Month: April 2018

April Fourth Friday Planned In the Riverlands

Shake off your winter blues and join numerous establishments in Columbia, Wrightsville, and Marietta to celebrate Fourth Friday 5 to 8 p.m.  on April 27. 

Columbia Happenings:
Smokers Marina, 256 Locust Street, will be featuring hemp jewelry, soaps & lotions, Nepalese backpacks and more!

Bootleg Antiques, 135 Bridge Street, will be offering a 10% store-wide discount. The Bootleggers will also be playing old country, blue grass and gospel music.

Geltz Gotz Goodeze, 430 Locust, will be giving away one raffle ticket per purchase to be entered into their giveaway. Also, they will be having Margaritas and tortilla chips & salsa. Come on by to get a head start on Cinco de Mayo!

Union Station Grill, 173 S. 4th Street, will have their outdoor seating open!

The Spot 438 at 438-1/2 Locust will be offering $1 off a meal if you mention this article!

Wrightsville Happenings:
“Fourth Friday Fun on Front”- Held at Half Nuts Popcorn, LLC

· -Live entertainment from Keil Holland (Singer/Guitarist)

· -2 Food Trucks (Taco Bus and Aloha Snow)

· -Wrightsville Elementary students will be there earlier in the day for “Poem in Your Pocket Day”, a balloon artist will also be available

John Wright Restaurant is featuring their $5 Bar Menu which includes: Blue Catfish Nuggets,GnawJaw Bacon Skewers, Pork Spring Rolls, Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus, Lamb Meatballs, and Bruschetta

Marietta Happenings:
Come see the blooming Kwanzaa cherry trees, which are planted along Front Street. The trees begin blooming around mid-April. Some Marietta restaurants will be featuring cherry enhanced dinners, drinks and desserts. To see who is participating, please visithttps://www.mariettapabusiness.com.

Old home on Blunston gets a new life thanks to the Land Bank and others

Council President Kelly Murphy and School Board President Keith Combs cut the ribbon at 839 Blunston Street on Tuesday afternoon. On the left are Land Bank Authority Chair Jim Eby and Lancaster County Commissioner Joshua Parsons.

The first completed Land Bank property in Columbia is headed for home ownership this Friday. That milestone was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 24. Borough councillors, school board members, Land Bank officials and others attended.

The property at 839 Blunston Street was sold to Brookline Builders last fall under a strict “Developers Agreement” listing stipulations for its renovation. Brookline completely rehabilitated/renovated the property, which was recently sold to a private owner for $145,000. Prior to the Land Bank’s intervention, the property sat in quiet decay for years after all utilities were turned off in 2006.

Brookline’s Jonathan Owens and Kari Eshleman led a team of workers, including independent contractor Fabian Gonzalez, on the project, which began just before last Thanksgiving and took about four months to complete. Eshleman estimated the age of the home at 130 years. She said some of the woodwork she painted is original to the structure. Among many upgrades, the home boasts a couple of exposed brick areas, granite countertops, new appliances, ceiling fans, and central air.

Matthew Sternberg, executive director of Lancaster County Housing & Redevelopment, described the Land Bank concept as a collaboration of the borough, the school district, and the Land Bank, providing a means for remediation of troubled properties. For the first five years after redevelopment, tax revenue will be split 50/50 between the land bank – and the borough and school board. After five years, all tax revenue will go to the borough and board. Columbia Borough is the first municipality in Lancaster County to join the Land Bank.

More information on the Land Bank can be found HERE and HERE.

839 Blunston Street
 Matthew Sternberg of the Lancaster County Land Bank Authority addressed those present, including borough councillors, school board members, and others.

Jon Owens (second from left) and Kari Eshleman spearheaded the renovation, along with Jeff Mohler (far left), Alex Reedy, and Fabian Gonzalez (far right). Mohler helped with financing, Reedy was the listing agent, and Gonzalez helped with the finish work. Local realtor Jeff Seibert (not pictured) was the buyer’s agent.
 First floor, renovated

First floor during renovation
Other Land Bank properties in Columbia 

Video of the ribbon-cutting 

Former potato chip factory to become 60-room Clarion Hotel

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s largest hotel companies, signed an agreement with Cimarron Investments, LLC to develop a unique, new Clarion Hotel in downtown Columbia, Pa. The multi-story, 60-room property is an adaptive reuse of the town’s historic potato chip factory, preserving much of its original structure.

