COLUMBIA, Pa. — Columbia Borough Council will gather this evening for its September 1st, 2026, workshop meeting with a packed agenda that includes discussions on emergency medical services, public art projects, affordable housing expansion, major borough property sales, and upcoming community events.
Among the evening’s featured presentations is an overview of an Alternate Dispatch Pilot Program from representatives of Penn State Life Lion, including Keith McMinn and Dr. Nesbit. The program is expected to explore alternative approaches to emergency response and dispatching that could improve service delivery throughout the community.
Council will also hear a presentation from Tonzola Art & Design regarding proposed River Park Mini-Art Murals, bringing another creative placemaking initiative into public discussion.
Housing Expansion Proposal on Mill Street
One of the more significant discussions involves a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between Columbia Catholic Housing for the Elderly, Inc. and the Borough of Columbia. The agreement would support plans to expand the Trinity House senior housing campus through construction of a new multi-level affordable housing development in the 400 block of Mill Street.
The draft agreement calls for the borough to pursue abandonment of the 400 block of Mill Street to facilitate the project while ensuring public access and emergency vehicle access are maintained. In return, the housing organization would continue making annual payments in lieu of taxes similar to those currently provided by Trinity House and St. Peter Apartments.
Major Front Street Property Sale
Council will also consider approval of a revised agreement to sell borough-owned properties at 137, 147, and 149 South Front Street to the Columbia Economic Development Corporation for $1.5 million. The agreement would provide the economic development organization with time to conduct due diligence while evaluating future redevelopment opportunities for the riverfront site.
Community Events and Fireworks Update
Members of the Parks and Recreation Committee are expected to discuss relocating the borough’s September 26 fireworks display to McGinness Airport and receive an update on preparations for this year’s Albatwitch Harvest Festival, one of Columbia’s signature fall events.
Emergency Management officials also reported that planning is underway for a combined Incident Action Plan covering the fireworks celebration, Albatwitch Festival, and Art in the Park festivities scheduled for September 26.
Tornado Recovery Continues
The borough’s code department report highlighted the continuing impact of the recent tornado. Among structures currently listed for demolition are 23 N. 4th Street and 29 N. 4th Street, both condemned following tornado-related damage on August 20.
The loss of the historic 23 N. 4th Street building has been especially notable for many longtime residents and business owners who have personal connections to the property including the owner and editor of The Columbia Chronicle.
Public Works and Public Safety Updates
Public Works officials will report ongoing progress on the 100-200 blocks of Walnut Street improvement project, including new sidewalks, lighting infrastructure, and accessibility upgrades. Crews have also continued crosswalk painting, stormwater improvements, and yard waste recycling operations. During July, participating municipalities delivered more than 323 tons of yard waste to Columbia’s recycling facility.
The Columbia Borough Police Department reported 96 criminal offenses in July, bringing the year-to-date total to 735 incidents, compared to 595 during the same period in 2025. Officers also investigated 24 vehicle accidents and issued numerous parking and traffic-related citations throughout the month.
Meanwhile, the Columbia Borough Fire Department responded to 79 incidents in July, including structure fires, weather-related emergencies, hazardous material calls, rescues, and public service requests.
Historic Preservation Reviews
Council will also review three recommendations from the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB), including:
- A replacement front door at 333 Cherry Street.
- Window graphics and a mural project at 137 Locust Street.
- New business window decals at 477 Locust Street.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Paul W. Myers Council Chambers and will also be livestreamed on the Borough of Columbia’s YouTube channel. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 7 p.m.
