Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Altoona public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in development
Potential purchase of four city parcels
The city is weighing what to build on 2.4 acres it owns next to the capped old landfill — single-family homes, cottage courts, twin homes or condos. Council members are debating how to make the homes affordable, possibly by selling lots to individual buyers at roughly the cost of the street and utility hookups. Neighbors are worried about landfill safety and neighborhood character.
Deferred special assessment loan program
Five street segments will be fully rebuilt with new water, sewer and pavement, funded partly by special assessments on benefited properties. Bids came in below estimates, cutting average assessments about 15%, but residents raised concerns about assessment fairness and advance notice.
Whitetail Woods Phase 2 subdivision
Neighbors on 9 Mile Creek Road say construction debris keeps blowing off the Whitetail Woods site onto their properties despite code requirements. Staff said the site is checked daily and cleanup has occurred, but residents want covered dumpsters and firmer enforcement.
Dead and hazardous tree removal loans for homeowners
Lots of dead ash and other trees on private property pose risks to homes. Qualifying Safe Steps applicants can now borrow interest-free to remove them, with the city forester confirming the hazard. Only a handful of homeowners are expected to use it each year.
The Villas townhome plat — rental units becoming for-sale homes
The 30-unit senior townhome development off Whitetail Way can currently only be rented because it sits on a single lot. Platting the units individually would let buyers purchase them — a big deal for seniors looking to own an accessible, single-level home in Altoona.
80-acre Property Development Direction
The city's 80-acre east-side site has struggled to attract the mixed-use housing development it was planned for, with about $11-12 million in infrastructure costs. Staff floated pivoting to light industrial to boost the tax base — which would need a comp plan amendment and rezone, and would draw strong community opinions.
Condominium conversion at 1485 Front Porch Place
The owner of a River Prairie building with apartments and a commercial space got approval to split it into two condos so each can be sold separately. The commercial space is expected to become a health clinic, ending its run as a bar/restaurant spot.
Proposed 16-home development near former Windsor Forest landfill
The city is weighing what to build on 2.4 acres it owns next to the capped old landfill — single-family homes, cottage courts, twin homes or condos. Council members are debating how to make the homes affordable, possibly by selling lots to individual buyers at roughly the cost of the street and utility hookups. Neighbors are worried about landfill safety and neighborhood character.
Hwy 12 commercial rezone / Hoss Bros. redevelopment
A vacant single-family parcel next to the Prairie View Ridge apartments could become an office/warehouse site. The commission recommends rezoning it to commercial; the Council decides next.
Town of Washington boundary agreement and incorporation
City leaders reported progress on a boundary agreement with the Town of Washington and discussed the town's petition for incorporation, which was denied but can be refiled after addressing town islands and public safety service issues.
River Prairie commercial development (Chipotle site)
A vacant 2.05-acre lot west of Woodman's is being split into three lots, clearing the way for a Chipotle and another commercial building. The final lot remains available for future development.
River Prairie Townhomes Phase II conversion to condominiums
Phase II was originally OK'd as 12 townhomes in 2021; the developer will now build 10 condos instead, which he says will be cheaper to build and easier to maintain. Parking for both phases has to be fixed before the site plan comes back.
Downtown Economic Development
Altoona is trying to turn shipping containers into a new downtown 'Container Park' with shops and food spots. The city wants entrepreneurs to fill it, so it could mean more local business options and foot traffic downtown. If you care about downtown growth or starting a small business, keep an eye on this.