The Northern Altoona Access Project public open house was held last night at the Pinecroft Fire Hall.
The purpose of the meeting was to provide residents with an update to the project, present results of environmental studies including cultural, historic, natural, and socio-economic resources, as well as to present, and receive feedback on the alternatives to local residents.
The purpose of the project is to accommodate the demand of trucking into the northern portions of Altoona by cutting through Antis Township. The theory is that the improved roadway will provide for sufficient access and to encourage local economic development. However, no new businesses are scheduled to move in.
The hope is that displaced businesses will move into Brownsfield and develop that area.
Last night\\\’s meeting directed attention to the route supported by the Juniata Business Owners Association, PENNDOT and the Federal Highway Administration(FHWA), Route G. The impact of G will include displacements of two historic sites, one recreational and one archaeological site, along with 13 residential homes and 19 commercial properties, with 78 jobs being lost.
Some advantages to taking route G include less residential displacements (13 as opposed to 23, as discussed in route B), the removal of truck traffic from residential areas and providing good better traffic flow. This route will also make it easier to contain hazardous waste spill due to limited number of steam crossings.
The reaction of the public at last night\\\’s event was split with half in favor of the proposed route and the other opposed.
According to Tara Callahan, Community Relations Coordinator for PENNDOT, 166 residents were at last night’s meeting.
The main concern came from the residents of Pine Ridge Estates who will be burdened with displacement. PENNDOT did provide the public with “Bulletin 47,” a general guide to the relocation assistance program of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to those concerned about losing their homes and business.
For more information on this issue contact Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, District 9-0 Randy Swales, P.E., Project Manager at 814-472-7700 or visit www.northernaltoona.com.
