or rooms for rent-how in the hell can CEDC just do nothing with Hotel Locust and let it sit and rot? lot of good it was how many years ago to have them buy it? we need more people who have the finances and willing people to invest. what happened to rising sun bldg? its a real shame its empty. codes has what about 10 people on the books…what are they doing??? i NEVER see them walking the downtown beat or the gateway into the boro. its the same bs, the same offenders over and over. we ALL need to call in with complaints on nasty, dirty neighbors who trash everything and who let their dogs poop anywhere and everywhere…its anonymous. Codes can NOT share that info. still some slumlords who must screen their tenants. its NOT only about the dollar. this boro HAS to be MILLIONS AND MILLIONS IN DEBT AND MORE MILLIONS EVERY SINGLE DAY. as long as you have so many poverty and rental properties this boro will NEVER NEVER BE WHAT YOU THINK IT WILL. stop spending money that no one has. council MUST be held accountable for wasteful spending… we need to clean house and get rid of everyone from the top down. everyone.
So you are asking about the CEDC. THEY have done nothing with the Hotel Locust property. The president of the group has moved not only his home out of town but some of his business as well. Nothing was said about that. What message does that send to investors if the head of that group takes his money and runs?
The Columbia Borough Council, over the past decade, has not raised its municipal tax.As for your tax dollars, would you not want them used to beautify the town that you live in and to help spur economic development? By having this happen, the borough will hopefully not have to raise taxes for the next decade.
We were told that the building was maintaince free,$7000 sealing steps,$20,000 slab,$32,000 fence,$8,200 trees,WHAT NEXT,DON'T MAKE MORE PARK TO DRAIN TAX PAYERS MONEY! X council man Jim Smith said there is no maintaince free building,he is right,this council should step back and THINK of the tax payers,if this keeps going it is going to make it imposible for people to stay in COLUMBIA BECAUSE OF THE TAXES.
The riverfront is one of the only assets this borough has that sets it apart from every other has-been industrial town. Brewpubs and antique stores are found everywhere. The river and the trail system should have been developed years ago. No it won't directly make money, but it isn't a pure money pit like the trolley bus-thing. It will (and does) bring visitors to town. Anyone that doesn't agree with that has obviously never been there when the weather is halfway decent.
There is a lot of people love this town,but are getting pretty fet up with the council and mayor throwing tax payers money away and not having anything to show for it,giving money to new comers for closing and shafting people who paid taxes for years,and keeping it hus hus,thank you Cole and Sharon for keeping citizens informed,as far as going to meetings they are a big joke,they know how there are going to vote before coming into the chamber, so why waste our time?
It doesnt matter what it cost! Somebody filled there personal agenda, so they can say they built it, look at the tree grates in town they dont lay flat, the one side becomes a trip hazard when you get out of your car,a trip hazard turns into a Liability, more money gone, does anyone on council use there head?? Maybe they should do a credit check on people that run for council, its time to replace everyone from council to mayor, and find someone that really gas the time to fire people and save money
I understand what is being said about taxpayers money be misused, but the park does and will keep bringing people from out of town to Columbia. In turn, they spend money at any number of restaurants and other establishments. If this didn't happen, this town would go down the crapper. That is a fact, painful yes, but still a fact.
There's a lot more that needs done in Columbia than putting my tax money into the river park. What about some of the people who don't go there? Put our money to better use. That trolley is stupid too. How can we get stores similar to the 5 & 10's for people who can't get out of town. Wake up Borough Officers. There's a lot of elderly people in this town.
If 5 and 10s could succeed, there would BE 5 and 10s. But people stopped shopping at them. People DO go to river park, even if you personally don't. See how that works?
I have to differ from your statement. If you took a poll of riverfront visitors that frequent businesses in Columbia it would be in a 5-10% range. First, there is a focus on the trails, not the establishments. Secondly, rarely do you see bicyclists or walkers from the river going through town. When I am on the trail I want convenience, not two blocks up Walnut Street and take a right. Focus should be on business development along the river the way it once was in Columbia. Lastly, our image in the county must change to a place of distinction.
I respect your response, but I personally believe that the riverfront visitors that frequent businesses in Columbia is higher. I work in an establishment in Columbia and see this first hand. I agree with your last sentence, but that will be a long, hard road. Columbia has always been Lancaster County's “wrong side of the tracks.” Once again, thank you for the civil response.
