Stephen Smith Center seeks $15,000 in borough support to unlock $200,000 county grant

Reverend Dr. Patricia S. McGallis and Sakaiya Gilbert told Columbia Borough Council on Oct. 7 that the Stephen Smith Community Development and Multicultural Center seeks $15,000 from the borough to pay soft costs and unlock a $200,000 Lancaster County community development block grant to stabilize and renovate the former Legion/school building at 230 South Fifth Street.

“Every dollar makes a difference,” Gilbert said as she outlined proposed programs: after-school tutoring, STEM/technology labs, food boxes and vaccination clinics, family support services, and senior programming. McGallis recounted the building’s local historical role and said the center would serve underserved youth and families across Columbia.

Gilbert said the center has raised about $13,000 toward soft costs and has a $200,000 county grant award contingent on securing the soft-cost match. The presenters estimated the overall project could total $3–5 million over four to five years and said the borough’s $15,000 would be used for architectural fees, matching funds and advertising required to access the county block grant.

Councilors asked about partnerships with schools and other organizations; Gilbert said the center plans to partner with the school district and community groups and to use its building for tutoring, meals and arts programming. Council did not vote on the request at the workshop; staff said they would review the borough’s ability to allocate funds and whether the request fits existing budget and municipal code provisions for appropriations.