Located at 12 North 2nd Street, the property was built in 1876 as a hardware store prior to becoming an umbrella factory and then the Becker Pretzel Bakeries – Potato Chip Division in 1940. Whether traveling for business or leisure, the Clarion Hotel at The Chip Factory is designed to offer guests a well-appointed, affordable accommodation, and rooms with breathtaking views of the Susquehanna River. The hotel will offer a full-service restaurant and bar with local craft beers, liquor and wine, and will also feature a rooftop bar area.

The property also will have flexible meeting and event space, catering services, fitness facilities, a business center, and an on-site parking garage.

The new Clarion hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Columbia, near the Susquehanna River, and is easily accessible to U.S. Routes 30, 83 and 283, making it an ideal destination for guests traveling to the area for conferences, events and tourist attractions. The property is also a short distance from popular leisure attractions, such as the American Music Theater, the National Watch and Clock Museum, the Turkey Hill Experience, as well as numerous art and antique destinations. Several large area-employers include GlaxoSmithKline, Donegal Insurance, The Hershey Company and Turkey Hill Dairies.

Choice Hotels teamed with Cimarron Investments, a Columbia-based real estate firm specializing in development, renovation and leasing, to develop the Clarion Hotel at The Chip Factory. Murphy Hospitality Management, which is owned by the same group as Cimarron Investments, will own and operate the hotel.

Clarion®: Get Together Here

We believe that life is better when you get together. Business travel, special events, meetings, vacations or a weekend getaway—we have the convenient and affordable accommodations that make all of your business and social gatherings possible. Our hotels offer meeting space and rooms for events, along with catering, restaurants and bars in a social atmosphere that can help you make the most of your time together with friends, family and colleagues. In addition to comfortable rooms with premium bedding, Clarion properties offer free Wi-Fi, 24-hour business centers, and fitness centers or pools. There are more than 300 Clarion brand hotels currently open or under development worldwide. For more information visit http://www.ClarionHotel.com.

About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the world’s largest hotel companies. With over 6,800 hotels franchised in more than 40 countries and territories, Choice Hotels International represents more than 500,000 rooms around the globe, and as of February 1, 2018, more than 1,000 hotels were in its development pipeline. Our company’s Ascend Hotel Collection®, Cambria®, Comfort®, Sleep Inn®, Quality®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, WoodSpring Suites®, Econo Lodge®, Rodeway Inn®, and Vacation Rentals by Choice Hotels® brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet guests’ needs. With more than 35 million members, our Choice Privileges® rewards program enhances every trip a guest takes, with benefits ranging from every day rewards to exceptional experiences, starting right when they join. All hotels and vacation rentals are independently owned and operated. Visit us at http://www.choicehotels.com for more information.

About Cimarron Investments and Murphy Hospitality

Cimarron Investments, LLC and Murphy Hospitality Management, LLC are both privately held entities owned by Don and Becky Murphy. The portfolio of holdings include 401 Locust Street, home to CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health Dental Center, 369 Locust Street which is occupied by 8 luxury apartments on two upper levels and the first floor occupying Family First Health medical center. The Murphy’s recently purchased the iconic Hinkle’s Restaurant at 261 Locust Street, which is currently being expanded and renovated into a larger restaurant with banquet space and will include Murphy’s Mercantile & Company – a 2,000 square foot first class gift shoppe. Additionally, 301 Locust Street – the former Jack Horner Shoe Store Building is nearing completion of a total renovation which includes 6 apartments on the upper two levels and Cafe 301 which is planning a summer opening. Cimarron announced in early April that they secured a lease with Starview Brews to open a craft brewery in their property at 224 Locust Street. Our passion is breathing new life back into historic properties to create a more progressive thriving downtown for future generations to appreciate as much as we appreciate the privilege to be stewards of these magnificent structures.

