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Columbia business owner proposes borough-run banners on rail-trail fence to steer visitors downtown
Summary
A downtown business owner urged Columbia Borough Council to allow uniform advertising panels on borough-owned fence along the rail trail to attract trail users uptown; council agreed to discuss the plan at a July work session and flagged sign-code and revenue questions.
Mike Knob, a downtown business owner, asked Columbia Borough Council on June 10 to allow businesses to place uniform signs on borough-owned fencing along the rail trail to direct trail users to uptown shops and restaurants.
Knob said summertime draws many people to the trail but that too many visitors ride through without lingering. "We need to let them know what's going on in Columbia," he said, arguing that attractive, consistent signage would bring more customers to Market Street businesses.
Council members and staff discussed legal and administrative limits. Council President and others noted the borough sign ordinance restricts off-premise signs; councilmember discussion referenced ordinance 02/2056 describing nonconforming off-premise signage. Staff said the parcel at the rail-trail fence is borough property, so the borough could treat the fence as rented advertising space rather than as off-premise business signage. At least one council member suggested a fee-based rental model to avoid the borough being seen as picking winners and losers among businesses.
Council and business owners discussed practical details: uniform size, durable materials (PVC panels were suggested), wind-attachment methods, and possible limits (one panel per business or a leasing system). A council member noted the fencing is outside the borough historic district, reducing some regulatory hurdles. Staff suggested adopting rules and regulations for the fence rather than changing the sign ordinance; others said a waiver or ordinance amendment might be needed.
Council asked staff to place the idea on the July workshop agenda to draft uniform dimensions, review sign materials, and consider a rental fee or revenue-sharing arrangement. Knob and other business owners expressed interest in low cost or free placement but acknowledged a fee could be needed to ensure fairness.
The council also heard that Susquehanna National Heritage had discussed renting the same space for banners; staff said that possibility would be included in further discussions. Council set a July work session follow-up so designers, market staff, and borough administration could propose specific language and pricing for the panels.
The council did not take a final vote; members asked staff to return with draft rules for the fence signage at the July workshop.
