Columbia Council Directs Public Auction for Ridge Avenue Lot 2; Discusses EDC option and access work

Columbia Borough Council voted to direct staff to arrange a public auction for the sale of Ridge Avenue Lot 2, the portion of borough property not needed for the public works facility. The motion, made by Councilmember Murphy and seconded by Councilmember Stahl, passed by voice vote. Council members reviewed recent preparatory steps: settlement on a narrow access parcel purchased from a Mr. Funk, recording of the subdivision and submission of deeds, and an appraisal of the property that staff said would guide any minimum reserve price. Borough staff said temporary work to provide an access drive could be constructed so the parcel is more marketable; councilmembers suggested having a temporary driveway in place before auction. The council debated three sale methods allowed for municipal property: sealed bids, public auction, or transfer to the Economic Development Corporation (EDC)/redevelopment authority for marketing and re-sale. Some council members favored an immediate auction to raise capital quickly; others favored the EDC route to find an end user and preserve more control over the property’s long-term use. Borough counsel and staff advised that an EDC pass-through sale is legally permitted if structured as a documented agreement that includes timelines and performance expectations. Council members said any auction reserve should be set at or above the appraised value. Councilmembers also discussed related constraints and preparations: the property has covenants (an active covenant was cited by staff), Act 2 environmental considerations were mentioned, and a fenced separation from adjacent parcels might be needed. Staff said an appraisal exists and that advertising for a public auction normally requires a 30-day marketing window with at least two notices. The motion: “Direct staff to arrange public auction for the sale of Ridge Avenue Lot 2” carried. Council asked staff to set a reserve consistent with the appraisal and to return with detailed auction timeline and marketing plan. Several members asked that the borough prioritize sale proceeds for the capital fund. Council additionally discussed separate but related properties — a former firehouse and a wastewater treatment plant parcel — where prior EDC agreements exist or are being renegotiated; council agreed the firehouse may be appropriate for EDC handling while Ridge Avenue Lot 2 should move forward by auction.