Columbia Spy

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. )

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. 

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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.

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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.

Photos from around Columbia over the past week…

The Columbia Office of Northwest Bank is gearing up for Northwest Community Week in April.

The office will celebrate customers and the local community with special events and activities during the week of April 23, 2018.

“We’d like to thank our customers and community for their continued support,” said Northwest’s George Mann. “We’re proud to call Columbia home and want to showcase some of the great things our area has to offer. We invite all of our friends and neighbors to visit us at 350 Locust Street, Columbia during Northwest Community Week.”

Mann noted that during that week they will be collecting nonperishable food items for the Columbia Food Bank and will also have some refreshments and giveaways.

“This is one of the ways our bank thanks our community and the people in it,” said Mann. “We recognize and honor our community and invite everyone to stop by our office so we can visit with them and thank them personally.”

About Northwest Bank

Northwest Bank operates 162 full-service offices and 10 free-standing drive through locations. Founded in 1896, Northwest offers a complete line of personal and business banking products including employee benefits, investment management services, insurance and trust. Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company of Northwest and is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market as NWBI. More information about Northwest can be found online at www.northwest.com.