Year: 2019

Proposed Market House renovations include restaurant, air conditioning, and new floor

Artwork by Hammel Associates Architects LLC showing proposed changes for the Columbia Historic Market House

If all goes well, the Columbia Historic Market House will soon be seeing some major changes. Theodore Vedock, principal architect with Hammel Associates Architects, led a conceptual meeting detailing those changes at Wednesday’s meeting of Columbia’s Historic Architectural Review Board on behalf of St. Joseph Children’s Health.

Vedock temporarily stepped out of his role as a HARB member to present plans to the board for the market to function as a dual-use building, which would restore the public market, while also introducing a full service restaurant into the space.

A major step in that direction would entail “taking up” the existing brick floor to allow underground plumbing to be installed and to create a stable foundation for the bricks to be relaid in specific areas. Currently, bricks are set on sand that has settled, creating an uneven and unsafe floor.

Ted Vedock explains plans for the Market House at HARB’s Wednesday night meeting.

[Artwork by Hammel Associates Architects LLC]

Vedock also noted some specifics currently in mind for the restaurant, including a commercial kitchen to be located at the building’s southeast corner. Existing masonry openings will be used for the plumbing and ductwork, with no plans to create any new openings. A large area in the middle of the building will provide dedicated seating for the restaurant. There will also be a small seating area on the Third Street side for market patrons. Market stands of various sizes will circle the building’s interior, and several sinks will be spread throughout, but not every area will have a sink.

The restaurant’s main hours are still being worked out but may differ from those of the market. For example, the restaurant might be open when the market is open but may have longer hours.

[Artwork by Hammel Associates Architects LLC]

First floor plan showing proposed renovations for the Market House

The existing heating system will be supplemented with an air conditioning unit to be located on the mezzanine directly above the restaurant. The condensing unit will be located at the southeast corner of the municipal parking lot where two parking spaces would be used. All plumbing will run underground into the building from there.

The building’s main entrance will be located just off the rear alley, with parking to be accommodated in the rear lot. In addition, Sadie Lane, which runs between the market and the municipal building, might eventually be closed for pedestrian traffic either entirely or only during market days to provide outdoor seating and space for temporary market stands.

The existing restroom area will be demolished and replaced with new construction that includes modern fixtures and is ADA compliant. Exterior entrances to the restrooms will be eliminated. No changes are proposed for the basement.

Some possibilities for new signage

Finally, exterior light fixtures on the Third Street side will be replaced, as well as all building signage.

Vedock told the board he plans to return at its August meeting for a final review and a request for action. There was no discussion of funding at Wednesday’s meeting.

[Artwork by Hammel Associates Architects LLC]


Columbia students learn gardening at The Edible Classroom

Columbia students and local volunteers gathered Friday at Park Elementary to tend their garden, also known as “The Edible Classroom.” They’ve been growing their own produce there for several weeks and are now beginning to enjoy the fruits (or rather, the vegetables) of their labor. Crops include corn, lettuce, and carrots among others. 
The program, which was founded in March 2018 by Grace Julian and Beth Horst, affords first through sixth grade students a part in planting the crops and tending the garden. Recently, participants planted a Native American “Three Sisters” garden, consisting of corn, beans, and squash.  Students gave the crops a boost by adding fish to the soil to act as fertilizer, as some Native Americans are known to have done.
In April of last year, Columbia High School technology students built the wooden frames that hold the soil and compost for the crops. A local business provided the lumber.
Currently, the “classroom” is at capacity, with 50 students enrolled, and runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to noon, through August 16.  The community is invited to an “open house” next Friday, June 28 at 11 a.m.

Police investigating shots fired | Columbia Borough Police Department

The Columbia Borough Police Department is investigating a shots fired incident that occurred on 06-19-19 at approx. 7:40 pm at the intersection of South Fourth Street and Avenue. J.  A white SUV, believed to be a Ford Explorer, was observed entering the area from the 300 block of Cherry Street and traveling south on Fourth Street.  An individual exits the vehicle and points what appears to be a handgun at a second individual who is walking in the 300 Block of Ave J, and then approaches the second individual. The individual in Avenue J initially retreated, and then fired multiple rounds towards the first individual. The first individual then retreated, entered the SUV, and the SUV fled the area.  The second individual also fled the scene and has not contacted Police.  A residence was struck in the 100 Block of South Fourth Street.  It is unknown if the white SUV was struck by gunfire and at this time, Police have not received any reports of any persons being struck by gunfire. The same vehicle was observed on surveillance cameras in the area of S. Third Street between Perry Street and Lawrence Street at another time in close proximity to the shooting. 

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident or have information about the persons involved to contact the Columbia Borough Police Department at 717-684-7735. Tips can also be sent by texting LANCS TO 847411 
Date:  Wednesday, June 19, 2019 Reference ID:  22630-06-19-19 
Case Status: Current Case Type: Criminal Source:  Columbia Borough Police Department

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/cases/police-investigating-shots-fired

Conservation: Keeping Susquehanna River Lands Wild | Susquehanna Life

Lancaster County’s population is projected to reach 550,000 over the next two years, squeezing the landscape and threatening natural places. Is it possible to achieve a sustainable balance between land development and preservation?
MORE:

http://www.susquehannalife.com/2019/06/06/201171/conservation-keeping-susquehanna-river-lands-wild

Two human legs sawed off near the knee were found in Susquehanna River – pennlive.com

WILLIAMSPORT – Parts of two human legs were found along the Susquehanna River in Williamsport in May, and investigators are trying to identify the person.
MORE:

https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/two-human-legs-cut-off-near-the-knee-were-remains-found-in-river-at-williamsport-in-may.html