Columbia Borough eyes 57-acre former airport for redevelopment project

A 57-acre property in Columbia Borough could provide an all new tax base and foster job opportunities in the borough if the Columbia Borough Council decides to move forward with acquiring and developing it.

Columbia Borough Council is once again looking at acquiring the last remaining large tract of land within the borough, the former airport known as the McGinness Property.

This marks the second time in recent years that the council has sought to purchase the property with the council deciding in 2017 that it did not have a solid enough plan for the use of the land. Mark Stivers, the borough’s manager, said that he and his team have a better plan for how the space could benefit the community.

“Tonight is not just about purchasing a piece of property but it’s about the economic impact for this community,” Stivers said during a Columbia Borough Council meeting on Tuesday. “Our mission is to provide a plan to guide the responsible and inclusive economic development that will foster greater opportunity for our community.”

During the meeting, Stivers outlined his plan for the property, which would see the borough purchasing the 57 acres and seven plots, developing the land and ultimately selling it for another property to manage.

The primary focus of the project is to drive long-term tax revenue, spur development and foster job creation, the borough wrote in its 2021 strategic plan.

Currently Stivers and his team are completing their due diligence on the project through a geo-technical and environmental evaluation as well as site feasibility studies and a site survey.

Stivers noted that the site’s zoning allows for light industrial, commercial, business and open space and recreation. He said he envisions the site as a technology and innovation park.

“One of the industries we are looking at is the unmanned airplane industry,” he said “We have been talking to some other businesses and none of them are ready to sign on the dotted line yet. Columbia businesses are also telling us that if this takes place they are interested in expanding here.”

The board will give its final determination on the property in June.

Central Penn Business Journal

By: Ioannis Pashakis
April 7, 2021 11:59 am