Source: Press release

Pet Pantry of Lancaster County launches 'SS Pantry,' a mobile veterinary unit for vaccines, spay/neuter clinics

Dubbed the SS Pantry, the unit will include “a fully functioning surgical suite” with anesthesia machine, oxygen generator and other surgical equipment.
MORE:

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/pet-pantry-of-lancaster-county-launches-ss-pantry-a-mobile/article_b2eb27f4-471e-11e8-abc7-475b10673275.html

Heard (and seen) through the grapevine and elsewhere

Quick blips of things going on around town…

Jonathan Owens of Lancaster Lime Works

From Bigler to Brookline, 208-210 Locust Street finally moves forward. HARB approved Brookline Builders’ plans to begin restoration of 208-210 Locust Street. Jonathan Owens, founder of Lancaster Lime Works, Brookline’s sister company, showed the board the style of brick he’s using to match those taken from the facade of the troubled building. (Enter “208-210” in Columbia Spy’s search field for more information on the building. )

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Artist’s concept of mural placement

A 10′ x 20′ mural is planned for the back of the former Jack Horner building at 301 Locust Street. The mural’s design is based on a 1726 Columbia National Bank note with the name “Columbia” emblazoned across it. Artists Janette Toth Musser and Ophelia Chambliss have been commissioned to paint the design on fabric that will then be adhered to the building’s surface. Don Murphy, the building’s owner, will pay for all “prep” work. The project’s total cost is anticipated to weigh in at $5,500-5,700. Remaining funding will be borne by Create Columbia ($500-700) plus an even split between Don Murphy  and the borough at $2,500 each. The mural is projected to be completed and mounted by June 2018.

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We’re hearing the feasibility study is done.  That’s the study recently undertaken to determine the best option for expanding borough office space.

Currently there are three options:

  1. Consolidation: Renovate/expand the school district administration center (DAC) to accommodate municipal and school district offices.
  2. Purchase and renovate 430 Walnut Street, the former Kahn-Lucas building and currently home to DMC Products.
  3. Add a second and third floor to the existing municipal building (possibly with retail space on the first floor) but still move the police department.

All said and done, the cost to move to the DAC is estimated at several million dollars – and a little more than that to move to 430 Walnut. A public meeting is being planned for May at Columbia Crossing to get input on consolidation.

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There may be two groups interested in the Market House, according to Assistant Borough Manager Rebecca Denlinger.

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Andy’s Market has apparently purchased the property formerly owned by Kaufman’s Beauty Salon at 310 North 11th Street and will move at least part of its operation there.

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Council approved the hiring of a part-time trolley driver at $15 an hour.

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 Council approved $99,207 from its capital fund towards the purchase of a fire police vehicle similar to this one.

Prior to approving the purchase of a new fire police vehicle this month, council grilled CBFD President Mark Fritz on costs, with suggestions to buy a cheaper vehicle or another used vehicle. Fritz gave council several reasons the purchase was warranted and said the fire police are now part of the fire company. Residents Mary Wickenheiser and Sharon Lintner spoke in favor of the purchase. Six council members voted to approve $99,207 for the purchase, with Marilyn Kress Hartmann casting the only “no” vote. 

*****
As of ten days ago, about 140 engraved bricks had been sold for the Veteran Memorial Bridge plaza walkway, and purchasing has stayed brisk, according to Kevin Kraft. PennDOT will be closing the bridge for the May 26 dedication. Ed Wickenheiser will be the main speaker, whose theme will be “The Flag.” The American flags will be raised at the beginning of the ceremony and during the playing of the National Anthem. Service flags will be raised during the ceremony, also. The Bainbridge Band will be on hand to provide music for the event.
*****

An online auction for Market House items was discussed at this month’s Public Works/Public Property meeting. The auction will be announced in a newspaper ad in May.

Woman head-butts man in the face, strikes him on the head with metal bed rail

On Sunday, April 22, 2018 at approximately 2335 hours, a 54 year old male came to the Columbia Borough Police Station seeking medical attention.  He had injuries to his face and a laceration to his head.  He reported that Kanita Reid, a 35 year old female “headbutted” him in the face and struck him in the top of his head with an approximately 6 ft. long metal bed rail causing injury.  The alleged assault occurred in the home of Reid in the 100 Blk of S Fourth Street in Columbia Borough.  The male victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.  Reid was taken into custody at her residence and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault (Domestic Violence) (F2) and one count of Simple Assault (Domestic Violence)(M2). She was taken to Lancaster County Central Arraignment to be arraigned on the charges.   She is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Arrest Date: 

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Case Number: 

27269-04-22-18

Source: 

Columbia Borough Police Department

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/arrests/reid-kanita-michelle-domestic-violence-aggravated-assault-f2-and-1-additional-charge

About Town

Photos from around Columbia over the past week…

 Young love

 Out for a walk

 A truck . . . on a truck

 There’s somethin’ happening here. What it is ain’t exactly clear.

