MAIN STREET MATTERS VISITS COLUMBIA

Richard P. Vilello, Jr, Deputy Secretary for Community Affairs & Development of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) was in Columbia on Thursday June 27, 2024 to meet with local representatives and to tour the downtown business district. 

DCED will be administering a program entitled “Main Street Matters” which will build on the existing successes of the current Keystone Communities Program in supporting downtowns, main streets, and surrounding neighborhoods. It will provide for a refresh of the current structure to address a wide variety of needs throughout communities and invest in their revitalization and future prosperity,

Deputy Secretary Vilello was joined with DCED Central Region Director Madra L. Clay and Evelyn Chianelli, Executive Assistant – Community Affairs and Development on a tour of the Columbia Market House and the businesses situated in the  300-200-100 blocks of Locust Streets. 

Those representing the local area were Pennsylvania State Representative 41st District Brett  L. Miller and office manager Paul Davis, Columbia Borough Mayor Leo Lutz, Columbia Borough Council President Heather Zink, Columbia Borough Manager Mark Stivers,  Don Murphy – Cimarron Investments, Chris Vera- Columbia Market House Manager, and Bill Kloidt-Executive Director Columbia Economic Development Corporation. 

Deputy Secretary Vilello indicated the downtown area exceeded his expectations and looks forward to touring and viewing other sections of Columbia in the near future.