Council approves demolition at 1310 Lancaster Ave after planning commission recommendation; residents raise housing and environmental concerns

The Columbia Borough Council on Jan. 28, 2025 approved a demolition permit for the property at 1310 Lancaster Avenue, authorizing removal of a single‑family dwelling and a garage so the site can be incorporated into an adjacent car lot.

Why it matters: The house sits in the borough’s Highway Commercial zoning district, which does not permit new single‑family residences. Planning staff and the borough planning commission told council the structure is a preexisting nonconforming use that can remain until major renovation or replacement triggers zoning review; the planning commission met Jan. 21 and unanimously recommended approval of the demolition application.

Applicant Paul Kraus spoke to the council as the owner and said he purchased the property “for $170,000” and that the building was in poor condition. The council record includes multiple public comments expressing concern about the borough losing single‑family homes and the long‑term effect on homeownership opportunities in Columbia. One resident questioned whether the borough’s inspection process should have revealed hazardous materials such as asbestos during prior reviews.

Planning and code staff told the council that required inspections and any necessary remediation (including, if present, asbestos abatement) are conditions of the demolition permit; staff said demolition will not be allowed to proceed without required permits and remediation plans. Council members and staff also discussed driveway access to Route 462 and existing curb cuts for the properties along that corridor.

Council discussion noted that, while the loss of a single‑family building is regrettable to some speakers, the property’s value and tax yield are higher in commercial use than in continued residential use given surrounding parcels. Staff explained that major reconstruction on a preexisting nonconforming residential structure in a commercial district typically requires an application to the zoning hearing board for a special exception or variance.

After the discussion Councilperson Giese moved to approve the demolition permit; the motion was seconded and the council approved the motion by voice vote.

Ending: Staff will require the applicant to obtain the full demolition permit, perform required inspections and submit any remediation plans or contractor documentation (including asbestos abatement records if necessary) before demolition can begin.