THIS IS RIGHT ON ,THE THINGS GOING ON HERE MAKES US THE LAUGHING STOCK,STARTING WITH THE MAYORS COMMENTS ABOUT PEOPLE WITH COLUMBIA ADDRESSES BUT NOT IN THE BOROUGH,TO JUNK SHOPS ON EVERY CORNER.
Columbia Spy 
save tax payer money
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Please save tax payers money,we have way more important things in town or give tax payers a BREAK!!!!
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DON'T YOU PEOPLE SEE YOU WASTED TAX PAYERS MONEY.THE PARK IS PLENTY FOR THE PEOPLE OF COLUMBIA,ITS NOT A MONEY MAKER, ITS A PIT.
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We were told that the building was maintaince free,$7000 sealing steps,$20,000 slab,$32,000 fence,$8,200 trees,WHAT NEXT,DON'T MAKE MORE PARK TO DRAIN TAX PAYERS MONEY! X council man Jim Smith said there is no maintaince free building,he is right,this council should step back and THINK of the tax payers,if this keeps going it is going to make it imposible for people to stay in COLUMBIA BECAUSE OF THE TAXES.
LikeLike
IT COST $115,000 a year to manage it now,plus $11,000 for the trolley,plus cost,HOW MUCH MONEY DOES IT MAKE????
LikeLike
The riverfront is one of the only assets this borough has that sets it apart from every other has-been industrial town. Brewpubs and antique stores are found everywhere. The river and the trail system should have been developed years ago. No it won't directly make money, but it isn't a pure money pit like the trolley bus-thing. It will (and does) bring visitors to town. Anyone that doesn't agree with that has obviously never been there when the weather is halfway decent.
LikeLike
There is a lot of people love this town,but are getting pretty fet up with the council and mayor throwing tax payers money away and not having anything to show for it,giving money to new comers for closing and shafting people who paid taxes for years,and keeping it hus hus,thank you Cole and Sharon for keeping citizens informed,as far as going to meetings they are a big joke,they know how there are going to vote before coming into the chamber, so why waste our time?
LikeLike
It doesnt matter what it cost! Somebody filled there personal agenda, so they can say they built it, look at the tree grates in town they dont lay flat, the one side becomes a trip hazard when you get out of your car,a trip hazard turns into a Liability, more money gone, does anyone on council use there head?? Maybe they should do a credit check on people that run for council, its time to replace everyone from council to mayor, and find someone that really gas the time to fire people and save money
LikeLike
I understand what is being said about taxpayers money be misused, but the park does and will keep bringing people from out of town to Columbia. In turn, they spend money at any number of restaurants and other establishments. If this didn't happen, this town would go down the crapper. That is a fact, painful yes, but still a fact.
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Amen one council member balances checks all over town, WHY IS HE THERE???? MARY IS GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN SHE BUILT THE MONRY PIT.
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ok but why expand
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There's a lot more that needs done in Columbia than putting my tax money into the river park. What about some of the people who don't go there? Put our money to better use. That trolley is stupid too. How can we get stores similar to the 5 & 10's for people who can't get out of town. Wake up Borough Officers. There's a lot of elderly people in this town.
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It's small and crowded?
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If 5 and 10s could succeed, there would BE 5 and 10s. But people stopped shopping at them. People DO go to river park, even if you personally don't. See how that works?
LikeLike
I have to differ from your statement. If you took a poll of riverfront visitors that frequent businesses in Columbia it would be in a 5-10% range. First, there is a focus on the trails, not the establishments. Secondly, rarely do you see bicyclists or walkers from the river going through town. When I am on the trail I want convenience, not two blocks up Walnut Street and take a right. Focus should be on business development along the river the way it once was in Columbia. Lastly, our image in the county must change to a place of distinction.
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But at what cost to the tax payers?
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I respect your response, but I personally believe that the riverfront visitors that frequent businesses in Columbia is higher. I work in an establishment in Columbia and see this first hand. I agree with your last sentence, but that will be a long, hard road. Columbia has always been Lancaster County's “wrong side of the tracks.” Once again, thank you for the civil response.
