Blair County planners review Nehemiah Project townhome proposal

Nehemiah Project seeks to create 8 two-bedroom homes in city

Blair County Planning Commission members Thursday gave a favorable review to lot consolidation plans which are needed for the construction of a townhome project in Altoona.

The Nehemiah Project Inc. proposes the redevelopment of 15 lots for the purpose of creating eight two-bedroom homes, each with a garage at 11th Street and Howard Avenue.

The lots will be consolidated into two tracts bisected by Howard Alley. The townhomes north of the alley will have garage access on the ground floor via driveway off the alley, while townhomes south of the alley will utilize angled parking stalls for off street parking, said Regional Planner MacKenzie Caron.

Sidewalks are proposed along 11th Street and Howard Avenue frontages and proposed stormwater management includes inlets, storm sewers, and an underground detention system.

Access to the site is proposed via driveways along Howard Alley with angled parking stalls along 11th Avenue. A variance has been requested for the parking features as the current ordinance prohibits parked vehicles from accessing public rights-of-way because the proposed driveways will require direct access from 11th Street, Howard Alley and Howard Avenue, Caron said.

No landscaping plans have been included as part of this proposal.

"We recommend the developer include landscaping consistent with Altoona's design standards including street trees and foundation landscaping," Caron said.

No lighting plans have been included as part of this proposal.

'We recommend the inclusion of safety lighting along Howard Alley for people accessing their driveways via the alley. We also recommend that any lighting installed at the site is both shielded and directed in a manner to prevent spillage onto neighboring properties and roadways," Caron said.

The estimated $1.6 million project, expected to start in spring 2027, with anticipated completion in spring 2028, is a partnership with Jeff Long and includes collaboration with the community development team to continue improving the Lower Fairview area and restoring our neighborhoods, said Nehemiah Project President/CEO Heather Manges.

"By creating opportunities for individuals to become homeowners, we hope to strengthen neighborhood stability and encourage long-term investment in the community," Manges said. "This work aligns with The Nehemiah Project's mission of 'Building Families, Faith, and Future.' We believe that strengthening a neighborhood includes both investing in its homes and equipping the people who will live there."

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.