Numerous projects under way in borough

By Paula Holzman – Central Penn Business Journal

“Route 30 commuters have been able to watch over the past few years as Columbia’s dilapidated Ashley & Bailey Silk Mill has been stabilized, gutted and finally prepped for its rebirth as a tourist attraction called the Turkey Hill Experience.

“And beyond the highway, numerous other economic revitalization projects have been unfolding in the riverside town.

“Starting in 2010 and running through 2013, some $30 million to $40 million worth of projects have been or are under way, said Norman B. Meiskey III, the borough manager and secretary/treasurer.

“The borough’s recently approved economic strategic plan contains more than 70 action items, ranging from projects slated for the next few years to those penciled in for a decade or more in the future, including recreating a canal boat and building a pedestrian bridge over the Susquehanna River.

“From the entire list, six are complete and 20 are listed as being under way.

“Foremost among them is the ongoing revitalization of the Columbia Market House, which is making the slow climb back from being abandoned and shuttered in 1994. It reopened in 2005, and now is open Thursdays and Fridays.

“The economic strategic plan calls the market ‘by far the centerpiece of the community’s economic recovery efforts, not only for the downtown district but for the borough at large.’

“The building dates from 1869, which Meiskey said makes it one the state’s oldest farmers markets; the borough’s brochure lists it as the county’s oldest farmers market.

“A $500,000 grant from the state Department of Community & Economic Development and a $257,077 Urban Enhancement Grant from the county have helped the borough make a variety of fixes to the building, including repointing the bricks and replacing the roof, ceiling, heating system and drains. The project wrapped up last year.

“The market has 15 standholders; it could hold about 120, depending on the stands’ size.

“The borough in February hired independent contractor Carmen Swinehart to help lease spaces. Swinehart said she prowls county markets searching for potential vendors, as well as using social media to look for sellers and potential customers.

“The borough also is investigating creating a governing body similar to Lancaster Central Market’s nonprofit Central Market Trust, she said.

“A second major project is realigning state Route 441, which runs through the center of the historic district. The 600 large trucks that rumble through daily have been damaging buildings and becoming involved in an increasing amount of accidents, according to the borough’s website.

“The $20 million realignment would shift the road away from the downtown and toward the river. The project is in the final design process, with construction expected to start next year, Meiskey said.

“Closer still to the river is the $7.5 million River Park revitalization, the first phase of which is 90 percent complete and includes new boat ramps, landscaping and a parking lot. On warm weekends, the revamped park draws boaters from several neighboring states, Meiskey said.

“Funding came from the county, as well as the state’s Department of Community & Economic Development, Department of Environmental Protection and the Fish & Boat Commission.

“The borough also is hoping to add 14.5 acres to the park, along the shoreline between the Route 462 and Route 30 bridges, as well as amenities such as a café and pavilion.

“Several smaller projects also are moving forward, including installing security cameras in the downtown, replacing 40 street lights and adding parking areas.

“And as for the 26,000-square-foot Turkey Hill Experience, it’s expected to open in June, according to its website.

“The attraction, which Meiskey said is projected to attract 150,000 to 300,000 visitors per year, will have interactive exhibits about the company’s history and products, as well as an on-site restaurant.

SIDEBAR

“Market manager Carmen Swinehart is tasked with finding vendors to fill the vacant spaces in Columbia’s historic market house.

“Revitalization efforts in the Lancaster County river town include $30 million to $40 million worth of projects started in 2010 through 2013.

“The economic strategic plan calls the market ‘by far the centerpiece of the community’s economic recovery efforts, not only for the downtown district but for the borough at large.’