LikeLike
THIS IS RIGHT ON ,THE THINGS GOING ON HERE MAKES US THE LAUGHING STOCK,STARTING WITH THE MAYORS COMMENTS ABOUT PEOPLE WITH COLUMBIA ADDRESSES BUT NOT IN THE BOROUGH,TO JUNK SHOPS ON EVERY CORNER.
LikeLike
How much money do people spend at the park? IT COST TAX PAYERS TO HAVE PEOPLE COME AND USE THE TRAIL,USE THE REST ROOMS AND LEAVE,EXPANDING WILL JUST COST MORE TAX PAYER MONEY,MORE TRASH,NEED FOR MORE POLICE,MORE TO MANAGE IT,GIVE THE PEOPLE OF COLUMBIA A BREAK ON TAXES,NOT BURRY THEM MORE. ONE MORE THOUGH A WALKING BRIDGE,REALY, LIABILTY COMMON SENSE!
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Turkey hill at 30 and home they go, great for tax payers.
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We're wasting our time arguing with some of these people here. The only recreation they ever do is sit on their asses in front of this website, apparently. Of course they will never see the value in a park or trail.
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Some how my guess is you don't own a home and pay property tax and school tax. we have a 2 million dollar park,and look at the wall along the trail maybe you could paint over the (nice) words painted there.
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You would be wrong. But continue to whine on here.
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TREES THEY PLANT THEM, THE HOME OWNER IS RESPONCABLE TO TRIM THEM( WITH A PERMIT) IT BREAKS UP THE SIDE WALK AND THE HOME OWNER IS RESPONCIBLE TO REPLACE THE WALK AND THE WHOLE TIME THE HOME OWNER'S INSURANCE IS RESPONCIBLE , THEN THEY DIE AND THE HOME OWNER HAS TO PAY TO CUT IT DOWN (WITH THE OK OF THE SHADE TREE COM.AND A PERMIT) DOESN'T SOUND QUITE RIGHT DOES IT???
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They could always go to the storage facility and have a bite to eat … oh wait … yeah ….
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Actually, I do live in Columbia. I do own my home. I do pay property taxes. I do pay school taxes. I do know that the taxes are too high and I agree that there is very little accountability for what our tax money is utilized for. However, complaining with no action does nothing. Apparently, complaining at the city council meetings does little. Try going above that. Way above that. It is in every citizens power. Do I think we need the park? Yes, I honestly do. Not every citizen uses it, but it is one of the few nice things around here anymore. Also, instead of telling someone else to paint over graffiti, maybe you should take charge and do it yourself instead of complaining about it.
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need a permit?
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Actually, there are other ways of doing that. I mean volunteer activities through the borough. Or is that beyond you?
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we need something for the kids. how about playground equipment? we need B & B's or rooms for rent-how in the hell can CEDC just do nothing with Hotel Locust and let it sit and rot? lot of good it was how many years ago to have them buy it? we need more people who have the finances and willing people to invest. what happened to rising sun bldg? its a real shame its empty. codes has what about 10 people on the books…what are they doing??? i NEVER see them walking the downtown beat or the gateway into the boro. its the same bs, the same offenders over and over. we ALL need to call in with complaints on nasty, dirty neighbors who trash everything and who let their dogs poop anywhere and everywhere…its anonymous. Codes can NOT share that info. still some slumlords who must screen their tenants. its NOT only about the dollar. this boro HAS to be MILLIONS AND MILLIONS IN DEBT AND MORE MILLIONS EVERY SINGLE DAY. as long as you have so many poverty and rental properties this boro will NEVER NEVER BE WHAT YOU THINK IT WILL. stop spending money that no one has. council MUST be held accountable for wasteful spending… we need to clean house and get rid of everyone from the top down. everyone.
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City council. It's borough council. Obviously the commenter is like others clueless !
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So you are asking about the CEDC. THEY have done nothing with the Hotel Locust property. The president of the group has moved not only his home out of town but some of his business as well. Nothing was said about that. What message does that send to investors if the head of that group takes his money and runs?
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The Columbia Borough Council, over the past decade, has not raised its municipal tax.As for your tax dollars, would you not want them used to beautify the town that you live in and to help spur economic development? By having this happen, the borough will hopefully not have to raise taxes for the next decade.
