Borough planning staff told the Columbia Borough Planning Commission on Sept. 16 that a demolition application for 20 North Second Street will appear on the commission’s October agenda.

Derek, borough planning staff, said the property is currently condemned and located adjacent to an alleyway. The transcript records staff saying the building had been considered previously for use by a contractor (referred to in the meeting as Cimarron) for field offices tied to a nearby 'chip factory' project, but heavy fire damage led engineers to recommend demolition. The commission set the item for its Oct. 21 meeting for review and any required action.

Why it matters: Demolition of condemned structures affects neighboring property conditions, public-safety and redevelopment options. The commission will review the demolition application at its next regular meeting; no formal action on the demolition was taken on Sept. 16.