Hundreds of Columbia residents speak out against development plans at former McGinness Airport site
Hundreds of Columbia, Lancaster County residents attended a contentious council meeting to oppose potential data center development at the former McGinnis Airport property and advocate for more transparency. The council tabled discussions on new data center restrictions, despite previous zoning changes that allow data centers by right, while a petition with nearly 1,500 signatures opposes such development. Residents also expressed concern over the potential sale of the airport property to Sadia Holdings, fearing it could become a data center site.
Hundreds of residents packed a Columbia Borough Council meeting in Lancaster County to voice their opposition to two controversial development issues that could shape the community's future. Fox 43's Sydney Nauman reported from the chaotic meeting, which saw a line of people waiting to speak during public comment. The meeting, moved to the fire hall to accommodate the expected crowd, almost shut down due to fire regulations, prompting residents to push back against being excluded.
At the core of the debate were possible changes to the borough's data center zoning ordinance and the potential sale of the former McGinnis Airport property to Sadia Holdings. Residents worry the 41-acre property could become a data center site, given Sadia Holdings' existing distribution center in the county. Nearly 1,500 people have signed a petition against data center development in Columbia. The borough's solicitor acknowledged that current zoning rules, which were amended in 2025 to allow data centers "by right," already open the door for such development. Council, however, tabled discussions on new data center restrictions, stating a draft amendment was not ready for a vote. Residents also raised concerns about a perceived lack of transparency from borough leaders and questioned the borough's original purchase of the airport property, citing potential conflicts of interest. The council has yet to make a decision on the future of the former McGinnis Airport property.