Columbia Borough residents raise concerns over possible data center development
Columbia Borough Council is preparing to vote on selling a 41-acre vacant property, with the sole bidder specializing in warehouses and data centers. Residents are strongly opposing the potential data center development, citing concerns over noise and disruption. Community members are urging the council to consider alternative uses like affordable housing or a community park before making a decision.
Columbia Borough Council is scheduled to vote on the future of a vacant 41-acre property on Manor Street, which has garnered significant community attention. The sole bidder for the land is SONYA Holdings, LLC, a New York-based company known for its expertise in warehouses and data centers. This potential sale has sparked considerable concern among local residents.
Residents, like Travis McCarty, who live near the site, are vehemently against the construction of a data center. They fear constant noise and a decline in their quality of life, contrasting it with previous expectations of a development similar to the Greenfield Corporate Center, which would have offered green space and jobs without such disturbances.
Taylor Enterline of the advocacy group Lancaster Stands Up has been engaging with the community, emphasizing the need for resident input before a decision is made. Council President Eric Kaufman acknowledged that the council would discuss the bidder. Many residents hope the land will be used for affordable housing, a community park, or other mixed-use developments that would benefit the town without negative impacts.
The upcoming meeting has been relocated to the fire hall in anticipation of a large public turnout, reflecting the strong community desire to have their voices heard before the council makes a final decision on the property's sale and future use.