Michael Baldwin

The committee reviewed several properties and reached determinations regarding blight status and demolition or referral to the Redevelopment Authority for properties located on Howard Ave, Beech Ave, N 7th Ave, 5th Ave, 16th Ave, N 5th Ave, and W Chestnut Ave. Additionally, the committee discussed appeals filed by CW Creek Property Management and Shlomo Dotan regarding prior blight determinations, noting that these appeals are scheduled to be heard by the Code Appeals Board.

The council meeting included a series of presentations, starting with the recognition of members of the Altoona Fire Department for their bravery and heroism during a dwelling fire. Following these awards, representatives from the Blair Regional YMCA provided a report on the annual Fourth of July race and shared future initiatives to increase downtown foot traffic. The meeting also included a public comment session where local residents voiced significant safety, quality of life, and vandalism concerns regarding Iselina Park, requesting increased patrols and the removal of family naming from the park due to these ongoing issues.

The public hearing focused on the 2026 Annual Action Plan, covering the proposed allocation and use of CDBG and Home Investment Partnerships Program grant funds. Discussion topics included the budgeting roadmap under the 2025-29 consolidated plan, an overview of the application process for program projects, details on specific funded initiatives such as street reconstruction, sidewalk and curb projects, fire station equipment, and various community services. Additionally, the hearing addressed the administrative requirements, project rating and scoring systems, compliance with low and moderate income benefit mandates, and the timeline for final council action and submission to HUD.

The meeting featured a report from the county commissioner regarding environmental testing at a potential prison site. The commission reviewed a land development application for a building conversion at Lexington Mall, which involves splitting the property to accommodate a Dunkin' Donuts with a drive-thru lane and a space for an eery. Discussions included technical requirements for the conversion, zoning implications under the new city code, stormwater management, and the scope of advisory reviews performed by the commission compared to local municipal reviews. The meeting concluded with a motion for the approval of the development application, subject to further regulatory reviews.

The council reviewed and approved several resolutions, including the award of a swimming pool renovation project, amendments to the CDBG program regarding lighting and sidewalk projects, and various demolition bids for properties. The council also discussed and acted upon repository bids for multiple properties, including separate votes to table and approve specific bids. The meeting included discussions on police department work and updates from the city manager, along with recognitions for National Police Week and community clean-up efforts.