MILLVILLE, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) - Some people build swing sets for their grandkids… but Michael Chorba of Columbia County has taken that a step further. He's refurbished an old rollercoaster on his property. However, keeping the ride has been a journey full of twists and turns, because officials say it violates local zoning laws.
"Some people collect or buy antique cars or fix them up, this is very similar, it's just a lot more fun," said Chorba.
Chorba has a yard full of refurbished amusement park rides for his grandkids to enjoy.
"They really enjoy this I do this for them. You can't put a price on memories," he told us.
His most recent addition? A mini rollercoaster. Chorba and his family have been making updates to the machine since 2023.
"Completely tore it apart, degreased it, painted, reupholstered all new seats and new stainless steel hardware," he explained.
See News Happening? Click Here to Report It!
Lap bars are on the way, to finalize the renovations, however, it's been a bumpy ride keeping the coaster in action. Chorba owns the land where the ride sits, but it's zoned as agricultural, putting it in violation of Mount Pleasant Township zoning laws.
Chorba says it's been an unexpected uphill process getting the permits for the coaster.
After Chorba received the violation, he attended a hearing, where the decision received a split vote from the board, keeping the coaster in violation.
"We filed an appeal in a timely manner and we're just waiting for the next process of that appeal," he told us.
Chorba says that the appeal was filed in the summer. We reached out to the Mount Pleasant Township zoning officer who tells 28/22 News:
The appeal went to Columbia County court. It was then sent back to the township.
Now, the township is waiting on a court order to hold a second hearing.
This leaves the fate of Chorba's coaster in limbo.
"Ultimately if it fails they would fine me and at that point I would have to try and disassemble and try and find a new buyer for the coaster."
Chorba hopes he can keep the coaster on its tracks for his family to enjoy for years to come.
Chorba says the community has rallied around him, even creating a Facebook group called Save Pappy's Roller Coaster.
