Hollidaysburg Borough Council discusses grant funding, e-bikes

Stormwater mitigation project in Gaysport nears completion

HOLLIDAYSBURG -- The 2026 Community Development Block Grant application, e-bike safety and the Gaysport stormwater mitigation project were all significant topics of discussion at Thursday's Hollidaysburg Borough Council meeting.

Following public input from previous discussions about the grant use, the council directed Blair County to administer their CDBG application, which intends to equally divide the funds between downtown business revitalization and clearance and demolition projects.

After the meeting, Borough Manager Ethan Imhoff said if the application is approved, the borough will receive a grant of about $110,000.

However, since 2014, the borough has been in contract with Blair County to administer the annual CDBG program. In exchange, the county receives up to 18% of the borough's annual allocation funds to cover the application process and monitoring and record-keeping services. Council approved the annual agreement during the meeting.

Through this contract, Imhoff said the county will receive roughly $20,000, leaving the borough with about $90,000 to use for projects, which will be split in half to give each priority about $45,000.

With the funds, Imhoff said downtown businesses will be able to apply for facade improvements, including things like building exterior enhancements, new signage, updated pieces of equipment and other elements to enhance their business.

In other business, three Hollidaysburg properties were approved for clearance and demolition as the council designated the properties as dangerous structures. A property on Juniata Street will be demolished while two properties on Walnut and Allegheny Street will be cleaned out.

Council members also voiced their opinions on e-bike safety in the borough. Mayor Chad Repko acknowledged the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy in Bellwood who was in an e-bike accident two weeks ago. He said the council has been in continuous conversation about the importance of safety and educating kids.

"They're everywhere," Repko said. "The police department is out there having interactions and conversations with kids. We're doing everything we can to make sure everyone is safe."

Council member Walter Kalista invited residents to attend the November council meeting to share their experiences, concerns, observations and ideas about how to best promote the safe and responsible use of e-bikes.

"As e-bikes become increasingly popular, we have an opportunity to proactively consider strategies that enhance safety for everyone who uses our streets and sidewalks," Kalista said. "At this point, I believe one of the most important steps is to listen."

With the public's input, Kalista said the council will be able to better understand the issues and take the necessary steps in implementing strategies that work best for Hollidaysburg.

"Public input is particularly crucial. ... They know where the concerns may exist, where conflicts are occurring and what approach is practical within our neighborhoods," Kalista said.

Gaysport project nearing completion

Since work began a couple years ago, Gaysport residents have been anticipating the completion of the stormwater mitigation project in hope of controlling flooding during heavy rainfall. Within the next week or two, Imhoff said the project will be completely finished.

During the meeting, Elda Boose, a Gaysport resident who has repeatedly expressed her concerns and gratitude at council meetings, thanked the council again during public comment for committing to the project and navigating the obstacles. Imhoff also noted his excitement for the project and the impact it will have on residents.

Imhoff also mentioned during the meeting that there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the near future to commemorate the project being officially complete.

Mirror Staff Writer Jayla Nartatez is at 814-946-7535.