Jesse Sweigart | The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, PA – Columbia officials outlined a series of pedestrian safety improvements Monday night as borough leaders continue efforts to make local streets safer for residents and school children. The initiative comes as community members continue to discuss traffic safety following August’s tragic pedestrian crash that claimed two lives…
Jesse Sweigart | The Columbia Chronicle COLUMBIA, PA – Columbia Borough Council formally acknowledged the resignation of Borough Manager Jack Brommer during Monday night’s council meeting, marking a significant leadership transition for the borough. Brommer’s resignation will take effect on November 13, 2026. Council President Eric Kauffman described the news as unexpected, noting that borough…
A notable redevelopment project in Columbia’s historic district is moving closer to reality. Council will consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for renovations at 425 Union Street, where Align Life Ministries plans to operate a pregnancy resource center. The project involves extensive renovations to the building’s exterior. Historic preservation officials recommended approval with conditions designed to…
Outdoor enthusiasts may soon have an exciting event to mark on their calendars. Council is scheduled to consider approval of the Keystone Hiking and Outdoor Weekend, planned for October 23-25, 2026. The event would feature hikes, bicycle rides, walks, boat tours, and other outdoor recreation activities designed to showcase the Susquehanna Riverlands region and Northwest…
A major economic development proposal is headed before Borough Council as officials consider authorizing negotiations to sell the eastern parcel of the former airport property at 1110 Ridge Avenue to the Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). Documents included in the agenda outline a proposed purchase price of $800,000 for the parcel. The agreement would provide…
Columbia Borough Council is set to consider applying for a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant to fund critical improvements at the Columbia Crossings facility. The grant would help support structural repairs and facility upgrades at one of Columbia’s most visible tourism and recreation assets. According to borough documents, officials recently learned they were awarded a…
By The Columbia Chronicle This week may prove to be one of the most consequential periods Columbia has faced in recent years. As borough officials prepare for tonight’s regular council meeting and Thursday’s special meeting on data center regulations, residents are watching a series of major developments unfold that could shape the community’s future for…
Resignation Shakes Borough Hall, McGinness Redevelopment Stalls, and Community Events Draw Crowds Week Ending September 20, 2026 It was a week filled with major developments in Columbia, ranging from an unexpected resignation at Borough Hall to questions surrounding the future of the former McGinness Airport property. Meanwhile, residents gathered downtown for one of the community’s…
By The Columbia Chronicle Lancaster County voters will be asked this November whether they support a new dedicated property tax to fund public libraries throughout the county. The referendum would establish a library tax of 0.55 mills on taxable real estate, which supporters say would provide a stable and predictable source of funding for local…
By The Columbia Chronicle Looking for something to do this weekend? Columbia residents and visitors will have several opportunities to get out, enjoy the community, and support local businesses as the borough heads into another busy September weekend. From food festivals to family activities, there’s something for everyone on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s Main Event:…
By The Columbia Chronicle On September 24, Columbia Borough Council will gather for what may become one of the most significant planning discussions the community has faced in years. The topic is not a specific development application, nor is it a vote to approve a data center. Instead, council will review and discuss a sweeping…
When news of the Borough Manager’s resignation became public, attention should have been focused on the future of borough leadership and the transition ahead. Instead, reports suggest that energy has been spent trying to determine who spoke to the press and, in some cases, placing blame on a borough employee without publicly presented evidence. That…
The Columbia Chronicle The Columbia Borough Planning Commission held a productive September meeting that focused on three major topics with long-term implications for the community: expanding affordable senior housing, pursuing major improvements at Columbia Crossing, and advancing a comprehensive review of the borough’s zoning ordinance. The commission also recommended two new residents for planning commission…
COLUMBIA, PA — Columbia Borough Manager Brommer has submitted a signed resignation letter with an effective date in November, according to a document obtained by The Columbia Chronicle. The resignation comes as a surprise and raises questions about the future direction of borough administration. At the time of publication, borough officials had not publicly announced…
COLUMBIA, PA — Downtown Columbia’s charm, walkability, and growing business community continue to attract visitors, but many local merchants say parking policies are creating challenges that could impact the borough’s economic growth. Business owners acknowledge the importance of metered parking and appreciate that visitors can conveniently pay through the ParkMobile app. The system helps create…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — The Columbia Borough Planning Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, in the Paul W. Myers Council Chambers, where members will consider two planning applications, discuss local housing initiatives, and hear presentations related to economic and community development. According to the published agenda, the meeting will include…
COLUMBIA, Pa. — Emergency responders rescued a man Monday morning after reports that he entered the Susquehanna River from the Veterans Memorial Bridge. According to reports, emergency units were dispatched to Columbia River Park shortly after 10 a.m. after witnesses observed the individual in the water beneath the bridge. The man was later rescued and…
