When: Columbia Borough Council meeting, Feb. 11.

What happened: Council members may decide to allow large manufacturers and distributors to locate at the McGinness Innovation Park. Such a move would change the borough’s newly created zoning district, now set to offer only light businesses. The change could increase the amount of noise and tractor-trailer traffic on residential streets surrounding the 41.4-acre tract.

Why: The potential loss of the park’s proposed major tenant may force council members to change plans, Eric Kauffman, vice president, said.

Background: DR1 Group planned to create a drone training and research facility on part of the 57 acres the borough purchased for about $1.5 million in 2021. The borough, which submitted a grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation on DR1’s behalf, learned in December the company would not receive any money, Heather Zink, president, said at the Jan. 7 meeting. Grants would have included up to $2 million in the first round with the ability to secure an additional $15 million.

Detail: No information was available at the Jan. 7 meeting about whether investors planned to continue with the facility, Zink said at the time. Negotiations, however, seemed to have stalled, Zink said in a Feb. 17 phone call.

Quotable: “We’ve had conversations, but nothing official,” Zink said in the call. “The borough has to proceed with development.”

Problem: As road conditions exist now, tractor-trailers would use residential streets near Manor Street to enter and exit the 41.1-acre technology park. Some council members said they want to preserve the light business zone.

Quotables: “I for one, am not willing to sacrifice high-volume and large trucks going through our city streets for money,” Barbara Fisher, council member, said. Added Zink: “We’re not OK with warehouses and distributors.”

Suggestion: Peter Stahl, council member, suggested requiring manufacturers or distributors to pay for widening roads, like Route 441, that would allow traffic to avoid residential areas.

Opposing view: “I understand we have our opinions and our likes and wants and dislikes. But our intention is to sell this property,” Kauffman said. “We make it suitable to sell for the largest possible dollar and not handcuff ourselves to what our vision was originally.” Even if the change results in more traffic and manufacturing noise, Kauffman said, “That’s just the nature of it. I’m desperate to sell.”

Experts weigh in: Evan Gabel, borough solicitor, and Derek Rinaldo, borough engineer, said council can choose to open up McGinness to manufacturers and distributors.

Quotable: “This council is welcome to take this any direction they want,” Rinaldo said.

Financial opportunities: Gabel said the borough would net the most money and benefits from allowing warehouses and distributors on the property. “The highest value you would get for the land and the highest tax dollars without sending any more kids to the schools” would be warehouses. Council members previously ruled out residential developments at McGinness in part because it would increase school enrollment.

More: After about 90 minutes of discussion, council members asked the borough’s planning commission to create a special exception to Columbia’s newly created light business zone to allow for heavier uses. Council may vote to allow those exceptions, vote to ban manufacturers and distributors or decide to include them on a list of acceptable uses.

What’s next: Council will meet at 7 p.m. March 4 at 308 Locust St. The meeting also will stream live on the borough’s YouTube channel. Go to: youtube.com/ @columbiaborough9899 to access the meeting.