I commend the City Council and Redevelopment Authority for their comprehensive plan to improve housing and neighborhoods, but they should augment it to include historic preservation.

Rebuilding Altoona’s tax base should include a Historic Preservation Board; provide tax breaks for the restoration of properties; educate the community about federal tax credits and deductions; and partner with a nonprofit, such as The Blair County Historical Society, to accept historic easements.

Are you tired of seeing historic properties bastardized? Beautiful old homes and businesses wrapped in vinyl siding, removed gingerbread trim, enclosed front porches and covered-over windows discourage sales, development and depreciate the value and desirability of neighboring properties.

City Council hinged its plan to increase the city’s tax base by copying suburban development with new construction.

There is a place for new construction, but a feel-good patchwork approach is a Band-aid. Peppering new construction in old neighborhoods does not address original construction, its decay or visual integrity with the neighborhood. Historic preservation could. And Altoona could become the East Coast San Francisco in the mountains.

We need to embrace our heritage and celebrate what makes Altoona special. Historic architecture, walkable neighborhoods, small businesses and hills provide a nostalgic fabric to build on.

Altoona is unique and historic. It can stand on its own and embrace its past by encouraging the restoration of neighborhoods one property at a time.

Is Altoona ready to go back to the future and will our government help?

Gary Discavage, J.D.

Altoona