Don’t do this.
Whose turn is it?

 Daffodil

 Slow down for kids running down this pole.

 Some sort of ingenious Budweiser can contraption on an overhead wire
 High school students helped the Park Rangers clean up River Park Saturday morning.

 They were armed with shovels, rakes, brooms, and determination.

 There was lots of sweeping to do.

 All areas of the park were covered.

 Concrete parking blocks will be installed at the parking area along Heritage Drive.

 Rain gardens will be added here.

Further down on Heritage Drive – an egg-stra special fence?

 Work is being done at the cottage area.

 Norfolk Southern recently paved this area at the bottom of Union Street. The road leads to Columbia’s other public boat ramp.

 Water heaters and rubble – from the recently demo-ed property at Locust Street and Bank Avenue

 This hole in the ground is what remains.

 But new construction is going on here.

 Proper building materials assure a healthy structure.

Of course, some builders prefer style over substance.

 Brick work continues at the bridge plaza.

 A dedication will be held here on May 26.

 Probably true

Fixing the Foresters sign

TV’s and such at 208-210 Locust

 Quick ticket time?

Unloading mattresses at the furniture store

 But what’s that on the truck?

 Parking tickets from an agent of the business-unfriendly borough

 Are we grate again yet?

 These things are lifting, just as Ollie said they would.

 And they’ve become a catch-all for all sorts of debris, especially cigarette butts.

Yep, definitely lifting

 The former Sudstown Laundry, a piece of Columbia history

 Remi and Zan down by the river. Remi (left) is the father of Zan, who is 10 months old, according to their owner. They are Italian Mastiffs.
Troop 35 on the move, with lots of sponsors

 And here’s E-town’s Troop #1 visiting Columbia River Park.

There they go, off to the trail!

An oldie but goodie
Another oldie but goodie

 Still another oldie but goodie

 Yet another oldie but goodie

 Not a Keeley, but an antique nonetheless
(Tollbooth Antiques)

 Also at Tollbooth, an old-timey toboggan, complete with bell

 Cherry blossoms blooming
 Out on a limb

 The cat was stalking a squirrel seen here upper right.

 Giving a paw

 Cherry blossoms down by the Wrights Ferry Mansion

 Lots going on at Our Home of Hope

 Was someone snapping off these limbs?

 This is why we can’t have nice things.

 A dark demon watches over Columbia. Or is it one of the Wicked Witch’s flying monkeys?

Columbia Borough 42.7% renter occupied

 Bird-topped porch lamp

 More stars and strips

 This sign is well over 50 years old.

 Garden plots at 4th & Mill

 Rusting away, but aren’t we all?

 Down at Trinity House – It was reported that an intoxicated person kicked out this window Friday night.

 Cracked and nearly faceless sign

 You don’t see many of these nowadays. Is it an antenna or modern art?

 At Makle Park, a backboard was broken out again and taken down. Another one will cost about $900.

 The borough installed new brighter lights there.

More vandalism at Makle?
Better get this fixed before Friday’s Arbor Day celebration.
 Bikers out for a ride
They “busted through” the red light and weren’t about to stop for anyone.

 Our friendly firefighters

 Looking for a fire to fight

 Ready for an outdoor Sunday service?

Rollin’ along

Man bites own arms after trying to break into a house and entering caller's truck

Luis Murillo, Jr.
On Saturday morning at about 5:45 a.m., the Columbia Borough Police were called to an address in the 1200 block of Cloverton Drive for a disturbance in progress. Police were advised that a person was trying to open the front door of the caller’s house. The male, later identified as Luis Murillo Jr., 20, of Columbia, was told by the homeowner to go away or he would call the police. Murillo then went to the caller’s vehicle and entered the unlocked vehicle and started to bite his own arms and pulled on the steering wheel. Murillo then broke the turn signal lever off of the steering column. When police arrived Murillo was still in the truck pulling on the steering column and moving around inside the vehicle. 

Murillo was taken into custody and charged with the following offenses: 
Defiant Trespass, Disorderly Conduct, Public Drunkenness, Underage Drinking as well as Criminal Mischief. 

Murillo was taken to central arraignment after paperwork was completed. Murillo was released on $10,000 unsecured bail.
Arrest Date: 

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Case Number: 

25114-04-21-18

Source: 

Columbia Borough Police Department

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/arrests/murillo-luis-robert-jr-defiant-trespass-and-4-additional-charges