Council approves demolition at 240 Riverfront, grants storefront COA for 459 Cherry

Columbia Borough Council voted Jan. 27 to approve demolition at 240 Riverfront and to permit the owner to rebuild a single‑level, raised structure on the same footprint.

Property owner Eric Greggy described plans to demolish the existing dwelling, raise the new structure about eight feet and build a ranch‑style home with a 10‑foot front porch. Greggy told council he met with planning commission and that Ekman's Excavating would handle demolition; the motion to approve demolition carried by voice vote.

Council also approved Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) with no conditions for 409 Cherry St., 459 Cherry St. and 546 North 3rd St. The 459 Cherry applicant said the planned convenience store (formerly Lively’s) will not sell tobacco, lottery or skill machines and will focus on neighborhood groceries and healthy options. Council welcomed the application as a neighborhood asset.

All COA motions were approved by voice votes recorded as 'Aye.' Applicants were instructed to complete any required signatures and follow routine permitting steps before commencing work.