Ron Beatty News Today

The Altoona Blair County Development Corp. is working with the city Redevelopment Authority/Land Bank to raise money from locally active banks for a housing development project on the 200 block of Beech Avenue — a pilot effort that could turn into an annual program. Five banks have committed $135,000 in contributions so far toward a […]

The city Redevelopment Authority/Land Bank is trying to hash out how it will proceed with housing development, and whether it will continue to seek an executive director to guide the process. A couple months ago, the organization received an unexpectedly high bid from the single contractor who responded to a request for proposals for renovation […]

The Altoona Blair County Development Corp. is working with the city Redevelopment Authority/Land Bank to raise money from locally active banks for a housing development project on the 200 block of Beech Avenue — a pilot effort that could turn into an annual program. Five banks have committed $135,000 in contributions so far toward a […]

The city has scheduled Memorial Day weekend for a “soft” opening this year at Prospect Pool, followed by a week off, then a full opening for the season on June 1, according to Interim City Manager Nate Kissell at a City Council meeting Monday. The soft opening will “get the lumps and bumps worked out,” […]

City Council this week agreed informally to allow staff to investigate the feasibility of building a training facility for firefighters and police — a project that could cost between $500,000 and $750,000, according to Interim City Manager Joe Merrill. In such a facility, firefighters could practice placement of ladders and hose, working on roofs, rescues […]

A draft of the city’s new comprehensive plan has been published, and its author is looking for constructive criticism — including opinions on a recommendation that the city create a $50 million fund over the next decade and a half to help realize the plan’s vision. That vision is centered on an upgrade of the […]

When Steve Karns of 21st Avenue in Fairview heard that the city planned to tear down a long-derelict house across from his home as part of its blighted property demolition program, he was encouraged. When Karns subsequently learned that the city instead planned to renovate the house as part of a new program designed to […]

City Council Monday came to a consensus on hiring an executive director for the Redevelopment Authority/Land Bank, a post that hasn’t existed for a couple of generations. Council reached that informal consensus after a presentation by consultant Winnie Branton on eminent domain and conservatorship, tools the RA/LB could use to help get problem properties rehabilitated […]

City Councilman Ron Beatty this week cast the lone dissenting vote during council’s ratification of Mayor Matt Pacifico’s nominations to fill seats on the city’s authorities, boards and commissions — explaining afterward that it signaled his disagreement with Pacifico’s approach to filling those seats. Council appointed 14 new members unanimously in a single block vote, […]

City Council on Monday accepted City Manager Omar Strohm’s retirement, appointed Police Chief Joe Merrill as his interim replacement and named Deputy Police Chief Derek Swope as interim police chief. Strohm has retired after 21 years as an Altoona employee, including the most recent three in the top administrative post. Strohm, 61, will become associate […]