Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Altoona public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues in development with high priority
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.