Author: SPY

According to sources:
At its November 25 meeting, the Lancaster County Planning Commission (LCPC) approved Columbia Borough’s rezoning proposal by 6-1, with commission member Edward Fisher being the only no vote. The proposal will rezone about 300 Columbia properties to commercial.

Fisher said that in all his years he has never seen such an enormous rezoning proposal. He also said that it was putting the cart before the horse in that Columbia does not have a final comprehensive plan but is requesting rezoning. In essence, Columbia Borough is asking for a large area to be rezoned before a plan is put in place. Areas will be rezoned to commercial with no finalized comprehensive plan. The proposal includes 55 acres of McGinness’s property that is now changed to redevelopment.

Residents Michael Stark and Darlene Brown, and Meg Schaefer, curator of the Wright Mansion, spoke at the meeting. LCPC’S Laura Proctor spoke on Columbia Borough’s behalf.

A member addressed a comment to Columbia Zoning & Planning Officer Jeff Helm and Columbia Planning Commission Chairperson Mary Wickenheiser and encouraged them to hold at least two meetings, specifically to discuss the changes. Residents asked LCPC to table any recommendation, but the commission stated that it couldn’t do that and was basically approving the review done by Proctor, who attended several Columbia Borough Planning Commission meetings this year and helped formulate a proposal with Wickenheiser and Helm.

During a subsequent phone conversation with Brown, Columbia Borough Zoning and Planning Officer Jeff Helm reportedly said that Columbia’s Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) will not have any say in the decision for in-home businesses. “Their role will only be with architecture and color,” Helm said.

LCPC’s role is to approve, providing municipalities follow certain guidelines. It cannot postpone, recommend, or ask for any revisions. All power, control, and final decisions will ultimately be made by Columbia Borough Council.

The zoning meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, is a public hearing regarding variances and special exceptions for the chip factory hotel. This meeting does not relate directly to the borough-wide rezoning. That issue will be addressed at the December 16 meeting (7 p.m. at the District Administration Center) and will be voted on by Columbia Borough Council. However, all citizens concerned about rezoning should attend Tuesday night’s borough council meeting at Borough Hall (November 26 at 7 p.m.) to speak out or ask questions.

The Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership (LHOP) has announced a change in leadership. Ray D’Agostino has stepped down as CEO after being elected as a Lancaster County Commissioner on November 5. Shelby Nauman has been appointed by the Board of Directors as Interim CEO.

Nauman has served as the regional non-profit’s COO since November of 2018. “We are fortunate to have an exceptionally talented and capable senior management team,” stated LHOP board president Rick Jackson. “Shelby has been an invaluable asset to LHOP and is ideal to lead us during this time of transition,” Jackson continued.

D’Agostino and Nauman

The organization adopted a new strategic plan at the end of October. According to Jackson, the new plan builds on the success and growth LHOP has experienced over the past decade. “The board wants to ensure that it finds a new chief executive with the skills sets, experience and expertise that will lead us to achieve the new vision,” Jackson stated. Jackson also added, “Shelby’s strengths as a leader afford LHOP and the board the time to be deliberative in setting the course for the CEO position.”

As COO at LHOP, Nauman was responsible for business operations and team building. Prior to joining LHOP as COO, she served as vice president at the Lancaster City Alliance. Nauman was with the Alliance for 14 years. “I was drawn to LHOP to help advance housing affordability in the region and having the opportunity to lead a talented and passionate team along with LHOP’s unique structure as a Community Development Finance Institution is an honor and a privilege,” said Nauman.

D’Agostino had been LHOP’s chief executive for ten years. During his tenure the organization has grown, going regional, increasing programs and services and tripling staffing and assets. “I am extremely proud of the work that we have accomplished in the community at LHOP and look forward to building on the experience in my new role,” D’Agostino stated.

“We are extremely proud of Ray with his election as a County Commissioner and know he will continue to serve the community well in this new position,” Jackson continued. D’Agostino will take office on Monday, January 6 and join Commissioners Josh Parsons and Craig Lehman who were re-elected.

The Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership (LHOP) is a community benefit, charitable non-profit organization and certified CDFI in Lancaster County with a history of making a positive impact by assisting people access and create fair and affordable housing. With the understanding that “good housing is the foundation of a great community,” LHOP provides targeted education and training programs, financial products, and technical assistance in fair and affordable home ownership and rental housing opportunities.

[Source: Press release]

The Columbia Historic Preservation Society will join hands with the Annual Ed King Memorial Model Train Open House for families to enjoy for free over the Christmas holiday.

On Saturday, December 7, the Columbia Parent Teacher Partnership Raffle and Vendor Event will be held at Park Elementary Gym from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (See information posted above.)