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Council members raise zoning, safety concerns as smoke shop and illuminated signs surface on Locust Street
Summary
Councilors debated whether a recently opened smoke shop at Locust Street required zoning review, raised concerns about illuminated window signs, and agreed to table the shop’s exterior sign certificate of appropriateness while staff clarifies compliance and sign type.
Columbia Borough Council on April 22 discussed a new smoke shop on Locust Street, expressed concern about change-of-use and parking impacts in residential areas, and voted to table a certificate of appropriateness for an illuminated sign while staff clarifies whether window signage complies with the borough’s sign ordinance.
The matter drew extended comment from council members and residents who said the storefront — previously a barbershop at Lee’s Lane — now displays bright illuminated window signs and patrons who sit on adjacent sidewalks. Council member Murphy (first reference used here with title) urged the borough to move faster on zoning updates she said would prevent undesired businesses from establishing in residential neighborhoods.
Why it matters: Council members flagged two issues with immediate regulatory implications — whether…
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