A few weeks ago, several local information resources reported that the Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) was granted an exemption by the borough council from paying the Dumpster Permit Fee; the CEDC’s stated intention was to have a dumpster placed in front of the Hotel Locust and Hotel Columbia for a few days. “The CEDC’s IRS reporting form 990-EZ shows its net assets or fund balances at the end of 2013 as nearly $65K. Could the CEDC have afforded to pay the borough’s fees?”

“The Columbia EDC has bought the Hotel Locust and Hotel Columbia sites for $150,000. The nonprofit wants to find a developer who’ll bring new life to the adjoining structures.” – from a Lancaster Online article.

And maybe bring life to some adjacent and nearby properties? Like the one at 305 Locust Street? Or 307 Locust Street? 

Or the prime one at 301 Locust Street which, we understand, has been sold to another private-party developer?

  SOURCE: Cole Umber’s news site, ColumbiaPA17512, with permission.

And now the CEDC is reaching out to Columbia for more money to help it “support the revitalization of the Hotel Locust/Hotel Columbia.”

Notice: Your contribution may prevent the continuation of these properties as “being marketed as Section 8 housing.”

 Learn more about the composition of the CEDC here.

See the CEDC’s list of sponsoring contributors here.

Interestingly, both the borough of Columbia and the CEDC are $500-level supporters of the Lancaster Economic Development Corporation.