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save tax payer money
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Please save tax payers money,we have way more important things in town or give tax payers a BREAK!!!!
LikeLike
DON'T YOU PEOPLE SEE YOU WASTED TAX PAYERS MONEY.THE PARK IS PLENTY FOR THE PEOPLE OF COLUMBIA,ITS NOT A MONEY MAKER, ITS A PIT.
LikeLike
We were told that the building was maintaince free,$7000 sealing steps,$20,000 slab,$32,000 fence,$8,200 trees,WHAT NEXT,DON'T MAKE MORE PARK TO DRAIN TAX PAYERS MONEY! X council man Jim Smith said there is no maintaince free building,he is right,this council should step back and THINK of the tax payers,if this keeps going it is going to make it imposible for people to stay in COLUMBIA BECAUSE OF THE TAXES.
LikeLike
IT COST $115,000 a year to manage it now,plus $11,000 for the trolley,plus cost,HOW MUCH MONEY DOES IT MAKE????
LikeLike
The riverfront is one of the only assets this borough has that sets it apart from every other has-been industrial town. Brewpubs and antique stores are found everywhere. The river and the trail system should have been developed years ago. No it won't directly make money, but it isn't a pure money pit like the trolley bus-thing. It will (and does) bring visitors to town. Anyone that doesn't agree with that has obviously never been there when the weather is halfway decent.
LikeLike
There is a lot of people love this town,but are getting pretty fet up with the council and mayor throwing tax payers money away and not having anything to show for it,giving money to new comers for closing and shafting people who paid taxes for years,and keeping it hus hus,thank you Cole and Sharon for keeping citizens informed,as far as going to meetings they are a big joke,they know how there are going to vote before coming into the chamber, so why waste our time?
LikeLike
It doesnt matter what it cost! Somebody filled there personal agenda, so they can say they built it, look at the tree grates in town they dont lay flat, the one side becomes a trip hazard when you get out of your car,a trip hazard turns into a Liability, more money gone, does anyone on council use there head?? Maybe they should do a credit check on people that run for council, its time to replace everyone from council to mayor, and find someone that really gas the time to fire people and save money
LikeLike
I understand what is being said about taxpayers money be misused, but the park does and will keep bringing people from out of town to Columbia. In turn, they spend money at any number of restaurants and other establishments. If this didn't happen, this town would go down the crapper. That is a fact, painful yes, but still a fact.
LikeLike
Amen one council member balances checks all over town, WHY IS HE THERE???? MARY IS GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN SHE BUILT THE MONRY PIT.
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ok but why expand
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There's a lot more that needs done in Columbia than putting my tax money into the river park. What about some of the people who don't go there? Put our money to better use. That trolley is stupid too. How can we get stores similar to the 5 & 10's for people who can't get out of town. Wake up Borough Officers. There's a lot of elderly people in this town.
LikeLike
It's small and crowded?
LikeLike
If 5 and 10s could succeed, there would BE 5 and 10s. But people stopped shopping at them. People DO go to river park, even if you personally don't. See how that works?
LikeLike
I have to differ from your statement. If you took a poll of riverfront visitors that frequent businesses in Columbia it would be in a 5-10% range. First, there is a focus on the trails, not the establishments. Secondly, rarely do you see bicyclists or walkers from the river going through town. When I am on the trail I want convenience, not two blocks up Walnut Street and take a right. Focus should be on business development along the river the way it once was in Columbia. Lastly, our image in the county must change to a place of distinction.
LikeLike
But at what cost to the tax payers?
LikeLike
I respect your response, but I personally believe that the riverfront visitors that frequent businesses in Columbia is higher. I work in an establishment in Columbia and see this first hand. I agree with your last sentence, but that will be a long, hard road. Columbia has always been Lancaster County's “wrong side of the tracks.” Once again, thank you for the civil response.
LikeLike
THIS IS RIGHT ON ,THE THINGS GOING ON HERE MAKES US THE LAUGHING STOCK,STARTING WITH THE MAYORS COMMENTS ABOUT PEOPLE WITH COLUMBIA ADDRESSES BUT NOT IN THE BOROUGH,TO JUNK SHOPS ON EVERY CORNER.
LikeLike